|
Water is something you need every day. If you are
hiking, backpacking, and camping in remote wilderness areas it is impossible
to carry enough water to meet your needs. A light and compact water
purification system is necessary to reduce weight.
While traveling internationally in developing third world
countries you can not fill your water bottles from the tap. Most long
distance backpacker travelers and international cyclists in these countries
buy their water every day. Bottled water in developing countries usually
cost more than it does in the USA. Locals in rural farming areas do
not have the money to buy water. They find the whole idea of buying water
strange. Bottled water is mainly for the tourist or the very rich and
therefore, somewhat expensive; especially when you consider it as a daily
cost.
We filter or boil all of our drinking water in
underdeveloped countries. With very contaminated surface water we do
both. We seldom trust third world water systems. It is up to us
to clean our own drinking water. We use a water filter instead of
buying water. It pays for its self every couple months.
Many have suggested using chemical tablets to treat
our water. The argument is that pills are much smaller than a bulky filter.
We do not want to drink chemically treated water for months at a time. It can not be good for our health and does nothing about the strange things swirling around
our glass of a poor country's tap water. We always have a small bottle of
iodine tablets for emergencies. You never know when a kindly old lady is going to
invite you in for glass of ice tea.
A water filter is nice for wilderness camping as
well.
In the pristine streams of remote areas and National Parks we use our ceramic
filter for the surface water. A lightweight camping water filter makes any
trekking or backpack adventure more flexible and healthy. In the
developing countries river and lake water is usually so contaminated we
avoid it. In these places it is best to filter tap water.
There are several types of water filters but I
have only owned the ceramic type. I like a ceramic filter because it can
filter enough water to remain functional for over a year without the necessity
of replacing expensive and hard to find parts. Our current water filter can clean
literally thousands of liters of water with only minor field servicing and
cleaning.
Things
that we look for when buying a Water Filter
- Long lasting.
Make sure the pump and filter treats a lot of water before the filter
needs to be replaced. Replacement parts are most likely not
available in developing countries. Because we are long term
travelers we look for the top number of liters / gallons than can be
filtered. Our ceramic filter claims to clean 2000 gallons / 8000
liters before a new ceramic cartridge needs to be purchased.
- Pumps quickly - Two
people need a lot of water on a daily basis. A water filter is
no good if it can not keep up with our demand. Most water
filters sold will state how much water per minute they can filter.
These numbers tend to be optimistic but do hint at some useful information.
- Field serviceable.
We must always be prepared for things to break during our travels.
A water filter has many moving parts which
creates numerous opportunities for failure and breakdowns. No
matter what goes wrong with the pump and filter it must be able to be repaired
while camping or traveling in remote areas.
Accessories that we like
- Field Repair Kit. If the
water filter does not already come with a repair kit then one has to be bought
separately. The repair kit must include tools and parts for cleaning the
filter, replacing seals, repairing the hose, lubricating the pump mechanism and anything else that can
break.
- Detailed instructions. Closely examine the instruction book before deciding
to buy a water purifier.
Most of them are made in non English speaking countries and often the
instructions are translated poorly. I check to see if the information is
clear, easy to read, and covers all aspects of the pump and filter.
- Comes with nice case. The
place where we carry and store our water purifier is just as important as the
machine itself. If it does not come with a sturdy usable case even the
best designed product will fail or break.
Katadyn Pocket Filter with Output Hose for international travel and
more than two people camping..
Click to purchase.
Katadyn Pocket Filter with Output Hose
 |
Perfect small groups
of two or more people. We have used this water filter year after year on our
around the world bike tour. We have never become sick and save money
by not buying bottled water.
This robust water filter made of heavy-duty materials is ideal
for long-lasting continuous use--even under extreme circumstances. Re-designed
with a comfortable pump handle grip and outlet tube for increased ease of use.
Durably constructed for a lifetime of use. Removes particles, bacteria, cysts
and parasites larger than 0.2 microns, including protozoa such as giardia and
cryptosporidia. Comes with a brush to clean the pores of field-cleanable ceramic
filter. Ceramic filter is silver-impregnated to inhibit bacterial growth inside
its pores. Quick-connect adapter sends the filtered water directly into your REI
hydration pack or Nalgene® reservoir (both sold separately). Case and cleaning
tool included.
|
Katadyn Mini Filter for solo, ultra light, and light weight traveling
and camping.
Click to purchase.
Katadyn Mini Filter
 |
A best buy for solo and ultra light
travel and camping in remote places. I used this water filter
(way) back when I was single. It was the best because it fit in the
palm of my hand but pumps to slowly for the two of us.
Its small size fits in a coat pocket or waist pack, making the
Mini ideal for travel, business trips and day hiking and solo backpacking.
Ceramic microstrainer removes bacteria and protozoans, including giardia and
cryptosporidia. Silver impregnation inhibits bacterial growth inside filter
pores. Comes with 30" intake hose, cleaning brush and case. Use iodine or
chlorine where viruses are suspected. |
|
.jpg)
