Water filters for travel: how do they work and which do you choose?
Water is heavy: a litre weighs a kilo. On a multi-day hike, a backpacking trip or a camping holiday you do not want to lug all your drinking water with you. With a portable water filter you refill your bottle from a stream or lake on the way. But what does such a filter actually remove, and what should you look out for? You will read it in this article.
What does a water filter remove?
The Travelhawk water filters are designed to filter bacteria and parasites out of water. The water passes through a fine filter that holds back these micro-organisms. That makes water from a stream or lake more suitable to drink.
What does a water filter not remove?
A portable micro filter is not a miracle cure. It does not remove:
- viruses; in areas where that is a risk, combine the filter with boiling or purification tablets;
- chemical contamination, such as pesticides or heavy metals;
- salt; so you cannot make seawater drinkable with it.
How to choose your water source
- Preferably choose flowing, clear water.
- Avoid water just downstream of farmland, buildings or places with a lot of livestock.
- Is the water cloudy? Let it settle first or pour it through a clean cloth, so your filter clogs less quickly.
Tips for use
- Read the manual before you leave and try the filter out at home once.
- Keep the unfiltered and filtered sides separate, so your drinking water is not contaminated again.
- Do not let the filter freeze: on cold nights keep it in your sleeping bag or an inside pocket.
- Take a spare filter or purification tablets on long trips.
Which Travelhawk water filter do you choose?
| Filter | Capacity | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Water filter 1000L | up to 1000 litres | Day trips, short treks and your emergency kit |
| Water filter 1500L | up to 1500 litres | Multi-day hikes and backpacking trips |
| Water filter 4000L | up to 4000 litres | Long trips or filtering for a group |
The 1000L and 1500L filters are about 13 cm long, BPA-free and fit in your bum bag or backpack.
Handy to take along
- A hydration bladder or water bottle to store filtered water in
- A water bottle or insulated cup
- Purification tablets for extra certainty
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink any water with a water filter?
No. A water filter is designed to filter bacteria and parasites, but does not remove viruses, chemical contamination or salt. So always choose the cleanest possible water source.
Can I filter seawater?
No, a water filter does not remove salt from water. Seawater therefore remains unsuitable to drink.
How long does a water filter last?
That depends on the capacity and the quality of the water. Cloudy water clogs a filter faster. The Travelhawk filters have a capacity of 1000, 1500 or 4000 litres.
Is a water filter handy for an emergency kit?
Yes, a small filter is a useful addition. If there are problems with the drinking water at home, always follow the advice of your water company. Read also: putting together an emergency kit.
Ready for your next trip? Take a look at all our water filters. Free shipping from €40, 1-2 working days delivery and 30 days free returns.