Not Just for Christmas

A LifeSaver is for Life - not just for Christmas

Realistically, the one time you're least likely to need a LifeSaver portable water purifier is on Christmas Day; hopefully you'll be at home with friends or family enjoying all the creature comforts. And who needs water when there's mulled wine, sherry, eggnog and prosecco to enjoy?

So, where am I going with this? While a LifeSaver absolutely makes the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiasts and preppers in your family, there are a number messages in the statement 'A LifeSaver is for Life'.

#1 A LifeSaver can last a lifetime

Ignoring - for now - the slightly melodramatic 'it can actually save your life' angle, it also means that, cared for properly a LifeSaver can last a lifetime. But, like a getting a puppy for Christmas, you have to commit to taking care of it long term (and ensure the recipient is up for that too). Our water purifiers need a little TLC to keep them operating as they should, to keep you safe on your travels. Think of it in terms of vehicle maintenance. You take care of it and it will take care of you. (Or it won't bite you and pee on the rug - if you want to stick with the dog analogy)

• Priming
  Our purifiers can't be used straight out of the box; they need priming first (as do any replacement filters you add in the future). When they arrive, the membranes in the filter cartridge are full of food grade glycerine which lets them hold their structure while in storage in our warehouse. 
  
  It's essential that all this glycerine is forced out of the membranes before you drink from it, firstly because it doesn't taste great and, secondly because bacteria and mould will thrive on any that remains in the filter, forcing it to work even harder to keep you safe. And a mouldy bottle looks revolting - even if you know none of it will make it through the filter!
  
  Full instructions on the priming process can be found in your user manual, and there are videos on our website explaining how to go about it, but the main thing here is that you need to do it before you travel. You'll need plenty of safe water to prime a filter and, if you find your purifier isn't working properly, it'll be easier to get spares or replacement parts to you while you're still at home. 

• Storage
  If your purifier isn't being used for an extended period of time (two weeks or more) it should be thoroughly cleaned and the activated carbon should be removed. It's made of a natural fibre so will start to rot if it's left damp. You can let that dry out so you can use it again, but the Filter Cartridge MUST be stored in the purifier along with a few inches of clean water. If the membranes dry out after being primed they can split, which would allow contaminated water to flow straight through. You should check and replace the water every few months.

• Ongoing costs
  At some point you will need to replace the filters in your purifier and they aren't cheap. It's where the magic happens! We sell replacement filters and replacement parts - right down to the seals and O-rings to ensure your LifeSaver will keep up with you for as long as your adventure lasts - whether that's the occasional weekend camping in the Cairngorms or an epic overlanding trip lasting years.

#2 A LifeSaver is for living your best life

We know that a huge number of our customers buy our purifiers for emergency use. That could be a temporary disruption to your home water supply or something more serious - a natural disaster, civil war or another pandemic. Our products come in a range of sizes to fit neatly in a back pack or go bag, under the sink or in a basement. Experienced preppers like the peace of mind that having a LifeSaver on hand brings them.

But, if you've already invested in one of our water purification solutions, why save it for 'just in case'? Why not get outside and go hiking, camping, climbing, overlanding, caravanning, exploring, kayaking or fishing? Once primed, if stored correctly, it will still be there if disaster strikes, and you'll have enjoyed the world we have now - before the zombies make a mess of things.

#3 It could Save your life

Ok. I went there. I said it. LifeSaver purifiers (clue is in the name) remove 99.99% of bacteria, viruses and parasites, most of which will make for a very uncomfortable few days, some of which could make you seriously ill or worse. Not to mention the harm that dehydration can cause. But that is part of our DNA, the reason LifeSaver came into existence.

The vast majority of water nasties originate in poo - animal or human - so any water supply that has come into contact with faeces is likely to carry harmful bacteria and viruses. That means all wild water sources and, unfortunately, the municipal supplies found in some countries that aren't as efficient or controlled as they could be. Don't be fooled by clear water - it's the stuff you can see that will make you ill.

Sadly, even rainwater picks up pollution on the way down and, once it's run down a roof and through a few drain pipes or gutters to be captured by a container - a tank or water butt - any bacteria will start to multiply. That's why we also offer long-term, permanent solutions for off-grid households.

So there you have it

Whether you're treating yourself or someone special to a LifeSaver this Christmas, if you take care of it, it can support you in a lifetime of adventure.

If you'd like to know more about our products please get in touch.