How Many Spares is Too Many?

What LifeSaver Spares should you take with you on a trip?

We sometimes get asked what people should include in their packs when embarking on a trip and the simple answer is: it depends...

In theory, the most you're ever likely to need while out and about, is a replacement UF Filter Cartridge and a carbon filter or two. Our water purifiers are capable of filtering from up to 2,000 litres (Liberty) to 20,000 litres (Jerrycan) which is enough drinking water to last for months - if not years. Remember that they were designed to save lives in places that have no safe water supply, so they've been engineered to be tough and reliable.

The reality of course is that s**t happens, and if you are somewhere particularly remote, finding your purifier has stopped working could spell disaster. Whilst you don't want to be overloaded with 'Just in Case' supplies, especially if you're on foot, you don't want to be stranded somewhere without safe drinking water either.

So here's what we suggest:

Prime and test your LifeSaver BEFORE you go

All LifeSaver filter cartridges need to be primed before use, and this is far easier to do while you're still at home with a clean water source. Just before you set off on your travels, follow the priming instructions and take the opportunity to practise filling and emptying your purifier. Once it's been primed, flush it thoroughly and leave a little water in it so the membranes don't dry out.

• Make sure you - and anyone else that might use it - are familiar with how it works and what it does.
• Make sure you know how to replace the filter and the carbon.
• Check it over, prior to your trip, to ensure it's working as it should, with a good flow rate. It's far easier for us to get a replacement filter to you when you're still at home. 
• While we take every care when building our purifiers, occasionally something goes wrong, so they have a two year warranty against manufacturing defects. We'll replace anything deemed to be a manufacturing issue within this period. 

A Replacement Filter Cartridge

• Only really needed for extended trips away from base camp or civilisation, but good to have in case the existing filter gets clogged or damaged - especially if you're using a Liberty or Wayfarer which have smaller cartridge surface areas.
• If it's available, choose a foil-wrapped version which will give a shelf life of 10 years - so if you don't use it, it won't be wasted , and if it gets wet it won't matter.

Replacement Carbon Filters

• Small and lightweight, adding a few of these to the bottom of your pack will ensure great tasting water, whatever the source, and will filter out a few extra nasties.
• If you don't have a replacement on hand and the water starts to taste weird, you can simply remove the carbon. The main filter cartridge does all the 'heavy lifting' so your water will still be safe to drink.

Spare Parts

• The pumps and taps on our water purifiers are all built to last and shouldn't break unless mistreated or forced to do what they aren't designed to do. However, accidents happen and, if you're going to be away for a few months or more, it's probably best to have spares on hand. We have taps, pumps and nozzles in stock but can supply other parts if we need to.
• It's definitely worth having a maintenance pack with you in case leaks occur around the moving parts. It will stop the rest of your gear getting wet and prevent you from losing valuable water supplies.

The team here is proud of the products we make and is confident that they will keep you and your family safe on your travels. If you'd like to know more, or need advice on the best solution for you, please get in touch.