You don’t need to be an avid hiker or backpacker, to know that access to clean drinking water is crucial for your health and safety. However, drinking enough water to stay hydrated is even more necessary when out on a strenuous hike. But take care, as drinking untreated water from streams or lakes can lead to a host of illnesses, including giardia and other waterborne diseases. A hiking water purifier is an essential tool that can provide you with safe drinking water while you’re on the trail. As experts in portable water purifiers, we decided to answer some of the most common questions about hiking water purifiers.

Q: What is a hiking water purifier? A: A hiking water purifier is a device that removes microbiological contaminants, most noteably virus, from untreated water, making it safe to drink. There are many types of water purifiers available, including chemical treatments, UV sterilizers, and physical filters. Physical filters or hollow fibre membrane purifiers, are the most popular type of water purifier among hikers and backpackers because they’re lightweight, easy to use, and effective.

Q: How does a hollow fibre membrane water purifier work? A: Hollow fibre membrane water purifiers use a physical, ultrafiltration filter to remove contaminants from untreated water. The hollow fibre membrane s trap bacteria, virus, protozoa, and other contaminants, as water passes through. Some hiking water purifiers, such as our own LifeSaver water purifiers, also include a carbon filter that reduces chemicals and metals as well as removing bad odours and tastes.

Q: Can a hiking water filter or purifier remove viruses from water? A: It depends on the type of filter. Physical filters can remove bacteria and protozoa, but they may not be effective against viruses, which are far smaller than bacteria. LifeSaver ultrafiltration water purifiers, however, are capable of removing over 99.99% of viruses, as well as bacteria and protozoa, making them an excellent choice for hikers who want to ensure they’re drinking safe water.

Q: How do I know when to replace the filter in my hiking water purifier? A: Most hiking water purifiers come with instructions on how often to replace the filter, but it ultimately depends on how often you use the device and the quality of the water you’re filtering. LifeSaver ultrafiltration water purifiers have an innate Failsafe feature, that signals when it’s time to replace the filter cartridge. Over time, the hollow fibres get blocked up by contaminants, meaning the water has fewer and fewer ways to pass through. This results in a decrease in the water flow over time. Eventually the water will slow down to a point that your purifier is no longer useful and this indicates when the filter cartridge has reached the end of its lifespan.

Q: How long does a hiking water purifier last? A: Again, it depends on the type of device, how often you use it and most importantly the quality of the water being put through it. The worse the water, the shorter the life of the filter cartridge. Particularly silty, turbid water sources are the most challenging for all purification devices. In the best case, our water purifiers are capable of purifying between 2,000 (LifeSaver Liberty) and 5,000 (LifeSaver Wayfarer) litres of water, before the filter needs to be replaced, if well maintained. To get the best performance from your product, always follow the maintenance and cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Q: Are there any downsides to using a hiking water purifier? A: The main downside to using a hiking water purifier is that it adds weight to your pack. However, compared to carrying litres of water with you, a purifier is a far lighter option. The benefits of having access to as much clean drinking water as you want, far outweigh this slight burden. Additionally, physical filters can clog over time, which can slow down the flow rate of the water. It’s recommended to clean the filter regularly.

In conclusion, a hiking water purifier is an essential tool for anyone who spends time in the outdoors. LifeSaver ultrafiltration water purifiers offer excellent protection against bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, and are easy to use and maintain. By investing in a high-quality hiking water purifier, you can ensure that you always have access to safe drinking water, no matter where your adventures take you.