PORTABLE WATER FILTER

About Portable Water Filter

Portable water filters are a must for those who love camp life

The portable water filters are most useful for those who go out for extended camping trips or live in mountain cabins or remote farmhouses where there is no running water or electric supply. They need a gravity-based water filter system that can be filled manually by drawing water from a stream or well.

These filters consist of two metal tanks with a ceramic candle fixed to the first tank. The water has to filter through the ceramic candle to reach the second tank from where it can flow out through a tap.

The candle removes all dissolved particles in the water, and also removes microorganisms. The water that flows out may not be compared to a home water filtration system but it is clean and hygienic. It is free of sediment and harmful bacteria that may be present in the water.

Two good portable filters are Mini Filter and Pocket Filter manufactured by Switzerland's Katadyn company. The Pocket Filter can filter close to 13,000 gallons and is most suitable for individuals and families living in remote places. Katadyn's Drip Filter can filter a smaller volume of water, and is more suitable for campers. Another useful portable filter is Guardian. It can handle up to 200 gallons of water, and can be taken on outdoor trips.

The role of portable filters becomes very important in Asian and African countries. The travelers must select those filters that can destroy water-borne bacteria that cause dysentery, cholera and typhoid. They cannot risk traveling in these countries without carrying their own water filters.

It is also advisable for campers to carry a spare filter candle if they are planning an extended trip. Most portable filters have limited filtration capacity. The candle needs to be changed after a 100 or 200 gallons.