TL;DR: With the eco-friendly and highly effective Grayl water filter, travellers can access clean and safe drinking water on the go and reduce their carbon footprint.

I have logged over 1.5 million air miles over the last three decades, so I am familiar with the challenges associated with finding safe drinking water around the globe. Water contamination can result in serious health problems, making access to clean water an essential requirement for travellers. There have been several dozen water filters and purifiers that I have tested, ranging from UVC sterilizing lights to much larger gravity-fed camping filters. Based on my personal experience, the Grayl water filter is an excellent solution to this problem.

Please note that this is not a sponsored post but a review based on my travel experience.

Grayl's water filter is unique in that it combines both filtration and purification capabilities, ensuring that the water you drink is free of debris and safe and refreshing. In addition, the Grayl Filter can purify and filter water in seconds, unlike other water filters that can take hours to work, making it ideal for travellers who require clean water as quickly as possible.

Filtration and purification are two distinct processes essential for ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water, especially for world travellers who may have to rely on various water sources.

Filtration refers to removing impurities from water, such as sediment, debris, and other visible particles. In addition, filtration aims to make the water clearer and free of physical contaminants that may affect its taste or appearance. Filtration is typically achieved through a physical barrier, such as a mesh or Filter, which captures these particles as water flows through it.

Purification, on the other hand, removes potentially harmful contaminants from water, such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals. Purification is achieved through various methods, including chemical treatment, ultraviolet radiation, and reverse osmosis. The goal of purification is to make water safe to drink and free from any contaminants that may pose a health risk.

For world travellers, filtration and purification are essential for ensuring that the water they drink is safe and refreshing. Even though some water sources may appear clear, they may still contain harmful contaminants that can cause illness and health problems. Grayl water filters provide travellers with reliable access to clean water, regardless of the source.

Filtration is particularly important for travellers encountering murky or visibly contaminated water sources. In these circumstances, a filtration device can be used to remove the physical particles and debris that may affect the taste and appearance of water.

On the other hand, travellers may encounter water sources contaminated with potentially harmful pathogens or chemicals. A purification device can be used to remove contaminants that may pose a health risk, making the water safe to drink.

Grayl filters are also distinguished by their ability to remove a wide range of contaminants from water. It can eliminate waterborne pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, chemicals such as PFAS and VOCs, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, flavours, and odours. In this way, travellers can drink water from almost any source, from rivers and lakes to taps in developing countries, without worrying about getting sick.

Grayl filters remove contaminants and significantly improve water's taste, odour, and clarity. By eliminating chemicals such as chlorine and iodine, as well as heavy metals such as lead and arsenic, it enhances the taste of water. As a result, no matter where they travel, travellers will have access to refreshing and clean water.

Questions I have been asked about The Grayl Water Purifier:

Should a UVC water sterilizer be used with the Grayl water purifier?

My opinion is as follows (I encourage you to conduct your research as well):

In most cases, a traveller using a Grayl water purifier does not need to use a UVC water sterilizer, such as Steripen, because the Grayl Filter effectively removes a broad range of contaminants, including bacteria and viruses. To ensure that water is safe to drink, the Grayl Filter uses a combination of filtration and purification methods.

It should be noted that different water sources may contain varying levels of contaminants, and additional water treatment methods, such as UVC water sterilization, may provide an additional layer of protection against waterborne pathogens. Therefore, travellers may choose to use multiple water treatment methods as an added precaution in areas with a high risk of waterborne illness.

The Ganges River in India is an example of a water source where I would personally use additional water treatment methods in addition to Grayl water filters (or any other water purifier). I recommend filling Grayl's outer cup while filtering out sediment with a handkerchief or bandana in these situations, using a UVC sterilizer (such as the Steripen), and then filtering the water with Grayl's water purification filter. To be on the safe side, some world travellers I know would use a UVC sterilizer again. Remember to do your research before travelling and trust your instincts.

What is the recommended frequency of filter replacement?

The frequency of filter replacement may vary depending on how often the Filter is used and the quality of the water being filtered. In general, Grayl filters can last up to 300 uses before they need to be replaced. If the water being filtered is particularly contaminated or turbid, the Filter may need to be replaced sooner.

Is the Grayl water filter easy to clean?

Grayl filters are easy to clean. The Filter should be rinsed with clean water after returning from your trip (or more often if you are traveling for an extended period) and stored in a dry location. If necessary, the Filter can be disassembled for deeper cleaning.

Can the Grayl water filter remove salt from water?

The Grayl Filter is not designed to remove salt from water. Therefore, despite its ability to remove a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals, it cannot desalinate water.

How does the Grayl water filter compare to other water filters on the market?

Grayl filters are highly regarded for their fast filtration and purification capabilities, as well as their ability to remove various contaminants from water. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most versatile and effective water filters available today.

Is the Grayl water filter portable?

Grayl filters are highly portable and can easily be carried in a backpack or travel bag. Designed for use on the go, it is an ideal solution for travellers who require access to clean drinking water.

What if my Grayl Filter is frozen by mistake?

Depending on the severity of the freeze, Grayl filters that have been frozen by mistake may still be usable. The manufacturer recommends that if the Filter has only been slightly frozen with no visible damage or cracking, it can be used up to three times before it needs to be replaced. Nevertheless, if the Filter has been severely frozen or has visible damage, it should be replaced as soon as possible.

Freezing the Grayl Filter can damage the membrane irreversibly and reduce its effectiveness in removing contaminants from water. As a result, it is recommended to avoid exposing the Filter to freezing temperatures whenever possible.

Alternatives?

Travellers may choose from various alternative water purifiers as additional options for accessing clean drinking water on the go. Here are some examples:

LifeStraw: A portable and lightweight water filter that removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics from water without using batteries or pumps.
Sawyer Mini Water Filter: An ideal solution for camping, hiking, and travel, the Sawyer Mini Water Filter removes 99.9999% of bacteria and protozoa.
The Katadyn Pocket Water Filter is a long-lasting and durable water filter that uses ceramic elements to eliminate bacteria, protozoa, and other contaminants from water.

Please do your research, but I believe the Grayl is a much better option.

Conclusions

Besides the benefits already mentioned, the Grayl water filter is also environmentally friendly since it eliminates the need for single-use plastic water bottles. Travellers who wish to reduce their environmental impact while on the road may find this greatly beneficial.

The Grayl Filter is also designed to be durable and long-lasting, with a robust construction that can withstand the rigours of travel. In addition, Grayl water purifiers are covered by a ten (10) year warranty on workmanship and materials. Other than replacing the Filter, it requires no additional chemicals or batteries.

#GraylWaterFilter #CleanWaterAnywhere #TravelSustainability #EcoFriendly #ReduceWaste #StayHydrated #WaterPurification #WorldTravel #TravelGear #AdventureEssentials #SustainableTravel #WaterSafety #TravelSmart #FilterWater #WaterFilter #PortableWaterFilter

Chemical Water Treatments for Travellers: Types, Pros, and Cons

March 6, 2023GeneralEdward Kiledjian

TL;DR: Stay healthy and hydrated during your travels with chemical water treatments - discover how they work, their pros and cons, and their different types.

It is important to have access to safe and clean drinking water when travelling to remote or unfamiliar locations. However, consuming contaminated water can result in various illnesses, including diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Chemical water treatment is an effective method of ensuring the safety of your drinking water. In this blog post, we will examine chemical water treatments for travellers, how they work, and their pros and cons.

In chemical water treatment, various chemicals, such as iodine or chlorine, kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Travellers generally favour these treatments because they are easy to use, lightweight, and affordable.

Among the most common types of chemical water treatment for travelers are:

Iodine tablets

Water purification with iodine tablets is one of the most prevalent chemical treatments. In addition to being easy to use, they are effective against a wide range of pathogens. However, they can leave an unpleasant taste and colour in the water and may not be suitable for pregnant women or individuals with thyroid disorders.

Chlorine tablets

A common chemical treatment for purifying water is the use of chlorine tablets. As well as being easy to use, they are also effective against most pathogens. It is also possible to disinfect surfaces and utensils with chlorine tablets. They, however, may also leave an unpleasant taste and odour in the water, and they may not be suitable for people with allergies or sensitivities to chlorine.

Portable water filters with chemical treatments

Some portable water filters are equipped with chemical treatment. Typically, these filters remove larger impurities using a physical filter and then use chemicals to kill any remaining pathogens. These filters can be effective against a wide range of contaminants and are often a more comprehensive solution than chemical treatments alone.

Pros of chemical water treatments for travellers:

Lightweight and portable
Easy to use
Affordable
Effective against most pathogens

Cons of chemical water treatments for travellers:

May alter the taste and smell of the water
May not be suitable for people with allergies or sensitivities to the chemicals
May not be effective against all contaminants

Conclusion

In conclusion, chemical water treatments are an effective and convenient method of purifying water while travelling. The availability and affordability of iodine and chlorine tablets make them an accessible option for most travellers. It is, however, important to be aware of any potential changes in taste and odour, as well as any possible allergies or sensitivities. Consider purchasing a portable water filter with chemical treatment for a more comprehensive solution. Following the proper precautions and treatment methods, you can enjoy safe and clean drinking water during your travels.

#SafeDrinkingWater #TravelTips #ChemicalWaterTreatments #WaterPurification #StayHydrated #HealthyTravel #WaterSafety #IodineTablets #ChlorineTablets #PortableWaterFilters #traveller #travelling

Stay Hydrated and Safe While Traveling: 5 Ways to Purify Unknown Quality Water

March 6, 2023GeneralEdward Kiledjian

TL;DR: Learn how to stay hydrated and avoid getting sick while traveling with these 5 effective methods of purifying unknown quality water, including boiling, chemical treatments, filtration, UV purification, and distillation.

To ensure your safety and well-being when travelling to unfamiliar locations, one of the most important considerations is the availability of safe drinking water. Consuming contaminated water can result in various health problems, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.

Fortunately, there are ways to make unknown-quality water safe to drink so you don't have to worry about getting sick during your travels. The following methods can be used to purify water while travelling:

Boiling

Boiling water is one of the easiest and most effective methods for purifying water. Boiling water kills most bacteria, viruses, and parasites, making it safe for consumption. To ensure the elimination of all pathogens, bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute or three minutes at higher elevations.

Chemical treatments

Chemical treatments, such as iodine or chlorine tablets, are another effective water-purifying method. Most bacteria and viruses are killed by these chemicals. Ensure that you follow the directions on the package for the correct dosage and treatment time, and remember that these treatments may affect the taste of your water.

Water filtration

Filtration of water is another effective method of purifying water. Various types of water filters are available, ranging from portable straw filters to larger pump filters. By trapping bacteria, viruses, and other impurities within the filter medium, these filters ensure that water is safe for consumption.

UV purification

In recent years, UV water purification has become increasingly popular among travellers. In UV purification devices, UV light kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the water. This is an excellent option for those on the go because it is quick and efficient.

Distillation

During distillation, water is boiled, and the vapour is collected, then condensed back into a liquid state. Most of the impurities in the water are removed during this process, making it safe for consumption. Distillation, however, is a time-consuming and energy-intensive process, making travel less practical.

What about bottled water?

While bottled water is often considered a safe alternative to tap water, this is not always the case. Occasionally, bottled water may not be a safe option due to the possibility of contamination during production, transportation, or storage. Additionally, not all bottled water companies adhere to the same standards we might be used to in our home countries. As a result, it is important to research the local regulations and brands before purchasing bottled water while travelling. In some situations, it may be more practical and safer to purify water on your own rather than relying on bottled water.

Conclusion

Keeping hydrated while travelling is essential, but you should also ensure safe drinking water. If you choose to boil, chemically treat, filter, use UV purification, or distill water, it is important to understand the different methods of purifying water and select the most suitable for your circumstances. Taking these precautions will enable you to enjoy your travels without worrying about getting sick from contaminated water.

#SafeDrinkingWater #TravelTips #WaterPurification #StayHydrated #HealthyTravel #WaterSafety #BoilingWater #ChemicalTreatments #WaterFiltration #UVPurification #Distillation

The Phoozy spacesuit for your smartphone

August 31, 2019GeneralEdward Kiledjian

What is a Phoozy?

The Phoozy is a NASA space-suit inspired jacket for your phone that protects it from the searing rays of the sun or the frigid battery killing cold of winter.

Have you ever gone to the beach and noticed your phone refusing to start with a temperature warning message (even though it was "protected" from the sun by a sun-umbrella?) The same happens at the other temperature extreme where the phone refuses to start because the components are too cold and the phone tries to protect itself.

The Phoozy is a well-insulated purpose-built capsule (made out of space material used to protect astronauts). The Chromium Thermal Barrier can reflex up to 90% of the sun's heating rays.

This is an important distinction some online testers didn't remember. These geniuses cooked their phones in the oven or left it in their locked cars, then complained the Phoozy didn't work. The Phoozy is not air conditioning, and work's by reflecting the sun's harmless rays but won't help if the ambient temperature is oven-like (a car under the direct sun can reach 170 degrees within an hour).

During the summer, I tested the Phoozy while at the beach, hiking or the amusement park. I used an old iPhone as my unprotected test "victim" and my Pixel 2 XL as my protected device. My Phoozy protected device never shut down because of heat, while the control iPhone regularly displayed that dreaded temperature warning message and refused to start until I cooled it down.

Water protection

The Phoozy case is buoyant and will float but the top isn't waterproof sealed (it's velcro). The Phoozy shouldn't be your go-to water protection solution. The fact it will float is a nice to have feature just in case.

Compare the Phoozy Apollo and XP3

I bought and tested the newer XP3. The Apollo & XP3 offer the same sun and cold protection, but the XP3 has slightly more padding (which is better for drop protection), it has attachment points (so you can hook it to the outside of a backpack) and an internal stash pocket (to store cards or cash).

The XP3 easily accommodated 5 credit cards and an iPhone XR, Pixel 2/3XL, or Samsung Galaxy S10.

Conclusion

I love my Phoozy and it has found a permanent place in my everyday carry backpack (which is high praise coming from me). Many colleagues and friends have also bought Phoozys and every one of them is extremely satisfied.

The Phoozy performs as advertised and is well made.

The Apollo XL retails for $29 which is a very fair price for the protection being offered. I believe most customers should opt for the newer XP3, but this retails for $49. I still recommend it, but think they should cut $10 from the price.

9 things you should pack on every trip

July 3, 2018GeneralEdward Kiledjian

As a frequent traveller, I have picked up some tricks that make travelling a lot easier. I wanted to share some of those with you and hopefully make your life a little easier.

Global WIFI Hotspot

I wrote my first review of the (gen 1) Skyroam Global hotspot in 2015 and it became one of my most used travel items. When they released (gen 2) a new LTE capable model, the Skyroam Solis, I bought one and reviewed it as well.

TL;DR: I have tested dozens of global roaming services (hotspots and global SIMs) and the product I carry in my bag every day is the Skyroam Solis.

Some readers have asked if my Skyroam tests were promotional and the answer is no. I have not received any compensation from Skyroam to test and review any of their products. When I find something that works well and is priced competitively, I recommend it.

I recommend you read my full review, but the summary is that the Skyroam Solis is a pre-paid global 4G (LTE) capable hotspot that works in 100+ countries. They offer an "unlimited" data package sold in chunks of 24 hours (day passes) for about $9 a day (or a monthly pass for $99).

Most companies offering this type of service label their offering as "unlimited data" but this doesn't mean you can stream Netflix while cruising the french riviera. Every company I have reviewed imposes some type of "fair use policy". Skyroam's Solis day pass never cut-off your data access but does slow it down to a painful (and barely usable) 2G after you consumer about 500MB per 24-hour period. This period resets during each day pass. This means that you shouldn't be streaming music or videos (Spotify, Google Music, Apple Music, Youtube, Netflix, HULU, Amazon Video, etc).

As an example, the GeefiGlobal WIFI hotspot fair use policy says "GeeFi will begin limiting the download speed after you exceed 500 MB (megabytes) of data in most countries".

Frequent travellers can buy a Skyroam Solis WIFI hotspot for $149.99 (includes one day pass worth $9). Infrequent travellers can rent a Skyroam Solis with the appropriate number of day passes for $9.95 a day (basically $1 per day to rent the unit plus shipping costs back and forth).

Collapsible water bottle

I wrote about the Nomander collapsible water bottle in 2016 and still recommend it for travel.

TL;DR: The Nomander water bottle is a light flexible easy to pack piece of kit you can store easily and use when needed. It avoids having to pay $5 for a 500ml bottle of water that would otherwise cost $0.50 anywhere in the "real world".

The Nomanderis made from food grade silicone so it doesn't retain smell. It is leakproof. Where my older recommendation (the Vapur) becomes giggly when less than 3/4 full, the Nomander retains its shape fairly well for a foldable bottle.

With the plastic sleeve in the middle, the bottle is sturdy enough to stand on its own. The Nomander is (top rack) dishwasher safe, You can also freshen it up, like most other water bottles by soaking a mixture of filtered water and fresh cut lemons for 24-hours.

The water filter

Browse the aisles of any camping goods store and prepare to be amazed at the dozens of water filters available for your immediate purchase. I have been camping most of my life and have travelled to many locations known for terrible horribly diseased water.

I have tried over a hundred filters, tablets and sterilizers. The one I keep coming back to over and over is the Grayl. I first wrote about the Grayl water filter in 2016 and have been recommending it since. It beats every other filter I had tried before or that I have tested since.

TL;DR: The Grayl water filter is the easy to use, easy to carry, low maintenance and high-reliability water filter you want when in the backcountry or when travelling to locations with questionable water sanitation practices.

When using the orange travel filter, you purify and sanitize the water with one (strong) push. This means I no longer carry a UV sterilizer (Steripen) in addition to a filter (Lifestraw or Sawyer mini).

The Grayl Orange Travel filter removes:

Each cartridge lasts about 300 uses (with 3 full uses a day, a single filter would last 100 days). The filtering process requires a bit of brute strengh but you never have to worry about batteries and there is no need to backwash the filter.

Portable laundry machine

Everyone starts travelling with lots of extra clothes and big check-in pieces of luggage. Eventually, you learn that one-bag travel is the only way to go. One-bag travel does mean you are travelling with the minimum and thus may need a way to clean your clothes while on the move. 5 years ago I bought a Scrubba wash bag and have brought it with me on almost every trip (longer than a week).

TL;DR: The Srubba is a waterproof bag with scrubbing "teeth" you can use to clean your clothes anywhere in about 10 minutes.

Scrubba has become a trusted travel item for business trips and family adventures (vacations with kids, camping, road trips, etc). I use this with either Woolite Travel Laundry Soap individually packaged travel packets or Dr. Bronner organic Castille soap. Both of these detergents are gentle, work with all types of materials and wash out easily without leaving a soapie residue.

Airborne and NoJetlag

I started taking both of these products 6-7 years ago and believe they help keep me healthy when travelling (particularly the long North America to Asia flights).

I am not a doctor and the effect could be nothing more than placebo but since I started taking Airborne on longer flights, I find I get sick a lot less Worst case scenario, it is a vitamin C supplement but my experience has been very positive. I have managed to stay healthy even with colleagues have gotten sick.

When travelling to faraway destinations, I started using No-Jet-Lag. While consulting for Cathay Pacific Airlines (based in Hong Kong), a flight attendant recommended it and I have used it ever since (when travelling through more than 4-5 time zones).

The simple rule of thumb is to chew on one tablet, every time your plane takes off and every time it lands. Then chew on one tablet every 2 hours while in flight. I normally follow the manufacturer instructions and take it an hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

I'm the first person to admit the questionable medical value of homeopathic products and my results may be nothing more than a placebo effect but it has worked for me and has been recommended to me by about a dozen different flight crew members.

Tom Bihn Synapse 25 backpack

Talking about backpacks is almost akin to talking about religion. It seems people are easily offended when you recommend something different than their preferred bag. Unlike the average traveller, I have 1M+ miles under my belt and have recently tested about 25 different (well rated) backpacks before I recommended the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 backpack February 2018.

TL;DR: If you can only buy one backpack (EDC, work and travel), I recommend the USA designed and manufactured Tom Bihn Synapse 25 backpack.

I recommend you read my full review here. This bag is light, durable and has carefully designed features that will make travel much easier. Plus it is built like a tank and will not break on your mid-trip.

Best carry on luggage

I first recommended the RedOxx AirBoss in March 2012 and it has been my favourite carry-on luggage since. I have tried 50-60 different products since and always come back to this thing. It is designed to last and comes with a no questions lifetime warranty. Along with Tom Bihn, RedOxx offers the best warranty in the business.

The RedOxx AirBoss is a 100% USA designed and manufactured bag. It is made from incredibly resilient materials. The bag you see above has travelled 1,000,000 + miles since 2012 and it looks almost brand new.

Since does not have wheels, I am rarely asked to check its size.
It has a flexible shell which means I can push and shove it into even the smallest overhead compartments.
It doesn't waste any room on wheels and a pull handle which maximizes available space
It can be used with or without packing cubes

If you could buy only 1 luggage that will have to last 10+years, this is the one.

Pacsafe anti-theft packs

There are times when you will be travelling to riskier destinations where theft is a real constant concern (Shanghai, Delhi, Mumbai, Barcelona, etc). Then travelling to these "special" locations, you may have to take specialized gear to stay safe and no one offers a wider selection of anti-theft backpacks, packs and bags than Pacsafe.

I own both a Pacsafe backpack and a shoulder pack. Both of my products are no longer offered but you can easily find something that would meet your needs. During "normal" trips, I would choose the lighter and more functional Tom Bihn Synapse 25 every time but when I need extra security, the Pacsafe products are a must. The bags are lined with a metal mesh to prevent theft by slashing. Even the shoulder straps are reinforced with metal mesh to prevent a slash and go incident. Best of all, the Pacsafe bags look like normal everyday products.

I own an older version of the Metrosafe and found an everyday use for it you may find interesting. In addition to keeping my valuables safe while I travel, I use it when at the beach or public pool. I lock it to a bench or medium tall tree and know my valuables (glasses, wallet, cell phone, etc) will be there when I get back. When at the beach, I can go swimming without worrying that someone will steal my wallet. All you have to do it pair it with a travel cable based lock.