Gear review: Water filtration and waterproof items

Water is one of my favorite elements. Astrologically speaking, I’m a water sign, and when it comes to activities, I gravitate toward anything water-related — both fluid and frozen. I love slalom skiing, swimming, soaking in hot springs, SUPing, and boating — I even love frozen water, in the form of figure skating and skiing. But water can be dangerous, or damaging. Think giardia and other nasties in drinking water (or even chlorine, etc. that flows through our faucets). And when it comes to water sports, protecting phones and other valuables from getting wet is imperative. So here is a handful of products to keep you — and your gear — protected from unwanted effects of water.

Apiropure RV Inline Multi-Stage Water Filter SP-RV100

Drinking water at campgrounds can taste bad — not to mention that weird “flavor” from plumbing in some RVs. Apiropure’s three stages of water filtration removes sediments, softens water, and reduces that awful chlorine taste, as well as heavy metals, PFAS, and more. Its 1-micron rating means safety from some — but not all — bacteria like E. coli and salmonella, as well as certain parasites like giardia, which is more than you should need at a campground. It’s easy to attach and includes a flexible hose protector to secure the filter to the entire water supply — including the shower — without damaging kinks. German-made technology takes out impurities and prevents scaling buildup from hard water without salt, which is a big plus. With a 1,500-gallon capacity, it easily lasts a season of RVing. Prices range from $39.99-$79.99, spiropure.com.

LifeStraw Go Series Filter Tumbler and Peak Series Solo Water Filter

This 18-ounce insulated tumbler keeps water cool with its stainless-steel interior and fits in car cup holders. It includes two filtration systems: the membrane microfilter lasts up to 1,000 gallons, which translates to about five years of daily use — that’s the one that removes over 99.99% of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics with its 0.2-micron pore size. The carbon filter, which lasts 26 gallons or about two months, reduces chlorine and organic chemical matter for improved taste. I use it constantly for daily car commuting or just around the house. $49.95.

The Solo Water Filter attaches to the outside of most 28 mm threaded water bottles, including disposable plastic ones. It’s super light and compact (1.7 ounces, 5.1 inches), still removes all impurities with its 0.2-micron pore size, and lasts about 530 gallons. I keep this in my car for when I inevitably forget my water bottle; I always have an emergency plastic bottle of water in the backseat, and I like how this removes the plastics, especially when the water I’m drinking has been exposed to extreme heat. And I love that the company provides clean water to those in need and is Climate Neutral Certified and a B Corp. $24.95, lifestraw.com.

Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System 1.0L and Pocket Microfilter

At 2.2 ounces, the collapsible, soft-flask, PVC- and BPA-free BeFree is perfect for both day hikes and longer treks. Its two-stage filtration produces up to two liters per minute, and its 0.1-micron pore size removes bacteria, cysts, and sediment. I’ve taken it on rafting trips and SUP adventures to conveniently drink river and lake water, rather than carry a couple water bottles for all of us. $52.95.

The Pocket Water Filter employs a 0.2-micron pore to remove bacteria, protozoa, and other nasties. What stands out about this is its silver-impregnated ceramic filter, which, unlike disposable filters, can be cleaned, with a capacity of over 13,200 gallons. Its cushioned base and round pump handle makes it easy to pump just about anywhere, and it produces one liter of clean water per minute. At 1.25 pounds, it’s not the lightweight option of the BeFree, but it’s rugged for extreme conditions and turbid surface water and doesn’t require filter changes. And, the military depends on Katadyn’s products, which puts me at ease in terms of quality. $425.95 at REI, katadyngroup.com.

Katadyn Steripen Adventurer UV Water Purifier

When I heard about how the Steripen uses ultraviolet light to zap bacteria, protozoa, and viruses in 48-90 seconds, I had to try it. It works on tap and clear water, making it perfect for my international travels, where I can order tap water from a restaurant and not worry, thanks to my (fairly) discreet SteriPen. Simply submerge in water and stir while the green LED light flashes, and viola. The light also indicates low batteries, which are rechargeable, as well as when the lamp has less than 100 uses, but getting to that point would take 7,900 uses. Comes with a Velcro-adhering, protective carrying case. $124.95, katadyngroup.com.

Epic Water Filters Nalgene OG Bottle and Nalgene OG Slim

These USA-made Nalgene bottles come in 32- and 48-ounce sizes and include two color-coded filters that last up to 75 gallons: one to filter over 70 tap water contaminants and one with two filter stages for outdoor water and international traveling. I loved traveling the southeast with mine last month; I took it everywhere. It’s easy to sip, and its water capacity allowed me to fill my bottle at a gas station or hotel and continue for a day trip without worry. Epic offers a variety of limited-edition, artistic graphics, which make the bottles even more fun. The only downside is they don’t fit in a cup holder. That’s where the 24-ounce Nalgene OG Slim comes in. It also includes the two different filters. The wider 32-ounce bottle comes with a plastic lid to protect all sides of the mouthpiece you sip, which I really like on airplanes; the Slim simply folds down, leaving one side of the mouthpiece exposed, so I use my wider bottle on planes and other public places it might roll around in, while I love the Slim for everyday car errands. OG Nalgene, $60; Slim, $45, epicwaterfilters.com.

Epic Water Filters Nano Pitcher 

I keep this in the laundry room where my dog eats because it’s a lot more efficient to pour water from this 10-cup capacity pitcher than to carry my dog’s bowl back and forth to the kitchen sink for filtered water. I love the LED timer on the lid that counts 90 days, telling me when to replace the filter, because I can never keep track of such things, but if you otherwise keep track, filtration lasts for 150 gallons. It’s lightweight, transparent, and easy to fill, and it removes up to 99.99% of tap and fresh-water contaminants, including PFAS chemicals, bacteria, heavy metals, fluoride, and pesticides. Like the water bottles, it’s made of BPA- and BPS-free, medical-grade polypropylene and is third-party tested. $84, epicwaterfilters.com.

Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing Cubes and Waterproof Waist Pack

Nite Ize’s compressible, waterproof packing cubes come in three different sizes. Each has a depth of around 3.2 inches. The small, measuring 6.88 x 4.98 inches, is great for holding a phone and keys on the water, the medium is 10.3 x 6.9 inches, and the large is 14 x 10 inches, so I’ve packed sandals, sunscreen, and toiletries that I don’t want to leak into my suitcase (after all, waterproof qualities work both ways). They’re tested safe for submersion up to one meter for 30 minutes and include anchor points to clip onto packs, etc. The three liter capacity waist pack compresses less; rather, it’s made to float and holds plenty of gear. The back padding and adjustable strap allow for comfortable wear, either on the hip or across the body. I love the special pocket and universal touchscreen, which allow me to use my phone without unzipping the waterproof case for ultra-safety on the water. Packing cubes small to large: $39.99, $44.99, and $54.99; Waist pack, $79.99, niteize.com.

Pelican M40 Micro Case

This 6 x 3.8 x 2.1-inch case is perfect for protecting my phone, keys, and a couple smaller items while playing on the water. Its O-ring seal keeps it watertight, and the two latches are easy to open and close. It even includes a padlock hole if you need that kind of security. The removable bottom liner provides padding and keeps my phone from slipping around. Since it’s made of polycarbonate, its crushproof quality makes it perfect for traveling. Weighs 0.65 pounds and comes in solid black or clear with blue, yellow, or black liner, $34.95, pelican.com.

Exped DryBag Ultra 5 L

Talk about lightweight: This five liter dry bag comes in at a hardly detectable 0.7 ounces. It unfolds to just over 12 x 6.7 inches, and includes durable, welded seams and a rolltop closure. It’s obviously great for backpacking, and I often take it on water adventures, from rafting to kayaking, to hold my phone and snacks. Translucent recycled nylon allows you to see the contents more easily, and the buckle top is a cinch to use. The series comes in one liter to 40 liter sizes. $24.95, expedusa.com.