I need a recommendation for a good travel water purifier...
 

My husband has decided we need to invest in a travel water purifier for our upcoming trip to Egypt. Has anyone used one they could recommend, or one to stay away from?

Why a purifier. Unless you're camping out in the desert, along the usual tourist route, you'll find bottled water available everywhere.

Sandi...you'd have to know my husband to understand that question! I think he's concerned about brushing teeth and such...we're looking at ones that are almost like individual water bottles...and since everyone here has been so helpful so far I told him I would pose the question!
33 days and counting...got my vaccinations today. Sore arms, but well equipped for whatever comes our way!

Can he use bottled water to brush his teeth? That's what I do when the water quality is questionable.

I'm sure he can, Patty. It may very well be that we won't buy one at all, but I think he's just trying to be ultra cautious. And I know him well enough to do the research and allow him to make the choice himself....that way I don't get any grief! ha ha ha

heymo: I would recommend just what you describe, one that is a water bottle and the filter is in the top and you just squeeze through. It is the simplest to use and will meet your travel needs. I bought one a few years ago and filled it up in creeks in Belize and guzzled away no worries.

I am drawing a blank on the brand but I would recommend you go into an REI if you have one in the area and ask their sales person for a recommendation. I would think it should run about $40.

I'll add in the obligatory you should be fine using local bottled water but if this will add to convenience and give your husband piece of mind it's not very expensive and not a bad thing to have.

We bought a counter-top water purifier that attached to the kitchen faucet when we moved to Egypt. We used it the first year and when the filters ran out - we never bothered to replace them.

I used bottled water for drinking, mixing KoolAid, making coffee, cooking, etc. My kids used bottled water to brush their teeth the whole time we were there. So I literally went thru a couple of cases of water a week.

I admit - my husband and I used the regular tap water to brush out teeth and we never had any problems - but I wouldn't recommend that for regular visiters.

I understand your husband's concern, but I just don't think it's necessary - the bottled water is just fine. As others have said, just make sure the the bottles are properly sealed. I preferred to use Nestle water but I also used Siwa and Baraka. In our 4 years - I think I only threw out bottles of water a couple of times. It certainly wasn't a regular occurance.

Thanks for the help. The bottled water is the easiest way to go, but if it makes him feel better we'll go ahead and get one. The one we were considering at REI is a brand called Katadyn. By any chnace is that the one you got PredatorBiologist? All of your input is most appreciated.

Just a simple question:

What shots did you get? I never got any and none are required.

Also, REI, Cabelas, most sporting/camping places. Google it and you will get thousands.

I got a Hep A, Typhoid and a Polio booster. Both Hep A and Typhoid are primarily for water contamination, and wild polio is endemic to Egypt. We have a travel clinic here in Detroit with our health carrier, they consult with you about what shots are required and what ones are recommended but not absolutely needed. Since we plan to travel to Peru next year they would have been required anyway, I went ahead and got them. The polio and Hep A cover you with one dose, the Typhoid would require a booster every two years. But only if you are traveling to those type of areas.

Those water bottles with filter sound perfect for using <b>instead of</b> bottled water for drinking. Are they heavy? If I ever get enough money to go to a place where tap water isn’t safe, I’ll buy one – and I’ll never buy bottled water again.

heymo: I had a different brand but it was the first generation of water bottle filters, prior to that you had to use pump tube devices and even mine is a clunky.

They are much better now than what I have. I googled up the Katadyn product, that should be a great choice. The Katadyn Exstream model, it provides the microfiltration and carbon filtering that you can use safely anywhere in the world and it has the comfort of a typical sport water bottle. That is a well known brand and I think it is a great choice.

Nyamera: they are not heavy, 7.4 oz. for the 21 ounce capacity bottle that Katadyn makes. It is a very handy product and nice not to have to always find or lug around bottled water.

The drawback is you have to replace the filter after 160 refills so that would probably be every month or two if you used it everyday. At a cost of about $17 per filter it is still a very cheap alternative to buying bottled water and for just travel one filter lasts pretty long.

Pred,
Do you find that the bottle top filters impart an iodine taste? I couldn't find one that didn't use chemical purification. Both the Katadyn Exstream and Exstream XR are listed as using iodine on the REI comparison chart. I ended up buying the First Need Deluxe Purifier (a pump filter) instead because it's a non-chemical purifier. We happened to have two water bottles that fit onto it perfectly and cost wise it's about the same for us as we would've needed two bottle top filters, but it doesn't seem to be as convenient. I'll get to try it out for real next weekend in the Sierras.

Predator,
Thanks. Now I think I’ll be able to boycott bottled water. I don’t care about the taste, as I’ve never liked water anyway.

I'm curious about these in-bottle filters--how are they different from a chemcial purifier. We've used the new chemical purifier when needed (just toss the tabs into your Nalgene bottle) and the newest has no taste that I can detect (no iodine). I thought chem. was the only way to get all the buggies out? Perhaps someone scientifically inclined can clarify for me?

In any case, carrying the tabs everywhere wouldn't be a problem for me (I would prefer it to the filter thing I think) are you considering that as a possibility, too?

Patty and Schlegal: I just did a quick read but there is an iodine resin system built in so the chemical protection is there and you don't have to add the tablets. Basically the micro filter takes care of all your bacterial sources but some viruses are too small and that's what the iodine resin takes care of. The carbon comes last to remove the iodine taste. I haven't tried any recently so I can't comment on that part -- the old one I had did a good job of removing iodine taste, I have seen mixed reviews on others.

Schegal,
As I understand it, the difference between chemical treatment alone (tablets) vs chemical treatment with filtration is that the former doesn't remove all protozoa. REI has a couple of articles on water treatment and selecting a filter/purifier that you might find helpful.

http://tinyurl.com/pbnwx

http://tinyurl.com/bvy2r

Filtration removes bacteria and protozoa and a chemical or other process is used to remove viruses.

Here's the one I bought which removes viruses without chemical treatment http://www.generalecology.com/firstneeddelux.htm but it's certainly not as convenient to carry as the bottle top ones or tablets.

Thanks Pred.Bio. and Patty--the links and explanations have helped clear things up for me. It's funny, until now I didn't even think about whether it might be convenient to bring filtration device with me on vacation (usu. just use for camping) but the idea is kinda appealing for travel to places where bottled water is less readily available. Thanks for the help!

In 3rd world countries, generally bottled water is about as common as flies. So I'm somewhat confused why you would need a purifier in Egypt. After a couple of days you will find that buying water as you go along is a habit. You can get at your hotel and in the tourist areas, many of the shops sell it too. The touts know all the tourists carry it.

The real problem is to look at the bottle and see if the seal is broken. Not often, but what the scam is to refill empties with tap water.

Only when I am off traveling in remote locations, on my own has there been a rare problem where I wish I had a purifier. And if you run out of water while touring and for some strange reason there isn't any bottled water, drink tea at a shop. Thats an Eqyptian passtime.

So why lug around something your are not going to use??

Well, as I had originally stated, my husband is concerned about having to have enough water not only for walking and such but for even the every day things such as brushing your teeth and such. The Katadyn Exstream is the one we were seriously considering. Patty...let me know how yours works out in the Sierras- It might also be one to consider. I will let you know which we go with and how convenient it was when we get back!

heymo,
I'll let you know how it works out when I get back. However, I have to tell you that the one I have is not that portable so if you're thinking of something you can walk around with, it's not going to be practical. Better to go with something like the Exstream if you want portability. We're staying at a base camp, so we're planning to leave the purifier at camp, fill our water bottles and refill them when we get back to camp.

Sounds like a good plan based on your trip. Let me know anyway...we have other trips planned where that type might be more useful. I have a feeling we will go with the Exstream, and I will be sure to let you all know how well it works!

Heymo,
I leave for Egypt in 2 weeks. My post is more about shots. You mention you were going to Peru next year and the shots you got were required. I went to Peru last year and no shots were required. I also went to a a travel clinic (Passport Health) and I was told the Hep. &quot;A&quot;, which I got when I went to China, was all I needed unless I was going into the Jungle along the Anazon or camping out and trecking into the wilderness.
I was on an escorted tour with OAT and they provided us with bottled water every day. Peru and Machu Pichu were wonderful.
I am traveling with Grand Circle, Part of OAT, to Egypt. Are you going on a tour to Egypt and Peru? Enjoy.

Hi ranger60, I am happy to answer your question. I was told the Typhoid shot would be required for the Peru trip next year. I would also need to get a shot for yellow fever. I think in general they recommend shots that protect again food contamination, thus the Hep A and Typhoid.
We are going on a tour through GAT tours which is based in Cairo. It's a private tour, not with a group of people. Having never been on any kind of organized tour other than excursions on a cruise ship and such, I am not sure whether they will provide water for us or not. We picked the places and sites we wanted to see and they built a tour around it. It seemed a good way to ease into a tour with a whole group of people. I am the one who usually plans and books all of our trips, so this is a big change for me.

We leave in 3 weeks. I have a friend who went earlier this year with OAT and had a wonderful time. We have not booked our Peru trip yet, I am researching it and trying to decide if we want to include a side trip to Galapagos or not.

Enjoy your trip, and write when you get back! We can compare trips! Where all are you going in Egypt?

Heymo,
I will be spending 5 nights in Cairo, where we will visit Giza, Sakkara, the Pyramids, Sphinx and an optional trip to Alexandria. There is also the museum Masque Etc. We then fly to Aswan and board a ship for 7 nights. There is an optional flight to Abu Simbel which I havr already booked. From aswan we head toward Luxor with stops at the Aswan Dam, Kom Obmo, Edfu, Valley of the Kings and Quena to see the sites. There is a hot air ballon ride which I hope to take.
This is my first trip with Grand Circle which has a larger group og people. When I went to Peru with OAT there were only 14. I also went with OAT to Costa Rica where there were 16 people. Wonderful trip.
On this trip to Egypt, the boat has 62 cabins and there will be 102 people on the boat. I am not sure how they break people up but I have read on different posts that they have caravans with armed guards in front and at the rear of the buses.
I'm sure you are aware that Ramadan starts on Sept 23rd.
We will have to compare notes when we get back. Have a great time.

Ranger60,

We are spending 3 days in Cairo in the beginning, visiting Giza, the Sphinx, Memphis and Saqquara, and the museums and Old Cairo. Instead of flying we are taking the sleeper train to Aswan. We are going to Abu Simel the first day, then spending the night in Aswan. We then board the Nile cruise, but only for 3 days. It's good to know they are well guarded, which I have heard before.We are visiting the same places you are, and we ARE going on the hot air balloon trip. Once we get to Luxor, we are then traveling to Hughada for 3 days, then back to Cairo with a side trip to Alexandria. We then head back home. All together we are there for two weeks.
I am aware of Ramadan going on while we are there. I think the only thing that concerns me is the noise level when we are trying to sleep!

Since you have been on other organized tours, I have a question I have asked but not received a good answer to...how do you handle tipping your guide and driver? How much to you typically give them?

Heymo,
I have been on about 10 organized trips over the years with about 5 different companies. All have provided suggested amounts but do state, the amounts are strictly you own decision. On tours, some tips are included, like hotel porter, local cultural guides and waiters in restaurants where meals are included. For hotel housekeeping staff, if you want to give something extra, $1 per day is sufficient. US dollars can be used.
Here is the suggested amounts reccomended for this trip.
Program director (tour guide} $4-$6 per person, per day. Especially if he/she provided you with individual asistance.
Motocoach driver. $2 per person for 1/2, $3 for full day.
Local tour guide same as above.
They say the cruise tour tips are shared on our boat and they recommend $5-$7 per person, per day.
I have had guides that so fantastic I gave more and then some that were very good but I didn't think deserved any extra.
I am saving every new/newly near $1 bill to take along. If you haven't already entered tipping in the search for Egypt
do so. There are some good reccomadations there from, name slips my mind, about tipping locals. Toilet paper etc.

Thanks Ranger. That was one aspect of the trip that has been worrisome to me. This may sound like a silly question, but did you have the same tour guide at each location? I'm wondering if we'll have one for let's say Cairo, then a different one when we get to Aswan, then another for the Nile Cruise, etc...I can see benefits and detriments in both scenarios...just curious.

Have a great time!

Heymo,
I'm not sure about Egypt but on all other escorted trips I've been on, the original guide went on the complete trip. But, in each town or city there was usually a local guide, usually due to town/city regulations requiring permits to do tours. Also, this gives locals a chance to make some money. Most local guides have been very good since there expertise is their city or town. I have had a few so so locals.

Thanks ranger. That makes sense to have local guides along the way, I just wasn't sure. When do you leave? I see it's still pretty warm in Aswan and the Valley of the Kings, not likely to cool down much in the next couple weeks I imagine...

Heymo,
I leave on Sept. 23. I'm not looking forward to the 11 plus hr. flight. At least it is direct from JFK to Cairo with AirEgypt. It is still in the 100's in Aswan and Luxor. 90's in Cairo. According to MSN weather the humidity in Aswan, today, is 13.2%. That should help make the heat tolerable. When do you leave?

Ranger,

We leave Oct. 10th. We fly from Detroit to Amsterdam but have a 8 hour layover which will at least break up the flight. Going to spend sometime in the city, then our flight is that evening. It's only 4 hours from there.

I just spoke to a friend's aunt who just came back from Egypt and she said it is still quite warm there. She said how lucky we were to be there for Ramadan...and that we should definitely try the pigeon! Not sure I'm going to take her up on that...

just do the bottled water, no need to carry something else...very very inexpensive in Egypt! The hotels and the ship will give you water bottles every day, and BIG ones, just stock up.
Just pour it out to brush the teeth etc...I did however wash my face etc..no problem then I hear my daughter even brushed her teeth with it!!! arrrgh...but again, no problems..:)

I recently traded in our Katadyn Exstream for a SteriPen (fyi the newer model is more compact).

I’d just like to clarify that my main problem with bottled water is the environmental madness of its overuse, and I would like an alternative to water direct from the tap at places where tap water isn’t safe for drinking.

On our safaris, each of us averages 3-4 liters a day. Steripen was an environmentally sound choice, as all that plastic has nowhere to go. Steripen purifies clear water: hotel tap water, restaurant water, stuff they serve on the plane when they run out of bottled water, etc. It only takes seconds to be effective, uses no chemicals and is very lightweight. We use it on hot water for tea too. It use 4 batteries (externally rechargeable, please). For a 2-week safari, I've never had to change batteries and everyone in our group borrowed our Steripen. They sell a prefilter water bottle, but I didn't buy it. On the surface it seems expensive, but calcualate how much you spend on water for one two-week vacation and it pays for itself quickly.

Just to update my earlier post, the First Need filter worked great on our camping trip in the Sierras (we got all of our water out of a lake). Make sure you have or get water bottles that fit onto the canister bottom for ease of use. The pump required minimal effort and we could fill a liter bottle in less than 1 minute. I was a little concerned when s small amount of water that was left in the unit froze overnight (it was in the 20's F) as the instructions say to avoid freezing, but we tested it and it didn't seem to compromise the integrity of the canister.

Again, while this purifier worked great for our needs on this particular trip, it's probably not something that you'd take on an Africa trip. For that, the Steripen or Exstream would seem much more convenient.

Thanks, Patty for the update. We did purchase the Exstream, will definitely let everyone know how it worked out when we get back!

I agree with the posters who use bottled water where available. I rarely ever bring a water filter except in the most remote - or very suspect places (e.g. immediate post tsunami Thailand)

If bringing one, I carry the same one I use for backpacking - MSR Sweetwater filter and water treatment drops. The unit pumps a lot of water quickly and the drops kill whatever got through the filter - which has to be very small, like viruses.

It's light, cheap, and works great. You can get it at most any backpacking concern in North America (REI, etc.)

If you simply want to improve the look and tase then use one of the bottle based units. If you're going to seriously filter water against nasty biologics, use the MSR Sweetwater. ((y))