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LifeSaver Wayfarer water purifier review
The LifeSaver Wayfarer is a pocket-sized water purification device, tested to the highest filtration standards. It’s ideal for hiking trips and maybe even for overlanding. Over the last few months, we’ve used it as our primary purifier during hikes, and as a backup to our jerrycan. We have tested it thoroughly and now it’s finally time for a review.
The Wayfarer is one of LifeSaver’s latest products, marketed for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in general. This purifier is small and lightweight, and therefore easy to bring along. Whilst the size might be nice, its filtering capabilities are where it really excels. So let’s see if it lives up to what is promised, and if it’s worth adding to your gear selection.
What is the LifeSaver Wayfarer?
The WayFarer is a water purifier dedicated to hiking and other outdoor activities. This small purifier stands out above the crowd when it comes to size and filtering capabilities. Using a two-stage filtering mechanism, the Wayfarer is able to filter out biological as well as chemical contaminants.
Its first stage, the ultrafiltration cartridge, will filter out cysts, bacteria protozoa, and even viruses. Designed with LifeSaver’s trusted FailSafe technology you don’t need to worry about anything coming through. Once the filter is blocked or expired, the flow of water will automatically stop.
The second stage, the activated carbon disk, filters out heavy metals and chemical contaminants like herbicides, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds. This second filtration stage is unique on the market for a filter in this category, and aids in healthier drinking water and improved odors and taste.
The Wayfarer could very well be your best companion on the trails, making contaminated water safe to drink – wherever you are.
Design and assembly
Its design is simple but well thought through. The main unit contains the ultrafiltration cartridge and carbon filter but also provides space for the pumping handle and in- and outlet water connections.
The rotating pumping handle stores nicely when in transport, and works well when in use, suitable for both left- and right-handed people. Unlike some other filters, you do have to connect the intake and outlet hoses yourself. LifeSaver probably chose this feature to keep storage compact. Luckily, to prevent cross-contamination LifeSaver has added colored intake and outlet hoses, making it a fail-safe and easy-to-use design. The grey-colored hose is your intake hose for dirty water, the white transparent colored hose is your outlet hose for filtered drinking water.
Specifications
- Filtering capabilities: Removing bacteria, cysts, viruses, and even certain chemicals
- Testing standards: Exceeding NSF/ANSI P231 standards
- Output per minute: 1.4L / minute
- Filter longevity: 5000L for the ultrafiltration filter, 100L for the replaceable carbon disk
- Size: 15,5 x 9 x 7,5 cm
- Weight: 323 grams
Pros
- Unique in this price segment is its ability to filter out viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals.
- The virus filtering capabilities are essential and a true game-changer when traveling in remote areas, especially in less-developed or tropic regions.
- It’s one of the smallest purifiers on the market and therefore easy to store and bring along.
- Thanks to its compact and sturdy design there’s nothing sticking out that can break during transport.
- The colored in- and outlet hoses support correct use, preventing cross-contamination.
- The pumping feature works quite well. Although it can be a bit awkward at first, depending on previous filter experiences.
- The depth-adjustable pre-filter is excellent, it is a great design.
- The internal carbon fiber block (to be replaced every 100 liters) filters out chemicals and heavy metals. Unique on the market for a purifier of this size.
Cons
- Its water output is not superb, with just 1.4 liter/minute. Although, when taking its size into account it’s very respectable and well enough to comfortably fill a few bottles multiple times a day when hiking.
- When pumping the purifier, it will only filter water when pressing the plunger down, not when bringing it up again.
- The bag provided with the filter is too soft to provide real protection against damage.
- The output hose is a little short, making placement of the filter and a water bottle difficult at times.
- There’s no self-cleaning mechanism built into the filter. It might be necessary to rinse the filter every now and then, depending on the amount of contamination.
Would we buy it again?
Depending on what you are planning to use it for, this could very well be the right purifier for you. In our opinion, it is an ideal water filter for someone who is on the move on foot but still demands a high level of protection and reliability. Perfect for smaller families or solo adventurers. Due to its size, we love to bring it along on any hike, knowing that we’re always able to fill up our bottles whenever there’s a water source.
For long-term overland travel, we always recommend taking assurances when it comes to food and water. You don’t want to lose your water filtering capabilities if your main gear stops working. Whilst the Wayfarer will most likely not be your main purification device, it’s a great backup to bring along. For us, the LifeSaver Jerrycan is our main water storage solution and purifier, and the Wayfarer serves as our backup solution.
In our opinion, the Wayfarer is perfect for people who take their drinking water seriously. Great for hikers and a perfect backup device for overlanding.
Looking at its price, the Wayfarer is doing very well. It’s similarly priced to other water filters but adds the ability to filter out viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals. In our opinion a huge improvement, and vital for travel to tropical and less-developed regions. With this device, you are definitely getting a lot more filtering capability for your money.
We can conclude this is one of the best hiking purifiers due to its filtering capabilities, size, and price, and a great backup device for long-term overland travel. We would highly recommend it if you are planning an overland trip, or if you go hiking regularly and want to fill up water wherever you are.
Our approach for gear reviews
As long-term overlanders we fully understand the need for high-quality and reliable gear. We know that if gear isn’t up to standard it can hinder your adventures, resulting in discomfort or a dangerous situation.
We write our reviews after extensive testing and with you – an adventurous overlander – in mind. We hope you appreciate our information, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Don’t forget to check out our comparison review between the MSR Guardian and LifeSaver Wayfarer!
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