I’m not always traveling where I need to use a water filter, but sometimes when I’m in a destination, it couldn’t hurt to be cautious. There are plenty of travel water filters on the market, and when you’re looking for one, two of the most important considerations are packability and overall protection.

 

Just launched last month, the LifeStraw Peak Series Solo Water Filter is ultra-lightweight (1.7 ounces) and compact (5.1 inches), meaning you can carry it in your pocket if you want. It’s made with premium, durable 50% post-consumer recycled BPA-free plastic, and has a 28mm threading that allows it to be screwed onto the most common water bottles. Top and bottom caps prevent leaks, and the one-handed flip cap makes on-the-go filtration super easy and fast.

 

The filter lasts up to 500 gallons (2,000 liters), and will stop allowing water to flow through once it’s reached the end of its lifetime. The filter protects against 99.999999% of bacteria (including E.coli and Salmonella); 99.999% of parasites (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium); and 99.999% of microplastics, silt, sand, and cloudiness.

 

The fast flow rate (3 liters/minute) means you don’t have to wait around  to fill a 1-liter bottle. With the Peak Solo, you can fill that bottle in 20 seconds.

 

One purchase of any LifeStraw product provides a year of safe water to a child in need: For every 500 products sold, the company distributes a LifeStraw Community purifier to a school in need, which provides safe water to 100 school children for a period of five years.

 

The Peak Solo is ideal for the just-in-case travel scenario when you don’t think you’ll need a filter, but if you do, you have a great one on hand that doesn’t take up too much room in your suitcase.

 

The Peak Solo Water Filter lists for $29.95 on the LifeStraw site.