Evaluating the LifeSaver Jerrycan: Is it a Vital Component for Vanlife, or Less Important?
A Revolutionary Water Solution for Vanlifers: The LifeSaver Jerrycan
The LifeSaver Jerrycan, a portable water purifier, is making waves in the vanlife community for its ability to provide clean, safe drinking water from uncertain sources. This innovative device is ideal for long-term and full-time travelers who collect water from rivers, lakes, or other natural sources.
The LifeSaver Jerrycan boasts a capacity of 18.5 liters and the capability to purify up to 20,000 liters of contaminated water, effectively removing 99.99% of contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, cysts, parasites, and microplastics. This makes it an invaluable tool for travelers venturing into the unknown.
Key features that make the LifeSaver Jerrycan a perfect fit for full-time vanlife or overlanding include:
- Portability and Compatibility: The Jerrycan fits standard jerrycan racks on 4x4 vehicles, campers, and SUVs, facilitating easy transport and storage during travel.
- Ease of Use: Users simply fill the jerrycan with water, pump it through the built-in filter, and drink the purified water directly. The design includes a tap for dispensing smaller quantities and an optional shower hose for washing, which adds convenience for van dwellers who need multipurpose water use.
- Durability and Long-Term Use: Replacement cartridges and spare parts are available to ensure years of reliable service, which is crucial for long-term travelers who require consistent access to safe drinking water.
- Emergency and Versatility: Besides overlanding, the Jerrycan serves as a reliable emergency water supply, ideal for preparedness in home or remote conditions with uncertain water quality.
- Humanitarian Validation: Its use by aid agencies worldwide underscores its reliability and effectiveness in providing safe drinking water in challenging environments.
For water purification and filtration, the Jerrycan uses an advanced filtration system. After filling the container with raw water, the user operates a hand pump integrated into the system that forces water through the purifier, which traps contaminants inside a special cartridge. The purified water can then be accessed from the built-in tap or used with the optional shower hose for washing tasks.
The LifeSaver Jerrycan has passed military-spec testing (NSF Protocol P248 Military Operations - Microbiological Water Purifiers) and comes equipped with a shower attachment that provides enough pressure for a decent wash. It is a suitable shower option for vanlifers who prefer wild camping and off-grid living.
For those who need a smaller solution for family use, the LifeSaver Cube is a portable water filter capable of delivering 5,000 liters of clean water. The LifeSaver shower attachment could also be useful for rinsing off salt or sand on a warm day by the beach.
Kathryn Bird, the author of this article, was given a LifeSaver Jerrycan to try. Her review and opinions are her own. The LifeSaver Jerrycan can be purchased directly from the main website, and it is not recommended to try cheaper copies due to safety concerns regarding safe drinking water. The LifeSaver Jerrycan stores the dirty water and requires a separate container for storing the clean water.
With the LifeSaver Jerrycan, vanlifers can enjoy the freedom of the open road without worrying about their water supply. The convenience, durability, and safety of this device make it an essential tool for any long-term or full-time traveler. Using just 6 liters of water per day, a 20,000-liter LifeSaver Jerrycan would last 9.1 years for two people, according to calculations based on the World Health Organization's recommendation of using 3 liters of water a day per person for drinking and cooking.
- The LifeSaver Jerrycan's versatility extends beyond vanlife, as it also serves as a reliable emergency water supply in home or remote conditions with uncertain water quality.
- For those who prefer minimalist living, the LifeSaver Cube, a portable water filter capable of delivering 5,000 liters of clean water, might be a suitable option for family use.
- A separate container for storing clean water is necessary when using the LifeSaver Jerrycan, ensuring the purified water remains safe and free from contaminants.
