Wayfarer from LifeSaver | Water for Outdoor Adventures

Having clean water is necessary for a safe and enjoyable experience outdoors. One of the ways backpackers, campers and hikers procure clean water is through purification systems. In the spring of this year, UK-based LifeSaver announced they would be producing a small, lightweight water purifier called the Wayfarer and releasing it on February 1, 2023. LifeSaver was kind enough to send the Wayfarer to The Gear Bunker for review.

Lifesaver Wayfarer Video 

Wayfarer Overview

Along with the filter body, there is an inlet hose, outlet hose, quick start guide, end cap removal tool and a drawstring carry bag for all the components. On the sides of the body, you’ll find both inlet and outlet spigots to attach the hoses. Built into the purifier’s bottom is a pressure relief valve to purge pressurized air that can get trapped while pumping. Finally, the purifier features a built-in rotatable pump handle.

LifeSaver helps differentiate the inlet and outlet hoses with different identifiers. The first easy identifier for the inlet hose, or scavenger hose, is that it is dark grey. The second identifier for the scavenger hose is the 4.2 feet length. With this length, I could place the hose further into the water source to prevent it from getting close to the bed. At one end of the scavenger hose, there is an attached pre-filter.

The scavenger hose’s pre-filter acts as an initial filter to prevent pieces of debris, such as wood bits and leaves, from clogging the hose and restricting water flow. The scavenger hose also has a piece of foam to help float the hose. This foam piece also helps to keep the pre-filter out of the stream bed to improve water flow. The outlet hose is a simple, clear tube without any attachments. It is 1.6 feet long, so there is no issue with placing the hose into a water container.

“Ideal for hikers, backpackers and all outdoor enthusiasts who need safe drinking water and want to travel light.” ~ iconlifesaver.com

Inside the Wayfarer, LifeSaver has an ultrafiltration cartridge, like the one found in LifeSaver’s Jerrycan and Cube as the first stage of purifying water. The ultrafiltration cartridge also uses LifeSaver’s FailsafeTM technology. This technology helps prevent users from drinking contaminated water that the Wayfarer could not filter due to the wearing out of the cartridge. Once the water passes through the cartridge, it goes through the activated carbon disc as the second stage of the purification process. When the cartridge and carbon disc needs replacing, remove the bottom end cap with the included tool to access and replace these components.

“Tough, robust and tested to the limit to exceed NSF/ANSI P231 standards, it’s the perfect solution for outdoor enthusiasts who take their health and water seriously.” ~ iconlifesaver.com

Wayfarer Use

Always read the included instructions for proper use of the Wayfarer filter. Before using the Wayfarer, it is essential to prime the purifier to improve the flow rate while using the Wayfarer. After priming the Wayfarer, it is ready for routine use. The hoses attach to the respective spigots easily without any issues. After securing the hoses, place the pre-filter into the water and make sure it is fully submerged. I had to adjust the foam on the in hose to ensure that the pre-filter was completely underwater.

Once the pre-filter was submerged, I placed the outlet hose into the water bottle. With both hoses installed and ready, pump the handle to start drawing water from the source into the purifier. The water will flow through the outlet hose as more water travels through the Wayfarer. If pumping the handle becomes more challenging due to air build-up in the purifier, simply press the pressure relief valve to relieve  the pressure.

“Keeps hikers safer, for longer and for less money.” ~ iconlifesaver.com

After purifying 1,320 gallons of water, the ultrafiltration cartridge or the carbon disc needs replacing. To replace the cartridge and disc, unscrew the end cap with the included removal tool. The end cap is secured tightly on the Wayfarer, I tried to loosen it without the tool, and it would not loosen without using the tool. Once I removed the end cap with the removal tool, I could remove the Wayfarer’s ultrafiltration cartridge and carbon disc.

Wayfarer Features & Specifications courtesy of iconlifesaver.com

• Replaceable Ultrafiltration Cartridge
• Purifies up to 5,000 litres / 1,320 US gallons
• Replaceable Activated Carbon Disc
• Initial flow rate: 1.4 l/min
• Dry weight: 323g / 11.4 oz
• Includes 4.2ft / 1.3m Scavenger In Hose
• 1.6ft / 0.5m Out Hose for filling of container
• Rotating pump handle for ease of use with either hand
• FailSafe technology – Once the filter membranes are blocked, water cannot pass through, keeping users safe
• Product materials and water effluent both BPA and BPS free
• 3.5” long x 3” wide x 6” tall
• Available for preorder on January 9th
• MSRP: $104.99 (Available 1 Feb 2023)

Final Thoughts

Water is a necessary commodity when hiking or backpacking. However, due to water weight, it is often times better to bring a tool to purify water instead of carrying it. LifeSaver’s Wayfarer is an answer to having a lightweight water purifier for the trails and the backcountry. Next year, my wife and I are planning a backpacking trip, and the Wayfarer will be on the packing list. I appreciated LifeSaver’s design of the Wayfarer with its two-system purification with the ultrafiltration cartridge and the activated carbon disc. Because of the Wayfarer’s compact size and robust design, I would recommend it as a must-have for backpackers or those individuals who go on long-distance hikes.