A selection of new and future releases for keeping fresh, hydrated and healthy
[1] MSR Trailshot Microfilter
From MSR, this pocket-sized and lightweight (142g) gizmo for fast & light hiking minimises the step to clean water. The process is simple: drop the hose into the water source, squeeze the filter and squirt clean water free of bacteria and protozoa into your mouth or bottle. You’ll have to wait until February 2017 to get your hands on one of these. It’ll retail at around £45.
[2] Katadyn Gravity 6L water filter
Meant for basecamp duties, and using a glass fibre filter to trap bacteria, cysts and sediment, Katadyn’s Gravity Camp 6L filter (RRP: £90) can cope with up to two litres of water per minute. The filter has cleanable protector which means that it can treat up to 1500 litres of water before getting too clogged – that’s 12.5 hours of non-stop filtering. There’s also optional shower adapter.
[3] Lifeventure Bottle Shower
New for summer 2016, this little shower head from Lifeventure will help you stay fresh on the trail wherever you are. Able to fit onto most plastic bottles, the cap will supposedly yield a 2-minute and 24-second shower from a 2-litre bottle. It also comes with a hanging cord. You can pick this up for £9.99.
[4] Hydro Flask
Launched in the UK last autumn, Hydro Flask is an award-winning American brand of insulated stainless steel food and drink containers. In a clever bit of PR, a flask was recently sent to The Great Outdoors team by post, filled with ice. The ice was still frozen on arrival and, indeed, it had only partially melted 24 hours after it was despatched by Royal Mail. Impressive.
[5] Platypus DuoLock Softbottle
Another item not released until the start of 2017. This water bottle from Platypus is flexible enough to be squished easily into tight spaces in your bag, and more importantly it won’t leak thanks to its twin-locking top. It features a useful clip-gate handle as well.
