Object: iStraw Emergency Water Filter

In Britain we are used to taking a cool glass of water from the tap and having no problems. Unfortunately for many travel destinations, even within Europe, this is not the case and bacteria in the water can cause horrendous stomach upsets. To save the expense of bottled water and iodine purification tablets, or the hassle of boiling water each time you need rehydrating, try out the iStraw Emergency Water Filter.

The iStraw was invented to protect against waterborne bacteria and infection-causing organisms called protozoa. Scientifically proven by the NATA laboratory in Australia, the iStraw is advertised to cleverly reduce up to 99.99999 per cent of all waterborne bacteria; we won't ask where that other part of the percentage has gone. Easy to use and very compact and light-weight, the filter works when users suck their drink through the straw, dramatically reducing the risk of sickness from dirty water. For long camping trips or backpacking adventures, the gadget can be reused as the straw can filter up to 500 litres of water in its lifetime, providing it is maintained correctly. Another plus: the straw leaves no irritating aftertaste, unlike iodine purification tables.

The main hitch with the iStraw is that it must be maintained correctly with clean water to function. Cleaning requires travellers to dissolve one of the purification tablets provided in a glass of 500ml of clean water. The straw is then placed in the glass for 20 minutes, with the mouthpiece removed. From here all that is needed is to remove the straw and gently shake off any residue. Holidaymakers can be reassured that the iStraw works for all municipal tap water, streams, lakes and even soft drinks such as coca cola that have ice cubes in them. Exotic voyages need not be ruined by unsettled stomaches anymore! However, be warned that unfortunately it does not function for salt water or hot water as this would damage the membrane.

Price : £19.98