Having been an avid hiker, backpacker, and camper for over 30 years, I’ve tried various water filters. I used to rely on the MSR MiniWorks and later switched to the HyperFlow Microfilter, then to the Grayl Purifier. While these devices served me well, they all required regular replacement of filters and components.
This changed when my friend Jay introduced me to the Aqua Research H2gO Global water purifier ($114) in February. He described it as a compact, solar-powered device that purifies water using only salt and never needs replacement parts.
Eager to test its capabilities, I took it with me on a day in the woods without carrying any water.
In essence: Manufactured by Aqua Research in Albuquerque, the H2gO Global is a compact chlorine generator powered by the sun. Unlike traditional filters, the H2gO doesn’t use filters but relies on a water and salt slurry added to the water to be treated. With no need for replacements and minimal maintenance, it can purify up to 65 gallons of water on a single battery charge, with potential for more with solar charging.
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Size
1.7” x 3.625” x 1” -
Weight
3.8 oz. -
Treatment volumes
1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 L -
Battery (Cycle)
Up to 65 gallons of water -
Battery (Lifetime)
Over 32,000 gallons of water -
Charge time (Micro USB)
4 hrs. -
Charge time (Solar)
24 hrs. -
Efficacy
Kills over 99.9% of viruses and bacteria -
Price
$114
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Ease of use, transport, and packability -
Battery life -
Field confirmable effectiveness
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Mini USB is a little outdated; needs a USB-C upgrade -
Hasn’t been proven to deactivate cryptosporidium
Review of H2gO Purifier Global
What’s Included in the Box?
- 1x H2gO Global with wrist strap
- 1x brine bottle
- 25x test strips
- 1x USB cable with charging block
- European charging block adapter
How It Functions
Aqua Research labels it a “water disinfectant generator” on its site. According to the brand, one dose from H2gO Global eliminates over 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. In-house tests have shown that multiple doses can deactivate protozoa like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, although this hasn’t been definitively confirmed for Cryptosporidium.
Each unit can treat at least 32,000 gallons of water in its life span. In contrast, the LifeSaver Wayfarer pump purifier can handle up to 1,320 gallons before needing a cartridge replacement, and the LifeStraw Mission purifier can manage 4,755 gallons.
Unlike traditional purifiers that filter out contaminants, the H2gO Global eradicates them in water, reminiscent of iodine or chlorine tablets. The purification process typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on the water source.
The H2gO Global can purify up to 65 gallons of water on a single charge, extendable through solar charging. Each hour of solar exposure allows disinfection of an additional gallon of water, requiring longer time for uncertain water sources.
User-Friendliness
The most complex part of the process is preparing the brine solution. You mix salt up to the fill line in the provided bottle, fill the rest with water, shake well until the salt dissolves, and pour it into the unit.
Each charge can
