Travel Berkey® Gravity-Fed Water Filter - 1.5 Gallons
Travel Berkey® Water Filter System – Compact, Capable, Ready to Go
The Travel Berkey® Water Filter System is the smallest stainless steel Berkey® unit designed for daily use — yet its filtration performance is on par with larger models. Built for small homes, apartments, RV living, and travel, it delivers reliable gravity-fed filtration in a compact, space-saving design.
Constructed from highly polished AISI 304 stainless steel, the Travel Berkey® is durable, portable, and designed to fit easily into most suitcases or tight spaces on countertops. If you want dependable filtration without taking up much room, this is the ideal size.
Small Footprint. Full Performance.
With a 1.5-gallon capacity, the Travel Berkey® comfortably serves 1–3 people for everyday use. Despite its compact size, it uses the same Black Berkey® Elements found in larger systems.
The upper chamber nests inside the lower chamber for transport, reducing total height to approximately 12 inches, making storage simple for travel kits.
Whether you’re in a small kitchen, on the road in an RV, or camping, the Travel Berkey® is designed to be practical and easy to use.
How It Works
The Travel Berkey® uses gravity to draw water through powerful filtration elements.
Black Berkey® Elements (Upper Chamber)
Each system comes standard with 2 Black Berkey® Elements, which:
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Reduce heavy metals such as lead and mercury
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Reduce chlorine and chloramines
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Reduce trihalomethanes (THMs)
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Reduce VOCs, pesticides, and petroleum by-products
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Reduce pharmaceuticals and emerging contaminants
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Reduce sediment, rust, and radiological contaminants
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Retain beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium
Each element is rated for approximately 3,000 gallons of filtration. Two elements can filter about 6,000 gallons before replacement is recommended.
Optional PF-2™ Fluoride & Arsenic Reduction Filters can be added to the lower chamber (up to 2 total) to reduce fluoride.
Flow Rate & Capacity
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Capacity: 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters)
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Maximum Filters: 2 Black Berkey® Elements (upper chamber)
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Maximum Flow Rate: Up to 2.75 gallons (10.4 liters) per hour
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Serves: 1–3 people for everyday use
Flow rate is calculated with the upper chamber full and will decrease as the water level drops.
What’s Included
The Travel Berkey system comes complete with:
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Upper and lower stainless steel chambers
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2 Black Berkey® Elements
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Stainless steel lid
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Standard spigot
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2 wingnuts
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2 washers
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1 priming button
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Rubber base gasket
No plumbing. No electricity. No complicated installation.
Built for Travel & Everyday Living
The Travel Berkey is ideal for:
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Small kitchens with limited counter space
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Apartments and tiny homes
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RV and van life
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Camping and outdoor adventures
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International travel
At just 6.13 lbs empty, it’s lightweight enough to move easily, yet solid enough for long-term use.
Why Clean Water Matters
Water is something we use and consume every day — often without thinking much about it. However, contaminants in water can vary depending on source, infrastructure, and local conditions.
The Travel Berkey® provides an additional layer of confidence, whether you’re filtering municipal tap water or well water. It’s designed to help reduce a broad range of potential contaminants while preserving minerals your body needs.
Maintenance & Filter Replacement
When Should You Replace the Filters?
Replacement is recommended after approximately 6,000 gallons total (with two elements). Actual lifespan depends on water quality and usage.
If the flow slows significantly and cleaning no longer restores it, it may be time to replace the elements.
The Red Food Coloring Test
The Red Food Coloring Test is a simple method to verify the performance of Black Berkey® Elements.
How it works:
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Remove any PF-2™ filters if installed.
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Fill the upper chamber with water.
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Add 1 teaspoon of red food coloring (FD&C Red 40 and/or FD&C Red 3) per gallon of water.
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Allow filtration to occur.
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If filtered water remains clear, the elements are functioning properly.
If filtered water shows a pink or red tint, the element may need to be replaced or inspected.
Note: Only specific types of food coloring should be used for this test, as some alternative dyes may pass through even properly functioning filters.
Key Benefits of the Travel Berkey® System
Powerful – Reduces a wide range of contaminants while retaining beneficial minerals.
Portable – Nests for transport and fit in most luggage.
Efficient – Produces up to 2.75 gallons per hour without electricity.
Durable – Constructed of polished AISI 304 stainless steel.
Economical – Long filter life keeps cost per gallon low.
Proven – Used worldwide by families, travelers, and preparedness-minded individuals.
Specifications
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Capacity: 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters)
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Diameter: 7.5"
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Height (in use): 18–19" (including lid and knob)
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Height (nested for transport): ~12"
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Weight: 6.13 lbs empty
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Construction: AISI 304 stainless steel
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Filter Capacity: Up to 2 Black Berkey® Elements (upper chamber)
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Optional Fluoride Filters: Up to 2 PF-2™ filters (lower chamber)
The Travel Berkey may be the smallest stainless steel Berkey system, but it delivers the same reliable gravity-fed performance trusted in larger models. Whether at home or on the move, it offers a practical way to maintain access to clean, great-tasting water wherever life takes you.
*Due to state regulations, this product is not available for sale in California or Iowa.
*If a salt-based water softener is installed, please review our FAQ before use.
The stainless steel chambers are assembled in the USA from US and imported parts. Black Berkey® Elements are also made and assembled in the USA.
Other Available Sizes
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Travel Berkey® – 1.5 Gallons
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Big Berkey® – 2.25 Gallons
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Royal Berkey® – 3.25 Gallons
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Imperial Berkey® – 4.5 Gallons
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Crown Berkey® – 6 Gallons