Travel Berkey® Water Filter System – Compact Stainless Steel Gravity-Fed Filtration

The Travel Berkey® Water Filter System is the smallest stainless steel Berkey® system, designed for everyday use at home, in small spaces, and while traveling. Its compact footprint makes it a practical choice for apartments, RVs, cabins, and kitchens with limited counter space.

Although smaller than other Berkey® models, the Travel Berkey® uses the same Black Berkey® Elements found in larger systems. It delivers dependable gravity-fed filtration without electricity, plumbing, or complicated installation.

Constructed from highly polished AISI 304 stainless steel, the Travel Berkey® is durable, portable, and designed for long-term use.

Small Footprint. Full Berkey® Performance.

With a 1.5-gallon capacity, the Travel Berkey® comfortably serves 1–3 people for everyday drinking water needs. The upper chamber nests inside the lower chamber for compact storage and transport, reducing the nested height to approximately 12 inches.

Its space-saving design makes it easy to place on a countertop, pack for travel, or use wherever a compact gravity-fed water filter system is preferred.

How the Travel Berkey® Works

The Travel Berkey® uses gravity to draw water through powerful Black Berkey® filtration elements. Simply fill the upper chamber, allow gravity to do the work, and dispense filtered water from the lower chamber through the spigot.

Black Berkey® Elements

Each Travel Berkey® system comes standard with 2 Black Berkey® Elements.

Black Berkey® Elements are designed to reduce a broad range of potential contaminants commonly found in drinking water supplies, including:

• Lead and mercury
• Chlorine and chloramines
• Trihalomethanes (THMs)
• VOCs
• Pesticides and petroleum-related compounds
• Pharmaceutical residues
• Sediment, rust, and particulates
• Radiological contaminants

The elements are also designed to retain beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

Each Black Berkey® Element is rated for approximately 3,000 gallons of filtration. With two elements installed, the Travel Berkey® can filter approximately 6,000 gallons before replacement is recommended.

Optional PF-2™ Fluoride & Arsenic Reduction Filters can be added to the lower chamber for enhanced fluoride and arsenic reduction. The Travel Berkey® can use up to 2 PF-2™ filters.

Flow Rate & Capacity

• Capacity: 1.5 gallons / 5.7 liters
• Maximum Black Berkey® Elements: 2
• Maximum PF-2™ Filters: 2
• Maximum Flow Rate: Up to 2.75 gallons per hour
• Recommended Use: 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® Water Filter System includes:

• Upper and lower stainless steel chambers
• 2 Black Berkey® Elements
• Stainless steel lid
• Standard spigot
• 2 wingnuts
• 2 washers
• 1 priming button
• Rubber base gasket

No plumbing. No electricity. No complicated installation.

Built for Small Spaces, Travel, and Everyday Living

The Travel Berkey® is ideal for:

• Small kitchens with limited counter space
• Apartments and tiny homes
• RV and van life
• Cabins and vacation homes
• Travel and compact storage needs

At approximately 6.13 lbs empty, it is lightweight enough to move easily while still offering the durability of polished stainless steel construction.

Why Choose the Travel Berkey® System?

Compact

The smallest stainless steel Berkey® system is easy to place, store, and transport.

Gravity-Fed

No electricity, water pressure, or plumbing connection is required.

Durable

Made from polished AISI 304 stainless steel for long-term everyday use.

Efficient

Produces up to 2.75 gallons of filtered water per hour with two Black Berkey® Elements installed.

Economical

Long filter life helps keep the ongoing cost per gallon low compared with bottled water and short-life cartridge systems.

Portable

The nested design makes it convenient for travel, RV use, cabins, and smaller living spaces.

Maintenance & Filter Replacement

Black Berkey® Elements are re-cleanable. If the flow rate slows, remove the elements and gently scrub the exterior with a Scotch-Brite® pad under cool running water to help restore flow.

Replacement is recommended after approximately 6,000 gallons total with two elements installed. Actual lifespan depends on water quality and usage habits.

If cleaning no longer restores the flow rate effectively, it may be time to replace the elements.

When replacement filters are needed, visit our Replacement Filters Guide to find compatible Berkey® filter elements and accessories.

Red Food Coloring Test

The Red Food Coloring Test is a simple method for checking whether Black Berkey® Elements are properly installed and functioning. 

1. Remove any PF-2™ filters if installed.
2. Fill the upper chamber with water.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of red food coloring per gallon of water.
4. Allow the water to filter through the system.
5. If the filtered water remains clear, the elements are functioning properly.

If the filtered water shows a pink or red tint, the elements may need to be inspected, reinstalled, or replaced.

Note: Only appropriate red food coloring should be used for this test. Some alternative dyes may pass through even properly functioning filters.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1.5 gallons / 5.7 liters
• Diameter: 7.5 inches
• Height in Use: Approximately 18–19 inches including lid and knob
• Height Nested for Transport: Approximately 12 inches
• Weight: Approximately 6.13 lbs empty
• Construction: AISI 304 stainless steel
• Maximum Black Berkey® Elements: 2
• Optional PF-2™ Filters: Up to 2
• Maximum Flow Rate: Up to 2.75 gallons per hour

Other Available Sizes

• Travel Berkey® – 1.5 Gallons
• Big Berkey® – 2.25 Gallons
• Royal Berkey® – 3.25 Gallons
• Imperial Berkey® – 4.5 Gallons
• Crown Berkey® – 6 Gallons

The Travel Berkey® may be the smallest stainless steel Berkey® system, but it delivers the dependable gravity-fed filtration performance for which Berkey® systems are known. Whether used at home, in an RV, or while traveling, it offers a compact and durable way to enjoy filtered drinking water without electricity or plumbing. 

*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.

Looking to customize your system? Explore our Berkey Accessories, including sight-glass spigots, stands, sleeves, and replacement parts.