Disclosure: I received this Berkey Travel Water Filter for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
When you live tiny, every product you bring into your space has to earn its keep. I recently took the Berkey Travel Water Filter on a trip to North Carolina's Outer Banks to see if it deserved a permanent spot in my compact kitchen—or if it was just taking up valuable counter real estate.
First Impressions
The Travel Berkey holds 1.5 gallons and stands 18 inches tall when assembled, with a 7.5-inch diameter. For tiny house dwellers, that footprint matters. It's not huge, but it's definitely a presence on the counter. The upper chamber nests inside the lower for transport and collapses to just 12 inches, which is clutch for storage or travel.
The stainless steel construction feels solid and looks surprisingly sleek—almost like intentional decor rather than just another appliance competing for space.
The Real Test: Outer Banks Water
If you've spent time on the Outer Banks, you know the water situation. The tap water there has a distinctive taste that makes you reach for bottled water without thinking twice. This is where the Berkey had to prove itself.
I'm happy to report it passed with flying colors. The difference was immediately noticeable—what came out of the Berkey tasted clean and fresh, completely different from what went in. No chemical taste, no weird aftertaste, just good water. For a week-long beach trip, having drinkable tap water meant we didn't have to make constant bottle-water runs or feel guilty about the plastic waste.
How It Works
The Travel Berkey is a gravity-fed system that requires no electricity or plumbing—you literally just pour water into the top chamber and wait. With two Black Berkey filters installed, it produces up to 2.75 gallons per hour when the upper chamber is full, though the flow slows as the water level drops.
In practice, I'd fill it in the morning and have plenty of filtered water throughout the day. The system is rated for 1-3 people for everyday use, which felt about right.
Setup was straightforward—the filters need to be primed first (there's a simple kit included), and then you just assemble the chambers. No tools required, no complicated instructions.
The Tiny House Angle
Here's where I see this really shining: if you're on tank water or connected to a municipal supply with questionable taste, the Berkey would be a game-changer. I'm fortunate to have good well water where I'm currently parked, so I don't need it for daily use. But I can easily imagine scenarios where this would be essential:
- Parked at an RV park with heavily chlorinated water
- Boondocking and filling from unknown water sources
- Urban tiny house lots where the water just doesn't taste great
- Emergency preparedness (hurricanes, power outages, etc.)
Each set of filters lasts for approximately 6,000 gallons, which means years of use for a small household. That's real value, especially compared to the ongoing cost of bottled water.
The Downsides
It's not perfect. That 18-inch height and 7.5-inch footprint is significant in a tiny kitchen. You need to be intentional about where you place it. Also, the system weighs about 6 pounds empty, and obviously more when full—not a huge deal, but worth noting if you're moving it around frequently.
You also need to stay on top of not overfilling the upper chamber, or you'll have overflow issues (ask me how I know).
Bottom Line
Would I recommend the Berkey Travel Water Filter for tiny house living? Absolutely—if you need it. If you're dealing with questionable water quality, whether from municipal sources or tank refills, this is money well spent. It would be perfect for van life, camper living, or any small space where water quality is a concern.
For me personally, with my current excellent well water? I don't need it day-to-day. But I'm keeping it for travel and emergency situations, and I'd reach for it in a heartbeat if my water situation changed.
Sometimes the best tiny house gear isn't what you use every day—it's what you're really glad to have when you need it.
