Best Backpacking Water Filters

This post details the best backpacking water filters. Use this guide to decide which water filter works best for you.

Water filters are essential when spending time outside. Whether you are heading out on a 1 mile hike or a 100 mile hike, having safe access to water is key. Especially when backpacking, it is difficult to pack an adequate water supply that won’t weigh you down. Backpacking water filters protect you from ingesting harmful bacteria and parasites that can be present in natural water sources. Staying hydrated replenishes the water your body loses through sweat, and allows your body to function properly on a regular basis.

Finding Water

The first step to staying hydrated on a hike is finding a water source. There are multiple ways to locate water in the wilderness to refill your reservoirs. Water typically flows downhill, so moving downward will usually lead you to a water source. Listen: stay aware of your surroundings and you may hear running water in the wilderness. Precipitation can also be used as a water source. Collecting rainwater, or melting snow and ice in cold climates will also provide you with hydration.

Filter vs. Purifier

Water filters and water purifiers work to remove contamination from water. However, these two systems work differently to make water safe to drink.

Filtration: A water filter acts as a physical barrier that resists most solids, parasites, and bacterias from passing through it.

Purification: A water purifier works by killing any bacteria, parasites, or viruses present in natural water. This method does not remove solids.

Best Backpacking Water Filters

Best Overall

LifeStraw Go Series

Pros: The LifeStraw Go Series is a cost friendly option for quick hydration. This water bottle is easy to fill, and instantly filters and purifies water as you drink; up to 4000 liters, or 1000 gallons.

Cons: This bottle only holds 22 ounces at a time, which could be inconvenient on longer trips.

Best Straw

Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System

Pros: The Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System is a compact water filter option that filters up to 99.99% of impurities. This straw is sold with multiple attachments and can be used on any disposable water bottle top, at a convenient price.

Cons: This straw filters water more slowly than other options, and has a tendency to clog at times.

Best Gravity System

LifeStraw Flex System

Pros: The LifeStraw Flex Gravity System is a moderately priced option for a gravity filter. This holds 3.7 liters of water at a time, making this device perfect for overnight camping. This product filters up to a gallon of water in less than 10 minutes.

Cons: Packaging does not include a clean water container for filtered water to drain into, and has a slower filter speed than other options.

Best Compact

LifeStraw Personal Filter

Pros: The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is compact, and convenient up to 1,000 gallons. This straw can be used on its own to provide hydration in any situation. This device is cost effective and small enough to pack on any adventure.

Cons: This product does not come with any attachments, and must be used directly at the source or in conjunction with a water bottle.

Best High End

MSR Guardian Purifier

Pros: The MSR Guardian Purifier is a military grade option for water purification. This device produces the most pure water on the list from virtually any water source, at 2.5 liters per minute.

Cons: This product is the most expensive option on the list, and is heavier than other purifiers at 2.19 pounds.

Best Purifier

SteriPEN Ultra UV Purifier

Pros: The SteriPEN Ultra UV Purifier destroys over 99.9% of harmful bacteria and parasites from water using UV light. This device is compact and lasts for up to 50 treatments on a single charge.

Cons: This product does not filter any solids out of water, and relies on a USB charger, which can be inconvenient on longer adventures.

Best for Reservoir

CamelBak Reservoir Filter

Pros: The CamelBak Reservoir Filter attaches to any CamelBak reservoir to provide fresh, drinkable water virtually anywhere. This product filters up to 1,000 gallons of water and practically takes up no extra space or weight in your pack.

Cons: Must be used in conjunction with CamelBak products, and cannot be used without a reservoir.

This list of the best backpacking water filters provides you with various options for any adventure.

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