Best Backpacking Water Filters

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 8, 2024
Going hiking or camping? Seem to have gathered all the necessary stuff? What about water though? Do you really have enough? With ...Read more
PROS

With an EasyFill™ bottle adapter, you can pour filtered water right into your bottle or any other container regardless of the width of its neck without wasting a single drop.

CONS

The cartridge doesn't last for very long. 

OUR VERDICT

This backpacking filter is the best option for small groups of travelers. It filters up to 1 qt of water in less than 48 strokes. That means you won't need a lot of time to filter large volumes of water.

detailed parameters
Best For

1-3 individuals

Performance

Up to 1 Qt/min

Cartridge

AntiClog™ carbon filter (source - up to 200 gallons), Small pre-filter on the in-hose

Extras

Easy Fill™ bottle adaptor and carry bag included

Dimensions

3 x 2.4 x 6.5 inches 

11 oz

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The package includes a 16-oz pouch which can be fixed onto a filter, a drinking straw that is suitable for all types of containers, and a cleaning plunger. No need to spend money on extra accessories.

CONS

The filter requires regular cleaning with a special plunger.

OUR VERDICT

The model from Sawyer can provide 0.1-micron absolute filtration, removing up to 99.9999 % of all bacteria and protozoa. Such results are achieved with the unique ‘U’ shaped hollow fiber microtubes.

detailed parameters
Best For

1 individual

Performance

Up to 0.5 Qt/min

Cartridge

Hollow fiber filter (source - up to 100000 gallons)

Extras

16-ounce pouch, Drinking straw, Cleaning plunger included

Dimensions

1.5 x 1.5 x 5.25 inches

2 oz

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The protective cap ensures cleanliness of the neck. A neck strap makes this filter more convenient in terms of transportation since you'll be able to access it much faster. 

CONS

Needs a fair bit of suction to make the water flow.

OUR VERDICT

LifeStraw™ is a lifesaver for many people who suffer from droughts and disasters all over the world. It is a must for every hiking emergency kit as, with its help, one can always get clean drinking water.

detailed parameters
Best For

1 individuals

Performance

Up to 0.5 Qt/min

Cartridge

Hollow fiber filter (source - up to 1000 gallons)

Extras

Protective cap, Neck strap

Dimensions

1 x 1 x 9 inches

2 oz

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

Internal Ultra Filter doesn't just filter the water but disinfects it, removing up to 99.9% of viruses, staph, and bacteria. The product has been independently tested at Intertek Labs in the USA.

CONS

In/out hoses snap off easily, so you ought to be extra careful with them.

OUR VERDICT

Survivor Filter PRO features triple filtration technology which provides you with clean and disinfected water. The fact that it complies with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards proves the model's efficiency.

detailed parameters
Best For

1-3 individual

Performance

Up to 0.5 Qt/min

Cartridge

Triple filtration technology: Carbon filter (source - up to 528 gallons), Internal ultra filter, Ultra filter pre-filter

Extras

Detachable drinking cup, Carry bag included

Dimensions

3.2 x 2 x 6.5 inches

8 oz

Warranty

Limited lifetime

PROS

AirSpring Accumulator™ allows for easy water intake from any water source. Filter's performance can reach up to 1 Qt/minute and higher if used correctly.

CONS

The filter may prove to be a tad too heavy for long hikes. 

OUR VERDICT

Marathon™ EX carbon/ceramic filter removes unpleasant odor and taste from the water that is caused by chlorine, iodine, and pesticides. It is the best backpacking water filter for people with high odor sensitivity.

detailed parameters
Best For

1-3 individual

Performance

Up to 1 Qt/min

Cartridge

Marathon™ EX carbon/ceramic filter (source - up to 528 gallons), pre-filter on the in-hose

Extras

AirSpring Accumulator™, Bottle adapter and carry bag included

Dimensions

3 x 2.75 x 7.5 inches

16 oz

Warranty

Limited lifetime

Hydration Packs Backpacking Water Filters

Clear Water Source in Your Backpack

This durable Katadyn Hiker 11-ounce water microfilter is a pretty great water purifier that is suitable for both experienced and beginning campers. It can be used not only individually but by a small group of people as well. With this ultralight backpacking water filter at your disposal, you will be able to convert stream or river water into clean drinking water free from their specific odor or taste.

The easy and quick pump action for filling the filter in will not require a lot of effort on your part. The 0.2-micron glass fiber filter media provides a particularly high output. It is capable of clearing up to 1 qt of water in less than 48 strokes. Activated carbon in the core of the filter improves the taste and reduces chemicals in your drinking water. The filter connects directly to your hydration pack with 1/4” drink tubes and water bottles. With an EasyFill™ bottle adapter, you will be able to pour filtered water right into your bottle or any other container regardless of the width of its neck without wasting a single drop. Plus, the filter is compatible with hydration bladders. You can also find a prefilter and an enclosed deluxe carry bag.

All in all, it is all of the above that makes this model such a great option and the simple and clear design of the filter that removes the need for constant backflushing or tricky maintenance manipulations, thus allowing you to save some time.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07BRLX6QD

Ulralight Personal Water Purifier

This Mini Water Filter is not only lightweight, compact, and easy to use but also very efficient and productive. Weighing just 2 ounces, it is able to purify up to 100,000 gallons of water. It is a perfect personal filtration system for all types of outdoor recreation activities, including camping, hiking, climbing, various types of traveling adventures, and emergency situations that do not always entail access to clean water. You never know what is waiting for you around the corner even if you stay in a familiar environment.

Having this Sawyer Mini filter beside you means you will always be on the safe side regardless of your current whereabouts. It was tested up to 10 million parts of bacteria and one million parts of protozoa. The results showed that this filter can handle 99.99999% of all bacteria and protozoa thanks to the 0.1-micron absolute hollow fiber membrane. Furthermore, you will be pleasantly surprised not only by the quality of the filtered water but also by the sheer convenience of this model. That convenience mostly stems from the several ways of applying your filter: you can attach the filter to a drinking pouch, standard disposable water bottles, hydration packs, or use the straw to drink right from any sweet water lake, river, or stream.

All of the listed accessories, as well as a couple of plungers, make this product one of the more complete options on the market. 

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $19.97
Stock In stock
ASIN B00FA2RLX2

Good Things Come in Small Packages

Make your hiking trips more comfortable and enjoyable by getting rid of gallons of water from your back and hips. With a tiny LifeStraw personal hiking water filter that weighs only 2 ounces and can be easily attached to your backpack without taking a ton of room inside it, you will be able to produce up to 1,000 gallons of clear fresh water (more than an average person drinks in a year) free of bad taste, odor, and bacteria.

The microfiltration hollow fiber membrane of the filter removes 99.999999% of waterborne bacteria (including E. coli and salmonella) and 99.999% of waterborne parasites (including giardia and cryptosporidium) which is confirmed by laboratory testing in accordance with the US EPA standards. Moreover, it is able to remove the smallest microplastics found in the environment (down to 1 micron) and reduce turbidity (down to 0.2 microns). Other than high performance and light weight, the filter offers a few small but very useful features like a protective cap that ensures cleanliness of a neck and a neck strap that makes this model a bit more convenient in terms of transportation.

All of that makes this product a trustworthy and useful item not only for hikers and other types of adventurers but also for home use if you'd like to have extra filtration or aren't happy with the quality of your tap water.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $17.37
Stock In stock
ASIN B006QF3TW4

No Heavy Metals in Your Water

Heavy industry and overpopulated cities do not make our environment cleaner in general and water sources in particular. That is why every one of us should be more concerned about the water we consume at home or while being hundreds of miles away on a camping trip or a hiking tour.

Fortunately, with Survivor Filter Pro, you will be able to transform raw water from rivers and springs into high-quality clean drinking water or improve the taste and other parameters of your tap water. The filter applies triple filtration technology up to 0.01 micron in order to remove up to 99.999% of viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It also removes heavy metals like mercury (99.5%) and lead (93%), making it as good or even better as most stationary filters. Such performance is possible thanks to the dual hollow fiber membrane and carbon filtration.

One more plus of this filter is how easy it is to use directly from any water source by pumping it into an attached cup or any portable hydration pack. Due to the fast flow rate (17 oz per minute), this filter can treat large volumes of water, enough for a whole family. Finally, if you decide to buy Survivor Filter, you will also receive all internal filters and tubing, a detachable drinking cup, travel bag, detailed instructions, and a comprehensive manual. A package like that makes this filter a pretty good option for inexperienced hikers or those who would like to use this model as a stationary filtration system at home.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $65.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00QFXGSIY

Quick but Careful Filtration

MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter Water Filter guarantees reliable water filtration for camping or hiking, backcountry adventures, different kinds of traveling trips, and emergency situations. The replaceable Marathon EX ceramic element removes bacteria (o/w E. coli. shigella, salmonella, cholera), protozoa (o/w giardia, cryptosporidium, amoebae). Its carbon core eliminates unpleasant tastes and odors caused by organic compounds such as iodine, chlorine, and pesticides. Thanks to its advanced AirSpring Accumulator™, the microfilter is capable of pumping 1 Qt/minute, a flow rate that is easily maintained due to gravity, meaning that no extra tools are required.

The MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter removes 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa. These rates will stay consistent throughout the entire lifespan (528 gallons of water) of its replaceable filter. This filtration system is compatible with a wide range of water containers, just screw the bottom of the container onto a threaded lid. The direct water pumping into a hydration reservoir drinking tube is also possible. A storage bag comes with the package. The system weighs 16 ounces, so it isn't necessarily the lightest option compared to other portable filtration systems available on the market. But it is one of the better filters for people with high odor sensitivity. 

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $99.95
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B000BBF2RY

What Is a Backpacking Water Filter?

A backpacking water filter is a great tool for people who enjoy an active lifestyle that involves hiking or camping. If you are one of them and you like discovering new and sometimes remote locations where, unfortunately, the quality of tap water isn't always up to par or isn't available at all, these hiking and camping water filters are made for you. They weigh almost nothing but can substitute heavy water tanks that travelers have to take with them. Some filters use triple filtration technology that removes 99.99% of bacteria and protozoa, unpleasant odor or taste. Depending on a model, it can feature a drinking straw, cleaning plunger, bottle adapter, protective cap, neck strap, and a carry bag, just about everything to make water intake and treatment processes easy and efficient and provide with comfortable drinking conditions on the go. Their cartridges usually contain carbon filters or hollow fiber filters which are able to purify from 200 to 100000 gallons of raw water. There are some individual models out there and models for small groups of up to 3 people. They are very compact and won’t take much space in your backpacks.

There are a lot of things that could prove to be useful on a hike. For instance, you could get yourself a new sleeping bag and enjoy a night of comfortable sleep under the stars. Or buy a camping cot so you could get some rest after spending hours on your feet.

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