Your health is the most crucial part of having a successful camping trip. Clean drinking water is very important to be healthy and active. But we can’t drink water straight from natural sources when backpacking, because there can be various types of bacteria and parasites that can cause intense health issues and severe pain. That’s when the water filters come to rescue us. Choosing the best water filter can be a little tricky, but not to worry we have come up with some Best Backpacking Water Filters. Purifying dirty water is an essential hack that should be learned by every backpacker.
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
- Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle
- Platypus GravityWorks
- MSR Trail Shot
- Katadyn Micropur MP1
- MSR Guardian
- Katadyn Steripen Ultra
- Katadyn Hiker Microfilter
- Aquamira Water Treatment
- Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System
- LifeStraw Flex
The market is overloaded with a tremendous number of alternative products. But we carefully analyzed every product to present you with the best backpacking water filters which suit your need and budget. First of all, you should do your research and identify the conditions of the water sources of your campground or backpack trail, and of course, consider how much water you need in the backpacking or camping trip. Before choosing The Best Backpacking Water Filters remember to consider below features of the water filter or purifier,
- Price
- Type of the water filter
- Weight of the water filter
- Filter life
- Purification mechanism
We have listed down several go-to best backing water filters which are suitable for solo backpackers or groups. Keep on reading to find out the best options that you can go with.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
Sawyer squeeze easily won first place because it is super easy to use, lightweight, versatile and of course comes with reasonable pricing. Reusable 0.1 microns of this water filter produces clean water from natural water sources without using chemicals or power.
Sawyer has the quickest water flow rate compared to the others. We choose this water filter for almost every backpacking trip since it doesn’t give us a weird chemical taste. To use it you have to fill one of the pouches with dirty water and squeeze them into a water bottler or any other clean container. Some of the experience backpackers use to drink directly from the Sawyer Squeeze.
The only doubt we have for Sawyer Squeeze can be worn down with time so it has a durability issue and the water quantity is limited. If you could pair the Sawyer with a smart water bottle or a replacement squeeze bag. Sawyer squeeze comes as a mini version as well which is much handy when backpacking.
Product highlights:
- Price: $38.95
- Type: Inline filter can pair with a bottle
- Weight: 3 oz
- Filter Life: Lifetime
- Purification Mechanism: Hollow fiber filter
Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle
Katadyn BeFree This is one of our favorite bottle filters which is super lightweight and affordable with a great water flow rate. This water filter comes with a HydraPack bottle. Solo backpackers often choose this option because Katadyn BeFree is very user-friendly and easier to pack since it only requires minimal space. Trust us, you can pack the empty bottle in your pocket.
Katadyn BeFree can use as our ordinary sports water bottles which means it allows you to drink directly from the bottle while you are on the go. It is one of the fastest water filters in the market, which filters one liter of water within a minute or less.
Fill up your Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle from a natural water source and squeeze the bottle into the mouth. This bottle is very easy to refill because it comes with a wide opening and also the backpackers can get a good zip of water, unlike Sawyer.
Katadyn BeFree is designed as a squeezable water bottle (1L) and as well as a gravity filter, If you are traveling with a group we recommend the gravity filter that holds up to 3 liters at once.
Katadyn BeFree comes with a shorter lifespan which is limited only to 1000 liters. Another major concern we have is it is not much versatile and won’t fit with every water bottle.
Product highlights:
- Price: $44.84
- Type: Bottle filter
- Weight: 2.3 oz
- Filter Life: 1000 liters
- Purification Mechanism: Hollow fiber filter
Platypus GravityWorks
If you are planning to go on a group camping trip believe us this water filter is the best match for you. This has known as the most convenient water filter to use for group camping. You just have to fill the “dirty water” bag from natural water sources and hang that one above the clean water bag letting the gravity perform its task. Especially no squeeze or pumping required and minimal human effort. We use the clean water bag to store our clean water without packing another container with us.
You can fill up to 4 liters of dirty water once and Platypus Gravity Works will filter 1.75 liters per minute which is a speedy water flow rate. But the downside of this filter is since this has been designed for larger groups it comes with two 4 liter water bags, a filter, and a bundle of water tubes which requires a larger space to pack and is heavier than others. Solo backpackers won’t go with this option due to those reasons. But if you select this option you will always have 8 liters of water at your campsite.
Platypus Gravity Works filter physically removes not only dirt as particles, protozoa, and bacteria but also salmonella, cryptosporidium, and giardia. All of these conveniences come at a cost, Gravity Works falls under the expensive category of water filters and the filter lifetime is limited for the price.
Product highlights:
- Price: $104
- Type: Bottle filter
- Weight: 11.5 oz
- Filter Life: 1500 liters
- Purification Mechanism: Gravity filter
MSR Trail Shot
MSR Trail Shot is a lightweight, pocket-size water filter that could have the best work in shallow water sources this will purify 1 liter of dirty water within 60 seconds. We can say this is the best hand pump water filter in the market because of its very lightweight and ease of use. For your ultralight backpacking or hiking trips to biking trips, this water filter will be the best match. MSR Trail Shot is known as a microfilter that provides ultra-compact purification and allows us to drink directly or fill up our bottles from natural water sources such as streams and lakes or puddles on our trail.
Since MSR Trail Shot is a hand-pumping water filter which requires a little bit of additional human effort compared to the other water filters on the list. Hand pump purification will clean the water from bacteria, protozoa and another common contaminates. When it comes to cleaning the water filter you have to fill it up with clean water, shake it well a few times and dump the dirty water after that you can start filtering again.
This hand-pumping purification will be annoying and frustrating if you are planning for a group backpacking or camping trip which requires a large amount of water for the whole group.
Product highlights:
- Price: $54.95
- Type: Water purifier
- Weight: 5.2 oz
- Filter Life: 2000 liters
- Purification Mechanism: Pump filter
Katadyn Micropur MP1
Katadyn Micropur MP1 is an effective chemical water treatment that consists of chlorine dioxide. Experienced backpackers have various positive and negative arguments against this method. Anyway, Katadyn Micropur MP1 is the lightest option we have on this list, it only weighs around 1 oz for 30 tablets. Some of the strongest arguments against these pills are the change of the taste but we hardly noticed any change of smell or taste.
We stock these pills for an emergency when our main water filter or purification method malfunctions due to some reason. Since these tablets are single wrapped you don’t have to carry the entire packet. Pack a reasonable number of tablets and take 1 liter of dirty water into a container or a bottle and give it some time. Waiting time depends on the purification you need, wait 15 minutes for protection from viruses and bacteria, 30 minutes for Giardia, and four hours for Cryptosporidium.
The biggest drawback we have on this is even though we see it as clean water it still is unfiltered chemically treated water. Katadyn Micropur MP1 pills are comparatively expensive and you can’t take half a pill and add it to 500 milters of water to clean it. Trust us it doesn’t work that way.
Product highlights:
- Price: $13.95
- Type: Chlorine Dioxide Pills and drops
- Weight: 0.9 oz
- Filter Life: 1 liter per tablet
- Purification Mechanism: Chemical purifier
MSR Guardian
MSR Guardian is a hand-pumping water filter and by far the most expensive water filter we have on this list. Same as the price this water purifier has been designed to work in harsh situations. The main deal is MSR Guardian works as both a water filter and water purifier which is why this is known to give the highest level of protection against all kinds of contaminants such as protozoa, bacteria, and viruses, and the filter will remove debris. We recommend using this filter for the toughest trails which have terrible natural water sources.
Almost every water filter has to be cleaned by our selves but when it comes to MSR Guardian it cleans itself by using around 10 percent of water from each pumping cycle to clean the filter so it only needs a very minimum maintenance effort. The water flow rate is truly impressive and no change of taste or smell of the purified water.
We have some drawbacks against this filter which are expensiveness and weight. Even though this option looks costlier we think this could be a worthy investment which is more suitable for regular backpackers and families who often go camping. Weigh can be a real problem for backpackers when compared with other options in the market. But always remember if you have any doubts about the water sources of your trial and if your health is your biggest concern then the best option you have is MSR Guardian.
Product highlights:
- Price: $349.95
- Type: Water purifier/ water filter
- Weight: 17.3 oz
- Filter Life: 10,000 liters
- Purification Mechanism: Pump filter
Katadyn Steripen Ultra
The basic things we love about this Katadyn Steripen Ultra are its’ lightweight, convenience to use, and super speed. Among various kinds of gravity filters, pumps, and chemical drops and tablets of the market, this water purifier holds a special since it uses ultraviolet light to destroy and neutralize common bacteria, protozoa, and viruses.
You can pair this with a narrow-necked and small-mouth plastic bottle, all you have to do is insert the SteriPen into your water bottle push the button and stir it until the device indicates the water is purified by turning off the light, it only takes around 90 seconds to purify 1 liter of dirty water.
We love how this Steripen works but the critical part is the battery. This water purifier is powered by batteries and you may have to pack your portable charger or alternative power sources with you for continuous use. Generally, you can purify around 50 liters with a rechargeable battery.
On another note, we only use Steripen Ultra to purify clear water, we are not confident enough to use it on smudgy cloudy water. Steripen Ultra doesn’t indicate as waterproof yet if you drop that into the water container the battery will remain intact and dry.
Product highlights:
- Price: $119.95
- Type: Water purifier
- Weight: 4.8 oz
- Filter Life: 8000 liters
- Purification Mechanism: UV purifier
Katadyn Hiker Microfilter
Katadyn Hiker Microfilter is a lightweight pump-based filer, even though pump-based filers have several arguments we have experienced this filter to be more convenient and useful in backpacking trips. It is a versatile filter that is very easy to set up and comes with two different adapters one for water bottles and one for water bladders. Katadyn Hiker package includes 2 quick-connect hose-sets apart from the adaptor, all you have to do is place the one hose end in the water source, screw, and set the other end onto your Nalgene or to the water bottle and start pumping.
Generally, the Katadyn Hiker only takes one minute to purify 1 liter of dirty water and it filters down to 0.2 microns for bacteria, protozoa, microplastics, and chemicals. Activated carbon of the filter helps to reduce chemicals in water and improves taste. We have never witnessed a smell or taste change.
You may want to be careful when setting up and packing the water filer since it has a greater possibility for something to break easily. You can easily add this into your backpack and it does not require a larger space. One drawback we have on this filter is that it comes with a limited lifetime, after that you have to spend some additional cost.
Product highlights:
- Price: $69.95
- Type: Water filter
- Weight: 11 oz
- Filter Life: 750 liters
- Purification Mechanism: Pump filter
Aquamira Water Treatment
Aquamira Water Treatment is a light weighted, cheap water treatment that consists of liquid chlorine dioxide. This water treatment method can kill most of the common bacteria, viruses, and cysts, including cryptosporidium and giardia. It comes with two bottles, part A and part B.
To purify water all you have to do is mix equal parts (7 drops from each) of these two in the cap provided and give 5 minutes to activate the chemicals, add it to your dirty water container, and wait at least 15 minutes to work it out. These drops can be used for all kinds of water sources such as muddy, cloudy, clear warm, or cold. Without a doubt, this is one of the easiest water purification methods we have ever used and we hardly noticed a little change of taste but the smell was all good.
The biggest drawback of this water purification method is this is not a water filtering system therefore you will drink purified water but not filtered water so there might be some particles. We recommend being very careful when handling these chemicals if not your clothes will be ruined from the bleach.
Product highlights:
- Price: $14.95
- Type: Water purifier
- Weight: 3 oz
- Filter Life: 30 gallons per 1 oz. set
- Purification Mechanism: Chemical purifier
Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System
The newest addition to our favorite Platypus’ GravityWorks group is the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter is a light weighted affordable filter especially suitable for solo backpackers. Versatility is our favorite thing about QuickDraw, this filter can be attached to different size containers. You can pair this to a standard water bottle that has a general size opening and drink the filtered water directly from the bottle, or else you can filter the water into another container. Small and light weighed filter and the bag can be packed in a very small place therefore it is very handy when hiking and biking as well.
We prefer drinking directly from the filter since it is made out of branded taste-free, durable tri-layer film so there is no change of taste or smell. The flow rate of the QuickDraw is 3 liters per minute which is pretty impressive. Apart from that this filter is much easier to clean without using any additional tools, a good shake will be enough or a tool feel backflush will do the cleaning part and the Platypus bag is much more durable compared to the other filters in the same range.
However, QuickDraw does not work as an inline filter and comes with a limited 1000 liters filtering life.
Product highlights:
- Price: $44.95
- Type: Bottle filter
- Weight: 3.3 oz
- Filter Life: 10,000 liters
- Purification Mechanism: Hollow fiber filter
LifeStraw Flex
LifeStraw Flex is similar to other competitive products such as Sawyer Squeeze and Katadyn BeFree. LifeStraw is like the middle ground of the above two filters it contains its soft flask and filters water as you drink and this inline filter can pair with common water bottles with general size mouths. LifeStaw bottle comes with a wide opening and it is easy to fill the bottle up. We love this all-in-one versatility and convenience of use. We always love to keep LifeStaw as a backup plan when we are backpacking, if our main filtering method malfunctions, we turn into this water filter.
LifeStraw itself without the bottle is a very small and handy device that does a great job. It is truly simple to use as a straw but filters bacteria and protozoa and removes any upsetting taste. Many experienced choose this to drink straight from the natural water source. But we recommend doing your research and understanding the current conditions of those natural water sources on your chosen trail.
Eventually, with time you may have to replace the filter since it comes with limited 2000 liters filtering life.
Product highlights:
- Price: $34.95
- Type: Bottle filter
- Weight: 3.2 oz
- Filter Life: 2000 liters
- Purification Mechanism: Inline filter
Above are our picks of Best Backpacking Water Filters which we loved, reasonable, and practical. We truly hope this article gives you answers to this pressing concern because trust us we know how important and precious drinking water can be when you are backpacking on a tough trail.
Buyers Guide – How to Purchase Best Backpacking Water Filters
If you are a camper or a hiker you know how difficult it is to find a good water source, this is why water filters and purifiers are important. But you should consider several factors before you go ahead with this purchase. Basically, you should look at the conditions of water sources on your trail then only you could decide whether to use a water filter or purifier. We always love to keep a backup option because our priority should be our health.
Judge the Source
Choosing a clean water source is the first step you need to take. When you are planning your trip, do your research and find out the conditions of the water sources on your trail. There are some water sources that are clean but with bacteria, protozoa, and viruses and some of the water sources are cloudy and muddy. Then you can choose the correct filtration or purification method based on the information you have.
Water filtration uses different forces to pass the water through a filter and it will filter out most bacteria, cysts, and protozoa, but they aren’t effective against viruses. Filters are generally quicker and will work better for murky water sources.
Water purifications use chemicals or UV light to kill most bacteria and viruses. Purifiers don’t remove anything therefore, particles can be included even in purified water. We recommend using purifiers for international and unfamiliar water sources, where viruses are a bigger concern.
Flter Time or Flow Rate
Filter time indicates how quickly they can filter water. Different types of filters and purifiers have different flow rates, it measures against a certain amount of water vs how it takes to filter or purify that amount. Most of the gravity, pump or squeeze filters listed above got 1 to 4 liters per minute. Apart from that choose the correct flow rate for filter or purifier based on the size of your group.
Weight
This is a very important concern for backpackers or hikers. Most backpackers tend to choose lightweight purifiers or filters. Always remember to choose a filter that works best for you in the method wise and how much water you’ll need, but one that can also fit perfectly in your pack. Some of the filters in the above list will fit in a pocket of your pants which are ultralight. If you are choosing for a group, those filters weigh slightly more.
Price
This is an obvious reason. You have to be concerned about the price of the filter against its uses. Professional hikers tend to invest a good amount in the filters since they can be used over a longer period. The best thing you could do is comply with a list stating down pros and cons of a few water filters and analyze them against each other. Any filter will be an investment.
Filter Lifetime or Durability
A lifetime of a filter generally depends on the filtering mechanism. Usually, many filters come with a limited and guaranteed number of liters that can be filtered or purified. After filtering that number of liters you may need to replace the filter. Compare the price with the durability and choose one of the best backpacking water filters from the list.
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