What are the best backpacking water filters and purifiers treatment systems used by backpackers? That really depends on your preferences, the quality of the water you need to filter or purify, and the number of people you need to treat water for.
You don’t need much to have a successful backpacking trip. Yes, you’ll need some gear (like a tent, a sleeping bag, and a pack), but most of all, you’ll need a way to get clean and safe water while on the trail.
When you are thru-hiking, you just can’t’ stop at a nearby water fountain and grab something to drink. You may find water sources along the trail, but almost none are clean enough to drink without treating them first. Having some form of water treatment and knowing how to use it is essential when hiking or climbing.
Not only can untreated water taste foul, but it also can be loaded with waterborne pathogens that’ll make you so sick you’ll have to pause your hike or even stop it completely. So to be safe, you will need filters and purifiers to clean your drinking water.
Filters also come in various different styles such as straw-style, pump filters, gravity filters, and UV or tablet treatments. Remember that they all make water safe to drink but differ slightly in size, durability, and price.
While we explain more in-depth about how actually water filters work and how to choose below, here are a few things that will help you through this guide. There are many different methods of filtering (or treating) water. The most common methods that are used are through a cartridge or tube, with either activated carbon, UV light, or chemicals.
Our top picks below include everything from ultra light straw filters and chemical drops to pumps and large-quantity gravity filters. For more background information, see our best backpacking water filters and purifiers comparison table and buying advice below.
Top Backpacking Water Filters Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Water Purifier with 3L Gravity-Fed Bag |
Portable Water Purifier with 3L Gravity-Fed Bag
|
SimPure Gravity Water Filter Straw |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Portable Camping Filtration System |
Portable Camping Filtration System
|
Waterdrop Water Filter Straw |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Hiking, and Emergency. 3 Stages |
Hiking, and Emergency. 3 Stages
|
Survivor Filter PRO – Virus and Heavy Metal Tested |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Water Filtration System |
Water Filtration System
|
Sawyer Products Squeeze |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Hiking with 3-Stage Filter Pump |
Hiking with 3-Stage Filter Pump
|
joypur Portable Outdoor Water Purifier Camping |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Hiking Camping Travel Emergency |
Hiking Camping Travel Emergency
|
SurviMate Portable Water Filter Pump |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Precision Water Purification Survival Gear for Hiking |
Precision Water Purification Survival Gear for Hiking
|
FS-TFC Portable Water Filter 0.0001 Micron Super |
|
Check On Amazon |
| 3 Stage 1 Gallon Gravity-Fed Water Purification |
3 Stage 1 Gallon Gravity-Fed Water Purification
|
WakiWaki Gravity Water Filter Straw |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Water Purifier Survival Gear for Hiking, Camping |
Water Purifier Survival Gear for Hiking, Camping
|
FS-TFC Personal Water Filter Straw Mini |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Gravity Water Filter System |
Gravity Water Filter System
|
MSR Trail Base Personal Pump |
|
Check On Amazon |
Best Backpacking Water Filters & Purifiers
1. SimPure Gravity Water Filter Straw – Portable Water Purifier with 3L Gravity-Fed Bag
SimPure Gravity Water Filter Straw Key Features
- SimPure water filter straw made up 0.1 micron hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane, 5 micron coconut shell GAC filter and 0.2 micron PP fiber filter, advanced filtration system to remove 99.99% heavy metal, chlorine, odors, organic harmful minerals etc, and make the water taste better.
- Our straw filter build out of strong food grade plastics, manufactured with FDA Certificated, BPA-Free ABS, very safe, with 3L BPA free large capacity TPU water storage bag can provide you with enough reliable source of pure drinking water at anytime and anywhere. Especially in an emergency.
- Our straw filter up to 5000 liters (1320gallons) of water purification, you can use it for a long time. Gravity-Fed portable water purifier, convenient carry handle, easy to use, just hang from the tree or other support to get pure water.Water filter lifespan can be extended by clean water backwashing.
- Come with an expansion interface for connection to a variety of beverage bottles for different people use and with an added extension tube which allows drinking rivers, ponds, streams or any water source directly. A a water stop valve to achieve ready-to-use water production, very convenient to use
2. Waterdrop Water Filter Straw – Portable Camping Filtration System
Waterdrop Water Filter Straw Key Features
- Premium materials: Effectively Removes 99% of harmful substances. The adoption of high-grade coconut shell activated carbon fiber improves odor and taste, ensures the water safety and delivers better drinking experience.
- Versatile uses: Use with water bags or connect to water bottles to filtrate water for drinking. Both ends of it can be disassembled and connected with water bags and water bottles to offer you clean drinking water anywhere, anytime.
- Outdoor water needs: Fulfill all your outdoor water demands: hiking, camping, domestic and international travel, emergency preparedness (tornadoes, rainstorms, earthquakes, floods, etc.) to meet the emergency water demand in a variety of situations.
- Innovative super-wash design: No need for the extra syringe to backwash. It eliminates cumbersome fittings and saves space, brings you pure water with the greatest convenience and comfort.
3. Survivor Filter PRO – Virus and Heavy Metal Tested – Hiking, and Emergency. 3 Stages
Survivor Filter PRO - Virus and Heavy Metal Tested Key Features
- Tested at Multiple USA labs to show Log 5 Removal 99.999% of Protozoa (Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Parasites) Log 5 Removal 99.999% of tested VIRUS (Phi X-174), STAPH and BACTERIA. 99.5% Mercury and 93% Lead Removal which Matches or Exceeds Most Home Systems. Just Ask us for Copies of our Tests!
- thanks to Dual Hollow Fiber Membrane (Ultra Filters) and Carbon Filtration - 20 times more efficient than the competition at 0.2 microns and none of the Competition Comes Close with Our Heavy Metal Removal. PLUS - SURVIVOR FILTER SATISFACTION GUARANTEE and LIFETIME WARRANTY: if you don't love your Survivor Filter PRO, simply return it and we will refund 100% of your purchase.
- can be used directly from fresh water source, pumped into attached cup, OR pumped into any portable hydration pack. Perfect for filtering large jugs of water for the whole family!
4. Sawyer Products Squeeze – Water Filtration System
Sawyer Products Squeeze Water Key Features
- Lightweight, easy to use portable water filter removes harmful bacteria, protozoa, cysts, sediment, and 100% of microplastics; Perfect for outdoor adventures, travel, or emergency preparedness
- High-performance 0.1 Micron absolute inline filter fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just 2 ounces; 100% of Micro Squeeze units individually tested three times to performance standards by Sawyer
- Built-in and removable flip top sports cap; spray water straight into mouth or bottle from included pouch; also fits standard water bottles with 28 mm threads
- Includes two reusable 32-oz, BPA-free collapsible pouches that roll up tightly for easy packing, drinking straw, one set of Sawyer Inline Hydration Pack Adapters for filter, and mesh storage bag
- Backed by manufacturer's lifetime limited (independent testing laboratory Hydration, LLC.; Microbiological Report S05-03)
5. joypur Portable Outdoor Water Purifier Camping – Hiking with 3-Stage Filter Pump
joypur Portable Outdoor Water Purifier Camping Key Features
- Advanced 3-level Filter : 0.01 Micron Ultrafiltration Membrane Camping Water Filter could help you effectively filter water (The diameter is one ten thousandth of the hair), anything larger than 0.01 microns in diameter cannot pass, Carbon filter helps remove the odor and improve the taste
- Camping Water Purifier : Outdoor water filter for hiking camping backpacking suitable for most outdoor water sources, can effectively turn lakes, rivers, spring, streams into drinking water and is perfect for outdoor hiking, camping, hunting, fishing and emergency preparedness
- Replaceable Water Filter : Medical Grade Hollow Fiber UF Membrane and High Quality Carbon filter are replaceable, emergency water filter pump can be used for up to 3,000 Liters (793 Gallons) before it needs to be replaced ( Available for sale separately)
- Personal Portable Filter Pump : Outdoor water purifier weighs 8.9oz.(254g) and its dimensions is 3.15 X 1.97 X 6.69 inch, which easily fits in your knapsack and allows you to take it anywhere with sustained water supply, hiking water filter pump provides a super fast flow rate of 1400 ml (49.4 Oz) per minute
- Lifetime Warranty and Trustworthy : Buying a pump is equivalent to buying 6,000 bottles of plain pure water, We offer LIFETIME warranty and a free return service for all our customers. Please contact us with any questions
6. SurviMate Portable Water Filter Pump – Hiking Camping Travel Emergency
SurviMate Portable Water Filter Pump Key Features
- Three-stage filtration system is up to 20 times more efficient than leading competitors, filtering to an amazing 0.01 microns.
- Super-fast flow rate up to 1400 ml (47.8Oz) per minute. The replaceable carbon filter can be used for up to 3,000 Liters (793 Gallons) before it needs replacement.
- he pump water filter can be used directly from fresh water source, pumped clean and safe water into attached cup, OR pumped into any other thermos, water bottles or portable cups.
- Special anti-skid rubber on sides and bottom of pump helps maintain a firm and sturdy surface while pump is in use, as well as increasing durability .
- This water filter pump will turn rainwater, lake and river water into clean and potable water quickly. Perfect for hiking, camping, backpacking and international travelers in need of clean drinking water.
7. FS-TFC Portable Water Filter 0.0001 Micron Super – Precision Water Purification Survival Gear for Hiking
FS-TFC Portable Water Filter 0.0001 Micron Super Key Features
- Sand Filter Head /Cleanable 100,000L UF Prefiltration/ TDS Remove RO Membranes ,Provide Medical Grade Filtration, remove larger then 0.0001um, such as organics,metal ion, cancer-organic substance, and other soluble salt in water.99.999% Removal which Matches or Exceeds Most Home Systems.
- TRIPLE FILTRATION TO 0.0001 MICRONS,Remove Rate up to 99.999%，Including virus,bacteria, parasites,fluoride,arsenic, chlorine, lead, Most of heavy metals, taste and chemicals.LOW PRESSURE Hollow Fiber Membrane (Ultra Filters) and REVERSE OSMOSIS Filtration - Its the Most efficently Outdoor water Filter for salt water and TDS reduce . Details Show in Experiment video and Photos.
- Waste Ratio is 1:1-Adjust by valve ) : Can be used directly from fresh water source, pumped into Empty water bottle, OR pumped into any portable hydration pack. Perfect for backpacking gear for outdoor activities , hiking, camping, scouting, backcountry travel and emergency preparedness.
- Ergonomic design handle for less push effort,SUS 304 Stainless steel More Reliable &Never Broken.Water inlet and outlet Have Non-Slip Undercut,Support For Normal Usage and Back wash. FOOD GRADE MATERIALS: Main Body ABS Material,Polysulfone Medical Grade Ultra Filter,BPA Free, Comes with internal RO filters,Water pouch and Silicone tubing, Travel Bag, Manual Book.
- FS-TFC Filter cover all manufacturing and other defects with our Lifetime Warranty. If you ever run into any problems with any of our products simply contact us and we will work to make it right.If you don't love your FS-TFC Filter,simply return it and we will refund 100% of your purchase.
8. WakiWaki Gravity Water Filter Straw – 3 Stage 1 Gallon Gravity-Fed Water Purification
WakiWaki Gravity Water Filter Straw Key Features
- This camping water filter survival with 0.1-micron pore size, removes 99.9999% dust, sediments, and other harmful material, removes 99.99999% of micro-plastic. Activated carbon reduces bad taste & odor, chlorine. And the PP cotton Intercept particles and terminal protection. Safe and effective hiking gear camping supplies can get clean safe drinking water immediately
- This portable backpacking water filters with 3L extra-large capacity TPU water storage bag can filter up to 5,000 liters/1321 gallons, produces a flow-rate of 27 liters/7 gallons of purified water per hour. Clean drinking water for a family of four for 3.5 years by using this water purifier survival camping stuff
- 3 in 1 hiking water filter straw, filter added a 29.5-inch extension tube that allows drinking rivers, ponds, streams, or any water source directly. The filter connects with an expansion interface for connection to a variety of beverage bottles. Also, filter connects with gravity water bag is ideal for group and family. Great for use as camping essentials, backcountry treks, backpacking gear, emergency preparedness, and disaster kits
- Convenient carry handle, simple to use this water filtration system camping and maintain at any time, anywhere, and weighs just 2.8 ounces. Just hang from the tree or other support to get pure water. A shut-off clamp to achieve ready-to-use water production. Our water bag build-out of strong food-grade plastics, manufactured with FDA Certificated, BPA-Free ABS, very safe
9. FS-TFC Personal Water Filter Straw Mini – Water Purifier Survival Gear for Hiking, Camping
FS-TFC Personal Water Filter Straw Mini Water Purifier Key Features
- Great piece of light weight backpacking gear for outdoor activities , hiking, camping, scouting, backcountry travel and emergency preparedness.
- Triple filtration -Combination of Sediment Prefilter ,0.1 Micron membrane filter straw ,Activated carbon Fiber;Remove all visible solid sediments,reduce 99.99999% of harmful substances, and improve the odor, ensuring the safest water in the worst environments.
- 4000L(1,000gallons) Capacity guarateed,FS-TFC water filter straw has been lab tested By SGS international and material match EPA, FDA,WHO standards Food grade standard.
- Complete kit:Faucet mounted compatible water purifier straw;Universal PET bottlle Adapter;16ounce BPA free reuseable Pouch;Food grade silicone Pipe 2.0ft(60cm)
- Free chemicals, iodine, batteries. Bottled or municipal water can be used for Direct and Back flushing. Suitable for water sources in lakes and streams. The basic disaster tool in the survival bag.FS-TFC FILTER LIFETIME WARRANTY: FS-TFC Filter cover all manufacturing and other defects with our Lifetime Warranty. If you ever run into any problems with any of our products simply contact us.
10. MSR Trail Base Personal Pump – Gravity Water Filter System
MSR Trail Base Personal Pump key Features
- Microfilter water filter kit can be used as a gravity system at camp, a pocket-sized filter on the trail, or a water reservoir
- Hollow fiber water filter removes Bacteria (99.9999%), protozoa (99.9%) and particulate
- Filters 1 liters per minute, and Trail filter can be used on the trail or quick-connects to create the complete gravity-fed filter system
- Meets U.S. EPA drinking water standards and NSF protocol P231 testing standard
- Measures 15 x 8.5 x 2.5 inches and weighs 1 pound 3 ounces; made in the USA
Difference between Purification and Filtration
Filtering and purifying water are used interchangeably, but the two processes are very different. Filtration is used to remove bacteria and protozoa from water, while purification removes everything, including viruses. Knowing the difference between the two is critical so you can purchase the correct product and avoid contracting a waterborne illness.
Filtration is used to remove bacteria and protozoa from water. As you filter your water, those pathogens get caught in the tiny filter membranes. As we’ll explain below, bacteria and protozoan are not life-threatening but are damaging enough to keep you off the trail for a few days, or even a few weeks.
Purification goes one step further than filtration by removing viruses as well as bacteria and protozoa from water. Purification is a bit more complicated than filtration as it is usually a longer process. However, treating water for viruses in areas with poor sanitation can save you from contracting serious diseases like meningitis, polio or hepatitis A or E.
But thanks to new technology that some pump filters does both, filters and purifies the water.
Types of Backpacking Water filters and Purifiers
Pump filters: With these filters, you manually have to pump water from a water source through a filter typically made of hollow fibres or ceramic. These tend to be heavier and bulkier than other options, but for many backpackers, the ease of use and reliability makes up for the weight penalty.
Gravity filters: These works similar to pump filters, except that gravity does all the work which means you don’t have to manually pump water. Gravity filters usually takes a bit time than pump filters, but they involve much less work and are great for large quantities of water.
Individual filters: Designed to fit onto a water bottle or to drink directly from a water source, these small filters are compact, simple, and perfect for getting clean water on-the-go. They don’t have a very high capacity to store water. You either have to squeeze or suck water through them directly into your mouth or another water bottle.
Chemical purifiers: Using iodine or chlorine dioxide, chemical purifiers involve adding a small amount of chemicals to your water. Eventually, these chemicals will kill anything in the water, while remaining safe for you to drink. Although they are very light weighted and compact, chemical purifiers take a long time to work (at least 15 minutes for 1 litre, and longer to kill off everything). They can also leave an unpleasant chemical taste in water. For most of the backpackers, this is a backup or last resort method of water treatment.
UV light purifiers: Relatively in the new water treatment world, these gadgets use UV light to disrupt the replication of bacteria and viruses, rendering them harmless. They are fairly quick and easy to use for small quantities of water, but they have the drawback of relying on batteries and finicky electronics.
Buyers guide to choose Best Backpacking Water Filters and Purifiers
Ease of Set-Up & Use: We assembled and disassembled each pump multiple times, both in the field and at home. We considered, how quickly we could get it set up, how intuitive it was to use, and the difficulty and frequency of maintenance required.
Flow Rate Test: We wanted to know how quickly each pump could filter water, so we timed how long it took to filter one litre of water. We did not include the Life Straw in this test because there’s no way to filter water into another container with it.
Field Testing: We used these water filters and purifiers in the field on our trips for a summer, testing them in a variety of conditions from muddy ponds to clear alpine streams.
Prep Time: Not every purification method delivers potable water in an instant. Some filters require assembly or priming before they can produce clean water, while chemical processes require time to neutralize pathogens. Make sure you know how long your method takes and plan appropriately.
Taste and Odours: Some filtration and purification methods can remove tastes and smells, but most do not. In fact, some chemical purification methods, like iodine, add an unpleasant taste to the water. If you don’t like the taste of your water, you can always add a drink mix packet to cover it up. Note most natural stream and spring water tastes phenomenal though! It’s oftentimes those stagnant and dirty water sources that can have a strange taste.
