Whether you are a runner, cross trainer, hiker, backpacker, or simply a nature enthusiast, you know that water is the most difficult challenge on the trail. When it comes to water, you only have two choices. You can either carry it with you or find a source wherever you are. Filtration is the lightweight and convenient choice, but there are many different considerations when choosing the right backpacking water filter system for your needs.
Contents
- 1 Why You Need to Have Purified Water While Backpacking
- 2 Types of Backpacking Water Filters
- 3 Best Backpacking Water Filters
- 3.1 Platypus Gravityworks 4L
- 3.2 Katadyn Hiker Microfilter
- 3.3 Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
- 3.4 SteriPen Adventurer Opti
- 3.5 Katydyn Vario Water
- 3.6 Aquamira Water Treatment
- 3.7 Katadyn Micropur MP1 Tablets
- 3.8 LifesStraw Water Filter
- 3.9 MSR MiniWorks Ex Microfilter
- 3.10 Sawyer Mini Filter
- 3.11 Boston Fortis Personal Portable Water Filter
- 4 Final Word
Why You Need to Have Purified Water While Backpacking
Water is the most important resource and the most difficult to manage when taking a trip to the backcountry. In the past, you only had two choices when you needed to purify water outdoors. You had to carry it with you or take your chances drinking from a natural source. Both of these options are problematic, but now there are much better ones available.
Weight and Convenience
First off, weight is an issue. Water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon. At minimum you will need one or two gallons, depending on the length of your trip. When you combine this with the additional weight of your pack, you can see that this can become unwieldy quickly. If you are a runner, it may not be possible to carry enough water for your needs. In addition, if you use water from your tap, there is no guarantee that it will stay fresh if you plan on a long expedition.
Drinking From a Stream
If you decide to go the natural route and drink from a stream or other natural water source, you are taking your chances. Backcountry water may look clear, but it can still harbor dangerous viruses, bacteria, and parasites including nasties such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, norovirus, eColi, and Listeria. Contracting one of these is the best way to ruin a relaxing trip.
Boiling May Not Be an Option
You could always boil your water, but this means that you have to carry the equipment to do it and take the time to build a fire. This is not always feasible or desirable. In addition, there is no guarantee that the water is properly sanitized. This is especially true if there are animals near the water source. Boiling will not remove substances such as chemicals that are dumped upstream or urine.
Now, let’s examine some of the different types of filtration systems that are available to purify water outdoors.
Types of Backpacking Water Filters
Water filters and water purifiers are not the same. A water filter works by physically straining contaminants from the water. On the other hand, water purifiers use chemicals to combat viruses that are too tiny for most filters to catch. Many different types are now available to meet your needs.
Water Filters
Water filters work by passing the water through an internal filter or cartridge. One of the disadvantages is that over time matter builds up and clogs the pores of the filter. If this happens, it will need to be cleaned or replaced. The ease of cleaning and ability to be cleaned are some of the key factors that separate different types of filters. Some filters include activated carbon to remove things that cause and off taste in the water, such as leaf tannins. Carbon can also reduce chemicals such as pesticides, urine, or other industrial chemicals.
Water Purifiers
Some water purifiers contain a water filter, but also use chemicals to kill viruses. One of the most common chemicals used is iodine, but some use a type of chlorine. These types of products come in either tablet or liquid form. Some of the liquid ones require that you mix two different components together.
UV Filters
Another popular method is to use UV light to treat for pathogens. UV filters require no element and never need to be replaced. When larger quantities of water are needed, multiple treatments will be needed. If you intend to use a UV purifier on a non-clear water, you will need to run the water through a filter first because sediments in the water can prevent the UV rays from reaching all of the microbes and properly killing them. One of the advantages of a UV filter is that you never need to worry about running out of tablets or solution.
Getting the Water Through the Filter
If you have large quantities of water to process, a pump filter may be your best choice. Many of them require you to hand pump. Gravity filters are another choice, but these are often much slower than methods that do not use pumping mechanisms. Bottle filters pass the water through the filter when you drink from it. Straw filters allow you to place a straw directly in the water source and suck the water through it.
Best Backpacking Water Filters
Let’s explore some of the best portable water filters for backpacking on the market. The following list is not in any particular order. We reviewed several types of water filters for different purposes. This is a sampling of the best so that you can pick the right one for your needs.
Platypus Gravityworks 4L
If you must supply water for a group, we think that the Platypus Gravityworks 4L is the right choice. You simply put the dirty water into the dirty side and hang the system from a tree. Gravity does the rest while you wait.
| PROS | CONS |
| Large Capacity | Takes up pack space |
| No pump needed | Need to find a place to hang it |
| Fast filtration rate |
- High-capacity, gravity-fed, hollow-fiber water filter system is ideal for group and family camping, outdoor adventures, and emergency preparedness
- Meets all EPA/NSF guidelines for removal of 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa, including giardia, cryptosporidium, E. coli, salmonella, cholera
- No pumping required; reservoir fills easily and hangs from a tree to deliver four liters of filtered water for cooking and washing in 2.5 minutes
Katadyn Hiker Microfilter
Katadyn is one of our favorite microfilters for several reasons. It is lightweight and the perfect choice for one or two people. It does have a prefilter, and we found that it will sufficiently clean cloudy water, and it leaves no bad tastes.
| PROS | CONS |
| Good reputation for clearing microorganisms | Does not work well with muddy water |
| Comes with a bottle adapter and carry bag | You have to pump it |
| Fast and easy to pump | Not suitable for larger groups |
| Small and lightweight |
- Easy-to-use design is great for the beginning camper to the serious backpacker
- The 0.2 micron glassfiber filter media is designed for high output with little effort
- Activated carbon in the core of the filter improves the taste and reduces chemicals in your drinking water
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
We like this one because it is small and easy to transport, weighing only 3 ounces. This filter works just like a water bottle. You squeeze the bottle and drink from it like a normal water bottle.
| PROS | CONS |
| Lightweight and packs small | Needs to be backwashed occasionally |
| Can be converted to a gravity filtration system | |
| Filter also fits most standard disposable water bottles |
- Ideal for outdoor recreation, hiking, camping, scouting, domestic and International travel, and emergency preparedness
- High-performance 0.1 Micron absolute inline filter fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just 2 ounces; 100% of MINI units individually tested three times to performance standards by Sawyer
- Attaches to included drinking pouch, standard disposable water bottles, hydration packs, or use the straw to drink directly from your water source
SteriPen Adventurer Opti
The SteriPen Adventurer is a favorite because it is good for up to 8,000 liters. This is a good backup device, if you want to make sure the water is safe by using a secondary treatment.
| PROS | CONS |
| Lightweight and small | Does not remove sediment |
| Good for up to 8,000 liters | Water that is not filtered has off taste |
| No filters to get clogged | Need to carry batteries |
| Doubles as a flashlight |
- Compact handheld ultraviolet light (UV) water purifier designed specifically for outdoor/expedition use. -Reusable for up to 8,000 liters.
- Destroys over 99.9% of harmful bacteria, viruses and protozoa, like Giardia and Cryptosporidium. -Certified by the Water Quality Association.
- Fast, safe, effective and chemical-free. Doesn't alter taste, pH, or other water properties.
Katydyn Vario Water
Katydyn makes the list again, this time with a smaller unit that uses a hand pump to move the water through the filter. The hand pump is small and fits comfortably in the hand. It uses a dual action, which makes pumping easy and quick.
| PROS | CONS |
| Dual action pump | Must replace the carbon filter frequently |
| Fast filtration | Must clean the ceramic filter |
| Has a carbon filter | |
| Adapter attaches directly to water bottles |
- A simple turn engages a ceramic pre-filter for long life in dirty water or a pleated glass fiber filter in normal conditions
- Produces up to two quarts per minute in the faster flow mode and one quart per minute in longer life mode
- Uses a replaceable Katadyn carbon core and cleanable ceramic disc
Aquamira Water Treatment
Water treatment chemicals are a low-cost method for treating water sources. They use chlorine to create potable water. A one-ounce bottle can treat up to 30 gallons of water.
| PROS | CONS |
| Lightweight and easy to pack | Water has a taste that is detectable |
| Treats a large amount of water | Need to remember to check the shelf life |
| Has a 4-year shelf life |
- Enhances the taste of stored potable water. Controls the build-up of slime in water storage containers
- Once treated with Aquamira Water Treatment, stored water has a 5 year shelf life
- Treatment has a 4 year shelf life from manufacturing date
Katadyn Micropur MP1 Tablets
As with other Katadyn products, they do an excellent job of removing microorganisms. Unlike other chemical treatments, this one does not leave a taste in the water. One tablet treats one liter of water.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to use | Does not remove particulate |
| Packs small | May need to filter the water |
| Can be used anywhere | |
| Leaves no taste |
- Ultralight tablets provide fresh drinking water anywhere you go
- Effective
- Fresh tasting water-no unpleasant taste
LifesStraw Water Filter
We like this filter because it has a long lifetime and can filter up to 4,000 liters of water. You can use this straw to drink right from the water source.
| PROS | CONS |
| Removes microplastics and has long lifetime | Reduces turbidity, but does not remove all of it |
| Can drink directly from the water source | Have to use your own suction to move the water |
| Effectively cleans microorganisms | |
| Convenient and portable |
- Removes bacteria & parasites: The microfiltration membrane removes 99.999999% of waterborne bacteria (including E. coli and salmonella), and 99.999% of waterborne parasites (including giardia and cryptosporidium)
- Removes microplastics: Removes the smallest microplastics found in the environment (down to 1 micron), and reduces turbidity down to 0.2 microns
- Rigorous Testing: All claims are verified with laboratories using standard testing protocols set by the US EPA, NSF, ASTM for water purifiers
MSR MiniWorks Ex Microfilter
We like that unit has a carbon filter, which removes other chemicals and off taste in the water. This one is lightweight and does not take up any more space than a regular water bottle. It only weighs a pound and has its own storage bag.
| PROS | CONS |
| Efficient filter for contaminant removal | Need to replace carbon and ceramic filters |
| Lightweight and small footprint | Must pump it by hand |
| Filtered water has no off taste | |
| Filters at a rate of 1 liter per minute |
- Microfilter water filter pump for hiking, backpacking, camping, travel, survival, and emergency preparedness
- Replaceable carbon and ceramic filter removes bacteria, protozoa, organic compounds, and particulate, delivering clean, taste and odor-free water
- Pumps at a rate of one liter per minute; compatible with a variety of wide mouth water bottles, and hydration bladders (sold separately)
Sawyer Mini Filter
The Sawyer Mini Filter allows you to use it like a straw and drink directly from your water source. One thing that we liked about this mini folder is that the filter is rated for up to 100,000 gallons.
| PROS | CONS |
| Removes 99.99 percent of contaminants | Needs cleaned occasionally |
| Unit fits in palm of hand and can drink directly from water source | Filters will eventually need replaced |
| Comes with a carrying bag and cleaning plunger | |
| Water tastes fresh and pure |
- Ideal for outdoor recreation, hiking, camping, scouting, domestic and International travel, and emergency preparedness
- High-performance 0.1 Micron absolute inline filter fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just 2 ounces; 100% of MINI units individually tested three times to performance standards by Sawyer
- Attaches to included drinking pouch, standard disposable water bottles, hydration packs, or use the straw to drink directly from your water source
Boston Fortis Personal Portable Water Filter
What we like about this unit is that it has a three-stage filtration system including a carbon filter, ceramic filter, and KDF filter. This one also has an integrated compass, flashlight, mini knife, fire flake, and whistle.
| PROS | CONS |
| Three-stage filtration system | Slower than others |
| Excellent tasting water | Pump took more hand pressure to operate |
| Comes with other camping accessories | |
| Compact and lightweight |
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Final Word
Now you know some of your best options for a backpacking water filter as you set out on your wilderness adventures. All of the portable water filter systems reviewed in this article are highly effective at removing a majority of the dangerous microorganisms. We recommend going with one that has a carbon filter because it gives you an additional assurance that the water is safe and tastes good too. It is time to go check out these top backpacking water filters and choose the one that is right for you.
