10 bestBackpacking Water Filtersof May 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
1
Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System, Single, Blue
Sawyer
9.9
2
LifeStraw Go Series — Insulated Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle for Travel and Everyday Use Removes Bacteria, Parasites and Microplastics, Improves Taste, 24oz Kyoto Orange
LifeStraw
9.8
15% off
3
LifeStraw Peak Series - Personal Water Filter Straw for Backup Filtration, Emergency, Survival, and Ultralight Hydration, Mountain Blue
LifeStraw
9.8
4
Waterdrop Personal Water Filter Straw for Hiking, Camping, Travel, Backpacking Outdoor Sports and Emergency Preparedness, Reduce Harmful Substance in Water, 2 Pack
Waterdrop
9.6
11% off
5
LifeStraw Peak Series - Collapsible Squeeze Bottle Water Filter System – 650ml for Trail Running, Through Hiking, Travel, Cycling, and Fishing, Mountain Blue
LifeStraw
9.5
OtherUp to 8% off
MSR Guardian Gravity Water Purifer for Backcountry Use, Global Travel, and Emergency Preparedness,Grey
4 Pack Water Filter Straw - Water Purifying Device - Portable Personal Water Filtration Survival - for Emergency Kits Outdoor Activities and Hiking - Water Filter Camping Travel Survival Backpacking
Purewell Water Purifier Pump with Replaceable Carbon 0.01 Micron Water Filter, 4 Filter Stages, Portable Outdoor Emergency and Survival Gear - Camping, Hiking, Backpacking
Katadyn BeFree 0.6L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ Clean Membrane for Endurance Sports, Camping and Backpacking
6
SAWYER PRODUCTS Squeeze SP129 Waterfilter for Outdoor & Camping
Sawyer
9.3
7
Platypus QuickDraw 1L Filter System ONE SIZE BLUE
Platypus
9.1
8
Katadyn Water Filter's BeFree 1 Liter,Blue
Katadyn
8.8
9
Aquatabs NaDCC 33 MG x 80 water purification tablets for drinking, sterilising purifying neutralising cleaning suspect and contaminated water 1 purifier tablet = 5 litres
BLUE AHEAD
8.5
10
Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filter, Lightweight, Compact Design for Personal or Small Group Camping, Backpacking or Emergency Preparedness, one Size (8019857)
Katadyn
8.3
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A Guide to Selecting the Best Backpacking Water Filters
When choosing a backpacking water filter, it's important to consider the environment you'll be in, the number of people you'll be filtering water for, and the duration of your trip. A good water filter should effectively remove harmful pathogens and particulates from natural water sources, ensuring safe drinking water. The right filter for you will depend on factors like weight, ease of use, and the specific contaminants you need to filter out. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision that best suits your backpacking needs.
Filtration Type
Filtration type refers to the method used to remove contaminants from water. Common types include pump filters, gravity filters, squeeze filters, and straw filters. This spec is important because it determines how you will use the filter and what kind of contaminants it can remove. Pump filters are versatile and can handle a variety of water sources, while gravity filters are great for filtering large volumes of water with minimal effort. Squeeze filters are lightweight and easy to use, making them ideal for solo backpackers, and straw filters are compact and best for personal use. Choose a filtration type based on your group size, water source, and personal preference for ease of use.
Filter Pore Size
Filter pore size indicates the size of the openings in the filter media, measured in microns. This spec is crucial because it determines the filter's ability to remove pathogens like bacteria and protozoa. Common pore sizes are 0.1 to 0.3 microns. A smaller pore size means better filtration but may result in slower water flow. For most backpacking needs, a pore size of 0.2 microns is sufficient to remove harmful bacteria and protozoa. If you're traveling in areas with known viral contamination, consider a filter with a smaller pore size or a purifier that can handle viruses.
Flow Rate
Flow rate measures how quickly water passes through the filter, usually expressed in liters per minute. This spec is important because it affects how long it will take to filter water, which can be crucial when you're on the move. Higher flow rates mean faster filtration, which is beneficial for groups or when time is limited. However, higher flow rates can sometimes mean less thorough filtration. Consider your patience level and group size when choosing a flow rate. Solo backpackers might be fine with a slower rate, while larger groups will benefit from a faster flow rate.
Weight and Packability
Weight and packability refer to how heavy and compact the filter is when packed. This spec is important for backpackers who need to minimize their load. Lightweight and compact filters are ideal for long treks where every ounce counts. However, lighter filters may have limitations in terms of capacity and durability. Consider the length of your trip and your ability to carry extra weight when choosing a filter. If you're on a short trip or have a larger group to share the load, a slightly heavier filter with more features might be acceptable.
Filter Lifespan
Filter lifespan indicates how much water a filter can process before it needs to be replaced, usually measured in liters. This spec is important because it affects the long-term usability and cost-effectiveness of the filter. Longer lifespans mean less frequent replacements, which is beneficial for frequent backpackers. However, filters with longer lifespans may be more expensive upfront. Consider how often you plan to use the filter and the availability of replacement cartridges when choosing a filter lifespan. For occasional use, a shorter lifespan may be sufficient, while regular backpackers should opt for a longer lifespan.
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