Staying hydrated while you are hiking or while you are on an outdoor or adventurous trip is very important. And when you are thirsty, you might be tempted to drink water directly from a clear mountain stream. No matter how clean and tempting it looks, drinking water directly from these water bodies might be harmful to you as it contains bacteria, parasites, and viruses. One such wrong step can spoil your entire trip. This is when a backpacking water filters come to rescue!
Few pointers that you must consider before buying a backpacking water filter are ease of use, price, weight, and the type of water treatment that it offers. Based on the above requirements, we have shortlisted ten best backpacking filters for you. Let’s check them out!
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10 Best Backpacking Water Filters
1. Platypus GravityWorks 4.0 Liter High-Capacity Water Filter System for Group Camping and Emergency Preparedness
Without a doubt, the Platypus GravityWorks Water filter in one of the best backpacking water filters which can be helpful to filter a large quantity of water at one go. It is a bit heavy though and weighs around 10.75 ounces and is also a bit expensive comparatively. It has special quick disconnect valves and a separate hose damp which helps in making the cleaning process easier.
With a minimal amount of effort, it can filter up to four liters of water at one go at an average speed of 1.75 liters per minute. This water filter can turn out to be a great option for you especially when you are traveling with a large group as it is very convenient to use. It requires no tedious pumping or squeezing of dirty water. In short, the water filter is totally effortless.
2. Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
If you are planning to go on a backpacking trip or a long day-hike with a small group of people (maybe 1 or 2), then the Sawyer Product’s Mini Water Filtration is an ideal option for you. It offers a 100% water purification system by removing all the bacteria and protozoa (including salmonella and giardia) from the water.
This water filter is so tiny that it can easily fit in the palm of your hand and comes with a 7-inch straw. If you wish to fill water in the bottle, you will have to fill up the squeeze pouch first, and then you can transfer it to the water bottle.
With the help of the straw, you can drink the water directly from a nearby water body. Convenient right? It is a lightweight water filter that weighs only 2 ounces and can offer a lifetime filtration of approximately 400,000 liters.
3. LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottles with 2-Stage Integrated Filter Straw for Hiking, Backpacking, and Travel
The LifeStraw Go Water Filter is another great product by LifeStraw. One of the most amazing features of this brand is all its products are made up of very good quality and promises to offer a longer lifetime. If used and maintained properly, it can be used to filter gallons of water.
It has special hollow fiber membranes that help in removing 99.99% of bacteria and parasites from water. It is also capable of removing microplastics from the water. Along with a great filtration mechanism, it has special activated carbon capsules. These capsules help in improving the taste of water by reducing chlorine and other chemicals from water. The water filter has passed rigorous testing and is certified by labs using testing protocols which are set by NSF, ASTM, and US EPA.
4. MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter Water Filter
The MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter is one amongst the best water filters which is loved by mostly backcountry travelers. It is a pump style water filter which can be easily screwed into any wide-mouthed bottle. It is a bit heavy, but it is one of the best solutions for filtering water from cloudy or turbid water sources. It turns dirty water from algae-infested ponds and spring thaws into clear water. Not only this, but it also improves the taste and smell of the water. It follows a three-stage water filtering mechanism where the first stage removes larger solids, the second stage removes microorganisms, and the final stage removes unpleasant odor and taste. It weighs around 17 ounces and offers a lifetime filtration of around 2000 gallons.
5. Etekcity Water Filter Straw
The Etekcity Water Filter has been tried, tested, and approved by the TuV SuD Institute and it meets all the EPA Water Quality Standards. Thus, it is one of the most reliable and trusted water purifiers. It offers 3-Stage advanced water filtration mechanism and has a special hollow fiber UF membrane which removes 99.99% bacteria and protozoa such as E coli, salmonella, and giardia. The water purifier kit includes a foldable water pouch, a straw (that can be attached to the filter), and a syringe which helps in cleaning the purifier. It is a compact and lightweight purifier that is ideal for any camping or backpacking activity. It can be of great help during emergency situations.
6. HydroBlu Versa Flow Light-Weight Camping
The HydroBlu Versa Water Purifier is one of the best water filters that offers each and everything that you expect from a water filter. It is a multi-purpose water filter that can be used on a gravity system, water bottle, inline water filter, or as a straw. It is an ideal option for scouting, camping, or any outdoor recreation activity. It can also be used for domestic or international traveling. It has a special 0.1-micron hollow fiber member that offers protection against harmful bacteria and cleans the water up to 99.99%. It is a great filter for survivor use and emergency situations. With this water filter, you will not have to think of buying another filter in the lifetime as it can filter around 100,000 gallons of water. It also comes with a limited manufacturer’s warranty. It is a lightweight water filter that weighs only 2 ounces. It offers back-flushing, and this makes it easier to clean and wash the filter.
7. RUNACC Water Filter Camping Straw Filtration System
The RUNACC Water Filter is a mini water filter kit which includes superior quality ultrafiltration membrane and a medical-grade silicone. The body is 100% safe and durable and meets all the FDA standards. The water filter has also passed SGS and TUV test and thus, is a reliable product. It offers a great filtering result as the straw is made up of 0.01 Micron ultrafiltration membrane. It promises to remove 99.99% of bacteria and virus from the water. Its pre-filter mechanism effectively eliminates rust, bloodworms, and odor from the water.
To make the filtration process, even more, easier, it has a special ball pump. This makes drinking water easier and also help in back flushing the purifier straw. It is a great product for outdoor activities and is of great help during emergency situations. It is a lightweight water filter which makes it easier to carry along with you while you are traveling.
8. LifeStraw Mission Water Purification System
The LifeStraw is one of the most recognized brands when it comes to water filters, and The LifeStraw Mission Purification System is probably the best out of all. It is a great option for backpackers and campers. Because of its simplicity and ease of use, it is one of the best-selling water purifiers. It has been successful in taking technology to a new level.
To purify water, all you have to do is fill a bottle or bag with water and attach the filter to it. Its hollow membrane water filter starts working and purifies the water by removing bacteria, worms, and protozoa. It cleans up to 5,000 gallons of water, and the maintenance part of the filter is also very easy. To clean the filter, you will have to integrate the backwash bulb and wash it. The water filter comes in two sizes, i.e. 12-liters and 5 liters. You can buy them according to your preference. It is a lightweight purifier weighing just 4.4 ounces.
9. Exlporateur Lightweight Personal Portable Water Filter
The Exlporateur water purifier is a lightweight purifier which is made up of advanced UF hollow fiber membrane. This stops and separates cysts, bacteria, and other particles from water with a 0.01-micron filtration precision. This helps in delivering cleaner, healthier, and neutral tasting water. The filter is made up of a fiber membrane which is BPA and chemical free. It helps in successfully removing 99.99% of bacteria and other impurities from water.
The filter kit consists of a filter straw, a carrying pouch, and emergency blankets. In short, it is a small, compact, portable, and lightweight water filter which is ideal for backpacking, hiking, scouting, and during emergency situations.
10. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness
The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is a lightweight and an affordable water filter which can prove out to be an emergency backup in your trip. It is a great water filter for trail running or quick trips. The only disadvantage of this water filter is you cannot fill the water bottles. To drink water from it, you will have to lay on the ground and then use it. This sometimes looks practically impossible. It offers a quick and effortless way of water treatment. The design is a bit bulky.
There are a number of backpacking water filters which offer water purification, but they don’t necessarily work on the taste of the water. Thus, whenever you are planning to buy a water filter, make sure you consider both the factors. We hope these reviews help you in finding the best backpacking water filter for your next outdoor activity.
