Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2...

A bacteria-filled seashore. A muddy wetland. Glacial silt runoff. One of the best backpacking water filters have to have the ability to deal with some fairly gnarly water sources with out clogging or breaking. I examined the 20 backpacking water filters on this story by taking them to 3 completely different water places, pumping three liters of water by way of every filter. After every spherical, I timed how lengthy it took every filter to deal with a liter of faucet water earlier than persevering with to the following spherical. On the finish of all three rounds, I weighed every filter. 

Extra enter on ease of use and sturdiness had been offered by members of the Out of doors Life backpacking gear testing crew over three days of mountain climbing by way of the Goat Rocks Wilderness of Washington State. 

Finest Backpacking Water Filters: Squeeze-Bag Filters

Finest General: Sawyer Squeeze

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Execs

• Comes with a Cnoc bladder or bottle
• Inexpensive
• Light-weight
• Nice efficiency throughout all circumstances

Cons

• Want to carry onto the plunger for periodic backflushing

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  3 ounces
• Filters micro organism and protozoa
• Value:
  $65

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  0:55
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  0:45
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  5 ounces

For a very long time, it was laborious to decide on a winner between the Sawyer Squeeze, the Platypus QuickDraw, and the Katadyn BeFree. Every managed to barely one up the opposite in key classes, like weight, worth, and circulate price beneath a wide range of circumstances. But it surely wasn’t sufficient of a distinction to place a filter excessive. 

Sawyer modified all that by partnering with backpackers’ favourite water bottle model: Cnoc. Proper now you’ll be able to select between a two liter bladder and their classic Vesica bottle (primarily a collapsible Smartwater bottle for the uninitiated). I examined each, and personally want the bladder for its ease of use. Not solely was it simple to fill and simple to squeeze, I might even grasp the bottle up on a low department because of the loop within the plastic closure, creating an impromptu gravity filter — which truthfully labored higher than among the precise gravity filters I examined. However most backpackers will possible want the familiarity of the bottle, which you’ll be able to connect the filter to and simply drink straight out of. Simply be aware that it’s noticeably extra annoying to make use of the Cnoc bottle to filter a number of liters of water at a time. 

The remainder of the Sawyer filter stays as wonderful as ever. It carried out effectively in my testing beneath a wide range of circumstances, from murky swamp water to silt-filled rivers. It’s simple, and fairly efficient, to backflush, shortly restoring circulate. And it stays one of many extra inexpensive choices I’ve examined. If you have already got a bottle system you want, or simply want to exchange the filter component, Sawyer additionally sells a filter with none accompanying bag. 

Finest Tasting: Katadyn BeFree AC

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Execs

• Quick circulate
• Light-weight
• Possibility so as to add a carbon filter to it for improved style

Cons

• Cap may be very troublesome to make use of
• Combined success with cleansing

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  3.1 ounces
• Filters micro organism and protozoa, with an optionally available carbon component that filters dangerous tasttes
• Value:
  $50

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  1:40 (with carbon); 0:40 (w/o carbon)
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  0:50 (w/o carbon)
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  Testing outcomes to return

There’s a lot to love in regards to the Katadyn BeFree AC. It’s been a standout performer throughout testing, dealing with each water supply I’ve thrown at it at a stage that may fulfill even the thru-hiking set. The Katadyn BeFree can be very light-weight, and requires no instruments to wash its filter past a bit of fresh water. The AC model of this filter can be noticeable in you can add a carbon component to it that may enhance the style — fairly helpful if you end up consuming out of a cow trough one too many instances. 

Whereas earlier iterations of this filter had a too-flimsy bottle cap (you would simply snap it off), this one errs too far within the different path. It’s very sturdy, however sadly, very troublesome to make use of. I nearly couldn’t flip it up simply utilizing my fingers, and ended up resorting to leveraging it towards a desk, like I used to be opening a beer bottle. (My husband was in a position to open it with solely average effort, so that is clearly a hand power problem on my half.)

I’ve additionally had blended success with the “swishing” methodology for cleansing this filter up to now. Generally it really works nice to revive circulate; different instances it makes circulate worse. Count on to exchange this another usually in comparison with the likes of a Sawyer Squeeze or Platypus QuickDraw. But when you realize the place you might be headed to has questionable water choices, the choice to simply enhance style could also be price it.

Platypus QuickDraw

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Execs

• The quickest filter I’ve examined
• Light-weight
• Sturdy
• May be paired with a Smartwater bottle

Cons

• Backflushing is extra sophisticated than the Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  3.4 ounces
• Filters micro organism and protozoa
• Value:
  $55

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  0:35
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  0:40
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  4.2 ounces

Whereas the Platypus QuickDraw was a hair behind the Katadyn BeFree (with out the carbon filter) after the preliminary spherical of testing, it was out in entrance of the pack on the finish of testing. The one spherical the place the QuickDraw struggled was within the mucky water of the wetland, though I didn’t backflush it till after the glacial runoff spherical as its circulate was nonetheless forward of nearly all of filters. As soon as backflushed, its efficiency was restored to shut to the extent that it had out of the field.

In contrast to the Sawyer Squeeze, you’ll be able to backflush the Platypus QuickDraw with a Smartwater bottle. Whereas I appreciated that I didn’t want a separate device to backflush the Platypus QuickDraw (one thing I’m liable to shedding), I did discover that the cap to the filter prevented me from making a flush seal with the clear aspect of the filter.

Nevertheless, the tender pliable materials of platypus soiled sack mixed with the positioning of the filter component on the inside (somewhat than on the within of the bag), made this the second most nice filter to squeeze water out of in my check (after the Sawyer Squeeze paired with the Cnoc bladder).

Finest Light-weight: Sawyer Squeeze Mini

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Execs

• Lightest filter in my check
• Least costly filter in my check
• Smallest filter in my check

Cons

• Took twice as lengthy to filter a liter of water as among the different prime picks

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  2 ounces
• Filters micro organism and protozoa
• Value:
  $29

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  1:10
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  1:50
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  2.9 ounces

The mini-me model of the Sawyer Squeeze is the proper filter for ultralight fanatics — sufficiently small that it gained’t take up a lot actual property in your backpacking backpack and light-weight sufficient (even after the ultimate weigh-in) you can scrub an oz. or extra off your spreadsheet. Even higher, it’s so inexpensive that it wouldn’t harm your finances a lot to simply change it every season. The place it wobbles, unsurprisingly, is in performance. It takes about twice so long as the usual Sawyer Squeeze to filter a liter of water. In fact, should you plan to connect the filter on to a SmartWater bottle and suck the water out from there, which may not matter a lot to you.

I used the offered soiled bag throughout testing and was impressed with its sturdiness. Even after squeezing the bag as laborious as I might to push the water out over ten rounds of filling and filtering to achieve the specified 5 liters, the bag nonetheless appeared like new. I solely want that it was bigger—the bag that comes with the mini is 16 ounces somewhat than the usual liter. One thing else I seen throughout testing was that the filter itself didn’t seem to screw onto the bag accurately. Every time I attempted to repair it, the angle would nonetheless be lopsided. Happily, there have been no leaks throughout testing so this seems to be primarily an aesthetic concern. 

Whereas the circulate price for the Sawyer Mini was not particularly spectacular (about 4 instances so long as the Katadyn BeFree), I did respect that it got here with a light-weight syringe to backflush the filter when it begins to clog an excessive amount of. 

Finest for Journey: Grayl GeoPress

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Execs

• Filters out viruses
• Constructed-in water bottle

Cons

• Heavy
• Quick cartridge life
• Can’t deal with sediment

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  15.9 ounces
• Filters or removes micro organism, protozoa, viruses, heavy metals, and PFAS
• Value:
  $100

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  0:50
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  6:30
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  Unavailable

I’ve examined each the Grayl GeoPress (in titanium) and the UltraPress (in plastic). Each these filters use the identical filter expertise, so you’ll be able to anticipate related efficiency beneath difficult circumstances. Each are provided in both plastic (polypropylene) or titanium. The latter of which may be very costly.

However let’s first have a look at how the Grayl works. It’s a bit like a French press. You pull out the inside tube, fill the bottle up with water to the specified line, after which push the inside tube again down on prime of the water till it’s all pushed by way of the filter on the underside. This works finest should you put the water bottle on the bottom and permit your physique weight to do the work of pushing the water by way of.

Whereas Grayl boasts a really quick circulate price for this bottle, the precise price may be very a lot affected by how a lot effort you set into it. Most individuals can anticipate a half liter to take about 30 seconds, whereas expending average effort. The filter itself can be distinctive, because it makes use of carbon to draw viruses utilizing electroabsorption (which is a basically completely different course of than filtering them out, such because the MSR Guardian does). 

For backpackers, there are a handful of points that add as much as this being not fairly the appropriate selection. First off, it’s fairly heavy, even when making an allowance for the good thing about having a built-in water bottle. Within the backcountry, this added weight goes up much more, because the final half inch or so of water within the Grayl doesn’t filter by way of the inside tube, and is just left sitting on the backside of the bottle after filtering. The filter itself additionally has a a lot shorter lifespan than different backpacking filters, with Grayl promoting you can anticipate about 350 liters out of it.

Throughout testing, the filter was very affected by our gnarliest testing web site, the glacial runoff, suggesting that in much less pristine components of the backcountry this filter could final considerably much less time than 350 liters. And when this filter begins to battle, it turns into an actual nightmare to try to use. At the very least with the squeeze baggage you’ll be able to sit down when you battle away (and perhaps even backflush!), with the Grayl you’re caught standing up, throwing all your physique weight down on prime of a tiny lid that’s only some inches in diameter. 

However what in regards to the virus filtering? Effectively, only a few backcountry water sources are contaminated by issues like rotavirus, as a result of these are sometimes human-borne pathogens. Backpackers don’t want this type of firepower. Right here’s who does: anybody dwelling in or visiting components of the world the place the water popping out of the faucet isn’t reliable. That water might be working clear, too, so the lifespan of the filter will likely be that for much longer. For those who’re searching for a journey water bottle that may defend you from nearly all the things, from e.Coli to giardia to cryptosporidum, that is the filter for you.

I’m a sucker for titanium as a lot as the following backpacker, so I used to be excited to take a look at the titanium model of the GeoPress in my second spherical of testing to match to the polypropylene Ultrapress I had examined beforehand. After testing, I’ll be sticking with the polypropylene model. Whereas the aesthetics of the titanium bottle are undeniably cooler than the plastic one, this doesn’t overcome the performance challenges (or the worth). The most important problem right here is usability. Whereas it takes somewhat elbow grease to drag the inside tube with the related filter out of the principle housing on the polypropylene model, I struggled to get the inside tube out of the titanium model in any respect. And this doesn’t include the standard titanium profit — this model is heavier than the plastic model. 

Sawyer Micro Squeeze

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Execs

• Light-weight
• Cheap
• Comes with a high-quality Cnoc pouch
• Nice efficiency

Cons

• Not as mild because the Mini
• Not as excessive a performer because the Squeeze

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  2.1 ounces
• Filters micro organism and protozoa
• Value:
  $34

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  0:54
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  Testing outcomes to return
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  Testing outcomes to return

The Sawyer Micro is true in between the Squeeze and the Mini. It doesn’t have the knockout efficiency of the Squeeze, but it surely weighs much less. It had a greater circulate price throughout my testing circumstances than the Mini but it surely weighed extra. For some backpackers, that will put it in a no-man’s land; for others, it could possibly be the proper Goldilocks product. 

One different benefit of the Sawyer Micro is that, just like the Squeeze, you’ll be able to pair it with considered one of Cnoc’s bladders. I notably like how minimalist and utilitarian the Cnoc 750ml liter pouch it was paired with was. It’s very mild (weighing solely 3.1 ounces) and related in perform to the Sawyer soiled water pouches of yore. 

MSR Trailshot

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Execs

• Light-weight
• Compact
• A singular answer for fastpackers in arid areas

Cons

• Finally cramps your hand if it’s a must to filter quite a lot of water
• Not as environment friendly because the squeeze bag filters I examined

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  5.2 ounces
• Filters micro organism and protozoa
• Value:
  $65

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  0:55
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  4:20
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  6.4 ounces

The MSR TrailShot is barely heavier, barely pricer, and never fairly nearly as good as a performer as the very best squeeze again backpacking filters, however its distinctive design makes it an attention-grabbing present for particular functions. With the squeeze bag filters, step one is to replenish the bag — generally simpler stated than performed should you’re a desert seep. However the TrailShot has an consumption that’s nearer to a standard pump filter, however shrunk down such that it might slot in nearly any water supply worthy of the identify. That’s a sport changer should you don’t have the curiosity or persistence to take a seat round Macguyvering an answer to a tough to entry water supply. 

In testing, I discovered the hand squeeze mechanism of the TrailShot to be pretty tiring. By the tip of the third spherical of testing, it was one of many filters I dreaded utilizing. And whereas its efficiency was enough for murky water sources (if not distinctive), it struggled with the glacial runoff, taking up 4 minutes to squeeze out a single liter. 

For those who’re a hardcore path runner, or simply an exceptionally impatient particular person with distinctive hand power, this filter may be the reply to your wants. However the overwhelming majority of individuals will likely be higher served by one of many high-performing squeeze bag filters on this checklist.

LifeStraw Peak Series

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Cons

• Not as environment friendly as different squeeze bag filters I examined

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  3.9 ounces
• Filters micro organism and protozoa
• Value:
  $38

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  0:50
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  1:30
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  4.1 ounces

LifeStraw is likely one of the most well-known manufacturers in water filtration, because of the ubiquity of their LifeStraw filter, which they distribute to highschool youngsters in rural Kenya. Their Peak Collection filter is a barely dearer, barely higher performing backpacking water filter in comparison with the unique LifeStraw. They supply their Peak Collection filters as a part of a squeeze bag filtration setup; sadly, in testing it didn’t carry out on the stage of extra in style fashions just like the Katadyn BeFree, Sawyer Squeeze, or Platypus QuickDraw.

One benefit of the LifeStraw Peak Collection is that you’ve got the choice so as to add on a carbon filter for an additional price that may assist enhance style. If you’re touring in areas the place you’ll be sharing quite a lot of water sources with cows, or pulling water out of stagnant ponds, then this may also help make your journey extra nice. Nevertheless, there have been points whereas I used to be testing the carbon filter possibility for the LifeStraw Peak Collection. The primary is that the carbon component, which is about the identical size of the common filter, screws onto the tip of the prevailing filter. Because of this the filter component contained in the squeeze bag is almost so long as the squeeze bag itself. It’s not terribly simple to squeeze all of the water out of it with this setup, as you’ll be able to’t roll down the bag as you go. The opposite problem is that whereas testing this filter arrange, the bag for the LifeStraw Peak Collection ended up with a small gap in it, forcing me to finish testing of this component sooner than I had hoped. If you’re curious about including a carbon filter to your backpacking water filter to enhance style, go along with the Katadyn BeFree AC. For those who’re curious about eradicating heavy metals and different difficult contaminants, go along with the Grayl GeoPress.

RapidPure Purifier+

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Cons

• Clogs simply
• Filters must be changed usually

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  5.7 ounces
• Filters micro organism, protozoa, and viruses
• Value:
  $47

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  2:30
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  Not relevant
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  Not relevant

The RapidPure Air purifier+ was one of many worst performing filters in my check, taking up two minutes to filter a liter of water out of the field, and over 5 minutes after I examined it out at a murky swamp. Whereas it was considerably distinctive amongst squeeze bag filters for utilizing activated carbon to assist filter out viruses (the Grayl filters additionally do that), my sense is that the efficiency right here is poor sufficient that you’d be higher off snagging some chemical therapy — like Aquamira – somewhat than coping with this simply clogged squeeze bag filter. 

Finest Backpacking Water Filters: Gravity Filters

Finest Gravity: Platypus GravityWorks

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Execs

• Can maintain as much as 8 liters of water
• Robust circulate after the primary two rounds of testing

Cons

• Pricier than the Katadyn BeFree
• Struggled to filter glacial runoff

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  11.5 ounces
• Filters micro organism and protozoa
• Value:
  $150

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  1:10
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  7:30
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  12.8 ounces

At its core, all a water filtration system must do is transfer soiled water by way of a filter, with out inadvertently contaminating the clear water vessel on the opposite aspect. Some of the in style types of backpacking water filters leans into this simplicity: all a person has to do is replenish a plastic bag with soiled water, connect the filter, after which squeeze the water by way of into their consuming vessel.

The thought behind a gravity filter is pretty simple, as a substitute of compacting or pumping soiled water into your consuming vessel, let gravity do the give you the results you want. After filling up the soiled bag—which holds as much as three liters within the case of Katadyn—you then elevate it by inserting it on a big rock, hanging it in a tree, and even holding it your self, no matter works. The upper the water is, the quicker it should circulate by way of the filter, however it should work so long as the bag itself is increased up than the tip of the outlet hose. Then you’ll be able to simply stroll away whereas gravity forces the water from the soiled water sources into your clear container.

All of the gravity filters in my check got here with a flask of no less than three liters, which is good in case you are touring with a number of folks, because it reduces the variety of rounds of filling up your soiled flask that you want to do. The Platypus GravityWorks takes this a step additional, with a unclean flask capability of 4 liters. Even higher, it comes with a second bladder to filter your clear water straight into it.  

In testing, the GravityWorks took about twice as lengthy to filter a liter of water after the primary stage of testing because the Katadyn BeFree; nevertheless, it was almost unable to course of the glacial runoff, taking an hour to filter a liter of water after the third stage of testing. After utilizing about six liters of water to backflush the GravityWorks, which is completed by merely elevating the clear water reservoir above the soiled reservoir and permitting the water to circulate backward, the circulate improved considerably, however to not the extent of the Katadyn BeFree Gravity.

The rationale I’m recommending the Platypus GravityWorks over the Katadyn BeFree is that it’s set as much as be a set-it-and-forget-it. You may replenish the soiled bag, arrange the filter, after which depart for nevertheless lengthy you want as you attend to different camp chores. With the opposite gravity filters right here, you’ll want to observe extra carefully, swapping out a reservoir because it begins to replenish. Nevertheless, should you don’t thoughts babysitting your gravity filter, then the lighter weight and quicker circulate of the BeFree may be a better option for you.

MSR Guardian Gravity

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Execs

• Filters viruses
• No device backflush
• Distinctive design

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  19 ounces
• Filters micro organism, protozoa, and viruses
• Value:
  $310

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  8:35
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  Testing outcomes to return
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  Testing outcomes to return

A gravity filter that may take away viruses: this one is past spectacular. Sadly, it additionally comes with some drawbacks. The most important is that its tiny pore measurement (.02 in order that it could possibly catch these microscopic viruses) implies that the filter slows down pretty quickly, even when the water sources it’s coping with aren’t overly difficult. The MSR Guardian Gravity handles this by constructing a backflushing mechanism into the filter itself. You merely stopper the principle filter, and unstopper the backflush mechanism. After a couple of minutes you turn again and proceed in your method. This works effectively, however I used to be shocked by how usually I needed to do it — not like the remainder of my filters, which had been solely backflushed after the second and third rounds, I backflushed this one after the primary spherical and was rewarded with a circulate that was quicker than what I had began with. For many water sources, it’s best to plan to backflush each 3 to 4 liters — extra usually if it’s exceptionally soiled, as I ended up doing. Backpackers ought to be aware that this one can be pretty heavy in comparison with different gravity filters I’ve examined. 

If you realize the water supply you’ll be utilizing is contaminated with viruses, and you’re feeling strongly about avoiding chemical therapy, it is a nice hands-free possibility. For most individuals, it’s possible overkill. However the truth of its existence is a testomony to the problem-solving creativity of the oldsters at MSR. 

Katadyn Gravity BeFree

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Execs

• Filters water shortly
• Easy mechanism
• Light-weight
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Troublesome to get the final of the water out of flask
• Cleansing doesn’t reliably restore circulate price

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  6.8 ounces
• Filters micro organism and protozoa
• Value:
  $75

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  0:45
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  2:45
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  8.7 ounces

Of the three gravity filters in my check, the Katadyn Gravity BeFree had the quickest circulate each when initially unboxed and after the ultimate stage of testing. It was additionally lighter than the opposite two fashions in my check by a number of ounces. 

One small, however doubtlessly important, distinction between the Katadyn BeFree and the Platypus GravityWorks and LifeStraw Peak Collection Gravity is that the grasp strap shouldn’t be hooked up to the water flask when the gravity is first unboxed. This strap, nevertheless, shouldn’t be thought of optionally available. The bail deal with on the prime of the water flask shouldn’t be supposed to be slung over a department, and is simply too small for the department measurement that you’d want for the filter to be safely suspended. 

One other distinction between the Katadyn Gravity BeFree and the opposite two filters in my check is that it isn’t designed for backflushing (which might harm the fibers), however the filter could be cleaned by fastidiously swishing it in water. Whereas the filter did seem cleaner after I swished it, oddly, the time it took to filter a liter of water elevated by a minute (I reran this check to substantiate the outcomes).

LifeStraw Peak Series Gravity

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Cons

• Not as environment friendly as different gravity filters I examined

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  8.1 ounces
• Filters micro organism and protozoa
• Value:
  $66

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  1:00
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  6:15
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  N/A

I used to be admittedly upset within the LifeStraw Peak Collection Gravity Filter. Whereas it carried out on par with the Kataydn Gravity BeFree and Platypus GravityWorks out of the field, it began to decelerate through the first check, contaminated lake water. Whereas the opposite two filters might nonetheless filter a liter of water in a few minute after that check, the LifeStraw Peak Collection Gravity took over six. After the wetland water supply was filtered, the LifeStraw Peak Collection Gravity was clocking 13+ minutes. 

This one could also be inexpensive than the opposite two gravity filters, however my testing reveals that this isn’t a terrific worth. 

Waterdrop

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Cons

• Doesn’t take away micro organism and protozoa on the stage required by best-in-class testing
• Sluggish efficiency
• Not notably light-weight
• Plastic stopper shouldn’t be efficient
• Can solely be backflushed in working water

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  10.1 ounces
• Filters some micro organism and protozoa
• Value:
  $40

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  18:37
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  Testing outcomes to return
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  Testing outcomes to return

For those who seek for “backpacking water filter” on Amazon, you’ll nearly actually come throughout the Waterdrop filter. This model isn’t as frequent within the backcountry, as the corporate’s main focus is on water filtration for the house, however the mannequin that I examined is designed for backpackers to make use of interchangeably as a gravity filter or squeeze bag. For simplicity’s sake, I examined it as a gravity filter. 

Earlier than we go even additional, please don’t purchase this water filter for touring within the backcountry. Their web site says they take away 99.99 % of micro organism. Whereas that sounds spectacular, the usual is for 99.9999 %. You might be liable to sickness should you depend on this water filter to guard you from one thing like E.coli.

That the Waterdrop can’t be relied on for precise filtration is just one if its drawbacks: it’s additionally a rattling gradual filter. It does get quicker if you backflush it — surprisingly, circulate was quicker after my first backflush than it had been initially. Nevertheless, you want working water to do that, which isn’t all the time obtainable. One other sensible problem is that the plastic stopper on the tube working from the filter was not efficient at really stopping the water’s circulate. 

For those who’ve bought nothing higher to do than wait round for an hour or two whereas all of your water finishes filtering, after which additionally deal with it with chemical substances so that you’re really protected against micro organism and protozoa, this won’t hassle you an excessive amount of. However most backpackers have higher issues to do. For those who’re after a gravity filter, go for both the Katadyn BeFree (should you worth light-weight) or the Platypus GravityWorks (should you worth comfort). For those who’re after a squeeze bag, seize a Sawyer Squeeze, which is barely nominally dearer. 

Finest Backpacking Water Filters: Pump Filters

Finest for the Apocalypse: MSR Guardian

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Execs

• Efficient towards viruses along with protozoa and micro organism
• One of many quickest circulate charges I examined
• Backflushes the filter with every pump
• Can stand up to freezing temperatures (assuming you let it thaw out afterward)

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  17.3 ounces
• Filters micro organism, protozoa, and viruses
• Value:
  $400

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  0:45
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  0:45
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  21.5 ounces

For backpacking water filters, safety towards viruses, together with norovirus and rotovirus, sometimes comes with a tradeoff—in order for you a filter with a sufficiently small pore measurement to weed these suckers out, you higher be ready to place in some critical elbow grease. However the MSR Guardian manages the hat trick, filtering out viruses at a quick circulate price with the identical, and even much less, elbow grease required as from different filters.

A part of this as a result of a singular function to the MSR Guardian: as a substitute of directing the entire water out by way of the underside of the filter with every pump, a portion of the water is directed again by way of the filter—primarily backflushing the filter with every pump. Throughout testing, this meant that the filter had the identical efficiency over the last spherical of testing because it did through the first: forty-five seconds for a liter of water.

I used to be additionally impressed with how simple the MSR Guardian was to make use of straight out of the field: after it had been unmoored from its packaging, I merely unscrewed the cap on the underside of the filter, plopped the consumption filter into my pool of water and began filtering water. Apart from the prefilter, which generally is a bit troublesome to place within the water supply as a result of a 90-degree angle, the largest draw back to the Guardian is its price, and its weight: it was about ten instances as costly as different comparatively quick filters (the Katadyn BeFree, Platypus QuickDraw, and Sawyer Squeeze) and 5 instances as heavy. However should you’re searching for a no brainer filter that may take away the complete spectrum of micro organism, protozoa, and viruses out of your water with principally no upkeep required, then that is the filter for you. 

Katadyn Pocket

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Execs

• Labored identical to new after I cleaned the ceramic filter
• Sturdy

Cons

• Costly
• Heavy
• A lot of separate components to maintain observe of

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  19.4 ounces
• Filters micro organism and protozoa
• Value:
  $395

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  1:05
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  1:05
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  23.7 ounces

The Katadyn Pocket was, together with the MSR Guardian, one of the costly filters I examined. Whereas the Pocket struggled with the testing protocol, taking up 11 minutes to filter a liter of water after the ultimate spherical, the place it actually shone was after I had cleaned it. This filter was 10 instances quicker after cleansing than earlier than, which means that, if taken care of accurately, might final for a few years. 

Nevertheless, the MSR Guardian is identical worth, filters viruses, and cleans itself. For those who aren’t involved with the burden of your filter or the worth, then that’s going to be the very best decide for you. 

Katadyn Hiker Pro

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Execs

• Outdated-school look and performance

Cons

• A lot of separate components to maintain observe of
• Not as dependable as different filters I examined

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  11 ounces
• Filters micro organism and protozoa
• Value:
  $100

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  0:45
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  4:50
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  13.4 ounces

I’ll admit: I broke a Katadyn Hiker Professional years in the past after utilizing it in water containing glacial runoff. So I wasn’t shocked to see that it struggled with that portion check, needing over 4 minutes to filter a liter of water. And whereas this wasn’t part of my testing protocol, the sheer trouble of all of the tubes and nozzle caps for this filter makes it a non-starter for me. For half the worth, much less weight, and method much less trouble, you’ll be able to decide up a squeeze bag filter, together with the Katadyn BeFree. Do this.

Katadyn Vario

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Cons

• Stopped engaged on the third spherical of testing
• A lot of separate components to maintain observe of

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  15 ounces
• Filters micro organism and protozoa
• Value:
  $97

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  0:30
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  Not relevant
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  Not relevant

Whereas the Katadyn Vario clocked in a really spectacular day out of the field and within the first two rounds of testing, it struggled within the remaining spherical of testing, after being subjected to glacial silt. Worse, after I backflushed the filter (following producer directions), it stopped working completely. If you’re devoted to old-school filter-style pumps, however don’t wish to pony up for the MSR Guardian, this is likely one of the higher choices. Simply you’ll want to child the filter in more difficult water circumstances to protect it for the lengthy haul. 

MSR MiniWorks

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Execs

• Outdated-school look and performance

Cons

• Didn’t make it by way of all three rounds of testing
• A lot of separate components to maintain observe of

Key Options

• Preliminary Weight:
  16 ounces
• Filters micro organism and protozoa
• Value:
  $125

Take a look at Outcomes

• Time to Filter 1 Liter out of the Field:
  1:15
• Time to Filter 1 Liter at Finish of Take a look at:
  Not relevant
• Weight at Finish of Take a look at:
  Not relevant

Given the ubiquity of the MSR MiniWorks within the backcountry, I used to be shocked at its poor efficiency in my check. It was by no means a very quick filter in comparison with different choices, and it clocked one of many worst instances through the check on the wetland earlier than fully breaking whereas I used to be filtering glacial runoff. I’ve little doubt this filter was among the best in its class when it was initially launched, but it surely has since been eclipsed by different, inexpensive choices, together with the Platypus QuickDraw from MSR’s sister firm.

Finest Backpacking Water Filters: Non-Filter Therapy

Finest Chemical Therapy: Aquamira

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Key Options

• Treats micro organism, protozoa, and viruses
• Value:
  $15

There are many backpackers who refuse to cope with the trouble of any sort of backpacking water filter, preferring as a substitute to go for chemical remedies. Of those, the preferred is Aquamira. The most important purpose is just that, or all of the chemical therapy choices obtainable, Aquamira has just about no style. For those who’ve ever tried to go a whole journey with bleach or iodine-flavor water, you realize what a sport changer that’s. 

In contrast to bleach and iodine, nevertheless, the method for utilizing Aquamira is somewhat concerned. The therapy is available in two separate bottles, which should be fastidiously blended collectively within the bigger of the 2 bottle caps. You then depart it sitting for 5 minutes, so the chemical response can get began, earlier than including it to your water bottle. Twenty-five minutes later, you might be able to hydrate. 

For some backpackers, this tedious process and lengthy wait is a small worth to pay to keep away from the pitfalls (primarily, clogging) of conventional filters. If that sounds such as you, then Aquamira is a wonderful and fairly inexpensive possibility. 

Katadyn Steripen Ultralight

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Execs

• Quick performing
• Efficient towards viruses
• Can not clog

Cons

• Delicate to humidity
• Obscure why it’s malfunctioning generally

Key Options

• Weight:
  2.6 ounces
• Treats micro organism, protozoa, and viruses
• Value:
  $110

Steripens, the preferred type of UV water therapy for backpackers and backpack hunters, are one of many strangest water therapy choices available on the market. Whereas chemical therapy and water filter choices make some sort of intuitive sense, the eerie glow of UV therapy appears nearly magical. For some folks, that is interesting; for others, it’s a nonstarter.

Which will get a bit on the coronary heart of the expertise of utilizing a SteriPEN. I used the unique model of the SteriPEN for years and have become pretty acquainted in that point with its pitfalls: don’t pack it away moist, heat it up earlier than utilizing it in particularly chilly water, watch the sensors fastidiously when submerging. By fastidiously following these guidelines, we might get about as a lot reliability out of our SteriPEN as customers of the squeeze bag filters had been getting.

On our testing journey, I handed off this newest model of the SteriPEN to considered one of our testers whereas going to place away my tent. Once I got here again, quarter-hour later, she nonetheless hadn’t managed to filter a liter of water. I watched her fifth try to see if I might troubleshoot what was going incorrect, however I couldn’t see why she was getting error readings (or recall within the second what the completely different flashes of colour meant).

Then I attempted it and it labored completely. This about sums up most individuals’s expertise with SteriPENs. After they work, it’s like magic. After they don’t work, you’ll wish to pull your hair out. For those who do go this route (it’s the solely non-chemical therapy at this weight that’s efficient towards viruses), then you’ll want to check it out extensively at residence and take a backup water therapy methodology alongside for just a few journeys till you might be comfy with it.

Aquatabs

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Execs

• Weighs nearly nothing
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Barely disagreeable style
• Doesn’t neutralize cryptospordium

Key Options

• Treats micro organism, protozoa, and viruses
• Value:
  $15

For years, I carried a bottle of iodine in my first-aid package. I nearly by no means used it (iodine tastes horrible), however within the occasion that my water filter broke, I needed to have one thing surefire available. Whereas immediately’s backpacking water filters are way more dependable than the previous pump fashions of yore, carrying just a few tabs of backup water therapy nonetheless brings me peace of thoughts on longer, extra distant backcountry treks.

Like Aquamira, Aquatabs take about half-hour to take impact, though no premixing is required right here. However whereas Aquamira has no discernible taste, there’s a slight chemical taste that goes together with the Aquatabs (though our testing group didn’t discover that they’d the identical unpalatable taste as different evaluations). Whereas that is solely a minor concern in a real survival state of affairs, long-term use of Aquatabs might lead to particular person backpackers inadvertently hydrating lower than is perfect for his or her surroundings.

Whereas Aquatabs gained’t be changing a water filter in my package anytime quickly, they are going to be moving into my first-aid package as a backup water therapy possibility for longer treks.

Katadyn Micropur

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Cons

• Doesn’t style nice
• Dear
• Takes ceaselessly (4 hours)

Key Options

• Filters micro organism, protozoa, and viruses
• Value:
  $16

One protozoa that’s powerful for chemical remedies is cryptospordium. Whereas the Katadyn Micropur was one of many few chemical remedies that was efficient towards this bug, it does take 4 hours to deal with. That makes this a no-go for many backpackers, though backpack hunters with a bit extra leeway in how lengthy they plan to remain in a single spot for could discover it a helpful possibility.

Potable Aqua

Is there any extra basic water therapy possibility than iodine? However, after all, there’s a purpose this one has fallen out of favor: it tastes horrible and, long-term, it’s horrible for you. The brand new taste-neutralizer tablets assist with the previous problem (some) however can’t do a lot in regards to the latter.

How I Examined Backpacking Water Filters

Earlier than I even started testing, I interviewed the oldsters at MSR, LifeStraw, and Katadyn about how they assure that their filters are certainly eradicating micro organism and protozoa (and within the case of some of them, viruses). All of them have interaction in rigorous testing, utilizing EPA or NSF requirements, each in their very own services and thru third events, like BCS Laboratories out of Florida.

I visited the MSR facility the place they confirmed me the lab the place they not solely develop E. coli micro organism, but additionally a virus that assaults E. coli, to check the efficiency of their Guardian filter. The thoroughness of this testing shouldn’t be one thing that may be simply replicated within the pure surroundings, the place the pre-existing ranges of micro organism, protozoa, and viruses are unknown. As such, my testing didn’t have a look at how effectively the filters handled micro organism, protozoa, and viruses, as a result of all of the filters on this evaluation use EPA or NSF requirements.

One thing else that you simply’ll usually see on the packaging of backpacking water filters is the variety of liters per minute that they filter. This quantity, nevertheless, solely displays what the filter is able to doing proper out of the field—not after you’ve taken it out on a few backpacking journeys—or 20. The manufacturers after all are testing to make sure that the filters can stand up to a sure stage of grit, but it surely’s uncommon to be taught what the circulate price of the filters are after they’ve been uncovered to some less-than-ideal water sources, not to mention how a lot grit and sediment and muck a filter can take earlier than it craps out fully. So my testing checked out what circumstances the backpacking filters can stand up to and nonetheless return an affordable (or any) circulate price.

To begin, I referred to as in or bought the preferred backpacking water filters obtainable, together with corresponding fashions from their opponents. Earlier than I started testing the filters out within the subject, I first timed how lengthy it took every to filter one liter of water out of the field. Typically, these instances corresponded to the marketed instances of the producers. Throughout this course of, I additionally famous how sophisticated the filter setup was out of the field. 

Then I took the filters to a public seashore in Bellevue, Washington, which had been closed as a result of excessive ranges of fecal matter (thrice greater than what’s thought of secure for swimming). Right here I filtered 5 liters of water by way of every of the filters in my check.

Along with the recorded excessive ranges of fecal contamination, the water was additionally pretty scummy.

On the finish of the primary spherical of testing, I took the filters again residence and measured how lengthy it took to run a liter of water by way of every, and the way that in comparison with the out-of-the field check. Generally, there was a noticeable, if not important, impact on the size of time it took to filter one liter of water. Paradoxically, some filters measured a quicker time on the finish of the preliminary spherical of testing than they’d firstly; my impression is that that is the results of my turning into extra environment friendly at utilizing the filter with follow.

The second spherical of testing occurred at Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary, simply north of Seattle, Washington. It is a classically stunning swamp, with loads of water however all of it gunked up by the filth and tannins and life teeming beneath the floor. Right here we’d see how effectively the backpacking water filters responded to the mucky water sources that these within the backcountry are generally compelled to resort to. I filtered three liters by way of every of the water filters at this web site, after which headed residence to report how lengthy it was taking every water filter to push water by way of.

Unsurprisingly, among the filters had been actually struggling on the finish of this check. For the filters that took over two minutes to course of a liter of water, I adopted producer instructions to backflush (pushing water backwards by way of the filter) or in any other case clear the filter, noting that some filters couldn’t be cleaned or backflushed.

Then I retested these filters (the outcomes are famous in a parenthetical within the beneath desk) to see how efficient cleansing the filters was at establishing water circulate. The 2 filters that took over 5 minutes to course of a liter of water on the finish of the second spherical of testing, the LifeStraw Peak Collection Gravity and the RapidPure Air purifier+, had been faraway from the check at the moment.

The ultimate testing web site was the Puyallup River, accessed on the city of Orting, Washington. At first look, the Puyallup appears to be like like another muddy river. However the Puyallup will get its colour from glacial sediment, an especially nice silt that stays suspended within the water. This sediment additionally works its method into the inside workings of filtration methods like no one’s enterprise. Nobody would select to filter this type of water except there was no different possibility obtainable; generally, there is no such thing as a different possibility obtainable.

Unsurprisingly, most of the filters struggled with cleansing three liters of water throughout this check, and one (the MSR Miniworks EX) was faraway from testing because it merely clogged up and stopped working. On the finish of this spherical of testing, the filters had been measured to see what their circulate price was. Subsequent, the filters, the place attainable, had been additionally backflushed, or in any other case cleaned, after which had their circulate price measured once more. (Notice that among the instances for this stage had been once more quicker than the preliminary circulate.

Whereas I made an effort to standardize the quantity of elbow grease I used to be placing into every filter through the timed check, it’s clear that I used to be placing extra elbow grease into the ultimate stage of testing than I did straight out of the field). The ultimate step of this check was to reweigh every of the filters to evaluate how their weight had modified from the beginning of testing. I pumped out as a lot water as I might from every filter after which positioned the filters in an enclosed room with a dehumidifier to take away extra water (with out drying out the filter parts themselves). After an hour, I took them out and reweighed them.

In April 2025, I put seven new merchandise by way of my testing protocol. For the primary check — micro organism seashore — I headed to essentially the most polluted lake in my space on the time, Cottage Lake, which was closed to swimming as a result of algae bloom and subsequent cyanotoxins polluting the water. For the wetland portion, I once more returned to Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary, which was as murky as ever. What was considerably much less murky was the Puyallup River close to Orting, WA. Whereas the river water was extraordinarily silty in my unique testing, the spring run off ran a lot clearer than I had anticipated. Sadly, this meant that testing circumstances weren’t difficult sufficient to offer helpful data. I’ll be taking these filters again in late summer season for a contemporary check in correct silty circumstances.

Testing Outcomes

Squeeze Filters

Gravity Filters

Pump Filters

The place testers didn’t have a full liter capability, I examined the time to filter a half liter and doubled it.

Extra testing was performed on a number of chemical and UV therapy choices as a part of the inaugural Out of doors Life backpacking gear check. Whereas chemical and UV therapy choices don’t take away any filth or grit or microplastics from water sources, they will render micro organism, protozoa, and even viruses inert, making water secure to drink.

Issues to Take into account Earlier than Shopping for Backpacking Water Filters

Micro organism, Protozoa, Viruses, Heavy Metals, and PFAS

The place as soon as backpackers solely involved themselves with giardia, immediately there are a number of different issues, together with norovirus, heavy metals, and PFAS. Let’s check out which backpacking water filters can deal with which varieties of contaminants, and if you want virus and heavy metallic safety.

All the backpacking water filters I examined take away micro organism and protozoa. That’s nice information as a result of two of the most typical backcountry water contaminants are E. coli (a micro organism) and giardia (a protozoa). In hottest backpacking places by way of the US, that is all you’ll want safety towards. 

Viruses

The most typical viral contaminant is norovirus. Whereas that is sometimes considered a frontcountry contaminant, it could possibly (not often) happen in water sources within the backcountry. That is nearly all the time the results of human feces contaminating water sources. 

• Grayl UltraPress
• Grayl GeoPress
• MSR Guardian
• RapidPure Air purifier+
• All chemical remedies

Heavy Metals

Whereas heavy metals do happen naturally within the surroundings, contamination is usually the results of business. Heavy metals differ from micro organism, protozoa, and viruses because it’s unlikely to hurt you throughout your journey, however accumulation in your physique may end up in damage to your organs. 

A filter alone — even a sophisticated one just like the MSR Guardian — can not take away heavy metals. Backpacker water filters that take away heavy metals sometimes use activated carbon. Whereas these filters are considerably efficient at eradicating heavy metals from water sources, they don’t seem to be excellent: actually nowhere close to the 99.9999% score of a typical filter towards the likes of micro organism and protozoa. Your first line of protection is to not drink water from sources recognized to be contaminated with heavy metals. However whether it is unavoidable, or unclear if contamination is a matter, then these will provide some protection. 

• LifeStraw Activated Carbon Filter Attachment
• Grayl UltraPress
• Grayl GeoPress

PFAS

Whereas PFAS contamination has been a difficulty for a few years, it’s solely lately that backpackers have realized that backcountry water sources could also be in danger. That’s as a result of, not like different contaminants, rainwater can include PFAS. At current, there are only a few backpacking water filters that may take away PFAS; nevertheless, the fact is that the majority backcountry sources is not going to be contaminated, or contaminated at such low ranges as to not pose important hurt to human well being. You need to take additional care round water sources which can be close to navy bases and wildland firefighter coaching services. That’s as a result of previous use of AFFF firefighter foam led to intense PFAS contamination. 

• Grayl UltraPress
• Grayl GeoPress

Weight of the Finest Backpacking Water Filters

Whereas it may be tempting to seize the largest, baddest water filter on this checklist (the MSR Guardian), the fact is that the majority backpackers will likely be higher served by carrying one thing lighter weight. The extra you’ll be able to maintain your pack weight down, the farther you’ll hike and the extra enjoyable you’ll have. 

Filter Upkeep for the Finest Backpacking Water Filters

As my testing reveals, cleansing out your filter could make an enormous distinction in efficiency. For those who don’t wish to shell out for a brand new filter each season, you’ll want to learn the instructions and maintain onto any plungers or different needed items. Until you’re going on an exceptionally lengthy hike or anticipate to filter solely glacial silt, you possible gained’t must deliver these items with you on every hike. 

FAQs

Closing Ideas on the Finest Backpacking Water Filters

One of the best backpacking water filters produced by respected manufacturers like MSR, LifeStraw, Katadyn, Platypus, RapidPure, and Grayl present wonderful safety towards waterborne ailments within the backcountry. Which filter is best for you will rely largely on whether or not you prioritize price, weight, or long-term sturdiness.