Water can be one of the major problems if you are traveling. It is not just expensive but also unpractical to find pure drinking water if you are traveling to remote places. If you are searching for the best water filter for backpacking then let me guide you through.
Best Water Filter for Backpacking – Quick Pick
If you’re in a hurry, here are our two favorite water filters for backpacking in this review.
- Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System – Editor’s Choice for 2019 (best Value for the Money)
- LifeStraw Personal Water Filter – (Removes minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, Easy to operate, Portable and Filters up to 1000 liters of water)
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When backpacking you don’t usually carry a lot of water, it will drain you and make your trips difficult and heavy. So the ultimate solution could be carrying a water filter that is reliable and safe.
Table of Contents
- The 10 Best Water Filter for Backpacking in 2019
- 10 Best Water Filter for Backpacking Review in 2019
- 1. Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System
- 2. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
- 3. Survivor Filter PRO 0.01 Micron Water Purifier
- 4. Etekcity Portable Water Filter
- 5. Easthills Outdoor’s Aquaway Pen Personal Water Filter
- 6. LifeStraw Go Water Bottle
- 7. LifeStraw Mission High-Volume Gravity-Fed Water Purifier
- 8. Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L Filter System
- 9. Sawyer Products PointOne Squeeze Water Filter
- 10. Survivor Filter – Reusable Water Filter
- Comparison Table of Water Filter for Backpacking
- Why is Water Filter for Backpacking necessary?
- How to Choose the Best Water Filter for Backpacking?
- The Best Pick
The 10 Best Water Filter for Backpacking in 2019
| Best Water Filter for Backpacking | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System (Editor's Pick) | ||
| LifeStraw Personal Water Filter (Top Pick) | ||
| Survivor Filter PRO 0.01 Micron Water Purifier (Top Pick) | ||
| Etekcity Portable Water Filter | ||
| Easthills Outdoor’s Aquaway Pen Personal Water Filter | ||
| LifeStraw Go Water Bottle | ||
| LifeStraw Mission High-Volume Gravity-Fed Water Purifier | ||
| Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L Filter System | ||
| Sawyer Products PointOne Squeeze Water Filter | ||
| Survivor Filter - Reusable Water Filter |
10 Best Water Filter for Backpacking Review in 2019
Here, I have reviewed the best water filter for backpacking that I liked and thought that could make it to the top 10.
Read along!
1. Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System
The Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System is a second-generation filter that is a light and versatile water filter. It is a tiny water filter but doesn’t be alarmed by its size, it does a great job. Perfect for camping, traveling or hiking.
It removes 7 log of bacteria and harmful bacteria that causes certain water-borne diseases. Removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, such as cholera, Salmonella, and E.coli. Also removes 99.9999% of all protozoa, such as giardia and cryptosporidium.
Easily attach it to the drinking pouch and use the straw to drink directly from your water source.
Or you could attach it to your hydration pack or screw it to standard disposable bottles.
Simple.
The U-shaped micro- tubes inside the filter allows water to enter into the core through the tiny pores and the number of these tiny tubes allows water to flow faster.
This tiny water filter fits into your palms and is very convenient to use.
Though it is a tiny filter, it filters up to 100000 gallons of water.
The extremely accessible feature makes it a great filter. It is an economical choice that is lightweight and personal.
Indeed at this price, there is no reason not to protect yourself.
Features I Like:
- Small and portable
- Economically friendly
- Light and versatile
- removes 99.9999% of all protozoa
- Easily accessible
- Fast water flow
2. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is an award-winning personal water filter and a filter I can depend on. Removes minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and minimum 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites.
It surpasses the EPA standards of water filter.
It effectively strains out bacteria and Protozoa including Cryptosporidium. It easily treats water and is great for international travel. And is easy to operate.
Simply suck the water and drink out like you would drink from a straw.
This filter works best for short backpacking trips and for emergency water treatments. And it filters up to 1000 liters of water without any kinds of chemicals. This is a highly effective water treatment method.
The hollow fiber membrane traps the pathogens inside only allowing clean water to escape through the outlet.
Instantly you get access to clean and drinkable water.
It is best to provide access to clean and safe water in case of natural disasters. Since there are no batteries used or no spare parts that wear out it is perfect for emergency situations.
Because it is the fastest way to filter water, take it for your hiking trips and drink filtered water instantly.
Features I Like:
- Removes minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria
- Removes 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites
- Small and portable
- Easy to operate
- filters up to 1000 liters of water
- Gives you instant access to clean drinking water
- Works best in emergency situations
3. Survivor Filter PRO 0.01 Micron Water Purifier
The Survivor Filter PRO 0.01 Micron Water Purifier is a portable, lightweight filter with two cleanable membrane Ultrafilters.
A compact design that weighs only 3.5 ounces and is 7 inches long, it is a super easy to carry it with you in any kind of situation.
It was tested at the Intertek Labs in the USA that showed the removal of 99.9% virus, bacteria, and Staph. It also showed the reduction of heavy Metals as of the EPA water filter standards. It is capable of filtering up to 0.01 microns.
Use it directly from the fresh water source and pump it directly into any portable device. It is great for using it for a large quantity of water.
Re-use it for up to 100000 liters of water before you change the ultrafilters. The carbon filters last for up to 2000 liters. Be it any environment, this water filter will provide you with clean drinking water.
Because the flow rate is high, it is great for a large family or a large group of people. It was built for a long term use and for emergency situations. It is highly durable and strong.
Clean it easily by just back flushing it.
Features I Like:
- portable lightweight filter
- two cleanable membrane
- compact design
- tested at the Intertek Labs
- reduction of Heavy Metals
- Direct use on fresh water source
- carbon filters last for up to 2000 liters
4. Etekcity Portable Water Filter
The Etekcity Portable Water Filter works to provide pure drinking water to people throughout the globe. It is easy to use and extremely portable. Featuring three stage filtration, it has the capacity to filter 1500 liters of water and eliminate harmful contaminants.
Bacteria, heavy metal ions, chlorine, volatile organic compounds and insect contaminants, it eliminates it all.
Giving you only pure drinking water.
In situations like natural disasters, power outage, hurricane, flood, earthquakes or any natural disasters; it is very useful to give immediate access to safe and drinkable water.
Not just natural disasters, the Etekcity Portable Water Filter gives access to clean drinkable water at places where there is no proper access to clean and drinkable water.
What a great way to help others and yourself out of such situation.
Convenient and useable, this water filter accepts an attached pre-filter that purifies extremely turbid water. This double filtration makes the filter to last longer and gives you drinkable water.
It is compact and easy to carry, simply clip it onto your gear for quick access and move along.
You have an essential element of survival within your reach, wherever you are.
Easy to clean and reuse.
Features I Like:
- Extremely portable
- Three stage filtration
- capacity to filter 1500 liters of water
- Filters bacteria, heavy metal ions, chlorine, volatile ions
- Can be used in case of emergencies
- Convenient to use
- Double filtration system for turbid water
5. Easthills Outdoor’s Aquaway Pen Personal Water Filter
Easthills Outdoor’s Aquaway Pen Personal water filter is a personalized water filter that is the size and shape of a pen, as the name states. Water passes through three stage water filtration process passing through 0.1-micron pore and removes 99.9% of waterborne protozoans and minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria.
Replaceable pre-filters add up the lifespan of the filter.
It is lightweight and weighs less than an ounce.
This filter filters up to 1000 liter of water and also removes heavy metal.
That is not it, it also improves the taste of the purified water.
With the flow rate of 250 ml per minute, it is easy to use and is prompt. Simply uncap the both ends and insert the bottom onto the source and sip it from the other end.
What is easy about this filter is that you can clean it every time. Sip in water then blow out after a couple of sips to keep the filter clean.
It has two backups that are as small as the filter itself. Simply use it as per your need.
Put it in your pocket or the backpack, it is as simple as that.
Features I Like:
- personalized water filter
- passes through three stage water filtration
- Two replaceable backup pre-filters
- Lightweight and portable
- filters up to 1000 liter of water
- improves the taste of the purified water
- 250ml per minute
6. LifeStraw Go Water Bottle
The Lifestraw Go water bottle is an award winning water filter that eliminates bacteria and protozoa and gives you better drinking water. The bottle incorporates carbon based capsule that reduces bad odor, organic chemical matter, and chlorine.
It is an ideal choice if you are headed for camping trips, hiking or backpacking. Because it is leak proof and has a high flow rate, it is a great choice.
The Lifestraw technology filters up to 1000 liters of water to 0.2 microns and removes 99.9999 percent of bacteria and 99.99 percent of protozoa.
No more chemicals, the hollow fiber membrane technology is incorporated in a go to bottle. It provides you with clean and safe drinking water instantly.
Simply fill the bottle and sip it whenever you need using the straw and there you are, you will have access to clean drinking water.
The bottle is made of BPA- Tritan making is very durable and long lasting.
Mouthpiece used in the bottle is food-grade silicone and is flexible and easy to clean.
It won’t take any space in your backpack, you can simply use a carabiner to attach it to your back and hit the road.
Features I Like:
- Easy to use
- incorporates a carbon based capsule
- Great for outdoor activities
- filters up to 1000 liters of water
- removes 99.9999 percent of bacteria and 99.99 percent of protozoa
- Durable bottle material
- food-grade silicone mouthpiece
- Easy to carry
7. LifeStraw Mission High-Volume Gravity-Fed Water Purifier
LifeStraw Mission High-Volume Gravity-Fed Water Purifier is a super simple purifier that is made on the principle no chemical, no batteries and no moving part. It removes 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of protozoa, and 99.999% of viruses.
It is one of the best methods in obtaining clean drinkable water in cases of accidents, natural disasters or any emergency situation.
Since it is great to provide filtered water for a large group of people, it can be suited for group camping or backpacking trips too. And it is just as easy to use.
When being filtered, the clean water exists through 0.02-micron pores in the wall of the hollow filter eliminating the contaminants, protozoa, viruses and bacteria.
The BPA- free roll bag has a wide mouth so that you can easily fill the pack with water and now all you need to do is quench your thirst.It comes in a 5 liter and 12-liter bag so that you can use according to your need. Since the bags are easy to store, you can use accordingly.
The LifeStraw water purifier can be used for the humanitarian purpose as well as outdoor enthusiasts.
Be it after manmade or natural havocs, it serves all in fulfilling the basic drinking need.
Features I Like:
- simple purifier
- removes 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of protozoa, and 99.999% of viruses
- Portable BPA- free roll bag
- Open mouthed bag for easy use
- Suitable for a large group of people
- Comes in two sizes so that you can use accordingly
- Easy to use filter
8. Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L Filter System
The Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L Filter System is an easy water filter system that provides 1.75 liters of water in every minute. This is an extremely effective water filter that meets all EPA & NSF guidelines. It removes 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa.
It is very useful for groups.
This filter uses the hollow fiber technology that enables dirty water to pass through the micro filter to give your drinkable water. Just fill, hand and relax. It is effortless.
Easy to store, transport and dispense water, it is the perfect choice for post-disaster use or for hiking, camping or backpacking trips. You can simply fill the compartment and let gravity do its job.
Hundreds of tiny fibers inside the filter cartridge filter the water faster than traditional filters.
It meets the EPA and NSF guidelines for the removal of Bacteria and Protozoa, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, E.Coli, Salmonella, and Cholera.
Portable and simple features make it easy to transport and use. The tubing and the storage bags are made of high-quality material and won’t deform. So, you can use it for a long time.
It is field cleanable, just back flush it for 4 seconds and you are good to go.
Features I Like:
- easy water filter system
- Portable and ultralight
- removes 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa
- Uses hollow fiber technology
- 75 liters of water in every minute
- easy to transport and use
- High-quality material
9. Sawyer Products PointOne Squeeze Water Filter
Sawyer Products PointOne Squeeze Water Filter is a lightweight and portable inline water filter. It is a hollow 0.1-micron inline filter that gives you the highest level of filtration. It removes 99.99999% of all bacteria and 99.9999% of all protozoa.
If you are hiking, camping, backpacking or traveling abroad, the one point squeeze water filter will ensure you clean water.
Just spray the water straight into your mouth or into a bottle from the included pouch.
This filter rolls up into the included collapsible pouches so that you save space while packing.
The screw on feature is easy to use and can be used on portable bottles or use it in the filter pouch available.
The hollow filters are comprised of U-shaped microtubules that allow water to enter through its tiny pores while trapping the bacteria and protozoa on the outside.
It has a fast flow rate in eliminating the need to store water and at the end, it reduces the possibility of water contamination.
Certified at 0.1 absolute microns, it makes it impossible for harmful bacteria, protozoa, Vibrio cholera, E. coli, Giardia, and Salmonella typhi to pass through the filter.
Features I Like:
- lightweight and portable inline water filter.
- 1-micron inline filter
- Easy to use
- Easy screw on feature
- U-shaped microtubules traps the bacteria and protozoa
- Fast flow rate
10. Survivor Filter – Reusable Water Filter
The survivor adaptable water filter filters are one of the most efficient portable water filters. It filters up to 0.05 microns and has been tested to remove bacteria, giardia, virus and protozoa.
It comes with a replaceable filter that keeps out larger particles from clogging up the filter. And the 3 Removable Internal Filter Stages lasts up to 100,000 Liters.
The ultrafilter filters up to 26,417 gallons of water and the carbon filters can be replaced after every 264 gallons of water.
It is a compact design and is lightweight. With this in your hand, you will never need to carry water bottles with you.
Perfect for long term storage, this water filter can be stored for a long time because the internal filters are sealed and this design to last. The non-oxidizing material makes the better.
Use it as a straw straight from the source or squeeze it from a canteen. The flip top cap keeps your mouthpiece clean.
It is best used for camping, hiking, outing or traveling purposes.
The portable size makes it easier to be carried, it will fit anywhere. This will make your life a lot easier.
Features I Like:
- efficient portable water filter
- filters up to 0.05 microns
- comes with a replaceable filter
- lasts up to 100,000 Liters
- compact design and is lightweight
- Sealed internal filters makes it perfect for long term storage
- Can be used straight from the source
- Flip top cap keeps the mouthpiece clean
Comparison Table of Water Filter for Backpacking
| Water Filter for Backpacking | Dimension | Liters it lasts | Filter Micron Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System | 8 x 3 x 4 | 378541 | 0.1 |
| LifeStraw Personal Water Filter | 8.86 x 0.98 x 8.86 | 1000 | 0.2 |
| Survivor Filter PRO 0.01 Micron Water Purifier | 3.2 x 2 x 6.5 | 100,000 | 0.01 |
| Etekcity Portable Water Filter | 1.9 x 5.1 x 7 | 1500 | 0.01 |
| Easthills Outdoor’s Aquaway Pen Personal Water Filter | 0.63 x 0.63 x 6.3 | 1000 | 0.1 |
| LifeStraw Go Water Bottle | 9.25 x 3.14 x 3.14 | 1000 | 0.2 |
| LifeStraw Mission High-Volume Gravity-Fed Water Purifier | 4 x 5 x 12 | 18,000 | 0.02 |
| Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L Filter System | 5.8 x 2.8 x 13.2 | 1,500 | 0.2 |
| Sawyer Products PointOne Squeeze Water Filter | 3.5 x 4 x 9.5 | -- | 0.1 |
| Survivor Filter - Reusable Water Filter | 7 x 1.4 x 1.4 | 999.3 | 0.05 |
Why is Water Filter for Backpacking necessary?
We need to drink a lot of water depending on the weather condition, temperature, humidity, altitude or the physical activities that we perform. So being accessible to clean drinking water is not only everyone’s birth right.
It would be great if everyone has the access to clean drinking water but after natural disasters or while traveling or there are cases when one cannot get access to clean and drinkable water.
You will need to carry a water filter if you are traveling to disaster struck places or simply backpacking across the country.
If you are planning to backpack around the countryside or planning to travel then it is good to be prepared. A portable water filter will keep you safe from water-borne diseases that can ruin your trips.
These water filters are not just a great travel partner but also something that is a necessity in case of natural disasters like flood, earthquakes or tornados. It is the prompt solution that can be given in such situations.
These water filters last for a long time and also small and portable so you can take it with you easily.
How to Choose the Best Water Filter for Backpacking?
There are a lot of portable water filters that you can buy for your backpacking trips, let me guide you through how to get the right one for you as per the place you intend to travel.
Effectiveness:
Different filters have a different use, a purifier usually eliminates the virus, bacteria, and protozoa and involves chemical through the UV light but a filter strains out bacterial and Protozoan but doesn’t kill them. So when you choose one, you can decide on the type of water you will be exposed to.
Weight:
Since you are traveling, you will obviously need to look for a water filter that is lightweight and easy to carry and use. But depending up to how much you will be using it, you can choose a filter that suits you.
Flow rate:
It obviously takes different time duration for different filters. Some have a very high flow rate whereas some take time. Depending on the type of activity you are involved in you could choose the water filter.
Serving size:
Depending On the number of people using the filter you can choose a filter that suits you. If you have a larger group it is wise to take filters that collect water in a separate canteen or can be poured into a container. For obvious reasons, you wouldn’t want to the share the same sipper with all your teammates. Or everyone could have their own sipper.
The Best Pick
The Sawyer Mini Water Filter has to be the best filter and the one that I liked best. It is a light and versatile water filter that is perfect for traveling, camping or backpacking. It removes bacteria that causes water-borne disease.
It can be easily attached to the drinking pouch or screw it onto standard disposable bottles and you can use a straw or drink directly from the water source.
Although it is a tiny filter, it can filter up to 100000 gallons of water. It is a simple solution to be safe from waterborne diseases.
Because it is less likely to break, it won’t easily give up on you.