Top 15 Backpacking Water Filters and Purifiers of 2018
Top 15 Backpacking Water Filters and Purifiers of 2018
At some point, when backpacking, you will need to replenish your water supply. When that time to fill up comes, filtering and purifying your water to avoid getting sick is extremely important. No matter how crystal clear and beautiful the water from that mountain river or lake may look, there is always the chance that there could be a dead animal rotting upstream. There could always be a virus, bacteria or parasite lurking in the water that can cause you to get sick. Filtering water really takes hardly any time at all. Better to be safe than sorry. So today’s tip of the day is to filter your water. Below we have gathered up a list of 15 great water filters and purifiers to check out.
I really love using the LifeStraw Go 2 Water Bottle. I bring it on all my backpacking and day hiking adventures. On backpacking trips I always have a second water filter on hand too, but I really enjoy being able to quickly have fresh water at each river I pass along the trail or when eating lunch at a beautiful alpine lake.
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle with 2-Stage Integrated Filter Straw for Hiking
Weight: 7.8 oz (221 g)
Filtering 1,000 liters (264 gallons) to 0.2 microns, the award-winning LifeStraw water filter removes 99.9999 percent of bacteria and 99.99 percent of protozoa, including giardia, cryptosporidium and e-coli. Fill from a stream or pond. Simply scoop water from the closest stream, pond or puddle and drink. No need to pump or wait for chemicals to react. The fastest, easiest way to filter water. Ideal for hiking and camping. With a lightweight, leak-proof design and high flow rate, the LifeStraw Go is perfect for outdoor adventures that require a reliable water filter.
SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier
Weight: 4.8 oz.
The Steripen Ultra UV Water Purifier uses an Ultraviolet (UV-C) light to destroy germs' ability to reproduce and make you sick; The SteriPEN destroys over 99.99% of protozoa (including Giardia and Cryptosporidia), bacteria, and even viruses. This cool water purifier can purify up to 32 oz of water in less than 90 seconds. SteriPEN Ultra can be recharged with a USB cord so it can be charged up on a hike off a external battery charger or solar panel! Don't use with cloudy murky water the UV ray's do not work as good make sure you have a second filtration system on hand works best with clear water.
Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System
Weight: 2 oz.
The Sawyer Mini removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, like salmonella, cholera and E.coli, as well as, 99.9999% of all protozoa, such as giardia and cryptosporidium. Ideal for outdoor recreation, hiking, camping, scouting, domestic and international travel and emergency preparedness. The Mini easily attaches to included drinking pouch, standard disposable water bottles, hydration packs, or use the straw to drink directly from your water source
Sawyer Products PointOne Squeeze Water Filter System
Weight: 3 oz (filter) 2 32 fl. oz. (pouches)
The Sawyer PointOne Squeeze Water Filter system removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, such as salmonella, cholera and E.coli and removes 99.9999% of all protozoa, such as giardia and Cryptosporidium. The bags will wear out and need replacing but the filter itself should filter up to 1 Million Gallons Guaranteed. Similar to the Sawyer Mini, you can drink directly from the Sawyer Squeeze PointOne but many people choose to just filter the water into a clean container or water bottle.
Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness
Weight: 2 oz. (54g)
Removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites, and filters to 0.2 microns; surpasses EPA filter standards. Award-winning LifeStraw water filter is a must-carry tool for hiking, camping, travel, and emergencies; no disaster kit is complete without it. Filters up to 1000 liters of contaminated water without iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals; does not require batteries and has no moving parts. An alternative to iodine tablets and bulky purifiers, it weighs 2oz for ultralight portability, and has a high flow rate for drinking from the source. Comes in a sealed bag, perfect for storing in a bugout bag or other prepper gear supply kit; measures 9 x 1 x 1 inches.
Mountop Portable Water Purifier (750ml) - UV Purification System
Weight: : 17 oz. (600g)
Great for Travel, Outdoors, Camping, Cycling, Hiking, Backpacking, and Preppers. UV technology effectively eliminates 99.9% of microbiological contaminants, employed by many urban water municipalities for its reliability & effectiveness! You can purify water anywhere! Perfect for travelers visiting different countries where drinking water may be questionable. UV purification systems can be used to protect against water-borne viruses, bacteria, molds and pathogenic disease-causing microorganisms such as giardia and cryptosporidium. Even viruses such as the hepatitis virus, which are known to be highly resistant to chlorine-treated water, can be relatively easily eliminated through UV treatment. Emergency Flashlight with S.O.S. Can purify 16 ounces of water in 15 seconds.
How it works: Ultraviolet (UV) light is invisible and is emitted by different light sources, including the sun. At certain intensities, UV light emits enough radiation to kill the DNA in bacteria and other microorganisms. The water is exposed to the UV light source as it passes through the chamber. Any harmful microbes and bacteria that are present in the water are rendered sterile by the exposure to the germicidal radiation.
Platypus GravityWorks 4.0 Liter High-Capacity Water Filter System
Weight: 11.5 oz. (326 g)
Platypus GravityWorks water filters make it effortless to get clean water practically anywhere. You simply fill the reservoir and let gravity filter the water for you. GravityWorks filters provide clean water faster than most pump systems, and they make it easier to store, transport and dispense all the water you need. All GravityWorks filters meet EPA and NSF guidelines for the removal of Bacteria and Protozoa, including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E.coli, Salmonella and Cholera. No pumping required; reservoir fills easily and hangs from a tree to deliver four liters of filtered water for cooking and washing in 2.5 minutes
MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized Water Filter
Weight: 5.2 oz
A great pocket-sized lightweight being a compact (6x2.4 inches) water filter that cleans water on-the-go for hiking, camping, traveling, and emergency preparedness. Effective against bacteria (99.9999%), protozoa (99.9%) and particulate; filters up to 2,000 liters without iodine, chlorine or other chemicals. Hollow fiber technology allows water to pass through but traps harmful protozoa, like giardia and cryptosporidium, and bacteria, like salmonella. Allows you to drink directly from the source or fill a water bottle or hydration pack; easy one-handed operation filters one liter in 60 seconds.
Aquamira - Chlorine Dioxide Water Treatment Two Part Liquid
Weight: 2 oz
Chlorine dioxide has been shown to remove greater than 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and cysts, including Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Giardia, bacteria, and viruses are all killed within 30 minutes. 4 hour wait time to kill Cryptosporidium. No discolored water or unpleasant taste. Small size and long shelf life make Aquamira water treatment drops a great choice for international travel, backpacking and emergency preparedness. Can treat up to 60 gallons of water.
Aquatabs AQT100 Water Purification Tablets (Pack of 100)
Weight: 0.32 ounces
Aquatabs are used by all major aid agencies, ngo's and peacekeeping defense forces worldwide for the treatment of human drinking water in emergency situations. They are used by NATO and many other military organizations. Aquatabs are effervescent tablets which kill micro-organisms in water to prevent cholera, typhoid, dysentery and other water borne disease. This 100 Pack treats up to 200 quarts of water. This product is recommended for disinfecting raw or pre-treated water. The source of water to be treated may be collected rain, rivers, lakes, wells, cisterns or similar sources. Fast acting. Water is ready to drink 30 minutes after mixing. No unpleasant taste. Great tasting water consistently.
Potable Aqua Water Purification Treatment (50 Tablets) - Portable Drinking Water Treatment Ideal for Emergencies, Survival, Travel, and Camping
Weight: .21 oz (6 grams)
Used worldwide by campers, hikers, militaries, emergency organizations, and anyone else who needs to drink water of questionable quality, these Portable Aqua iodine tablets will disinfect contaminated drinking water in a pinch. The tablets--which are intended for short-term or limited emergency use only--make most water bacteriologically suitable for drinking, proving effective against Giardia lamblia when used as directed.
Each Potable Aqua tablet contains 20 mg of Tetraglycine Hydroperiodide (TGHP), which liberates 8 mg of titratable iodine when released into water. Within 30 minutes, the iodine will have penetrated the cell walls of the microorganisms, rendering them inactive and making the water bacteriologically suitable to drink.
For use only when drinking water is of questionable quality. Is not for use on a continuous basis. Read the complete product label.
Reliable Backup and Compliment to Filters
In addition to being a great stand alone purification product, Potable Aqua's small size, low price, and reliability make it the ideal backup and compliment for any filter or purification device.
In cold temperatures filter membranes and mechanisms can rupture or break without your knowledge. Potable Aqua tablets are unaffected by freeze thaw.
LifeStraw Mission Water Purification System, High-Volume Gravity-Fed Purifier for Camping and Emergency Preparedness
Weight: 5 Liter bag: 13 oz (368 grams)
The LifeStraw Mission is a gravity-powered water purifier employing an award-winning technology that requires no chemicals, batteries or moving parts. The LifeStraw Mission removes 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of protozoa, and 99.999% of viruses. The larger capacity of the Mission water purifier is ideal for providing clean water to multiple people, and is designed for camping, hunting, and other group or family activites, as well as disaster and emergency survival prep kits. The reservoir can be filled from nearby lakes, ponds, rivers, or streams and suspended from a tree or other sturdy support. Gravity moves water down the hose to the filter's advanced ultrafiltration membrane. Clean water exits through 0.02 micron pores in the walls of the hollow fibers, but bacteria, viruses, protozoa and other contaminants are trapped inside and are flushed out by backwashing. Compact, BPA-free roll bag reservoir features a wide mouth for easy filling with a convenient shoulder carrying strap for transport back to base camp or other group location. Includes drawstring stuff-sack for easy storage and portability. Includes four extra pre-filter screens for easy on-site maintenance. Produces flow-rate of 9-12 liters (2.4-3.2 gallons) per hour and will purify 18,000 liters over its lifetime. Available in 5 or 12 liter capacity. Weight: 13 oz (5L), 15 oz (12L). For each LifeStraw purchased, one child in a developing community receives safe drinking water for an entire school year
Waterborne Virus RemovalLifeStraw Mission purifies water to 0.02 microns, removing 99.999% of waterborne viruses, including Rotovirus and Hepatitus A. 99.999% of bacteria and 99.99% of protozoa are also removed. |
Group Hiking and CampingLightweight and packable, with 5 liter and 12 liter high-volume water bag options, LifeStraw Mission is perfect for base camp on group hikes and camping trips. |
Preparedness and SurvivalLifeStraw Mission filters and purifies 18,000 liters of water (4,755 gallons). With no shelf-life, expiry date, batteries, or moving parts, it’s the ideal filter for emergency preparedness and survival. |
International TravelDurable, long lasting, and reliable, LifeStraw Mission is perfect for remote destinations around the world where contaminated water is common. |
Sawyer Products SP160 One-Gallon Gravity Water Filtration System with Dual-Threaded Mini Filter
Weight: 4.5 oz
A lightweight, robust solution for filtering large quantities of water, Sawyer's 1-Gallon Gravity System with dual-threaded Mini filter is ideal for backpacking, backcountry camping, and emergency preparedness. With threads on both sides, you can screw the push pull cap onto the Mini for easy on/off functionality while filtering into the included 1-gallon water reservoir.
Sawyer's lightest and most versatile personal water filtration system, the Mini weighs just 2 ounces, fits in the palm of your hand, and is rated to 0.1 micron absolute filtration -- removing 99.99999% of all bacteria, such as salmonella, cholera and E.coli, and removing 99.9999% of all protozoa (such as giardia and cryptosporidium).
Weighing just 4.5 ounces, the 1-gallon bladder features a wide mouth cap that allows for fast and easy filling and a convenient carry handle. To set up a gravity-based filtering system, first fill the reservoir with water from any source -- a lake, stream, faucet, etc. -- and then hang the bag with the Mini connected below it (via the included hose) to let gravity do its work. Water will flow through the Mini to produce fresh, clean water for drinking and cooking.
Rated to filter up to 100,000 gallons, the Mini's filtering membranes are sturdy enough to withstand backwashing using the included syringe, restoring up to 98.5% of the filter’s flow rate.
This package includes a dual-threaded Mini water filter, 1-gallon bladder, cleaning plunger, and gravity hose with adapters. It also comes with Sawyer's Cleaning Coupling accessory, which enables you to effectively backwash and clean the Mini filter using a standard plastic water or soda bottle.
Since 1984, Sawyer Products has offered the best, most technologically advanced solutions for protection against sun, bugs, water, and injuries -- everything from first aid kits developed for wilderness to point-of-use water filters that filter contaminated water to levels cleaner than U.S. bottled water.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System
Weight: Wt. 2 oz (58g)
Winner of Runner's World Gear of the Year Award. With the Katadyn BeFree™ Water Filtration System, you no longer have to worry about where your next drink will come from. Just fill up the flask and let the EZ-Clean Membrane™ do the work. Gently squeeze the flask for instant refreshment. Maintain the EZ-Clean Membrane™ quickly and easily for longer life and more enjoyment. Simply fill the flask with water, attach the cover and shake free the debris. Or, remove the filter from the flask and swish in any lake, river or stream. And when you’re ready to hit the road, the collapsible flask packs small to fit into tight spaces. Just smash, stash and go!.Hydrapak® Soft Flask is longer lasting, rugged, high-tech, flexible, BPA-free..No backflushing and no clumsy tools. Simple shake or swish the EZ-Clean Membrane™ in the water and be on your way..0.1 micron hollow fiber technology..For solo use..Suitable for cloudy water..Lightweight and portable..Flow Rate: 1 liter per minute..Tested to 1000 L, depending on water quality..Wt. 2 oz (58g)..Size: 9.1 x 2.8 x 2.8 in (23.2 x 7 x 7 cm)..
SteriPen Classic 3 w/Pre-Filter Bundle Pack
Weight: 4.8 ounces
FEATURES of the SteriPen Classic 3 w/Pre-Filter Bundle Pack Classic 3?s UV light destroys over 99.9% of waterborne microorganisms that cause illness Ergonomic design with a new easy-to-remove twist-off cap The first SteriPEN to be work effectively with alkaline batteries. Can be powered by alkaline, lithium, or NiMH batteries Enhanced LEDs indicate treatment size and status of batteries and lamp Watertight. No more worries about dropping your Classic 3 in a bottle or stream So easy ? just activate, place in water, and stir. LED indicators flash to let you know when water is safe to drink
- Battery powered Ultraviolet light water purifier that is perfect for travel and outdoor use. Purifies up to 150 liters on one set of AA batteries
- Purifies a half liter of water in 48 seconds or 1 liter in 90 seconds. Simple and easy to operate. Device activates when the lamp is placed in water, simply insert and stir until the light shuts off.
- Destroys over 99.9% of bacteria Viruses and protozoa, like Giardia and Cryptosporidium Certified for purification by the water quality Association
- Fast safe effective and chemical-free doesn't alter Taste pH or other water properties reusable to purify up to 8,000 liters
- Tapered end fits most commercial water bottles, canteens, or drinking glasses.
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Thanks for sharing. I used to go camping with waterdrop products. Very durable and portable, the water supply can meet daily demand. You can carry clean filtered water with you anywhere. Check the link for more information you want.https://www.waterdropfilter.com/blogs/water-filtration/a-water-filter-pitcher-is-the-best-way-to-filter-well-water?ref=waterfilter