Read more about us., Everyone exploring the backcountry needs water, but staying hydrated is not as simple as drinking straight from streams and lakes. Type: Bottle filterWeight: 3.3 oz.Filter life: 1,000 litersWhat we like: Fast flow rate, easy to clean, and durable materials.What we dont: Cannot be used as an inline filter; oblong size is difficult to hold while running. Now for something a little different: Potable Aquas Pure Electrolytic Water Purifier. Finally, the Platypus is also available as a standalone filterfor $35 (2.2 oz. Cleaning pump filters is a slightly more intensive process, as you'll need to unscrewthe apparatus and either removethe filter or extenda brush down the interior. The smaller the pore, the more particles the filter can block. A key product specification that we reference in this article is filter life, or how quickly your filter will need to be replaced. But while they have long been a popular option for backcountry filtration, pump filters recently have been outpaced by other styles. It has a number of things going for it, including a streamlined 3-ounce build, lifetime warranty (Sawyer doesnt even make replacement cartridges), and very reasonable price tag.
Used in the popular Brita kitchen filters, carbon removes chlorine, organic compounds, and other bad odor and taste-inducing materials. You get roughly one liter of clean water per minute if youre pumping at a good clip, and weve found that the Hiker Microfilter works faster and is easier to use than the MSR MiniWorks below. Finally, keep in mind that the 750 liters referenced above for the Katadyn is actually a lot for most casual backpackers that get out a few times a year. Its important to note that carbon becomes ineffective before the filter (after approximately six months or 200 liters), so if this is a feature you want to maintain, choose a filter that allows you to purchase the carbon element separately from the complete cartridge.
Unlike the MSR Guardian, however, the Hiker is a filter but not a purifier, so you dont get virus protection. And while its 100,000-gallon filter life pales in comparison to the standard Squeezes lifetime guarantee, its still incredibly impressive compared to most options here. Additionally, the purifier cartridge has a lifespan of only 65 gallons, which pales in comparison even to the LifeStraw Go's 4,000 liters. This is important to keep in mind if youre drawing from unclear water sources such as a silty river, murky pond, or muddy desert pool. ), which is a competitive price for those who use Smartwater bottles or already own a compatible reservoir.See the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System, Type: Chemical purifierWeight: 3 oz. Last but not least, we should mention that just about every water filter and purifier can malfunction, which may leave you without clean water in the backcountry. But despite our gripes, no other filter comes close to matching the Squeezes versatility and longevity, which are undeniable draws for those who want to get a lot out of their gear. While streams, lakes, and ponds along the trail can be great drinking Review: Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter, How to Choose a Water Filter for Backpacking, backpacking water filtercomparison table, Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle 1L ($50), See the Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle 1L, Katadyn Micropur MP1 ($16 for 30 tablets), See the MSR Thru-Link Inline Water Filter, Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System ($45), See the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System, Potable Aqua Pure ElectrolyticPurifier ($100), See the Potable Aqua Pure ElectrolyticPurifier, Back to Our Water Filter Comparison Table. But the Katadyn'sflow rate is undeniably faster, the soft flask is much nicer as a handheld, and cleaning is as easy as squishing the filter in clean wateras a dedicated bottle filter, the BeFree wins out for its ease of use and streamlined design. This generally is fine for clear mountain runoff but is not optimal for those acquiring water from smaller or more stagnant sources.See the Aquamira Water Treatment. The primary downside to MSRs AutoFlow system is the lack of a clean bag.
For those wanting a dedicated water bottle filter, the LifeStraw Go has a lot of appeal. The QuickDraw System is competitively light at 3.3 ounces and has a grippy, soft-touch exterior with durable caps on both ends, giving it an extra dose of toughness and reducing the chance of contamination. Read in-depth reviewSee the Platypus GravityWorks 4L. 
Sawyer has played into the fast-and-light community of hikers who use disposable plastic water bottles on the trail, making their Squeeze and Mini versions able to screw into the mouth of a standard plastic water bottle (great for weight savings, less great for the environment). Type: Bottle/gravity filterWeight: 3.9 oz.Filter life: 2,000 litersWhat we like: More durable soft flask and higher flow rate than the Sawyer Squeeze.What we dont: Heavier and shorter filter life. Simply put, you break out your Hiker, place the hose end in the water, screw the other end onto your Nalgene (or hold it over top if you have a different type of bottle or reservoir), and pump. You simply place the SteriPen in your water bottle or reservoir and swirl until the device indicates youre finishedit takes about 90 seconds to purify 1 liter. Finally, keep in mind that when calculating the weight of your setup, that youll also want to factor in your water storage (bottle, reservoir, etc.). This filter is great for large groups, but weve enjoyed it on smaller outings too when we could quickly retrieve our days water and escape back to our camp to fill individual bottles (the clean bag also functions as water storage). To protect against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses, there is a wide range of water filtration and purification systems built specifically for backpacking (many options on this list are great for day hiking, trail running, and travel too). 1.3 oz.Filter life: 10,000 litersWhat we like: The most advanced portable water purifier on the market.What we dont: At $390, the Guardian is the priciest option on this list. Type: UV purifierWeight: 4.9oz.Lamp life: 8,000 litersWhat we like: Lightweight purification without the chemical aftertaste.What we dont: Relies on USB charge. All in all, its an ideal and long-lasting set-up for environments when weight and bulk arent top considerations. But uses and budgets vary, and the ideal Backpackers need a stove that is lightweight, dependable, and will get the job done quickly after a long day on the trail. Finally, some premium treatment options both filter and purify water, such as the MSR Guardianand Guardian Gravity., Gravity/Inline Filters Finally, both systems require a good set-up for effective operationwe prefer to hang our gravity filter from a tree branch, and have thus found it a difficult system to use in alpine environments. The Sawyer Squeeze epitomizes ultralight water treatment and has been a mainstay on the thru-hiking scene for years.
For more background information, see our backpacking water filtercomparison table and buying advice below the picks. In general, gravity filters have the fastest flow rates: the Platypus GravityWorks filters 1.75 liters per minute, which means it only takes a few minutes to fill a 4-liter bladder with clean water. But for all of its convenience, the LifeStraw Go isnt incredibly versatile. Finally, when using the SteriPen, its hard to feel totally confident that it workedrational or not. clear water), and you'll need to stay on top of filter maintenance to keep things moving properly(more on this below). Pump filters are a great option for small groups (1-4 people), and especially when you need to pull water from shallow pools. Keep in mind that Grayl also makes the 16.9-ounce UltraPress, which features the same technology in a more streamlined (12.5 oz.) With its included HydraPak bottle, the BeFree allows you to drink as you would from any standard water bottle, with the water passing directly through the filter on its way to your mouth. Type: Bottle filter (inline adaptors available)Weight: 2 oz.Filter life: 100,000 gallonsWhat we like: Feathery light.What we dont: Well stick with the better-performing and longer-lasting Sawyer Squeeze. Aside from cost, its noticeably heavier and bulkier than most filtersat just over a pound and packing down roughly to the size of a 1-liter water bottle. Type: Bottle filter/purifierWeight: 15.9 oz.Filter life: 65 gallonsWhat we like: An innovative and easy-to-use purification system.What we dont: Not super practical for extended backcountry trips. And finally, with a 2.5 liter-per-minute flow rate, the MSR is ridiculously speedy. Further, our version became almost unworkable midway through a Utah backpacking trip. Simply fill the dirty water bag, hook up the filter to the port or hose, and let gravity do the work. Further, many bottle filters (like the Sawyer Squeeze or LifeStraw Peak Squeeze) also can perform as inline or gravity filters, or be used as straws to suction water directly from the source. Another way to combat foul-tasting water is to use a carbon filter. Straw Filters And at $120, the GravityWorks is on the more expensive end of the water filtration spectrum. The flow rate is impressive at 3 liters per minute (compared to the Squeezes 1.7 L/min. In general, its a simple, lightweight set up that can purify 1-20 liters at a time, boasts a lifespan of 60,000 liters, and charges (slowly) using the attached solar panel. To purify your water, mix 7 drops each of Part A and Part B in the included cap, let it sit for five minutes, and add the mixture to 1 liter of water.
In the end, if your standard on-trail setup uses a hydration reservoirand you dont mind converting that water reservoir into a dirty bagits really hard to beat the convenience of the Thru-Link.See the MSR Thru-Link Inline Water Filter. Further, while the purifying capabilities are smart for traveling and backpacking in certain regions of the world, theyre not necessary in most wilderness areas in the United States and Canada. Finally, as with the QuickDraw, it features a competitively fast flow rate, filtering a whopping 3 liters of water per minute. Type:Bottle/inline filterWeight: 3 oz.Filter life: LifetimeWhat we like: Super lightweight, fast flow rate, long-lasting.What we dont: Youll have to buy extra gear to optimize your setup. Youll have to purchase inline adapters separately for use with a gravity system or hydration reservoir, but the Mini is nevertheless a decent option for those who dont mind a simple bottle filter. Finally, its worth checking out the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze below, which features a faster flow rate, gravity adapter, and compatibility with standard bottle openings.See the Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle 1L. But gravity filters arent for everyone: theyre bulkier and heavier than most alternatives, and youll need a fairly good water supply to fill up your reservoir (pumps are better for shallow sources). And MSR also makes the Guardian Gravity Purifier, which features the same advanced technology of the Guardian but in a gravity setupRead in-depth reviewSee the MSR Guardian Purifier System. unfiltered water). But keep in mind that both chemical and UV purifiers forgo filtering, making them good options only when you have access to clear water sources like glacial streams. The lack of filtration certainly is a downside and means that unless you dont mind drinking silt or other particles, youre limited to moving water sources of a decent depth. Plus, the bottle has a nice soft touch (albeit cold when full of stream water), and when empty, the BeFree system can fit in the palm of your hand., All that said, the Katadyn BeFree isnt without its drawbacks. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. However, they do have a wait time that must lapse before water is safe to drink, usually between 15 and 30 minutes (and sometimes a full 4 hours for Cryptosporidium) for chemical purifiers, and 90 seconds per liter for a SteriPen. Below we cover all the gear you need for your backpacking adventures, including detailed round-ups, reviews, and MSR has been a longstanding leader in the world of backpacking filters, so its no surprise their Guardian has become our go-to pump for trips abroad. Compared to the Katadyn Micropur above, Aquamira is much more of a process, but the good news is that it's cheaper and can treat a variety of different volumes (the Katadyn is a strict 1 tablet per liter and is difficult to halve), which makes it great for group use. All told, its a well-built pump from one of the most trusted brands in water filtration. One ounce lighter and $16 cheaper than the Sawyer Squeeze above, the Sawyer Mini is one of the lightest and most compact water filters on the market. According to the CDC guide on water treatment, a pore size of 1 micron (or less) is needed to filter out protozoa, while youll need a pore size as small as 0.3 micron to filter out bacteria. Pumps and gravity systems are the heaviest and bulkiest, and include multiple components like storage bags and hoses. And as with every form of water treatment that uses power, we recommend bringing a backup option into the field in case the Pure malfunctions. Instead of pumping, this system requires minimal effort, can filter up to four liters of water at once, and boasts a speedy flow rate of 1.75 liters per minute. The biggest downside of any chemical treatment is that despite the water being clean, its still unfiltered (in the Utah desert, for example, that may mean brown water with lots of critters). Similar to Aquamira drops below, Katadyn Micropur tablets are a simple and effective chemical treatment using chlorine dioxide. For well over a decade, SteriPen has held a unique place in the water purification market. If you've ever gone camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountain biking, trail running, or nearly anything else in the outdoors, chances are you've used a headlamp. Plus, its available in a variety of colors, notably offers purification on top of filtration, features a nice drinking spout and cap, and has a nifty French-press-style plunger to get the job done.
The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. We brought the Mini along on a 4-day trek in Patagonia (with clear water sources), and it required so much suction when paired with a smartwater bottle that we resorted to our groups gravity filter instead. The Platypus Gravity Works is a user-friendly gravity filter with 4 liters of volume, but basecampers and larger groups might want to take a look at the MSR AutoFlow XL here. All told, the Pure is intriguing, but it isnt our favorite chemical purification optionwell stick with the more reliable chlorine dioxide for most applications.See the Potable Aqua Pure ElectrolyticPurifier. Potable Aqua tabs are a classic and a method thatweve used as a filter backup for years. Keep in mind that bottle filters are often slower at filtering than a high-performing pump design and require quite a bit more effort than a gravity model. In terms of construction, the Katadyn Hiker is well-built for a pump, but these systems are not infallible. The flow rate indicates the speed at which a filter treats water, and is most often measured in terms of liters per minute. Our top picks for 2022below include everything from ultralight bottle filters and chemical drops to pumps and large-quantity gravity filters. The upsides to both methods are clear: theyre relatively lightweight, dont require the arduous task of pumping or squeezing, and you get protection against viruses, too (filters only remove bacteria and protozoa). The Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier is designed with travel and light adventuring in mind. In fact, the Guardian is such a reliable and convenient system that its also used in the military and as an emergency water purifier after natural disasters. Others require a separate piece of equipment, including the syringe that comeswith the Sawyer Squeeze. Pore size refers to the size of the tiny openings in the filter, and is measured in terms of microns. Platypus GravityWorks above is one of our favorite water filters for groups, and their QuickDraw offers a nice solution for individuals. Type: Pump filter/purifierWeight: 1 lb. In many ways, the Peak Squeeze is the most well-rounded of the bunch: Like the BeFree, it comes with its own soft flask and is decently easy to carry, making it a great setup for shorter pursuits like trail running and day hiking. Whats more, the MSR comes with an attachment for a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle for easy and leak-free filtering. Compared to the Katadyn Hiker above, the designs have identical filter pore size (.2 microns) and protect against the same contaminants, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Thats something we can help with Water treatment is a sometimes annoying and always time-consuming process, but remains an absolutely essential part of any backcountry trip. Importantly, the included Platypus bag is also much more durable than those from Sawyer and even features a convenient handle for easy water retrieval. It slows you down on the trail, takes some concentration in terms of measuring out the drops, and can bleach your clothing if youre not careful. Second, by definition, a filter routes water through an actual sieve, which physically removes debris such as dirt, algae, leaves, and tiny critters. Viruses, on the other hand, can be as small as 0.02 micron. Viruses are rarely found in natural sources, which is why most backcountry-goers find filters to be fully sufficient. We love these filters for their versatilityin addition to drinking from the bottle or pouch, you can also squeeze water into a separate receptacle for storage. In order to use the Katadyn, just add one tablet to a liter of water, wait 15 minutes for protection from viruses and bacteria, 30 minutes for Giardia, and four hours for Cryptosporidium. Unlike most chemical purifiers that use chlorine dioxide or iodine, the Pure combines salt water and an electric charge to remove contaminants from water. Keep in mind that the flow rates listed by the manufacturers are going to be realized in optimal circumstances (i.e. Almost all water treatment systems have some way of connecting to either a water bottle or hydration reservoir, if not both. But weve never been sick after using a SteriPen, so those concerns havent yet been realized.See the SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier. Type: Chemical purifierWeight: 3 oz.Treatment ratio:0.5liter per tabletWhat we like: Lightweight and cheap.What we dont: Tastes funky and takes 30 minutes to activate. As an inline filter, it also works as a gravity setupsimply hang your bladder, open the valve of your drinking hose, and let gravity do the work. Second, the filter is only compatible with42-millimeter openings, so its not as versatile as the Sawyer, which fits a variety of standard (28mm) water bottles. Not only do the Sawyers included pouches feature flat and handle-less designs that make water collection challenging, but they also suffer from serious durability issues (we recommend using a Smartwater bottle or longer-lasting Evernew or CNOC reservoir instead). And with particularly cold water, your hands can get pretty chilly, too.. But where it falls short is in its simplicity: Unlike the Sawyer, the Platypus cannot be used as an inline filter, which really cuts down on versatility. User reviews generally are positive and we are looking forward to getting another MiniWorks out for more testing, but regardless, well take the lower weight and cost of the Katadyn.See the MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter. With especially dirty water sources, pre-filtering can be a great idea even if youre using a filter to treat your water, as it will mitigate potential clogging.
For $10 less, the AutoFlow can store up to 10 liters of water at a time, which will help you keep your trips to the source to a minimum. Available in both liquid and tablet forms, chemical purifiers use iodine or chlorine dioxide to remove protozoa, bacteria, and viruses from water. Bottle Filters In addition, each tablet is individually wrapped and therefore can be modified for the specifics of your trip (with Aquamira you have to carry both bottles no matter the length of your trip). Pump Filters/Purifiers The LifeStraw weighs only 2 ounces and costs $20, and Aquamira drops are just $15 for enough solution to treat 30 gallons of water (and a mere 3 extra ounces in your backpack). Is the process really complete? Its also extremely versatile: In its simplest application, you fill one of the two included 32-ounce pouches with dirty water and squeeze into a clean bottle or reservoir, a pot for cooking, or straight into your mouth. Pumping water has its downsides, but weve found that the Katadyn Hiker is one of the most reliable filter options across a wide range of backpacking scenarios. But similar to the Sawyer Squeeze, the Peak Squeeze also threads onto bottles with standard-size mouths and can be used as a gravity filter. That said, for those who enjoy the process of camp chores and dont mind a little gear maintenance, we certainly understand the appeal. ), and the QuickDraw is easy to clean without the need for any extra tools (we recommend watching Platypus instructional video here). The result is ultimate performance and peace of mindwhen backpacking and traveling in less-developed regions of the world or other high-use areas (viruses are most commonly carried in human waste). But we still prefer the Katadyn, which despite the shorter filter life, has faster and smoother pumping action.See the Katadyn HikerMicrofilter.