setup., Though eye-catching and certainly useful for a wide range of scenarios (think traveling in lesser-developed countries or hydrating in camp), the Grayl has limitations. 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. Type: Gravity filterWeight: 12 oz.Filter life: 1,500 litersWhat we like: 10 liters of capacity in a relatively lightweight build.What we dont: No clean bag; gravity filters have limited applications. In general, its important to read about and practice maintaining your filter at home before taking it out into the field.

The flow rate indicates the speed at which a filter treats water, and is most often measured in terms of liters per minute. Instructional videos are available online for almost every product on our list, and you should expect basic maintenance to be part of owning and using a water filter. 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. Most importantly, its both a water filter and purifier, which means you get the highest level of protection against protozoa, bacteria, and viruses, along with a filter that removes debris. 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 biggest downside to the Thru-Link is that youll have to purchase additional gear to go along with itunlike the GravityWorks or BeFree above, it doesnt come with a compatible vessel. Viruses, on the other hand, can be as small as 0.02 micron. These designs address our main concern with the Sawyer: the pouches. Like the Squeeze, the Mini attaches to its included bag or other compatible water bottle to squeeze filtered water into your mouth or drinking vessel. Second, the SteriPen uses a USB-rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and if that runs out and you dont have a portable charger, youre stuck in the wilderness with no purification (SteriPen also offers a few AA-compatible models). You wont find a faster or more reliable pump filter/purifier, but the MSR Guardian will be overkill for many. 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. 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. But no other bottle filter beats the Grayl purifier for traveling abroad, and its a great replacement for buying water in disposable plastic bottles. From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. 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. 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. What this means is that you can only fill up your receptacles (hydration bladder, Nalgene, cooking pot, mug, etc.) Simply fill the dirty water bag, hook up the filter to the port or hose, and let gravity do the work. Now for something a little different: Potable Aquas Pure Electrolytic Water Purifier. 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. The Sawyer Squeeze (which also includes inline adapters) will do the same job for less and has a longer lifespan, but keep in mind that the connection points arent quite as secure. Available in both liquid and tablet forms, chemical purifiers use iodine or chlorine dioxide to remove protozoa, bacteria, and viruses from water. Almost all water treatment systems have some way of connecting to either a water bottle or hydration reservoir, if not both. For backpackers, there is a strong argument for going this route: the tablets weigh less than 1 ounce for 30, making them by far the lightest water purification option on this list. 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. 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). Given that the Katadyn replacement filter costs $55 vs. $45 for the MSR, this brings the cost of the system up over a period of years. 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. For example, two of our favorite pump filters are the Katadyn Hiker and MSR MiniWorks. In parsing out the differences, the LifeStraw is bulkier and heavier than the Katadyn, and it also requires a syringe (included) for proper cleaning. 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). Another way to combat foul-tasting water is to use a carbon filter. In addition, chemical purifiers can add an undesirable taste to your water, and UV purifiers require batteries and electronics, which arent great to rely on in the backcountry. Bottle Filters 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. As we touched on above, if youre not using a dedicated filter to separate out sediment and other particulates, finding a clean and moving water source is the best way to ensure your water tastes good. If your filter lasts that long and youre ready for a new cartridge, then youve gotten a lot of use and clean water out of it, making it a solid investment. Straw Filters But should you find yourself with no other option, weve found a bandana (or other piece of clothing) to be the most effective pre-filtering method for straining out leaves, sand, and other bits before purification. 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. Type: Pump filter/purifierWeight: 1 lb. Because chemical and ultraviolet purifiers do not filter water, they dont have a flow rate. Getting sick in the backcountry can be a serious medical concern, so we think having a backup is a smart way to go.Back to Our Top Water Filter Picks Back to Our Water Filter Comparison Table. And at $120, the GravityWorks is on the more expensive end of the water filtration spectrum. Used in this way, an inline filter will only add about 3 ounces to your kit (assuming youre already bringing a reservoir) and is one of the easiest and most efficient ways for individuals to stay hydrated. You get a bottle of filtered water, and thats about it. But for all of its convenience, the LifeStraw Go isnt incredibly versatile. Finally, squeeze and straw filters can only move as fast as you can drink or squeeze, although newer models like the Platypus QuickDraw and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze advertise rates of up to 3 liters per minute. 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. Furthermore, water retrieval can be a pain if you dont have a reasonably deep or moving water source (similar to any system that relies on a bag to collect water). 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. In general, chemical purifiers are the most minimalist option (and great for groups), with squeeze filters like the 2-ounce Sawyer Squeeze Mini not too far behind (although theyre slightly larger in size). Given that their task is to remove contaminants from water, it should come as no surprise that many water filters need to be cleaned of this buildup. Most backpacking filters on this list have a pore size of 0.1 or 0.2 micron, which is why they sift out protozoa and bacteria, but not viruses. The Sawyer Squeeze epitomizes ultralight water treatment and has been a mainstay on the thru-hiking scene for years. 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). Gravity systemswhich use an inline filterare best for groups, basecamping, or anytime you want to filter large quantities of water with minimal hands-on effort. Second, by definition, a filter routes water through an actual sieve, which physically removes debris such as dirt, algae, leaves, and tiny critters. Because its a straw filter, you cant use the Go to squeeze water into an empty bottle or a pot for cooking (like you might with the BeFree or Sawyer Squeeze). And with particularly cold water, your hands can get pretty chilly, too.. Despite all of the recent innovations, the MSR MiniWorks remains one of the most popular pumps on the market. All in all, its an ideal and long-lasting set-up for environments when weight and bulk arent top considerations. Keep in mind that Grayl also makes the 16.9-ounce UltraPress, which features the same technology in a more streamlined (12.5 oz.) Used by day hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers who prefer not to carry water as they move, a straw filter allows you to drink directly from the source, as though sipping through a straw (some setups also include a bottle, like the LifeStraw Go). UV purifiers like the SteriPen use ultraviolet rays to achieve the same effect. 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. 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. Third, it's$11 more, and lacks the versatility of the Squeezes gravity/inline adapter. Additionally, with a filter life of 4,000 liters, the LifeStraw boasts four times the longevity of the BeFree. Staying hydrated is an absolute necessity on any outdoor excursion, but if youre headed out for more than a few hours, it might be unrealistic to carry all the water you need. Not all portable backcountry filters use carbon, but many on our list do including the MSR MiniWorks and Grayl GeoPress.Additionally, some models offer carbon filters as add-ons: the Platypus GravityWorks, for example, sells a carbon element separately that can be added to the existing filter. 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. 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. setWhat we like: Light, cheap, effective, and wont break.What we dont: The mixing process is annoying, and the drops leave a faint chemical taste., There are a number of chemical water treatment options for backpackers, and each has itsown set of pros and cons. Instead of gravity doing the work, suction brings the water from the dirty bag, through the filter, and into the hydration hose to the mouth. In terms of construction, the Katadyn Hiker is well-built for a pump, but these systems are not infallible. But in alpine areas with relatively clear mountain water like the Rockies, High Sierra, or Pacific Northwest, chemical treatments are a great ultralight option. Additionally, the purifier cartridge has a lifespan of only 65 gallons, which pales in comparison even to the LifeStraw Go's 4,000 liters. Finally, keep in mind that with any chemical purification system, you get no filtration and therefore will be drinking all of the particles that make their way into your bottle. Whats more, with a filter life of just 1,000 liters, its certainly no match in terms of longevity. This often takes the form of a simple hose or cap that fits onto commonly sized water bottle openings. As with all backpacking gear, youll want to go as light as possible without sacrificing too much in the way of functionality. For backpacking, the practicality is limited.See the Grayl 24oz GeoPressPurifier, Type: Chemical purifierWeight: 3.8 oz.Filter life:60,000L+What we like: Can filter 60,000 liters with little upkeep.What we dont: Less convenient than other chemical purification options.. Alternatively, the MSR Guardian pump purifier uses 0.02-mircon hollow fibers to filter viruses. 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. Another downside is the rather pricey replacement filter: after approximately 750 liters, youll need to spend $55 for a new one (the MSR MiniWorks recommends a replacement filter after 2,000 liters and that costs $45). Read in-depth reviewSee the Platypus GravityWorks 4L. 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. Bottle filtersalso known as squeeze filtersattach to the spout of a soft-sided bottle or pouch and filter water as you drink. as fast as the AutoFlow can filter. Whats more, it includes a carbon filter for better-tasting water when drawing from dirty sources. 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. All told, flow rate will be an important consideration for groups and time-conscious endeavors, but less of an issue for more casual hikers and backpackers. 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. 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. 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. Type: Gravity filterWeight: 11.5 oz.Filter life: 1,500 litersWhat we like: Filters and stores a high quantity of water effortlessly and quickly; great for groups.What we dont: Bulky;you need a decent water source to fill the bag. It adds an unfortunate taste, takes a half hour to do its job (or fourhours if youre worried about Cryptosporidium), and does not remove floaties like a filter would. 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. 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. But its 2,000-liter lifespan is twice the length of most competitors, and the price is right at just $38 for the 1-liter model (you can also purchase a replacement filter for $18, which is a real steal). Most of todays most popular options for individuals settle in the 2 to 5-ounce range. Similar to Aquamira drops below, Katadyn Micropur tablets are a simple and effective chemical treatment using chlorine dioxide. Finally, some premium treatment options both filter and purify water, such as the MSR Guardianand Guardian Gravity., Gravity/Inline Filters The Pure Electrolytic comes with the same downsides of nearly all chemical treatment options. 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. Platypus GravityWorks above is one of our favorite water filters for groups, and their QuickDraw offers a nice solution for individuals. At 12 ounces, its just a half-ounce heavier than the Gravity Works, and the inline filter passes water at an identical rate (1.75 L/min). All told, if youre in the market for a high-capacity gravity filter with quality components, the MSR AutoFlow is well worth a second look.See the MSR AutoFlow XL Gravity Filter. clear water), and you'll need to stay on top of filter maintenance to keep things moving properly(more on this below). The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. 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. This technology is more common in military and municipal applications than the outdoor world, although weve even seen it before with MSRs now-discontinued Miox. But weve never been sick after using a SteriPen, so those concerns havent yet been realized.See the SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier. Some gravity systems have a separate clean reservoir to collect the water, while others dispense it straight into your vessel (or mouth) via a hose with an on/off valve. LifeStraw also offers a smaller filter-equipped bottle (650mL) for $33 and Peak Gravity System with a 3-liter reservoir for $60.See the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze 1L. And if you want to keep weight down, its also worth checking out the Hydroblu Versa Flow filter, which is still lightweight at 2.6 ounces but has a faster flow rate than the Mini.See the Sawyer Mini Filter. Type: Pump filterWeight: 16 oz.Filter life: 2,000 litersWhat we like: One of the few pump designs with a ceramic filter.What we dont: Heavier and pricier than the Katadyn Hiker. Gravity does all the work: simply fill up the 4-liter dirty reservoir, hang it from a tree branch or boulder, and in just a few minutes youll have four liters of clean water to drink. Our top picks for 2022below include everything from ultralight bottle filters and chemical drops to pumps and large-quantity gravity filters. Is the process really complete? 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. And if you prefer to go even lighter, Sawyer also offers Mini and Micro versions, although both have painfully slow flow rates that arent worth the 1-ounce (or less) weight savings.See the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter. Pumps and gravity systems are the heaviest and bulkiest, and include multiple components like storage bags and hoses. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. Further, the Guardian uses advanced self-cleaning technology (about 10 percent of water from each pump cycle is used to clean the filter) and is far less likely to break down than cheaper models. For more background information, see our backpacking water filtercomparison table and buying advice below the picks. 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. Water purifiers also remove protozoa and bacteria, but they eliminate viruses as well (like Hepatitis A and the Norovirus). But for a dedicated bottle filter, the QuickDraw gives the Katadyn BeFree above a run for its money with an even faster flow rate and compatibility with most standard bottles (although the oblong size does make it difficult to use as a handheld while running). . The flow rate is impressive at 3 liters per minute (compared to the Squeezes 1.7 L/min. 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). 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. The purchase price of the Katadyn is $30 less than the MSR, but it has a shorter filter life of 750 liters vs. 2,000 liters, which is a big difference. Furthermore, many of these filters and purifiers are made with a great deal of plastic and its fairly likely that youll break another component of the device before the filter expires. Additionally, the small 16-ounce pouch isnt ideal for filling up standard water bottles, and weve had bad luck with delamination and leaks on all of our Sawyer bags. Finally, gravity filters arent our first choice for on-the-go water treatment, as setting up the system can take some time, and youll need somewhere to hang it (something to keep in mind if you're headed above treeline).. Because they are so small, the best way to combat viruses is through chemical or ultraviolet purification. We took this hybrid filter and purifier along to Perus Theres no need for us to tell you the value in staying hydrated, no matter what your day has in store. This isnt a huge issue when youre drinking straight from cold mountain streams, but it definitely can be as the quality of your water source deteriorates. Finally, as with the QuickDraw, it features a competitively fast flow rate, filtering a whopping 3 liters of water per minute. The MSR Thru-Link, for example, attaches directly to your water reservoir hose, and pump filters like the Katadyn Hiker and the MSR MiniWorks have adapters that fit the mouth of a standard Nalgene bottle. Pump filters are a great option for small groups (1-4 people), and especially when you need to pull water from shallow pools. Others require a separate piece of equipment, including the syringe that comeswith the Sawyer Squeeze. That said, for those who enjoy the process of camp chores and dont mind a little gear maintenance, we certainly understand the appeal. By contrast, most purifiers use chemicals or ultraviolet light to treat water straight from the source (i.e. 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. 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. The Katadyn BeFree is our favorite dedicated bottle filter, with an extremely light weight, easy operation, and nice, streamlined build. Rather than manually filtering into a bottle or a separate reservoir, the Thru-Link attaches directly to the hose of your bladder and filters as you drink. 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.). 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. 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. Remember, this doesnt mean your water isnt safe to drinkyouve filtered or purified itbut you can always add an electrolyte-enhanced drink mix like Nuun Sport hydrationtablets to make it more palatable (or in the case of Potable Aqua, use the accompanying neutralizing tablets). 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. However, if youre traveling in less-developed regions of the world or just want to be extra cautious (especially in high-traffic areas), a purifier is a great option to have. The primary downside to MSRs AutoFlow system is the lack of a clean bag. Nevertheless, the Guardian truly is the ultimate backpacking purifier and worth the cost for those who need it. 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. Pump Filters/Purifiers All in all, be mindful of the compatibility for a water filter or purifier to make sure it works with your drinking vessels.

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. At just 3 ounces and $15, Aquamira is a liquid chlorine dioxide solution that effectively kills protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. For those wanting a dedicated water bottle filter, the LifeStraw Go has a lot of appeal.



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