Water filters use microscopic pores to strain out protozoa (such as Giardia) and bacteria (E. Coli and Salmonella, for example). Available in both liquid and tablet forms, chemical purifiers use iodine or chlorine dioxide to remove protozoa, bacteria, and viruses from water. As with any manufacturer-provided spec, the listed filter life is optimistic and probably should be thought of as a maximum. The Peak Squeeze is relatively new to the scene, and though weve been impressed throughout testing, its too soon to tell if it will unseat popular models like the BeFree and QuickDraw. And in comparing chemical treatments, its worth noting that despite being more difficult to use, Aquamira drops are considerably cheaper. 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. Many water filters and purifiers are able to remove bacteria, protozoa, and sometimes even viruses, but they wont necessarily change the taste of the water. First, it has a relatively short lifespan compared to a filter like the Squeeze (1,000 liters vs. the Sawyer's lifetime warranty), and its known to clog much more quickly in dirty water. 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. 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. 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). As with all backpacking gear, youll want to go as light as possible without sacrificing too much in the way of functionality. 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. Type: Pump filter/purifierWeight: 1 lb. Purifying just 24 ounces (0.7L) at a time, its an inefficient system for anything but on-the-go drinking when water sources are consistently available. 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. 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 weve never been sick after using a SteriPen, so those concerns havent yet been realized.See the SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier. And at $120, the GravityWorks is on the more expensive end of the water filtration spectrum. 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. 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. 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. The system couldnt be simpler: put two iodine tablets in a liter of water, wait 30 minutes, and drink. 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. 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. Well usually opt for a filter in these scenarios, but if youre using a purifier its a good idea to pre-filter your water (more on this below). 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. 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. 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. 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. The flow rate is impressive at 3 liters per minute (compared to the Squeezes 1.7 L/min. Additionally, the purifier cartridge has a lifespan of only 65 gallons, which pales in comparison even to the LifeStraw Go's 4,000 liters. But looking for advice on which reusable water bottle to choose? 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. Theyre among the heaviest systems, take more time and effort than most methods, and cleaning the cartridges isnt as easy as a simple backflush (as with most inline, bottle, and straw filters). 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. Potable Aqua tabs are a classic and a method thatweve used as a filter backup for years. You get a bottle of filtered water, and thats about it. In the end, we dont recommend the Mini for anything other than emergency use, especially given that the Squeeze is a fully functional alternative for just 1 ounce and 20 bucks more. With a product like the LifeStraw Go,this is as easy as blowing out after each use. The MSR Guardian is ten times the price of many popular bottle filters here, but this pump is the real deal. 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. What this means is that you can only fill up your receptacles (hydration bladder, Nalgene, cooking pot, mug, etc.) 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). We found the pump to be slow from the outset (it has a listed flow rate of 1L/min., but we didnt experience that). Viruses are rarely found in natural sources, which is why most backcountry-goers find filters to be fully sufficient. Viruses, on the other hand, can be as small as 0.02 micron. Because they are so small, the best way to combat viruses is through chemical or ultraviolet purification. In parsing out the differences, the LifeStraw is bulkier and heavier than the Katadyn, and it also requires a syringe (included) for proper cleaning. Used in the popular Brita kitchen filters, carbon removes chlorine, organic compounds, and other bad odor and taste-inducing materials. Simply fill the dirty water bag, hook up the filter to the port or hose, and let gravity do the work. Another way to combat foul-tasting water is to use a carbon filter. Second, by definition, a filter routes water through an actual sieve, which physically removes debris such as dirt, algae, leaves, and tiny critters. Platypus GravityWorks above is one of our favorite water filters for groups, and their QuickDraw offers a nice solution for individuals. 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. 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. Pore size refers to the size of the tiny openings in the filter, and is measured in terms of microns. That said, for those who enjoy the process of camp chores and dont mind a little gear maintenance, we certainly understand the appeal. 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. clear water), and you'll need to stay on top of filter maintenance to keep things moving properly(more on this below). Type: Pump filterWeight: 11 oz.Filter life: 750 litersWhat we like: A versatile and reliable filterthat can make clean water from puddles.What we dont: Relatively short filter life and pricey to replace. However, we have the MSR MiniWorks ranked here because of our own in-the-field experiences. For example, two of our favorite pump filters are the Katadyn Hiker and MSR MiniWorks. Third, it's$11 more, and lacks the versatility of the Squeezes gravity/inline adapter. The Sawyer Squeeze epitomizes ultralight water treatment and has been a mainstay on the thru-hiking scene for years. 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. But while the Katadyn is $30 cheaper and lighter at 11 ounces, the MSR has a significantly longer filter life at 2,000 liters (the Hikers is just 750L), with a carbon/ceramic design thats easy to clean in the field. 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). The Katadyn BeFree is our favorite dedicated bottle filter, with an extremely light weight, easy operation, and nice, streamlined build. The design excels on long trail runs when water is readily available: the compact filter sits inside the bottle (unlike the protruding Sawyer Squeeze), its wide mouth makes refilling easy, and the whole setup is a feather light 2.3 ounces. 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. Read in-depth reviewSee the Platypus GravityWorks 4L. But in alpine areas with relatively clear mountain water like the Rockies, High Sierra, or Pacific Northwest, chemical treatments are a great ultralight option. Neutralizer tablets are available and do a decent job of masking the chemical flavor, and many people add a drink mix to make a tastier concoction.If youre wondering about the differences between iodine (Potable Aqua) and chlorine dioxide (the Katadyn and Aquamira above), the former is not effective in killing Cryptosporidium, while the latter is categorized by the CDC as having low to moderate effectiveness. At just 3 ounces and $15, Aquamira is a liquid chlorine dioxide solution that effectively kills protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. 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. The smaller the pore, the more particles the filter can block. The device is made of ABS plastic and has a number of hoses and small parts, and weve had pieces snap off of other pumps in the past (not with the Katadyn yet, but it certainly can happen). The words filter and purifier often are used interchangeably, but knowing the differences between the two is a key step in choosing the best water treatment for your needs. And while most newer bladders support the connection system on the MSR (any bladder with Quick-Connect fittings will work), others require you to modify by cutting the reservoir tube and utilizing the two included fittings. And the Ultra here is our favorite model, with a durable 2.9-ounce build, helpful LED display, and convenient USB-rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery., We love the concept of the SteriPen but have mixed feelings after extended use. 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. 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). On the extreme ends of the spectrum, the Grayl GeoPresshas a cartridge life of only 65 gallons, while the Sawyer Squeeze has a lifetime warrantythey dont even make replacement cartridges for it. Like the Katadyn BeFree and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze above, it makes water treatment as simple as taking a sip, but the hard-sided bottle boosts durability and convenience for casual day hikes and frontcountry applicationsno squeezing or cold hands required. Further, the Katadyn and Aquamiradon't have as many issues with taste, which is why theyland higher spots on our list.See the Potable Aqua Tablets. 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. 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. And finally, with a 2.5 liter-per-minute flow rate, the MSR is ridiculously speedy. Finally, when using the SteriPen, its hard to feel totally confident that it workedrational or not. The primary consideration here is cost: you have the initial purchase price of the item, but after a certain number of liters of water have been filtered, youll need to buy a replacement cartridge. All told, its a well-built pump from one of the most trusted brands in water filtration. The Pure Electrolytic comes with the same downsides of nearly all chemical treatment options. Similar to Aquamira drops below, Katadyn Micropur tablets are a simple and effective chemical treatment using chlorine dioxide. 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, with a filter life of just 1,000 liters, its certainly no match in terms of longevity. But for short adventures or those who like to filter their tap water, the LifeStraw Go is one of the most convenient and user-friendly options here.See the Lifestraw Go 22 oz. Pumps and gravity systems are the heaviest and bulkiest, and include multiple components like storage bags and hoses. In terms of construction, the Katadyn Hiker is well-built for a pump, but these systems are not infallible. 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. Bottle Filters The QuickDraw is similar to designs like the Sawyer Squeeze above, threading onto a bottle or soft flask with a standard-size opening (28mm) to filter clean water into your mouth or separate vessel. unfiltered water). 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. 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. 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. 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. 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). 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. Further, our version became almost unworkable midway through a Utah backpacking trip. 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. 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. 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. Keep in mind that the flow rates listed by the manufacturers are going to be realized in optimal circumstances (i.e. If youre not keen on keeping up your equipment, you can always opt for more carefree models like the SteriPen or chemical treatments like Aquamira or Potable Aqua. 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. Their lightweight and easy-to-use design makes them a great option for weight-conscious trips and solo backpackers, day hikers, trail runners, cyclists, and more. For those wanting a dedicated water bottle filter, the LifeStraw Go has a lot of appeal. 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. 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. 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. Bottle filtersalso known as squeeze filtersattach to the spout of a soft-sided bottle or pouch and filter water as you drink. 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). 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). 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, unlike the versatile Sawyer Squeeze, you only get a tube port on one end, meaning the Peak Squeeze cannot be used as an inline filter with a hydration reservoir. Using simple mechanics (and some elbow grease), a pump siphons water from the source, through a hose and filter, and out another hose into a clean receptacle. 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. Type: Bottle/straw filterWeight: 7.8 oz.Filter life: 4,000 litersWhat we like: Incredibly convenient and relatively long filter life.What we dont: Heavier and bulkier than soft-flask bottle filters. Read more about us., Everyone exploring the backcountry needs water, but staying hydrated is not as simple as drinking straight from streams and lakes. Pump Filters/Purifiers Our top picks for 2022below include everything from ultralight bottle filters and chemical drops to pumps and large-quantity gravity filters. For this reason, we think its a good idea to carry a lightweight chemical treatment or basic LifeStraw as an emergency backup. Unlike most chemical purifiers that use chlorine dioxide or iodine, the Pure combines salt water and an electric charge to remove contaminants from water. ), 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. Finally, as with the QuickDraw, it features a competitively fast flow rate, filtering a whopping 3 liters of water per minute. 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. 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. That said, these purifiers offer a nice alternative to bulkier filters, and we especially like chemical options like Aquamira and Potable Aqua for large groups, weight-conscious outings, or as a backup to a filter. Further, many bottle and inline filters also can be used as a straw (such as the Sawyer Squeeze Mini), and are by far the more well-rounded choice. 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. 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. The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. 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 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. 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. Finally, some premium treatment options both filter and purify water, such as the MSR Guardianand Guardian Gravity., Gravity/Inline Filters There was a lot of press surrounding the release of MSRs Thru-Link, and for good reason. Straw filters have their place for simple applications and day trips, but are not a very versatile setup as they offer no way to produce or store clean water for cooking or drinking later. In general, we dont recommend simple straw filters for high-performance backcountry use, but we include the LifeStraw Go on our list as a nice recreational option. Leading pump filters are listed at about 1 liter per minute, although that seems fairly optimistic to us (the exception is the pricey MSR Guardian, which is speedy at 2.5 L/min.). On the other hand, the Platypus mentioned above filters water into a clean bag and stores it there, making it quickly accessible when you want it. 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.. But no other bottle filter beats the Grayl purifier for traveling abroad, and its a great replacement for buying water in disposable plastic bottles. 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. 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. 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. 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. And with particularly cold water, your hands can get pretty chilly, too.. 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. MSR makes their Thru-Linkfor this very application, and models like the Sawyer Squeeze quickly convert into an inline filter with included adapters. 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. 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 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). 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. 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). 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 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. In this scenario, you can boil your drinking water provided you have a backpacking stove and extra fuel, but this a time and labor-intensive method. 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. 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. 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. Most importantly, they kill bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, thereby purifying water for drinking. Nevertheless, the Guardian truly is the ultimate backpacking purifier and worth the cost for those who need it. Plus, the Katadyn tablets are difficult to cut in half and dont work with 500mL bottles (its one tab per liter), which is a bummer especially for trail runners with smaller soft flasks.See the Katadyn Micropur MP1, Type: Inline filterWeight: 2.5 oz.Filter life: 1,000 litersWhat we like: For those who hike with a water reservoir, the convenience is unmatched.What we dont: Does not come with compatible vessels.. Type: Chemical purifierWeight: 0.9 oz.Treatment ratio: 1L per tabletWhat we like: Simple and light.What we dont: More expensive than Aquamira and youre drinking unfiltered water straight from the source. 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. 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). Is the process really complete? 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. 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).