10 Best Backpacking Water Filters in 2023

When venturing out for a backpacking adventure, it is essential to have the right gear with you, and that includes a good water filter. You don’t want to risk drinking contaminated water from streams or lakes that can cause you to get sick or bring home unwanted parasites. Therefore, backpacking water filters are critical to ensure that you have access to clean water in the wilderness.

In this post, we will discuss the ten best backpacking water filters to help you choose the right one for your next outdoor expedition.

1. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System

The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System is a favorite among backpackers. It removes almost all bacteria, including E. Coli and Salmonella, and many protozoan cysts. It is light in weight and easy to use. It’s an excellent choice for filtering larger quantities of water.

2. Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

The Katadyn BeFree Water Filter is lightweight and highly portable. It can filter up to 1000 liters of water without any chemicals, pumping, or batteries. Its unique design is perfect for backpacking. It can filter water in less than a minute, and you can drink water directly from the bottle, making it convenient and easy to use.

3. Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System

The Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System is a robust and durable water filtration system. It can filter up to four liters of water in 2.5 minutes without the need for pumping or squeezing. The system comes with two water bags; one to collect unfiltered water and the other to receive clean filtered water.

4. Grayl Geopress

The Grayl Geopress is a water filtration system that is excellent for outdoor and travel use. It filters bacteria and protozoa and filters viruses, making it unique among other backpacking filters. It can filter up to 24 ounces of water in less than 10 seconds.

5. SteriPen Ultra

The SteriPen Ultra uses ultraviolet light to destroy harmful bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. It is lightweight and portable, making it perfect for backpacking. You can use it to purify one liter of water in just 90 seconds, making it one of the fastest water purification systems.

6. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is one of the most popular backpacking water filters. It filters up to 1,000 gallons of water. It is compact, lightweight, and easy to use. You can suck water directly from your water source using this straw-like filter.

7. MSR Guardian Water Purifier

The MSR Guardian Water Purifier filters out bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and even dirt, making it one of the most effective backpacking water filters. This system can filter 10,000 liters of water, making it an excellent choice for long trips. Although it is bulky, it delivers clean water quickly, making it one of the best heavy-duty filters.

8. HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter System

The HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter System is an affordable, lightweight, and versatile water filtration option. It can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water. This filter is easy to use and can be attached to a water bottle or hydration pack.

9. MSR MiniWorks EX Water Filter

The MSR MiniWorks EX is a highly durable and reliable backpacking water filter. It filters out bacteria, protozoa, and sediment, providing you with clean water instantly. It can filter up to 2,000 liters of water, making it an excellent choice for long trips.

10. Katadyn Pocket Water Filter

The Katadyn Pocket Water Filter is a heavy-duty backpacking water filter that filters bacteria, protozoa, and sediment. It has a long lifespan and can filter up to 13,000 gallons of water. The filter is durable and easy to use.

Conclusion

Choosing the right backpacking water filter can make a difference in the quality of your adventure. The above systems are some of the best backpacking water filters you can choose from. When selecting a water filter, consider the filter’s weight, quantity of water it can filter, ease of use, and efficiency in providing clean water while backpacking.

Don’t compromise on your health while on an adventure. Ensure that you select a suitable backpacking water filter and enjoy your adventure without any worry about getting sick or contaminated water.