Top Best Water Purifier For Survival Of 2024: Reviews & Buying Guide

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System for Survival
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System for Survival

Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System for Survival is a proven system for protecting your drinking water from unwanted objects such as bacteria and heavy metals. Survivor Filter Pro is a sleek, compact, and portable water purification system that includes a 20-stage filtration system, activated carbon, and UV light to kill bacteria and viruses. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filte

Katadyn Hiker Pro is a 3-in-1 filter that keeps you protected against bacteria and protozoan cysts down to 0.2 micron. The pleated glass-fiber filter media removes chlorine, turbidity and sediment from the water, with a transparent design so you can see the filtration working. Read Review

3. best choi: MSR MiniWorks EX Backountry Water Filter

The MSR MiniWorks EX Backcountry water filter removes bacteria, protozoa, organic compounds, and particulate matter to deliver clean, taste and odor-free water. The product is compatible with a variety of wide mouth water bottles, hydration bladders (sold separately), and use pumps at a rate of one liter per minute. Read Review

4. Best Convenient: SimPure Gravity Water Filter, Portable Gravity-Fed Water Purifier

The SimPure Gravity Water Filter is a lightweight and easy to use water purifier that ensures you have clean drinking water anywhere, anytime. With its high filtration rate, this filter removes almost all of the contaminants in your water while it is flowing through the filter. Read Review

When you are in a survival situation, you will be faced with many challenges. You might live in an uninhabited area or might be trapped inside your home due to a natural disaster. Water is one of your most important resources and it should not be taken lightly.

Instead, you need to have a water purifier that can help you in such situations. Many people don’t know what kind of purifiers they should look for and how they can use them for their survival purposes. Finding the best water purifier for survival can make all the difference. In this article, we will talk about some of the best water purifiers for survival or bug-out bags that you can bring with you if there is ever an emergency at home or in the neighborhood.

We have chosen many of the good items currently available, including Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System for Survival - our favorite one. We also provide you with Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filte model that you may consider if the top product is not your choice.

You will be surprised at the information we are about to share below! Let's explore the special features of products from famous brands including Survivor filter, Katadyn, Msr, Simpure, Membrane solutions, Bkles, Waterdrop, Lacucino, Fs-tfc right here.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System for Survival
Our Score:
9.7
Survivor Filter
  • Shell is ABS Material (Same Material Used on Car Bumpers), Polysulfone Medical Grade Ultra Filter (Same Material Used in Visors of Apollo Astronauts), Food Grade Activated Carbon and Handle Contains Steel Bar Inside for Extra Support. BPA Free
  • Super Fast Flow Rate of 500 Milliliters (17 Ounces) per Minute; Can be used directly from fresh water source, pumped into attached cup, or pumped into any portable hydration pack; Perfect for filtering large jugs of water for the whole family
  • Lifetime Warranty - We cover all manufacturing and other defects with our lifetime warranty
TOP Choice #2 Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filte
Our Score:
9.5
Katadyn
  • Activated carbon in the core of the filter improves the taste and reduces chemicals in your drinking water
  • Transparent design allows you to see the filtration working
TOP Choice #3 MSR MiniWorks EX Backountry Water Filter
Our Score:
9.4
MSR
  • Pumps at a rate of one liter per minute; compatible with a variety of wide mouth water bottles, and hydration bladders (sold separately)
  • Meets NSF protocol P231 for removal of bacteria (99.9999%) and protozoa (99.9%); one replaceable filter cartridge treats up to 2,000 liters of water
  • Food-grade and BPA-free: All materials used in our camping water filter are BPA-free, food-grade, FDA certificated, and no chemicals are used to filter water. With 3L TPU gravity-fed bag can provide you enough reliable pure water. Ideal for backpacking, camping, or just keeping on hand for emergencies.
  • Easy to Use and Lightweight: Just hang on a tree with the tree strap, hands-free filtration, enjoy effort-free (no pumping, no squeezing, barely any waiting) filtered water within minutes. Gravity water filter weighs just 2.8 ounces and can be completely rolled up to save space in your backpack.
  • 0.1-micron Ultrafiltration: Our water filter camping made up of 0.1-micron hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane, 5-micron coconut shell GAC filter, and 0.2-micron PP fiber filter, removes over 99.99999% bact, heavy metal, chlorine, odors, micro-plastics, etc.
5 Membrane Solutions Versatile Water Purifier
Our Score:
9.2
Membrane Solutions
  • Easy to Hang on Trees: Adjustable tree strap fits the most trunks, minimum length: 22.5 inches and maximum length: 41.5 inches. No worry about losing, thanks for the one-piece design. Besides, our water filtration system camping meets with FDA, food-grade, BPA-free. EPA Est No. 97260-CHN-1
  • Extra-Large Capacity: After the survey, 6L capacity is the most appropriate solution for group water needs. Our water filter camping can provide you with enough reliable sources of pure drinking water at any time and anywhere. Especially in an emergency
  • Versatile Use Ways: More ways you can find besides the gravity water filter system, like using as a water filter straw direct, or adding an extension tube on water straw for more distance using, even connecting with water bottles. Backpacking water filter offers you clean drinking water anywhere, anytime
6 MSR Guardian Water Purifier
Our Score:
9.0
MSR
  • Meets NSF protocol P248 testing standard of the U.S. military, using medical-grade fibers to provide protection from the tiniest waterborne threats
  • Pump self-cleans on every stroke, providing consistently fast flow rates with zero hassle—no backflushing or filter-scrubbing ever required
  • Military-grade water purifier pump removes viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and particulate from contaminated water sources virtually anywhere on earth
  • [Light, Small and Portable] Only weighs 350g and is small in size; The multi-functional storage bag can store all the accessories, and can be easily hung on the backpack, belt and trousers etc.
  • [Filter Water Anywhere] Turn rainwater, spring water, lake water and river water into clean drinking water.Ideal for hiking, camping, backpacking and international travelers who need clean drinking water.Add it to your backpack list now and get ready to go!
  • [Fast and Long Endurance] Ultra fast purified water flow of 700ml (23 oz.) per minute.Built in large capacity lithium battery, one charge can purify 168000ml(5681 oz.) of water, enough for 10-to-15-day backpacking and multiple people to use at the same time.It can be powered in multiple ways: mobile power supply, solar panel, vehicle power supply etc.
  • 💧 【Outdoor water needs】: Fulfill all your outdoor water demands: hiking, camping, domestic and international travel, emergency preparedness (tornadoes, rainstorms, earthquakes, floods, etc.) to meet the emergency water demand in a variety of situations. Each straw only weights 0.19 pounds, and each bag only weights 0.29 pounds.
  • 💧 【Smaller frame】: Smaller frame but bigger capacity, Waterdrop Filterstraw can provide safe drinking water up to 100,000 gallons. It is easy to absorb water and can quench your thirst instantly. Match with water bags or bottles for the ultimate drinking experience.
  • 💧 【Versatile uses】: Use with water bags or connect to water bottles to filtrate water for drinking. Both ends of it can be disassembled and connected with water bags and water bottles to offer you clean drinking water anywhere, anytime.
  • Practicability: The backpacking water filter is equipped with an advanced heavy-duty pre-filter, which can effectively isolate sand and reduce clogging; equipped with 2 large buoys, which can prevent the hose from kinking and reduce the difficulty of pumping; the equipped hose clamp can fix the hose, even if it is operated by one person, it is very convenient.
  • Broad applicability:The portable hand pump water filter is very suitable for outdoor or emergency use, such as: domestic and foreign travel, camping, backpacking, hiking, field exploration, cycling, boating, mountain climbing and other scenes. Portable design will not burden you with equipment, and can meet the needs of the entire family or multiple people.
  • High-quality materials: The camping water purifier is made of food-grade ABS plastic, with non-slip rubber added to the side and bottom, which is ergonomic and comfortable to use; the handle is thickened to avoid the handle breaking; 2 hoses (15.7/31.5 inches), very convenient for pumping water;comes with a compass to save space in your backpack.
  • 💧 【Longer Lifespan with Recyclable Straw】With innovative back-flush design, the inside of the Water Filter Straw can be kept clean at all times and it is recyclable, safe and pollution-free; the Waterdrop Filter straw can provide safe drinking water up to 100,000 gallonsand ensures the maximum water flow rate of up to 700 ml/min to provide more relaxed outdoor water drinking experience.
  • 💧 【Professional Combination】Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw with 1.5 gal Gravity-Fed Water Bag is an exclusive water purification combination created for outdoor activities and first aid survival. The large-capacity water bag can hold up to 1.5 Gallons of water at a time, which is about 11 bottles of 500 ml bottled purified water, and can meet the all-day demand for outdoor water drinking.
  • 💧 【Versatile uses】: The Water Filter Straw can be connected with water bags or water bottles to filter water for drinking. Both ends of it can be disassembled and connected with the water bags and the water bottles to offer you clean drinking water anytime anywhere.

What to Look For in a best water purifier for survival?

The best water purifier for survival is based upon a number of factors. Studying a product differs depending on the product type. So, we're on here to help, counsel, and provide solutions to these problems.

Please keep in mind the following points for selecting best water purifier for survival:

Durability And Longevity

A filter's life expectancy greatly depends upon its method of filtering (cartridges, hollow membranes, chemical or ultraviolet light). Water filters for backpacking can be used up to 250 L.
The cartridges used by one-piece filters can last between 200 and 500 L without the need for replacement. You may have to replace your entire unit if you use filters that last longer.
They will last forever if you continue charging them or replacing the batteries as needed.

Filtration Or Purification Speed

Are you patient? While some filters can be done quickly, others require a lot of patience. You should also consider the number of people for whom you are filtering water. More people mean more water, and therefore more work.
Purifying water with chemicals like chlorine and iodine can take as long as 4 hours, while some filters are quick and easy. You should be on a backpacking trip of any length, no matter how short or long.

Cleanliness Of Water Source

Water can be murked up in different ways by various elements, such as leaf debris and glacial sediment. You will need something to serve as a filter if you intend to purify water with tablets.
A simple bandana, depending on the condition of your water, can be used as a prefilter.

Purification Vs. Filtration

It's important to understand the differences. What is the difference between a water filter or a purifier? It's the amount of microorganisms each removes.
While purification kills viruses, filtration eliminates bacteria, protozoa and sediment.
In the USA, bacteria in drinking water is an issue. International travel is safer because of waterborne viruses.
The water is also more enjoyable to drink if it's filtered.

Type Of Backpacking Water Filter

Some filters are simple to set up and allow you relax as your water is being filtered. Gravity filters, for example, use gravity to filter water.
Other filters require active participation-meaning you have to physically filter the water usually by either squeezing or pumping it through the filter.
You should also remember that backpacking water filters can crack if they are exposed to extreme cold temperatures.

Weight

It is important to weigh your gear, including backpacking equipment. Water filters should also be considered when planning a long-distance journey.
Although this is not the norm, it tends to make a compromise between speed and weight. Filtration times are generally longer if the filters are smaller or lighter.

FAQs

How To Maintain Your Water Filter?

It is important to maintain your filter on the trail and at home. Backflushing is a common cleaning method for hollow fiber filters. This involves running filtered water in reverse through a filter that pushes larger particles out of the cartridge back to its source. When filtering water that is sediment-filled, backflushing can be especially useful. Backflushing ceramic filters is also beneficial. However, they can still be used to clean any blockages manually without risk. Avoid freezing your filter by not flushing it regularly. Remove the cartridge from the tank and store in your sleeping bag or chest pocket to prevent water from freezing, causing damage.
To kill any bacteria, wash any other tubes and reservoirs with soap. Then, flush the cartridge with one capful of bleach and one quart of water. Rinse the cartridge with warm water, and dry it completely.

Do I Need To Boil My Water If I’m Using A Backpacking Water Filter?

It is a common practice to boil water in backcountry areas. This is because backpacking water filters don't remove viruses and chemical treatments aren't effective in neutralizing protozoa such as giardia or cryptosporidium. Boiling water does the trick. Boiling water can be time-consuming and may require extra fuel, or even a backpacking stove, if you don't have any options. A lightweight filter can be useful in case your fuel supplies run dry.

What's The Difference Between Filtration And Purification?

Most filters use either a pump or a tube to filter the water. To combat viruses, purifiers combine a chamber or tube with activated carbon and another chemical component.

Each of these options protects against bacteria or protozoa. Many also provide protection against toxins, chemicals and viruses. Based on your budget and preferences, we recommend that you choose the best one.

Can Viruses Be Filtered Out Of Water?

Yes! Yes! Purifiers were designed to protect and filter everything that you might encounter in the backcountry, or in developing countries.
You can protect your filter and purifier against any microorganisms or bacteria as long as you follow the directions.

How Long Does A Backpacking Water Filter Last?

The filter type determines the filter's life expectancy. Hollow fiber and activated charcoal cartridges need to be changed every few hundred times or after filtering has been completed. While some filters may last years, others will need to be replaced once they are worn out.
Some filters and purifiers only require new batteries, or they can be recharged.

What Is The Best Way To Purify Water When Backpacking?

It is best to find clean water sources when backpacking to purify your water. Clear, flowing water is what you want -- anywhere between a running stream and a babbling creek.
Avoid areas with stagnant ponds and runoff from livestock or urban areas. or debris. Also, you will need to locate a secure place where gravity filters can be refilled, pumped, and hung.
Some filtering options, such as chemical filters or tablets, require you to wait longer for water to be clean.

As we are product consulting experts with a wide range of experience, we determine correct information. Apart from that, we keep the best water purifier for survival current. You may rest confident that the data is accurate and up to date.

Besides best water purifier for survival, we can advise you with anything. Please do not hesitate to contact us whenever you need guidance.


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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