The Best Water Purifiers For Backpacking Of 2024: Reviews And Buyers Guide
By, Sarah CombsUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Membrane Solutions Personal Water Filter, Portable Water Purifier
Membrane Solutions Personal Water Filter is a high quality, long-lasting water purifier that is portable and durable. It weighs only 2 ounces and fits in the palm of your hand, pocket, gym bag, backpacks, survival packs and purses. This straw filter can effectively reduce chlorine and odor from tap water to drinkable water. Read Review
2. Runner Up: Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System - Water Filter for Backpacking
If you are looking for a high-performance filter that has the power to remove 99.9% of all bacteria, viruses, parasites and even Cryptosporidium and giardia cysts like other filters on the market, then Survivor Filter Pro is for you. This water filter for backpacking is lightweight and compact so it won't add any unnecessary bulk to your pack. With its high flow rate, you can use it from a fresh water source, pump it directly into a cup or pump Read Review
3. Best Sturdiness: GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is a water purifier designed for easy use. The purifier can be used from any spigot, hotel sink, murky river, lake, or well. Built-in replaceable cartridge good for 65 gallons (250L). The GRAYL GeoPress includes replacement cartridges and is perfect for a home or car emergency kit. Read Review
4. Best Lightweight: Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter, Fast Flow, Camping and Backpacking
Ready to embark on your next adventure? Whether you're camping in the backcountry or just want to ensure you drink safe and healthy water, the Katadyn BeFree 1.0L is your solution. This collapsible flask pack down small so it can fit in your pockets, purses or even jacket pockets. The BeFree 1.0L is the perfect go-to hydration unit for those who love to go fast while they travel. Read Review
If you’re a regular backpacker, then you know that everything from eating to drinking while you’re out in the wild can be a bit of a challenge at times. The good news is that there are numerous ways to tackle your backcountry woes when it comes to staying hydrated and staying healthy. The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to staying healthy on the trail is of course drinking water.
You can’t really go more than a few days without getting thirsty unless you’re used to living in an arid climate or something. Hence, finding the best water purifier for backpacking is crucial for your success as an outdoor enthusiast.
We have chosen many of the good items currently available, including Membrane Solutions Personal Water Filter, Portable Water Purifier - our favorite one. We also provide you with Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System - Water Filter for Backpacking 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 Membrane solutions, Survivor filter, Grayl, Katadyn, Waterdrop, Simpure, Msr, Purewell, Bkles right here.
RELATED: Have you found best water purifier for travel hard to select? Our personalized shopping guides help you compare and choose right products.
Our Top Picks
- ✅Smaller Pore Size - We all know that the smaller pore size, the higher the filtering accuracy, Our pore size is 0.1 microns which can filter out 99.99999% of the tiny material. Compared to the 0.2-micron filter straw on the market, Membrane Solutions 0.1microns pore size filter straw maintains the optimum flow rate (500ml/min) while maintaining the filtration accuracy.
- ✅High-Quality Materials & Versatile Filtering Modes - Build out of strong food-grade plastics, manufactured with BPA-Free ABS, ensures water safety and delivers a better drinking experience. Compared to the big filter straw on the market, Membrane Solutions water filters have a smaller frame, more convenient to use and more filtered modes, ideal for connecting with soft water pouch or disposable water bottles to squeeze, even as a replacement gravity filter to get pure water for family & group.
- ✅Portable & Long Life-Span - This straw filtration at only 7.1'' long and 1" in diameter fits any bottle, cup, or glass. It weighs just 2 ounces and fits in the palm of your hand, pocket, gym bag, backpacks, survival packs and purses. Both ends of Upgrade straw filter are removable for cleaning to extend Longer Lifespan ensures it provides up to 5,000 liters (1,320 gallons) of drinking water. You can take it anywhere you want conveniently.
- Lifetime Warranty - We cover all manufacturing and other defects with our lifetime warranty
- Proven protection against any unwanted objects in your drinking water; Reduces Heavy Metals and Improves taste, thanks to Dual Hollow Fiber Membrane (Ultra Filters) and Carbon Filtration - 20 times more efficient than the competition at 0.2 microns and none of the Competition Comes Close with Our Heavy Metal Removal
- Independently Tested in the USA to show 99.999 percent filtration removal of tested Virus, bacteria, parasites and reduces heavy metals, unpleasant tastes and odors
- FILTERS & CLEANS: particulates (e.g. sediment, microplastics) and adsorbs volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PFAS, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, flavors and odors
- UNRIVALED SPEED & EASE: Purifies 24 oz (710ml) of water. Requires no setup time, pumps, hoses, sucking straws, batteries, chemicals, or prolonged waiting. Effortlessly purify from any spigot, hotel sink, murky river, lake, or well.
- EMERGENCY PREPARATION: Equipped with replaceable purifier cartridge good for 65 gallons (250L). Perfect for home or car prep kit so you are ready for any natural disaster, water emergency, or survival situation.
- Stay clean drink nozzle keeps the mouthpiece clean and sanitary (replaceable with standard plastic water bottle caps)
- 0.1 micron water filter removes harmful organisms like bacteria 99.9999% and protozoa like Giardia & Cryptosporidium 99.9%, surpassing EPA standards
- Ez-clean Membrane is simple and easy to clean by simply shaking or swishing the filter to clean debris, no backflushing or extra tools required
Best Easy To Use
Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw, Water Purifier Survival for Travel, Backpacking
- 💧 【5-Stage Efficient Filtration】With adoption of premium-quality coconut shell activated carbon, 0.1 um ultrafiltration membrane and other raw materials, the Water Filter Straw can effectively reduce harmful substances like chlorine, particulates, sediment, stones, sand, dirt, bad taste &odor in water to ensure the water safety and deliver better 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.
- Transparent design allows you to see the filtration working
- Long-time trusted option for backpackers with it's ultra-light 11oz, compact size and compatibility with hydration bladders
- Activated carbon in the core of the filter improves the taste and reduces chemicals in your drinking 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.
- Long Lifespan and Speedy Treatment Time: Our water purifier camping has a lifespan of 5,000 liters (1320gallons), for a family of four uses up to 3.5 years. With a flow rate of 27 liters per hour, it won’t slow you down when you’re trying to make miles.
- 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.
- Drink directly from the source or fill a water bottle or hydration pack; easy one-handed operation filters one liter in 60 seconds
- Ultralight (5 ounces) and compact (6x2.4 inches), it fits in a stash pocket for trail runners, hikers, and mountain bikers
- Hollow fiber technology allows water to pass through but traps harmful protozoa, like giardia and cryptosporidium, and bacteria, like salmonella
- ✔️Ergonomic design: Special rubber on sides and bottom of pump helps maintain a firm and sturdy surface while pump is in use, as well as increasing durability. The shell is made of food-grade materials. Upgrade handle diameter up to 15mm, never break. The transparent lid can be used as a drinking cup, a top compass can also be of great use when traveling. Size: 6.69 x 3.14 x 1.96 inches,comes with detailed Instruction Manual, Tubing, Hose Clip, Advanced Filtering System, Carry Bag.
- ✔️Super Fast Flow Rate And Fully Compact: Super-fast flow rate of up to max 1400 ml (58 Oz.) per minute; The water filter pump hiking can filter up to 793 Gallons(3,000 L) before replacement of its reusable carbon filter is required. Tips: the Lifespan of the repalcement filter depends on the quality of the water, try to use clean water to extend the Lifespan. One unit of Purewell Water Purified Pump can be used by several persons at the same time.
- ✔️High Efficiency Advanced 4-Stages Filtering System: 1. High-performance medical Grade Hollow Fiber UF Membrane, 2. High Quality Activated Carbon Fiber, 3. Coconut Shell Activated Carbon Rod, 4.Medical Grade PP Cotton. It's portable which makes it the perfect solution of water shortage in an emergency, and can instantly turn a water source nearby into healthy drinking water. Must for traveling, backpacking, camping and emergency kits!
- Pump self-cleans on every stroke, providing consistently fast flow rates with zero hassle—no backflushing or filter-scrubbing ever required
- Ideal for backcountry, expeditions, global travel, and survival; purifier pump measures 8.2 x 4.7 inches and weighs 17.3 ounces; made in the USA
Our Tips to decide which one among best water purifiers for backpacking is the best
Researchers all know how difficult it is to make a decision when there are so many options. It's something that originally stood out, and you want to get the most bang for your buck, but our advice will help you make good decisions.
Before making a purchase, please read the following key factors to save oneself time and prevent trouble later.
Purification Vs. Filtration
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.
Filtration Or Purification Speed
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.
Type Of Backpacking Water Filter
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
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.
Cleanliness Of Water Source
A simple bandana, depending on the condition of your water, can be used as a prefilter.
Durability And Longevity
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.
FAQs
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 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.
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.
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.
Conclusion
Follow these guidelines to ensure that you purchase best water purifiers for backpacking in 2024. Take into account what characteristics are most essential for your topmost issue right now, and then look into different products that meet those requirements. If you are unable to choose a product, please see Portable Electric Water Filter System BK2000 BKLES for another option.
With this advice, you should be able to find a great new product with much less difficulty! Do you have any inquiries? Please notify us as soon as possible.
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About Sarah Combs
