The Best Water Treatment Backpacking: Top Picks & Buying Guides 2024
By, Sarah CombsUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel
The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is a highly portable water filtration system that provides safe, clean drinking water from the most contaminated sources. The LifeStraw filter works by removing 99.99999% of all waterborne bacteria and protozoa which can make you sick if ingested. It also removes heavy metals, chemicals, and other contaminants such as chlorine, mercury, lead, and pesticides. Read Review
2. Runner Up: Sawyer Products SP105 MINI Water Filtration System, Single, Black
Get clean, pure water anytime and anywhere with the Sawyer Products SP105 MINI Water Filtration System. The included straw attaches to your standard drinking pouch, standard disposable water bottles, or hydration packs, or you can drink directly from your source using the included straw. Read Review
3. Best Quality: Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System for Survival
The Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System is a rugged and durable filter with a super fast flow rate of 500 milliliters (17 ounces) per minute. It can be used directly from fresh water source, or pumped into an attached cup. The filter has BPA-free filters and is designed specifically for large jugs of water for the whole family. Read Review
4. Best Realiable: Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw, Camping Water Filtration System
When you're on the go and need to stay hydrated, the Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw is your best bet. This professional combination uses a purification straw and a gravity-fed water bag to filter out 99.99% of viruses, bacteria and protozoa in water. It's perfect for camping trips, emergencies or anywhere you need reliable water storage. Read Review
5. Best Easy Set Up: Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filter, Lightweight, Compact Design
This Katadyn Hiker Pro filter is lightweight and compact, making it easy for you to drink pure water anywhere. With a lightweight design and full-body protection system, this filter is great for hikers and backpackers who want to stay hydrated on the trail. Read Review
The outdoors is full of natural dangers and hazards. If you’re going to experience them, you might as well embrace it. However, there are also many wonderful things in the world that we can enjoy safely if we take precautions.
That’s why it makes sense to invest in ways of making the most of the situations we encounter and minimizing the dangers they pose. One way of doing this is by investing in water treatment backpacking gear. If you do so, you can enjoy all the wonders Mother Nature has to offer without worrying about any potential dangers. Here’s what you need to know about setting up a water treatment system for backpacking.
Following extensive study and analysis, we've come up with the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, which we hope will meet your demands. However, it is not the only thing on our list. We also show a full buyer's guide and a number of different options are available to help you find the most suitable.
RELATED: We discovered 10 best backpack water bottle from 110,041 evaluations from former users. Check it out here and find the best.
Our Top Picks
- Make an Impact: For every LifeStraw product purchased, a school child in need receives safe drinking water for an entire school year.BPA Free materials
- Long Lifetime: The microbiological filter will provide 4,000 liters (1,000 gallons) of clean and safe drinking water with proper use and maintenance
- Removes 99.99999% of all bacteria (salmonella, cholera, and E. coli); removes 99.9999% of all protozoa (such as giardia and cryptosporidium); also removes 100% of microplastics
- High-performance 0.1 Micron absolute inline filter fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just 2 ounces; 100% of MINI units individually tested three times to performance standards by Sawyer
- đ§ ăMulti-scene ApplicationăAs a necessity for outdoor water purification, the Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw is applicable to hiking, camping, domestic and international travel, emergency preparedness (tornadoes, rainstorms, earthquakes, floods, etc.) to meet the emergency water demand in a variety of situations.
- đ§ ă5-Stage Efficient FiltrationăWith 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.
- đ§ ăLonger Lifespan with Recyclable StrawăWith 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 gallonsïŒand ensures the maximum water flow rate of up to 700 ml/min to provide more relaxed outdoor water drinking experience.
- Proven protection against bacteria and protozoan cysts down to 0.2 micron with pleated glass-fiber filter media
- Transparent design allows you to see the filtration working
- Built-In And Removable Flip Top Sports Cap; Spray Water Straight Into Mouth Or Bottle From Included Pouch; Also Fits Standard Water Bottles With 28 Mm Threads
- Lightweight, Easy To Use Portable Water Filter Removes Harmful Bacteria, Protozoa, Cysts, Sediment, And 100% Of Microplastics; Perfect For Outdoor Adventures, Travel, Or Emergency Preparedness
- 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
- 0.1 micron water filter removes harmful organisms like bacteria 99.9999% and protozoa like Giardia & Cryptosporidium 99.9%, surpassing EPA standards
- Collapsible 1.0L hydrapak soft bottle flask packs down small to fit in tight spaces (jacket pockets, purses, backpack, fly vests)
- FILTERS particulates (e.g. sediment, microplastics) and adsorbs volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PFAS, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, flavors and odors
- ONEPRESS GLOBAL PROTECTION. Empowers international travelers and outdoor adventurers to make the world’s sketchiest water sources clean to drink. Ideal for global travel and outdoor adventures (hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, hunting) and survival
- REMOVES ALL PATHOGENS. 99.9% of viruses (e.g. rotavirus, norovirus, hepatitis A), 99.9999% of bacteria (e.g. E. Coli, salmonella, dysentery), and 99.9% of protozoan cysts (e.g. giardia, cryptosporidium, amoebae)
- 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.
- 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.
- Very Versatile: Besides the gravity water filter system, the included filter can be used in many different ways. Use as a personal water filter, or add a 29.5-inch extension tube for more distance drinking. Even connect onto a water bottle.
- 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.
- 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.
What to Look For in a best water treatment backpacking?
Actually, when you decide to invest in best water treatment backpacking for yourself, lots of things to consider! It's harder to choose since the product comes with many types, functions, and features from different manufacturers. That’s why you should find a reliable space to acquire knowledge related to the item.
We’ve highlighted the essential features of the best water treatment backpacking below. Along with checking out the list of best models in the list, you should also carefully read the buying guide here:
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.
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.
Cleanliness Of Water Source
A simple bandana, depending on the condition of your water, can be used as a prefilter.
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.
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.
RELATED: Our experts have listed the top best water purifiers for backpacking that are best sellers in 2024 to bring you an ideal one. See the top picks and buyers guide here!
FAQs
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.
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.
Do I Need To Boil My Water If Iâm 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.
After knowing the suitable kinds of best water treatment backpacking and the features you wish, it’s high time for you to start your shopping. Note that you shouldn’t run out to a particular store or start scrolling through online sales just yet. With the development of technology, especially the expansion of sale sites, you can easily find your buddy.
Remember to check out our site weekly round-up to ensure that the current sales on best water treatment backpacking perform well in our tests. So you can catch up with them as soon as possible. Would you please give us your feedback for better service? Many thanks!
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