15 Best Backpacking Water Filter - Buying Guide & Reviews

Jade Clark
  Dec 3, 2023 2:05 AM

Cleaning water is almost the best crucial consideration for any trip into the backcountry. Have you ever had an unpleasant experience with a stomach ache, nausea, or tapeworm because of drinking dirty and unsafe water while on the trail? If so, let’s find out the best backpacking water filters to address this issue.

Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System, Single, Blue

 

For any extended trip into the wilderness or even in daily life, we all need a convenient treatment method to filter dirty and insecure water into clean and great-tasting water. Thanks to the advance in modern technology nowadays, the backpacking water filter is invented to help you have a better trip and a better quality of life.

However, there are many products with different brands, prices, and technologies making modern customers confused. Because of that, I’m here to help you choose the best backpacking water filter which can meet all your needs.

Compare Products

TOP Choice
1
Sawyer Products SP2101 MINI Water Filtration System, 2-Pack, Blue and Green
Sawyer Products SP2101 MINI Water Filtration System, 2-Pack, Blue and
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  • HBC Score

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    9.6
  • Brand
    Sawyer Products
  • Ideal for outdoor recreation, hiking, camping, scouting, domestic and International travel, and emergency preparedness
  • 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  more
TOP Choice
2
Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3.0L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ Clean Membrane Personal Small Group Camping, Backpacking Emergency Preparedness, Clear, 8020470
Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3.0L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron
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  • HBC Score

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    9.6
  • Brand
    Katadyn
  • 0.1 micron water filter removes harmful organisms like bacteria 99.9999% and protozoa like Giardia & Cryptosporidium 99.9%, surpassing EPA standards
  • Collapsible 3.0L hydrapak soft bottle flask packs down small  more
Most Saving
3
Brita Plastic Water Filter Bottle, 36 Ounce, Night Sky, 1 Count
Brita Plastic Water Filter Bottle, 36 Ounce, Night Sky, 1
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  • HBC Score

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    9.5
  • Brand
    Brita
  • Brita’s Premium 36-ounce Filtering water bottle is our largest Brita bottle yet; it holds 36oz of water, and is designed with a Brita filter that fits in the straw and makes water taste great
  • Get great tasting water without the waste; by switching to Brita, you can save money and replace 1,800 single-use plastic water bottles a year  more
4
GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle - Filter for Hiking, Camping, Survival, Travel (Coyote Amber)
GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle - Filter for
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    9.4
  • Brand
    GRAYL
  • PURIFY WATER ANYWHERE: Make sketchy water clean to drink. Ideal for outdoor adventures (hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, hunting, bushcraft), global travel, and survival situations. Simply – Fill. Press. Drink!
  • REMOVES ALL PATHOGENS: Viruses (e.g. rotavirus, norovirus, hepatitis A), bacteria (e.g. E. Coli, salmonella, dysentery), and protozoa (e.g. giardia, cryptosporidium, amoebae).  more
5
Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System, Single, Blue
Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System, Single, Blue
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  • HBC Score

    HBC Score is a ranking system developed by https://homebestchoice.org. HBC Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.4
  • Brand
    Sawyer Products
  • Ideal for outdoor recreation, hiking, camping, scouting, domestic and International travel, and emergency preparedness
  • 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  more
6
Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System w/ Two 32-Oz Squeeze Pouches, Straw, and Hydration Pack Adapter
Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System w/ Two 32-Oz
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  • HBC Score

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    9.3
  • Brand
    Sawyer Products
  • 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
  • High-Performance 0.1 Micron Absolute Inline Filter Fits In The Palm Of Your Hand And Weighs Just 2 Ounces; 100% Of Micro Squeeze Units Individually Tested Three Times To Performance Standards By Sawyer  more
7
Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ Clean Membrane for Endurance Sports, Camping and Backpacking, One Size, 8018006
Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ
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  • HBC Score

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    9.3
  • Brand
    Katadyn
  • 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)  more
8
Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filter, Lightweight, Compact Design for Personal or Small Group Camping, Backpacking or Emergency Preparedness, one Size (8019857)
Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filter, Lightweight, Compact Design for
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  • HBC Score

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    9.2
  • Brand
    Katadyn
  • Proven protection against bacteria and protozoan cysts down to 0.2 micron with pleated glass-fiber filter media
  • Activated carbon in the core of the filter improves the taste and reduces chemicals in your drinking water  more
9
Katadyn Pocket Water Filter, Long Lasting for Personal or Small Group Camping, Backpacking or Emergency Preparedness
Katadyn Pocket Water Filter, Long Lasting for Personal or Small
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  • HBC Score

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    9.1
  • Brand
    Katadyn
  • Pocket water filter designed four outdoor enthusiasts and international travelers
  • Filter's silver-impregnated ceramic element is effective against bacteria and protozoa  more
10
BeFree 0.6L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ Clean Membrane for Endurance Sports, Camping and Backpacking (8019639)
BeFree 0.6L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ Clean
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  • HBC Score

    HBC Score is a ranking system developed by https://homebestchoice.org. HBC Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    Katadyn
  • 0. 1 micron water filter removes harmful organisms like bacteria 99. 9999% and protozoa like giardia & Cryptosporidium 99. 9%, surpassing EPA standards
  • Collapsible 0. 6L hydrapak soft bottle flask packs down small to fit in tight spaces (pant or jacket pockets, purses, cycling jerseys, fly vests  more
11
Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw, Camping Water Filtration System, Water Purifier Survival for Travel, Backpacking and Emergency Preparedness, 1.5 gal Bag, 5 Stage Filtration, Pack of 2
Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw, Camping Water Filtration System, Water
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  • HBC Score

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    9.0
  • Brand
    Waterdrop
  • 💧 【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.  more
12
Katadyn BeFree 3.0L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ Clean Membrane for Personal or Small Group Camping, Backpacking or Emergency Preparedness (8019640)
Katadyn BeFree 3.0L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ
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  • HBC Score

    HBC Score is a ranking system developed by https://homebestchoice.org. HBC Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.9
  • Brand
    Katadyn
  • 0.1 micron water filter removes harmful organisms like bacteria 99.9999% and protozoa like giardia & cryptosporidium 99.9%, surpassing epa standards
  • filters up to 1,000 liters of contaminated water without using chemicals or other devices  more
13
Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System for Survival - Lightweight Hand-Pump Portable Water Filter for Backpacking Hiking Camping Water Filtration - Removal of 99.999% of Tested Virus Bacteria Parasites
Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System for Survival - Lightweight
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  • HBC Score

    HBC Score is a ranking system developed by https://homebestchoice.org. HBC Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.9
  • Brand
    Survivor Filter
  • Independently Tested at Multiple Labs in the USA: Tests show Removal of - 99.999% Virus, Staph, Parasites and Bacteria and Reduction of Heavy Metals - 99.5% of Mercury and 93% Lead - surpassing EPA standards for water filters.
  • 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  more
14
Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw, Camping Water Filtration System, Water Purifier Survival for Travel, Backpacking and Emergency Preparedness, 1.5 gal Bag, 0.1 Micron, 5 Stage Filtration
Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw, Camping Water Filtration System, Water
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  • HBC Score

    HBC Score is a ranking system developed by https://homebestchoice.org. HBC Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.7
  • Brand
    Waterdrop
  • 💧 【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.  more
15
Katadyn Vario Water Filter, Dual Technology Microfilter for Personal or Small Group Camping, Backpacking or Emergency Preparedness
Katadyn Vario Water Filter, Dual Technology Microfilter for Personal or
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  • HBC Score

    HBC Score is a ranking system developed by https://homebestchoice.org. HBC Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.6
  • Brand
    Katadyn
  • A simple turn engages a ceramic pre-filter for long life in dirty water or a pleated glass fiber filter in normal conditions
  • Produces up to two quarts per minute in the faster flow mode and one quart per minute in longer life mode  more

Last update on 2023-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Top Picks

Best MINI Water Filtration System: Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System

Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System will be the perfect choice for you with its almost 37.000 reviews and a 4.8-star overall rating on Amazon. Thanks to the MINI filter, this one can eliminate up to 99.99999% of all bacteria, all protozoa, and also 100% of microplastics.

Besides, with a compact, modern, and firm design weighing only 8 Ounces, this one is so convenient for you to put in the bag or even in your hand. Additionally, it is also super easy to understand and use because of not having a lot of tiny parts which harden you to assemble.

Sawyer Products SP2101 MINI Water Filtration System, 2-Pack, Blue and Green
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Best Gravity Water filter for Groups: Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3.0L Water Filter 8020470

If you often go camping, hiking, or trip with a group, let’s take a pick of the Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3.0L Water Filter which can meet all your needs. Equipped with the 0.1-micron water filter, this one can remove 99.9999% harmful organisms like bacteria and 99.9% protozoa like Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Besides, this gravity filter can purify up to 1, 000 liters of polluted water without using chemicals or other dangerous devices.

With a collapsible, compact, and small design, this one can be more convenient and suitable when walking, moving, or even running. The strap also makes it entirely hands-free so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about getting lost. What a convenient item!

Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3.0L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ Clean Membrane Personal Small Group Camping, Backpacking Emergency Preparedness, Clear, 8020470
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Best Water Filter Bottle:Brita Plastic 36-Ounce Water Filter Bottle

The Brita Plastic 36-Ounce Water Filter Bottle has been Brita’s largest bottle so far, which can hold 36oz of water. Besides, its filter not only can reduce chlorine and more but also bring the freshest-tasting water in every sip.

Thanks to its easy open lid, compact, and present-day design, this one is also easier to pour water through the straw so you don’t have to worry while using it. Moreover, it is worth purchasing because you can save money and avoid replacing 1,800 single-use plastic water bottles each year.

Brita Plastic Water Filter Bottle, 36 Ounce, Night Sky, 1 Count
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Buying Guide

In today’s life, with people's need of using backpacking water filters, there are more and more products on the market with a variety of different prices, technologies, and capacities, which confuses customers. Since then, I have summed up all buying experiences right here to assist you in finding the perfect one for yourself.

  • Purchasing a product that is verified by safe technology agencies or has complete secure certifications.

  • Take note of filter shelf life

  • Read reviews from other customers before purchasing

  • Check for the label of a trusted brand when buying

  • Read carefully the buying policy and warranty of the product.

  • Choosing a product that can be suitable for your needs.

Final Thought/

Nowadays, water pollution is becoming more and more serious because of the industry’s development. Many plants and factories dump heavy and hazardous chemicals into rivers and oceans, which directly affect our water sources. Because of that, the need of using water filters increases as well, especially the backpacking water filters due to their convenience.

Hopefully, with all the help of my recommendations, you have chosen the best backpacking water filter for yours.