Portable water filters are essential for backpacking. Here are some of the best in 2023:
- Sawyer Squeeze
- Katadyn BeFree
- Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System
- Katadyn’s Micropur Water Tabs
- Aquamira Water Treatment
- LifeStraw
- SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier
Backpacking has taken off as a long-term activity all over the world. It takes more commitment than hiking, as backpacking involves traveling while carrying your clothes and other things you need during your journey. Usually, those who are backpacking do so very affordably. However, it’s the preparation that takes time and money.
A reliable portable water filter is one of the most important essentials for backpacking. A portable water filter is a unit used to purify water from untreated sources. This is extremely necessary, as when you’re backpacking or camping, you’ll need an easy way to treat the natural water near you. With harmful organisms living in water, this filter can keep you from getting sick and allow you to continue your backpacking journey.
Best for an Individual: Sawyer Squeeze and Katadyn BeFree
For those who travel solo or take a quicker backpacking trip, you will want a filter resembling a water bottle. The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter is constantly ranked high in this category. The Sawyer holds 32 fluid ounces and is very user-friendly. It comes with two ‘dirty’ pouches you fill with water. Then, after a few seconds, you can pour your clean water into the provided bottle. The Katadyn BeFree is another great competitor. The filtration for Katadyn is all within one bottle, so there is no transferring. It’s very lightweight and collapsible for easy packing—the two range from $40 to $45.
Best for a Group: Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System
Multiple sources have ranked the Platypus GravityWorks Filter as the best for a group. A gravity filter uses gravity to push the water down through the filter and can be used for multiple systems. This specific filter is excellent for a larger group, considering it can hold up to four liters of water. Of course, it can be used in smaller groups for fewer trips to the water source. The one downfall is its size. More oversized and bulky, this filter is best if your backpacking trip makes multiple camping stops. The average price is $135.
Best of Chemical Purifier: Katadyn’s Micropur Water Tabs and Aquamira Water Treatment
Another filtration option is using tablets or drops to purify the water in your container. One of the best in tablet form is Katadyn’s Micropur Water Tabs, while one of the best for drops is the Aquamira Water Treatment. The best part of these filtration additions is that they can remove more than a bottled water filter. Specifically, the Micropur Water Tabs go a step further and remove viruses on top of bacteria and protozoa. They are effortless to use by just adding them to your water bottle or pot for cooking. The drop water treatment is similar and also kills viruses. With this, you have a two-part system that you drop into one liter of water. These purification methods are much more affordable, ranging from $15 to $20 for multiple uses.
Honorable Mentions
Another device that has gone viral is the LifeStraw. The LifeStraw is popular not only for backpackers but also for emergency preparedness. It is, just as the name indicates, a straw. You can stick the straw in a body of water and drink right from the source. The water goes through a filter as it is brought up through the straw. You can get this straw for $20 to $50 depending on quantity.
The SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier is a system in its own category. The SteriPen uses UV rays to destroy bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. All you do is place the device into your water bottle and stir it around until the pen tells you the process is complete. This process is fast, portable, and takes away the potential aftertaste that can come from using chemical filters. It is rechargeable using a USB but claims to have 100 uses in a full battery life. The price is $130.
A reliable water filter is paramount for those who backpack or camp often. It’s always important to know the source of your water and how it is treated. If you can’t answer these questions, consider one of the options above to ensure you stay safe and healthy. Happy backpacking!
What are some recommended portable water filters for individual backpackers?
For individual backpackers, two top-rated options are the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter and the Katadyn BeFree Water Filter. The Sawyer Squeeze offers a user-friendly design with two pouches for water filtration, while the Katadyn BeFree is a lightweight and collapsible filter that operates within a single bottle. Both filters are suitable for solo travelers and are priced between $40 and $45.
Which portable water filter is best suited for groups during backpacking trips?
The Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System is highly recommended for group backpacking trips. This gravity-powered filter can hold up to four liters of water and is ideal for larger groups. While it may be bulkier than some individual filters, its capacity and efficiency make it an excellent choice, particularly for trips with multiple camping stops. The average price for this filter is around $135.
What are some effective chemical purification options for water during backpacking?
If you prefer chemical purification methods, two reliable options are Katadyn’s Micropur Water Tabs and Aquamira Water Treatment. The Micropur Water Tabs are tablets that eliminate not only bacteria and protozoa but also viruses, offering comprehensive purification. Aquamira Water Treatment, available in drop form, is similarly effective against viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Both options are affordable, ranging from $15 to $20, and can be conveniently added to your water bottle or cooking pot.
Are there any unique or specialized portable water filters available for backpackers?
Yes, there are a couple of specialized options worth considering. The LifeStraw is a popular device that functions as a straw you can directly place into a water source and drink through. It filters the water as you sip, making it useful for both backpackers and emergency situations. The SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier utilizes UV rays to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. It’s rechargeable, quick, and avoids the potential aftertaste associated with chemical filters. The SteriPen is priced at $130 and offers around 100 uses on a full battery charge.
