If you are preparing for the trail, you will need one of these top rated backpacking water filters prepared for you here in the list, all reliable Amazon best-selling outdoor tools.
What is in the list
So here you have water filters for hikers, backpackers, campers, travelers, etc. You will need them in any of these and similar activities. I myself am an active mountaineer and hiker and I have one of these filters always in my backpack. Without a water filter, I normally need up to 3 liters of water for a whole day activity in the mountains. This depends on the weather conditions and on how hard the activity is, so sometimes this cannot be enough. My backpack feels very different with and without such an addition.
But if I go in the area with lots of water springs and flows, I normally only have one 3/4 liter bottle of water, and then refill occasionally whenever it is necessary. My strict rule is never to drink the water without filtering it first, regardless of how clean it can look.
The items in the list are in any of the following two groups:
- Water filters.
- Water purifiers.
Now, when this is about mechanical process of cleaning the water, a purifier is a filter as well, but a filter is not necessarily a purifier. This is about the size of the pores through which the water is filtered. A purifier is able to remove all living organisms, viruses included. Water filters cannot remove viruses, some of them are too small. But if you are on the trail, having viruses in water is very unlikely, they need living creatures to survive, and they do not remain in the water for long. So in most cases, you need just a good filter and you will be safe.
If you would rather have some purifier that does not remove microorganisms physically, but kills them instead, please check our separate list.
So how to know which is which and how to choose?
- First, you have to be sure that the item is reliable, and I am sure this is not always so. But you will see the top brands here in the list, those are the most reliable in this industry, like MSR, Sawyer, Katadyn, LifeStraw, and a few more.
- Second, as mentioned above, this is about the size of the pores in the filter/purifier. Viruses are usually 0.02 – 0.4 microns size, the smallest seems to be the Porcine circovirus type 1 with a diameter of 0.017 microns. So if you have a system with filtration pores that are 0.01 micron, you are pretty much safe from any virus and bacteria.
Note that such filters and purifiers do not remove chemicals and pollutants, though some of them can reduce the amount of some of the chemicals. So it is best to avoid taking the water from places where such stuff may be present. These tools also cannot make fresh water out of seawater.
These are outdoor tools, but it is good to have such items at home as well, for emergency situations in general and family preparedness, in particular in areas with hurricanes, and where floods are expected.
Regarding the size and principle of work, you can have the following types:
- Small filters/purifiers to use on the go. This is what I use most of the time. Note that here you have two sub-types:
- Filters/Purifiers which you use to drink directly.
- Filters/Purifiers which allow you to collect clean water and carry on the trail, as you can see in the top picture above. I would suggest using this type, and this in particular if you do not know the trail which is waiting for you and have no idea where the next water supply might be. So here you have either i) a bladder which you fill with water and then squeeze through the filter into a clean water bottle, or ii) a system with a pump which takes the water from the stream and filter it into the clean bottle. The second option is a bit heavier and bulkier.
- Gravity systems suitable to use when you are in the camp. So you put water in the reservoir and let gravity do the job, the water will flow through the attached filter and you will have the clean water collected in the container; meanwhile, you can do other things in the camp, cook, read, or just rest. These are camping water filters and purifiers but they can be used as water filters for hikers and backpackers as well.
These are all Amazon best-selling water filters and purifiers, many of them are Amazon Prime items so you can have them shipped for free. The differences in prices can be huge, but this does not mean those cheap items are unreliable. This is all about the technology used; some of those expensive items are heavier, with ceramic filters, and suitable for groups.
In any case, you have a number of the filters here that are on sale, a chance to save some money. So here is our list with best water filters for backpacking, hiking, and camping, please have a look:
SaleBestseller No. 1
Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System w/ Two 32-Oz Squeeze Pouches, Straw, and Hydration Pack Adapter
- 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
- 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
- Includes Two Reusable 32-Oz, Bpa-Free Collapsible Pouches That Roll Up Tightly For Easy Packing, Drinking Straw, One Set Of Sawyer Inline Hydration Pack Adapters For Filter, And Mesh Storage Bag
SaleBestseller No. 2
Membrane Solutions Gravity Water Filter Pro 6L, 0.1-Micron Versatile Water Purifier Camping with Adjustable Tree Strap Storage Bag, Survival Gear and Equipment for Group Camping Emergency Preparedness
- 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. SGS certificated, Test Report NBF21-004693-01
- 4-Stage Filtration: Our camping water filter is made up of 0.1-micron hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane, coconut shell GAC filter, and double PP fiber filter. Removes minimum 99.99999% of escherichia coli, odor, iodine, chlorine, heavy metals, filters up to 5,000 liters outdoors water
- Superior Backwash Solution: Detachable mouthpiece connects with the common bottle for backwashing, no need for an extra syringe. No cumbersome fittings and lightweight. Easy carrying gravity water filter when putting all the parts in the storage bag
- 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
- 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 food-grade, BPA-free
SaleBestseller No. 3
Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System, Single, Blue
- 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
- Attaches to included drinking pouch, standard disposable water bottles, hydration packs, or use the straw to drink directly from your water source
- 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
- Filter rated up to 100,000 gallons; Includes one Sawyer MINI filter, 16-ounce reusable squeeze pouch, 7-inch drinking straw, and cleaning plunger. Before initial wetting- Filter is safe from freezing temperatures if it has never been wetted. After initial wetting-While there is no definitive way to tell if a filter has been damaged due to freezing, Sawyer recommends replacing your filter if you suspect that it has been frozen. During trips-If you are in freezing temperatures, we recommend that you store your filter in your pocket or close to your person so that your body heat can prevent freezing.
Bestseller No. 4
Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ Clean Membrane for Endurance Sports, Camping and Backpacking, One Size, 8018006
- 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)
- 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
- Filters up to 1, 000 liters of contaminated water without using chemicals or other devices and hydrate quickly and easily with the free flow channels fast flow rate
- Stay clean drink nozzle keeps the mouthpiece clean and sanitary (replaceable with standard plastic water bottle caps)
SaleBestseller No. 5
Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filter, Lightweight, Compact Design for Personal or Small Group Camping, Backpacking or Emergency Preparedness, one Size (8019857)
- 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
- The field cleanable filter protector screen extends the life of the cartridge in challenging conditions
- Long-time trusted option for backpackers with it's ultra-light 11oz, compact size and compatibility with hydration bladders
- Transparent design allows you to see the filtration working
Bestseller No. 6
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness, 1 Pack, Blue
- Removes Bacteria & Parasites: The Microfiltration Membrane Removes 99.999999% Of Waterborne Bacteria (Including E. Coli And Salmonella), And 99.999% Of Waterborne Parasites (Including Giardia And Cryptosporidium)
- Removes Microplastics: Removes The Smallest Microplastics Found In The Environment (Down To 1 Micron), And Reduces Turbidity Down To 0.2 Microns
- Rigorous Testing: All Claims Are Verified With Laboratories Using Standard Testing Protocols Set By The Us Epa, Nsf, Astm For Water Purifiers
- Long Lifetime: The Microbiological Filter Will Provide 4,000 Liters (1,000 Gallons) Of Clean And Safe Drinking Water With Proper Use And Maintenance
- 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
Bestseller No. 7
Membrane Solutions Squeeze Water Filtration System, Survival Water Purifier Kit, Portable Backpacking Gear Including Water Filter Straw and 23oz Collapsible Water Bottle for Hiking Camping Travel(1+2)
- ✅Survival Gear for Outdoor Water Needs - If you want to obtain clean drinking water simply and quickly, you can use this survival gear. The mini and lightweight filtering system is ideal for recreation, hiking, and camping. It’s also your good companion for scouting, domestic and international travel, emergency preparedness. 💡 Note: DOES NOT lower TDS.
- ✅Portable & Long Life-Span - This squeeze water filtration system consists of a water filter straw and a collapsible water bottle. It weighs just 3 ounces and fits in the palm of your hand, pocket, gym bag, backpack, survival pack and purse. Both ends of the Upgrade straw filter are removable for cleaning to extend Longer Lifespan ensuring it provides up to 5,000 liters (1,320 gallons) of drinking water. You can take it anywhere you want conveniently.
- ✅5-Stage Filtration - Our upgrade 5-Stage Filtration system includes a coarse filter screen, double layer pp cotton fiber, coconut shell activated carbon and hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes. which can redece 99.99999% of escherichia coli (Test result from SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Co., Ltd.Ningbo Branch, Test Report NBF21-004693-01, Date: 02 Jun 2021), and improve the taste.
- ✅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 0.1 microns pore size filter straw maintains the optimum flow rate (up to 1000mL/min) while maintaining filtration accuracy during the squeeze.
- ✅Versatile Filtering Modes - The squeeze filter system can not only be used as a set, but also can be used separately. Water filter straw can be used as a replacement for gravity filter to obtain clean water. The collapsible water bottle can store water during your trips.
SaleBestseller No. 8
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
- 💧 【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.
- 💧 【Longer Lifespan with Recyclable Straw】With innovative backwash purifier function, 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 1,400 gallons (5,300 liters), and ensures the maximum water flow rate of up to 700 ml/min to provide more relaxed outdoor water drinking experience.
- 💧 【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.
- 💧【Warm Prompt】Note: If the gravity bag is used to filter water, turn on the drainage valve first to empty air from the hose before connecting with the straw to avoid no water flow in a vacuum state.
Bestseller No. 9
GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle - Filter for Hiking, Camping, Survival, Travel (Black Camo)
- PURIFY WATER ANYWHERE: Make sketchy water safe 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).
- 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.
Bestseller No. 10
![Bachgold Outdoor Water Filter Bottle [22 fl oz] - Hiking & Backpacking Water Filter - Perfect for Camping, Hunting, Hiking & Bushcraft Adventures - Water Filter Outdoor](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41UMJiFp+7L.jpg)
Bachgold Outdoor Water Filter Bottle [22 fl oz] - Hiking & Backpacking Water Filter - Perfect for Camping, Hunting, Hiking & Bushcraft Adventures - Water Filter Outdoor
- STAY HEALTHY - Our water filter removes all harmful pollutants and contaminants that make you sick. A must have on your next trip to India or your hiking adventure in the Rocky Mountains.
- FRESH & PURE - Fresh water when and wherever you're thirsty. Whether you drink from a river or a lake, our portable water filter makes every water taste as fresh & pure as high quality bottled water.
- DURABLE & SAFE - Our outdoor water filter are made from high quality BPA-free materials that are built to last. Capable to filtering up to 50.000 fl oz you can run about 2500 cycles with one filter.
- EASY TO PRESS - We developed a new technology wich makes the filter up to 50% easier to press, compared to other models. Our new water filter is an absolut essential part of your survival kit.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE - Don't let heavy water bottles slow you down. Our lightweight portable water filter makes it easy to take your water, wherever your adventures may lead. Perfect for hiking.
SaleBestseller No. 11
Membrane Solutions Portable Water Filter Straw Filtration Straw Purifier Survival Gear for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency, Blue, 4 pack
- ✅Survival Gear for Outdoor Water Needs - SGS certificated, Test Report NBF21-004693-01. If you want to obtain clean drinking water simply and quickly, you can use this survival gear. The portable and lightweight filtering system is ideal for recreation, hiking, camping. It’s also your good companion for scouting, domestic and international travel, and emergency preparedness.
- ✅Portable & Long Life-Span - This straw filtration at only 7.1'' long and 1" in diameter fits any 28mm threaded bottle, cup, or glass. It weighs just 2 ounces and fits in the palm of your hand, pocket, gym bag, backpack, survival pack or purse. Both ends of the Upgrade water filter straw are removable for cleaning to extend Longer Lifespan ensuring it provides up to 1,320 gallons (5,000 liters) of drinking water. Don't miss this opportunity to drink clean water conveniently wherever you go.
- ✅5-Stage Filtration - Our Upgrade 5-Stage Filtration System includes a coarse filter screen, double layer pp cotton fiber, coconut shell activated carbon and hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes. which can remove 99.99999% of harmful substances (pollution, odor, chlorine and organic chemicals, etc.) and improve the taste. Ensuring the safest water in the worst environments.
- ✅Smaller Pore Size - We all know that the smaller the pore size, the higher the filtering accuracy, our pore size is 0.1microns which can filter out 99.99999% of the harmful particles. Compared to the 0.2-micron water purifier straw on the market, Membrane Solutions 0.1 microns pore size water purifier straw maintains the optimum flow rate (16.9 fl oz/min / 500ml/min) and a high filtration accuracy at the same time.
- ✅High-Quality Materials & Versatile Filtering Modes - Made of durable food-grade plastics, manufactured with BPA-Free ABS, ensuring safe and quality drinking water. 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 a soft water pouch or disposable water bottle to squeeze, even as a replacement gravity filter to get pure water for family & group.
SaleBestseller No. 12
Katadyn Hiker PRO Replacement Cartridge
- Replacement cartidge for Katadyn Hiker and Hiker Pro water filter systems
- Provides up to 200-gallon capacity (depending on water quality)
- Removable filter protector extends cartridge life in challenging conditions
- Glass-fiber element is pleated for increased surface area to handle silt and muddy water
Bestseller No. 13
Purewell Water Purifier Pump with Replaceable Carbon 0.01 Micron Water Filter, 4 Filter Stages, Portable Outdoor Emergency and Survival Gear - Camping, Hiking, Backpacking
- ✔️Innovative Ultrafiltration Technology: The outdoor pump water filter system use 0.01 micron hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane, can reduce up to 99.9999% of tiny material. Consist of high quality coconut activated carbon fiber, effectively reducing odor from the nature water, health drinking guarantee even in the wild!
- ✔️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!
- ✔️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.
- ✔️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.
- ✔️Outdoor Survival Equipment: Our water filtration system works without electricity, will turn rainwater, lake and river water into clean and potable water quickly. It can delivers tasty purified water to meet your various outdoor water needs.
Bestseller No. 14
MSR MiniWorks EX Backountry Water Filter
- Microfilter water filter pump for hiking, backpacking, camping, travel, survival, and emergency preparedness
- Replaceable carbon and ceramic filter removes bacteria, protozoa, organic compounds, and particulate, delivering clean, taste and odor-free water
- 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
- Pump measures 7.5 x 2.75 inches and weighs 1 pound; storage bag included; manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty; made in the USA
SaleBestseller No. 15
Platypus GravityWorks Group Camping Water Filter System, 4-Liter
- High-capacity, gravity-fed, hollow-fiber water filter system is ideal for group and family camping, outdoor adventures, and emergency preparedness
- Meets all EPA/NSF guidelines for removal of 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa, including giardia, cryptosporidium, E. coli, salmonella, cholera
- No pumping required; reservoir fills easily and hangs from a tree to deliver four liters of filtered water for cooking and washing in 2.5 minutes
- Includes 4-liter dirty water reservoir, 4-liter clean water reservoir, hollow-fiber microfilter, hoses, shutoff clamp, and storage sack
- Replaceable cartridge filters up to 1,500 gallons; produces flow rate of 1.75 liters/minute; kit weights 11.5 ounces; made in the USA
Last update on 2023-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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