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
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
SaleBestseller No. 2
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
SaleBestseller No. 3
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. 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
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. 6
Katadyn Pocket Water Filter, Long Lasting for Personal or Small Group Camping, Backpacking or Emergency Preparedness
- Pocket water filter designed four outdoor enthusiasts and international travelers
- Filter's silver-impregnated ceramic element is effective against bacteria and protozoa
- Filters all microorganisms larger than 0.2 microns to produce clear, drinkable water
- Round pump handle for easy pumping; outlet hose attaches to containers with clip
Bestseller No. 7
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. 8
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
Bestseller No. 9
GRAYL UltraPress 16.9 oz Water Purifier & Filter Bottle for Hiking, Backpacking, Survival, Travel (Olive Drab)
- 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)
- FILTERS particulates (e.g. sediment, microplastics) and adsorbs volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PFAS, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, flavors and odors
- UNRIVALED EASE & SPEED. Effortlessly purifies 16.9 oz (500ml) of water in as quick as 10 seconds. Requires no setup time, pumps, hoses, sucking straws, batteries, chemicals, or prolonged waiting
- MAKES WATER TREATMENT EASY. Simply – Fill. Press. Drink! 'Fill' water filter bottle from any river, faucet or fountain, 'press' on a low surface (e.g. ground), then 'drink' clean water anywhere in the world
Bestseller No. 10
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.
SaleBestseller No. 11
CaredWater Electric Portable Water Filter Purifier Survival for Camping Backpacking Hiking Travel, Water Filtration System Survival Gear with Backup Option and Emergency Phone Charger
- ✅Electric Water Purifier Survival - Fully automatic, with a press ON/OFF button, free your hands and you can take a rest or handle other things. Max 700ml/min and upto 200 liters drinking water with one full built-in battery charge. Work as a powerbank in emergency situation.
- ✅Manual Backup Option - Never worry about running out of battery, In BACKUP MODE: Post Filter works as a life straw water filter, drink directly from any fresh water, or turn water bottle and bag into a powerful squeeze water filter system.
- ✅Filtration Performance tested by 3rd Party SGS independent Lab - With dual 0.01 micron pore size and totally 5 stages water filter system, double guard your water and deliver our promise "Filter without any efforts, Drink with full confidence !"
- ✅Purifier Survival Gear Anywhere - Portable and Lightweight (10 oz), perfect for personal or small group backpacking, camping, hiking, fishing, domestic or international travel, emergency preparedness. Water sources including lakes, rivers, streams and many more.
- ✅CaredWater FREE Lifetime Warranty - We cover all manufacturing and other defects with our lifetime warranty. Customer care available within 24 hours during working days. Filter replacements ASIN: B0B91928S7
Bestseller No. 12
Katadyn 8018270 Hiker Microfilter
- Easy-to-use design is great for the beginning camper to the serious backpacker
- The 0.2 micron glassfiber filter media is designed for high output with little effort
- Activated carbon in the core of the filter improves the taste and reduces chemicals in your drinking water
- Provides safe drinking water in any challenging conditions
- Lowest maintenance water filter available; no need for constant backflushing
Bestseller No. 13
Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System for Survival - 99.999% Removal of Tested Virus Bacteria Parasites - Lightweight Portable Water Filter for Backpacking, Camping - Water Purifier Survival
- Compact And Easy To Use - Weighing 12.8oz, this is one of the lightest and most compact water purification filters on the market, A water filter camping, hiking and backpacking approved.
- Camping Water Purifier - Stay prepared for whatever the wilderness offers. No need to charge or wait for clean water with this portable water filter pump. Comes with filters, tubes, cup and bag.
- Water Filter Survival - This survival water filter has a fast flow rate of 500ml (17oz) per minute. It's the perfect camping water purifier. Never fear dirty water with this water purifier camping.
- Testing Standards - A BPA free survival water filter. USA Tested to remove 99.999% of tested Virus, Staph, Bacteria and Protozoa and reduces heavy metals according to NSF/ANSI Standards.
- Lifetime Happiness Guarantee - We are a North American company in business for over 10 years and our philosophy is that every customer is for life. We'll fix, replace, or refund any product for a lifetime, no questions asked.
Bestseller No. 14
Portable Hand Pump Water Filter,100000Gallons Camping Water Filter Survival,3-Grade Backpacking Water Filter System 0.01μm Camping Water Purifier for Family-Outdoor,Emergency
- High-efficiency water purifier: Portable Hand Pump Water Filter's maximum filtration capacity can reach 100,000 gallons, the ultra-fast flow rate of 1400ml/min, and the food-grade plastic transparent cup is included, which is very suitable for family/multiple people to drink or cook when they are outdoors.
- Effective water filter: The camping water filter survival uses a 3-stage filtration system (high-quality activated carbon fiber-coconut shell activated carbon rod-high-performance medical grade hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane), with a filtration accuracy of 0.01μm, which can effectively remove 99.9999% of harmful substances and sediments.
- 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.
- Broad applicability:The portable hand pump water filter is very suitable for outdoor or emergency use, such as: domestic and foreign travel, camping, backpacking, hiking, field exploration, cycling, boating, mountain climbing and other scenes. Portable design will not burden you with equipment, and can meet the needs of the entire family or multiple people.
Bestseller No. 15
Katadyn Vario Water Filter, Dual Technology Microfilter for Personal or Small Group Camping, Backpacking or Emergency Preparedness
- 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
- Uses a replaceable Katadyn carbon core and cleanable ceramic disc
- Adapter base attaches directly to water bottles or an output hose can be used to fill hydration systems or larger containers
- Glass fiber filter
Last update on 2023-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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