A good water filter is essential for backpacking to remote locations.
Here are the best water filters for backpacking available today.
The pump self-cleans with every stroke, meaning theres no need to backflush or scrub the filter.
Image Credit: makasana photo/Shutterstock
For a pump of this power, you might think it would be bulky and awkward to take backpacking.
Yet, its only eight inches in height and weighs just over 17 ounces.
But steer clear of any water you think contains chemical toxins.
The lifespan is also good for a filter of this throw in at 1,000 liters.
Using hollow fiber technology, the filter removes all traces of bacteria and protozoa.
Maintenance is super-easy, too; just fill the bottle, terminate the cap, and shake or swirl.
Alternatively, you might remove the filter and give it a quick swirl in the river.
But one that is particularly good value is this Sawyer Products Water Filter.
It comes with a small filter and two collapsible pouches, both of which hold around one liter.
However, you’ll need to perform some maintenance once the water flow diminishes.
Just perform a backwash, and youre good to go again.
It removes more than 99.9 percent of bacteria, protozoa, and all microplastics.
This action eliminates the need to filter water separately before filling your pack.
The latter makes the filtered water odorless and removes any lingering taste.
The bottle holds 22 fluid ounces, weighs 7.8 ounces, and comes in various colors.
This durable pouch holds one liter of liquid and is easy to fill with its wide mouth opening.
The filter has an impressive flow rate of three liters per minute and a lifespan of 1,000 liters.
The filter is effective against bacteria, protozoa, and particulates.
However, like most water filtered in this price range, it isnt effective against viruses.
LifeStraw Flex Multi-Function Water-Filter System
The LifeStraw Flex promotes itself as a multi-functional water-filter system.
And it is indeed a versatile filtration system.
First, you’re able to use it as a straw to drink directly from the water source.
As with other LifeStraw products, the company aims to support safe drinking water in impoverished countries.
It kills more than 99.9 percent of bacteria and protozoa and removes all microplastics.
It has an incredible lifespan of 100,000 gallons, which pretty much means its a water bottle for life.
When the water flow diminishes, simply perform a quick backflush, and youre good to go again.
you’re free to use the 63-millimeter cap and filter with standard wide-mouth bottles.
It comes complete with two replacement straws and a syringe for backflushing.
FAQ
Q: What Is the Best Way to Purify Water When Backpacking?
The easiest way is to use water-purification tablets.
You simply pop one in the water and wait the required time before drinking.
By far and away, the simplest way to purify any water is by having a good water filter.
Q: What Is the Best Water Filter for Groups of Backpackers?
High-volume gravity bags come large enough to keep the whole camp hydrated.
