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Dan Hu

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Dan Hu is Backpacker‘s water filter category manager. Hu grew up in Hawaii and has lived in Washington State since 2013. A healthcare professional by training, he spends his free time hiking and backpacking in the Pacific Northwest and writing about his adventures.

Dan Hu is Backpacker‘s water filter category manager. Hu grew up in Hawaii and has lived in Washington State since 2013. A healthcare professional by training, he spends his free time hiking and backpacking in the Pacific Northwest and writing about his adventures.

Stories by the Author

Backpacker: The 5 Best Water Filters for Hiking and Backpacking

We tested 31 filters in rushing mountain streams and scummy lakes to vet our top picks.

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March 31, 2026

Backpacker: Why Hasn’t Anyone Come Up with a Better Water Filter Design?

A confluence of form factors, tech, and knock-offs have led to a muddled market for one of the most important pieces of gear a hiker will ever own.

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July 7, 2025

Backpacker: The 5 Best Water Filters for Hiking and Backpacking

We tested 31 filters in rushing mountain streams and scummy lakes to vet our top picks.

Backpacker: Why Hasn’t Anyone Come Up with a Better Water Filter Design?

A confluence of form factors, tech, and knock-offs have led to a muddled market for one of the most important pieces of gear a hiker will ever own.

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