What are the best water filter and purification treatment systems used by backpackers? We asked backpackers whether they preferred squeeze-style water filters, pump water filters, gravity filter systems, chemical purification or purification using an ultraviolet light. We surveyed 1275 hikers in 2019 to ask them what water filters and treat methods they prefer. We found that 80% of them use just 10 different makes and models, which we list below, together with their average satisfaction ratings on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most favorable.
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October 21, 2023
Section Hiker
Philip Werner is a full-time outdoor author and backpacker who resides in New England. His website SectionHiker.com is ranked as the #1 Hiking and Backpacking Blog on the internet by AdventureJunkies.com in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
The name of this site, Section Hiker, refers to the Long Trail which I section hiked in 2008 and the Applachian Trail that I’m still working through. To date, I’ve completed 1400 miles of the AT and hope to complete all of the sections between Georgia and Maine someday. I’ve also hiked thru-hiked the TGO Challenge (Coast-to-Coast across Scotland) twice and I’m currently section hiking the Cape Wrath Trail, also in Scotland.
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Media Mentions
Before setting foot in the outdoors, pre-treat your clothing (boots, socks, pants, shirts, jackets, etc), tent and other gear with permethrin - but do not put it on your skin!
Media Mentions
Our current favorite is the Sawyer Squeeze, which we highly recommend grabbing for your trip.
Media Mentions
[The Sawyer Squeeze] water filter system is the gold standard for many thru-hikers and backpackers across the globe.
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