Best Backpacking Water Filter in 2021

We all know how important it is to keep hydrated, especially when you’re out in the wilderness, but lugging around heaps of water can be a real pain. Plus, it’s so hard to know how much you’ll need in the first place, and even the best planners can get caught out with little or no water.

In fact, I’m sure more than a few of you have had moments out in the blistering sun where you’re running low on water and you’ve found yourself eyeing up the closest stream and wondering whether a little sip would hurt… but although freshwater sources can look harmless, they often contain bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other contaminants, capable of causing some serious tummy upsets and worse.

If only there was a way to make natural water sources safe to drink… oh wait, there is! Water filters are designed to convert potentially harmful water sources into safe drinking water, which means you’ll always have a drink close at hand – perfect for those of you that like to camp and hike. Plus, for all you explorers out there, water filters come in super handy when you’re traveling and you aren’t sure whether the tap water is safe.

Water filters work in many different ways – some are squeeze filters, others use chemical or UV purification, and there are also gravity and pump filters too – so choosing the right water filter can be a tricky task.

Here, we’ve brought you a selection of the best backpacking water filters currently on the market, and we also highlight some key things to look out for when you’re shopping around.