The Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2020

For 10 years, we've bought and rigorously tested 65+ of the best backpacking water filters. Our 2020 review compares 24 of the top products available. Our team of parched backcountry testers put these devices and treatments through a battery of side by side tests and comparisons across in the field and in our "lab." To push them to their limits, we used them on the worst waters we could find, including contaminated waterways and stagnant pools. We filtered hundreds of gallons of water to bring you our best recommendations for the right filtration or purification system to keep you happy and healthy on your adventures.

See the full review by Amber King and Jessica Haist on Gear Lab's website here.

LAST UPDATED

October 18, 2024

Written by
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

Gear Lab

Media Mentions from Gear Lab

Our mission: create the world’s best outdoor gear reviews.

Have you ever wanted to buy an outdoor product and been stumped about which product is best? Or, worse, bought a product only to learn later that you didn’t buy the right one for your needs? I have, and that is why I started OutdoorGearLab.

The OutdoorGearLab mission is simple: to create world’s best outdoor gear reviews.

Explore More Content

Media Mentions

The Sawyer Mini can filter up to 100,000 gallons—yep, you read that right—and fits in the palm of your hand.

Mary Hunt
Writer

Media Mentions

A favorite of ultralight hikers, backpackers, bikers, and travelers, the Sawyer Squeeze filter is the gold standard in water filters for anyone concerned about weight and universal compatibility.

Scott Gilbertson
Senior Writer and Reviewer

Media Mentions

This popular repellent from Sawyer has 20% Picaridin, which protects against a wide range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, chiggers and sand flies.

Amylia Ryan
Associate Editor