GearJunkie: The Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2023

We put the best backpacking water filters and purifiers to the test so you can stay safely hydrated on your next trip into the great outdoors.

You don’t need much to have a successful backpacking trip. Yes, you’ll need some gear (like a tent, a sleeping bag, and a pack). But most importantly, you’ll need a way to get clean, safe water while on the trail.

Before we explain in depth how each water filter works, here are a few things that will help you through this guide. There are many different methods of filtering (or treating) water. The most common methods are through a cartridge or tube, with either activated carbon, UV light, or chemicals.

Filters also come in different styles: straw-style, pump filters, gravity filters, and UV or tablet treatments. They all make water safe to drink but differ slightly in size, durability, and price.

We’ve spoken to thru-hikers, hunters, and mountaineers, and read hundreds of customer reviews to find out which water filters on the market are truly the best.

Our team collectively tested a plethora of diverse filters for the creation of this guide. Current author and Senior Editor, Chris Carter, has been squeezing water through countless tubes and dropping tablets in his Nalgene each season to bring you the streamlined selection of 18 filters you see today. From stagnant green pools in the African savanna to bubbling alpine brooks in the Cascade Mountains, Chris has filtered water of all consistency and color in the wild, and brings only the best filters on his excursions. Rest assured, we would trust every model in this guide to keep us safe and hydrated in the backcountry.

Read the full article from Mary Murphy and Chris Carter on GearJunkie's website here.

LAST UPDATED

December 1, 2023

Written by
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

Gear Junkie

Media Mentions from Gear Junkie

GearJunkie is the top source for news, adventure stories, and product reviews in the outdoors world. GearJunkie.com, launched in 2006, contains thousands of pages of content -- gear reviews, news, travel and adventure stories, a video section, photo galleries, and giveaway contests. Gear Junkie is owned and operated by Monopoint Media LLC, a company founded in 2006 by journalist Stephen Regenold and two business partners.

GearJunkie leads the outdoor industry in breaking news and product reviews in the active-lifestyle world. From offices in Denver and Minneapolis, GearJunkie’s journalists, writers, and video producers advance the conversation online and beyond. Millions of monthly readers follow GearJunkie and engage through our active social and newsletter channels. We also produce events and publish a weekly syndicated column distributed in print newspapers around the U.S.

Explore More Content

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!

Outdoor Element
Contributing Writers

Media Mentions

Our current favorite is the Sawyer Squeeze, which we highly recommend grabbing for your trip.

Dave Collins
Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief

Media Mentions

[The Sawyer Squeeze] water filter system is the gold standard for many thru-hikers and backpackers across the globe.

Chris Carter
Senior Editor