Individual using a sawyer water filter while backpacign in mountains

The Best Water Filters for Backpacking

A good water filter is essential for backpacking to remote locations. Heading out into the backcountry means you must source your hydration from rivers, lakes, or even dirty ponds. It’s critical that you remove bacteria and protozoa, and you may even want to invest in more premium filters to safeguard against viruses and reduce unwanted chemicals.

If you're backpacking, camping, or otherwise traveling to areas with questionable water supplies, it's wise to take a water filter. They're much lighter than carrying liters of bottled water, fit snugly into your pack, and are healthier for the environment.

Here are the best water filters for backpacking available today, written by Barry Peacock.

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Writer

Barry Peacock

Barry has had a passion for all things tech-related ever since he was given a Commodore Plus/4 computer as a child. Having spent most of his adult life traveling, teaching, and writing—often combining all three—Barry considers himself a "digital nomad." His current passion is travel gadgets, and he has been writing buying guides for around a year.

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Media Mentions

Cnoc’s ThruBottle also features a 28mm thread, allowing you to use it with filters such as the Sawyer Squeeze.

Mac

Contributing Writer

Media Mentions

Sawyer Squeeze + Cnoc VectoX 2L 28mm is widely considered to be the most reliable filter-bladder combo in existence, and we agree 100% with that sentiment.

Jaeger Shaw

Owner & Managing Editor

Media Mentions

I carry the Sawyer Squeeze in my day pack in case of emergencies and as a backup to my larger water filter on backpacking trips where I know I’ll be relying on streams.