By Amber King and Jessica Haist
Best Backpacking Water Filter of 2020
Our experts have tested over 70 of the best backpacking filters of the last decade. This 2020 update features 24 of the market's current and best for use in the backcountry. We have spent years trundling through dense forests, climbing to the tops of mountains, exploring the far reaches of the Northern Hemisphere, and sampling water sources for all around. We have filtered thousands of liters of water from pristine lakes to polluted puddles and rivers across the world in the process of testing these products. After testing each product, hands-on, and comparing performance, we offer your recommendations to purify and filter water effectively while exploring the great outdoors.
Scope out all 24 backpacking filter recommendations here.
May 4, 2022
Gear Lab
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LIFE OUTDOORS
MEDIA MENTIONS
My only complaint is that eventually, backflushing won’t be enough. These can clog up after some time and no amount of back flushing will fix its low flow. I went through 2 on the AT. However, it will attach to Smart Water Bottles and most bladders!
MEDIA MENTIONS
Built for backcountry reliability and portability, the Sawyer Squeeze filter is our pick for the best portable water purifier.
MEDIA MENTIONS
The Sawyer Squeeze was (by far) the most common Pacific Crest Trail water filter this year – for the fifth year in a row. It’s a $39, 3 oz / 85 g hollow fiber filter that rids your drinking water of protozoa and bacteria (and floaties). It can be used with Sawyer bags (included with the filter) or with compatible water bottles (Smartwater is the bottle of choice for many hikers).
