10 Best Backpacking Water Filters & Purifiers

Nothing ruins an amazing trip faster than getting sick. Whether you like to jet set or hike in the backcountry, it’s important to have safe drinking water. Buying bottled water everywhere you go means throwing away countless plastic bottles, and that’s something nobody wants to be doing. Luckily, packing a water filter is the perfect solution. Water filters allow you to be confident that you’ll have safe drinking water no matter where in the world you are.

What to Look for in a Good Water Filter for Backpacking

There are so many variables when it comes to water filters, your travel style along with how you’re looking to use the water filter will determine which one will suit you best. Below are some of the things you need to consider before purchasing a water filter.

1. Ease of Use

The last thing you want to be doing on a hiking trail is having to pull out your backpacking headlamp to read the instructions on your new water filter. Some are quite straightforward to use while others are more difficult and you find yourself needing to be reminded how to properly use and maintain them in the backcountry.

2. Filter Capacity

Every filter has a lifespan, some are better than others. Some will only be able to filter 30 gallons of water while others may be able to filter around 100,000 gallons. Another thing to consider is how often you’ll have to backwash it while you’re traveling.

3. Speed of Filtration

The rate at which you get clean water will likely be more important if you’re traveling in a group or don’t want to be slowed down. Some filters can produce nearly four liters in two minutes while others are only able to produce a liter per minute.

Head here to find the comparison table of Best Backpacking Water Filters written by Robin Gilmore here.