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SF Gate: The Best Backpacking Water Filters For Safe Sips From Streams, Rivers, And Lakes

Because clear water isn’t always clean—and you don’t want to find out the hard way.

SF Gate: The Best Backpacking Water Filters For Safe Sips From Streams, Rivers, And Lakes

Last updated:
May 20, 2025
|  5 min read

SF Gate: The Best Backpacking Water Filters For Safe Sips From Streams, Rivers, And Lakes

SF Gate: The Best Backpacking Water Filters For Safe Sips From Streams, Rivers, And Lakes

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Because clear water isn’t always clean—and you don’t want to find out the hard way.

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SF Gate: The Best Backpacking Water Filters For Safe Sips From Streams, Rivers, And Lakes

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The Best Backpacking Water Filters For Safe Sips From Streams, Rivers, And Lakes

Reliable access to clean drinking water is essential when you're miles from the nearest trailhead or paddling along a remote river. While clear streams and alpine lakes might look pristine, they can still harbor harmful bacteria, protozoa or viruses that could sideline your trip with illness.

That's where the best backpacking water filters come in. These compact, lightweight water purification devices aim to safely remove contaminants from natural water sources, giving you peace of mind with every sip during a weekend hike or a multi-day trek.

Continue reading about the best water filters for backpacking, written by Meg Carney.

SF Gate: The Best Backpacking Water Filters For Safe Sips From Streams, Rivers, And Lakes

The Best Backpacking Water Filters For Safe Sips From Streams, Rivers, And Lakes

Reliable access to clean drinking water is essential when you're miles from the nearest trailhead or paddling along a remote river. While clear streams and alpine lakes might look pristine, they can still harbor harmful bacteria, protozoa or viruses that could sideline your trip with illness.

That's where the best backpacking water filters come in. These compact, lightweight water purification devices aim to safely remove contaminants from natural water sources, giving you peace of mind with every sip during a weekend hike or a multi-day trek.

Continue reading about the best water filters for backpacking, written by Meg Carney.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Contributing Writer
Meg Carney
Meg Carney is a staff writer for Field & Stream.
Media Mentions

SF Gate: The Best Backpacking Water Filters For Safe Sips From Streams, Rivers, And Lakes

The Best Backpacking Water Filters For Safe Sips From Streams, Rivers, And Lakes

Reliable access to clean drinking water is essential when you're miles from the nearest trailhead or paddling along a remote river. While clear streams and alpine lakes might look pristine, they can still harbor harmful bacteria, protozoa or viruses that could sideline your trip with illness.

That's where the best backpacking water filters come in. These compact, lightweight water purification devices aim to safely remove contaminants from natural water sources, giving you peace of mind with every sip during a weekend hike or a multi-day trek.

Continue reading about the best water filters for backpacking, written by Meg Carney.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Contributing Writer
Meg Carney
Meg Carney is a staff writer for Field & Stream.
Media Mentions
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