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Switchback Travel: Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

To protect against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses, there are myriad water filtration and purification systems built specifically for backpacking.

Switchback Travel: Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Last updated:
May 27, 2025
|  5 min read

Switchback Travel: Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Switchback Travel: Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

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To protect against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses, there are myriad water filtration and purification systems built specifically for backpacking.

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Switchback Travel: Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

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Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Everyone exploring the backcountry needs water, but staying hydrated is not as simple as drinking straight from streams and lakes. To protect against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses, there are myriad water filtration and purification systems built specifically for backpacking (many options on this list are great for day hiking, trail running, and travel, too). We've been testing water filters on backcountry adventures near and far since 2018, and our 19 current favorites below include everything from ultralight squeeze filters and chemical drops to pumps and large-quantity gravity filters. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks, along with details about our testing process.

Continue reading to learn more about the best water filters, written by Maddie Downie.

Switchback Travel: Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Everyone exploring the backcountry needs water, but staying hydrated is not as simple as drinking straight from streams and lakes. To protect against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses, there are myriad water filtration and purification systems built specifically for backpacking (many options on this list are great for day hiking, trail running, and travel, too). We've been testing water filters on backcountry adventures near and far since 2018, and our 19 current favorites below include everything from ultralight squeeze filters and chemical drops to pumps and large-quantity gravity filters. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks, along with details about our testing process.

Continue reading to learn more about the best water filters, written by Maddie Downie.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Senior Editor (Former)
Jenny Abegg and Maddie Downie
Topics of Expertise: Climbing, mountaineering, trail running, hiking and backpacking, backcountry skiing
Media Mentions

Switchback Travel: Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Everyone exploring the backcountry needs water, but staying hydrated is not as simple as drinking straight from streams and lakes. To protect against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses, there are myriad water filtration and purification systems built specifically for backpacking (many options on this list are great for day hiking, trail running, and travel, too). We've been testing water filters on backcountry adventures near and far since 2018, and our 19 current favorites below include everything from ultralight squeeze filters and chemical drops to pumps and large-quantity gravity filters. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks, along with details about our testing process.

Continue reading to learn more about the best water filters, written by Maddie Downie.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Senior Editor (Former)
Jenny Abegg and Maddie Downie
Topics of Expertise: Climbing, mountaineering, trail running, hiking and backpacking, backcountry skiing
Media Mentions
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Media Mentions

43.2% of hikers used the Sawyer Squeeze, the most common hollow membrane squeeze filter (and the most common water treatment overall).

Mac
Contributing Writer

Media Mentions

Randy Patton’s late father, Biff Patton, launched the water filter program in 2010.

Conner Beene
Writer

Media Mentions

The most significant being its positive impact on our health after using it, its capacity to reduce our expenses on water treatment and access to safe water, and the time it saves by eliminating the need for boiling or treating water.

Teburenga Geraldine Tabwebweiti
Communications and Engagement
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