MUST READ • 12 Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2022

Well, it’s no secret that water is essential for life, a point which is often strongly emphasized at one point or another in a traveler’s career! You don’t have to be in the desert to be at a loss for how to get good drinking water-you might be camped out by an entire lake, but worried about how clean or safe the water is for drinking.

Whether you’re just going on long weekend hikes or multi-month international trips, a portable water filter falls on the list of essential items for many travelers.

As we all know, the planet has a plastic problem. A BIG plastic problem. Portable water filters and purifiers help backpackers eliminate the need to purchase single use plastic bottles day after day. Plus, who goes hiking with an unopened bottle of Evian anyway?

These days I never travel without my water purifier bottle; it is an invaluable tool of the backpacking trade – because we all need to drink and we don’t want to pollute the earth or ourselves in the process.

We’ve tested all of the top backpacking water filters on the market right now. Read on to learn which water filters made the cut and which ones you should 100% steer clear of.

Quick Answer: Best Backpacking Water Filters

Grayl Geopress Water Purifier Bottle – Overall Best Backpacking Water Filter

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter – Best Lightweight Backpacking Water Filter

Grayl Geopress Water Purifier Bottle – Best Water Filter Bottle for International Travel

Epic Water Filters Epic Nalgene OG – Best Budget Backpacking Water Filter

Sawyer Mini Water Filter – Best Water Filter for Thru-Hikers

Grayl Ultralight Compact Purifier Bottle – Best Lightweight Water Filter Bottle for Backpacking

Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Water Filter Bottle – Best Water Filter for Trail Runners

Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System Kit – Best Backpacking Water Filter for Base Camp (Couples)

Katadyn Base Camp Pro 10L Water Filter – Best Backpacking Water Filter for Base Camp (Big Groups)

We’ve tested all of the top backpacking water filters on the market right now. Read on to learn which water filters made the cut and which ones you should 100% steer clear of here.