Individual drinking out of a Sawyer Squeeze Filter
Individual drinking out of a Sawyer Squeeze Filter

Hydrate safely with the best portable water filters

Stay safe on the trail and avoid unwanted waterborne illnesses

If you've ever fallen foul of dirty water, you'll know exactly how valuable a quality portable water filter truly is. If you've not, then congratulations, but it's time to get your filtration system sorted before you do. The dangers of dirty water are widely recognized — harmful germs and pathogens can cause serious illnesses — and as outdoorsmen, proper hydration key to our safety on the trail. We need to know that the water we're drinking is clean and safe.

Unless you're built like the Hulk or just plain love suffering, then you're not going to want to haul all the water you need for multiple days on a hike. Remember, every liter of water weighs 2.2 pounds, and with hikers needing at least a liter of water every 2 hours, this starts to rack up quickly. Instead, take one of these portable water filters next time you're out thru-hiking or headed to the campsite with your family. That way, you'll have all the clean drinking water you need without the excess weight.

Continue reading the full article written by Tom Kilpatrick and Lucas Coll.

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Former Contributors
Tom Kilapatrick and Lucas Coil

Tom Kilapatrick

A London-born outdoor enthusiast, Tom took the first ticket out of suburban life. What followed was a twelve-year career as an adventure sports guide. This took Tom on cross-Scotland canoe trips, white water adventures in Nepal, sea kayaking in Norwegian fjords, mountain running in the Alps, and many more adventures. Tom is currently living back in the Scottish Highlands, spending as much time as possible exploring the endless rivers and ridgelines that make the country so special to him.

Media Mentions

It all starts with Sawyer Squeeze + Cnoc VectoX 2L, the best and most reliable filter-bladder combo and the core of my backpacking water storage and filtration system.

Jaeger Shaw
Owner & Managing Editor

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Our top water filter for thru hiking, the Sawyer Squeeze, is 15% off.

Naomi Hudetz
Chief Operating Officer & Online Editor

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