The Best Water Purifiers Let You Take On the Outdoors and Keep You Prepared for Emergencies

Avid hikers, world travelers, and camping enthusiasts have one thing in common — they all need a way to quickly and safely access clean drinking water. Thankfully, there are water filtration systems that are small enough to fit in your pocket or hiking backpack and are strong enough to remove harmful bacteria and parasites.

Outdoor water purifiers are a must-have item for anyone who likes to spend time in the outdoors, whether you’re hiking, fishing, camping, mountain biking, or enjoying a lazy afternoon at the local lake. While it’s always a good idea to bring your own water container from home, outdoor water purifiers mean outdoor enthusiasts no longer have to carry a huge supply of water, which can be cumbersome and bulky. Water purifiers work by turning natural bodies of water, like lakes and rivers, into drinking fountains.

The outdoor water purifiers on our list are not only convenient, but they’re also a safety tool. Small and lightweight, these water purifiers can easily fit in your pocket, backpack, or attach to a bag. They can mean the difference between life and death should the unthinkable happen and you’re separated from your group, get lost in the wilderness, or become stranded because of weather or an injury while outdoors. The water purifiers can help ensure you have clean drinking water until you’re able to make your way to safety or be rescued.

Outdoor water purifiers are also a must-have item for international travel. With clean drinking water not always available in certain parts of the world, including North America, outdoor water purifiers can ensure travelers always have safe water to drink, keeping them healthy and hydrated while traveling.

Check out our top picks for the best outdoor water purifiers below, written by Allison Bowsher.