Quenching your thirst for adventure can sometimes be an arduous task. But, staying hydrated in the backcountry has never been easier thanks to these backpacking water filters.
Water is arguably the most important factor on any adventure – even more so on a long backpacking trek. Unfortunately, water is heavy. Every ounce counts when packing for a multi-day adventure, and the last thing you need is to carry extra weight. Purchasing a backpacking water filter is a must. However, knowing the best one to choose depends on several factors.
We dove headfirst into backpacking water filters and put them to the test. Whether you’re looking for an ultra-light option for a slackpacking adventure or want one to last through all your outdoorsy pursuits for years to come, we’ve got the backpacking water filter for you.
Our Top Picks
- Best overall backpacking water filter: MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter
- Best lightweight backpacking water filter: LifeStraw Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze Water Filter
- Best fast-acting backpacking water filter: Grayl GeoPress Water Purifier
- Best backpacking water filter for the murkiest water: MSR Guardian Water Purifier
- Best packable backpacking water filter: Platypus QuickDraw Filter System
- Best “in-a-pinch” backpacking water filter: Sawyer MINI Water Filtration System
Best Overall Backpacking Water Filter
MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 2.75” x 7.5”
- Weight: 14.6 oz
- Output Flow: 1 liter/minute
- Longevity: 2,000 liters
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Durable
- Pro: Versatile
- Pro: Can fill any water bottle
- Pro: Low maintenance
- Con: Bulky
- Con: Manual pump
When it comes to the backcountry and long-lasting quality, backpackers can’t go wrong with MSR’s MiniWorks EX Microfilter. This is one piece of gear that will stay with you for years to come. I bought this water filter as a graduation gift almost 20 years ago and it still is my go-to for all my overnight adventures — how’s that for impressive durability?
This little tank of a water filter is built with a reliable ceramic/carbon element that can pump approximately 1 liter per minute in ideal conditions. In my experience, it rarely pumps that well, especially in murkier water. But, that’s a tradeoff since it’s really easy to use, specifically when it gets clogged out in the field. In testing, I disassembled, troubleshooted, and quickly cleaned the device within minutes.
On top of its durability, the MiniWorks EX Microfilter is at the top of its class when it comes to removing bacteria and protozoa. So instead of worrying about where your next cathole will be thanks to an unforeseen giardia poisoning, you’ll be relaxing around the campfire sipping your delicious water.
Best Lightweight Backpacking Water Filter
LifeStraw Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze Water Filter
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 4.1” x 10”
- Weight: 3.2 oz
- Output Flow: 3 liters/minute
- Longevity: 2,000 liters
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Affordable
- Pro: Easy to use
- Con: Hard to drink out of
After some initial confusion on how to get the filter set up, the LifeStraw Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze Bottle is the perfect fit for those wanting to keep their packs as light as possible. Coming in at just over three ounces, this versatile water filter is easy to grab for an overnight trip or a four-day trip.
Here’s the secret: this water filter can easily be squished down when there is no water in it, making it a perfect companion to your outdoor adventure. During testing, we realized that the Squeeze Bottle is such a featherweight — you can just cram it into your pack without any weird Tetris-like maneuvers.
We also loved that the Squeeze Bottle does it all. Instead of packing a filter and a water bottle, this does both since you can just scoop the water into the bladder and suck it through the mouthpiece. It’s a minor detail (and similar to the Grayl GeoPress Purifier below), but we really enjoyed the minimalist approach. One less thing to consider when planning a trip, you know?
Tradeoff: due to its collapsibility, the water bottle does not hold its shape. The bottom isn’t flat so it’ll fall over when you put it down and doesn’t easily fit in a side pocket on a backpack. The material is a bit flimsy which adds to it not holding its shape.
Best Fast-Acting Backpacking Water Filter
Grayl GeoPress Water Purifier
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 3.4” x 10.4”
- Weight: 1 lb
- Output Flow: 5 liters/minute
- Longevity: 250 liters
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Durable
- Pro: Versatile
- Pro: Easy to use
- Con: Bulky
- Con: Heavy
If your patience wears thin while hiking in the wilderness, look no further than the Grayl GeoPress Water Purifier. This sleek system is the easiest of all the water filters on this list to use and we found ourselves absolutely enamored with it on a 4-day hiking trip in Washington’s North Cascade National Park.
The concept is similar to a French Press coffee system. The purifier sits in its own cylinder inside of the water bottle, so you just remove that, fill the bottle itself with water, and then slowly slide the purifying cylinder back inside. We won’t lie: it takes a bit of force, and it’s especially important to unscrew the bottle lid. Otherwise, so much pressure builds up inside that you won’t be able…well, do anything. But once you have your systems dialed, the Grayl GeoPress is fast, simple, and very easy to use.
Plus, it’s a purifier and not just a filter. Without going into the weeds on the details, purifiers offer more protection than filters because they can remove more from the water — like viruses. Sure, purifiers come with a price penalty (the Grayl isn’t cheap), but it’s a cost we’re willing to pay for added protection.
Best Backpacking Water Filter for the Murkiest Water
MSR Guardian Water Purifier
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 8.2” x 4.5”
- Weight: 1 lb., 1.3 oz
- Output Flow: 2.5 liters/minute
- Longevity: 10,000 liters
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Durable
- Pro: Versatile
- Pro: Can fill any water bottle
- Con: Heavy
- Con: Less affordable
Imagine getting to your campsite, eight miles from the trailhead only to find that your sole source of water is from a murky swamp just south of the trail. Gross, right? You’ll thank yourself for bringing MSR’s Guardian Water Purifier despite its heavier weight.
Like the Grayl GeoPress, this beast of a water purifier can blast through all types of unwanted viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and particulates that are commonly found in the backcountry and across the world. Ease of use is great, too. One New Hampshire-based tester suffers from arthritis in her hands, which usually makes pump filters a struggle. But, she had zero issues with the pump on the Guardian. Tradeoff: This sucker is heavy.
Plus, the Guardian Water Purifier can pump out over twice as much as MSR’s MiniWorks EX Water Filter per minute. But just like the MiniWorks, the Guardian Water Purifier can be disassembled in the field and easily cleaned at the water source without a need for additional tools.
Best Packable Backpacking Water Filter
Platypus QuickDraw Filter System
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 5” x 3” when rolled up
- Weight: 3.3 oz
- Output Flow: 3 liters/minute
- Longevity: 34 fl. oz.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: More affordable
- Pro: Lightweight
- Pro: Easy to use
- Con: The filter doesn’t last as long as competitors
For the minimalist backpacker, the Platypus QuickDraw Filter System is an ideal choice to keep you hydrated on the trail. It’s small, it’s light, it’s effective and it’s affordable: the perfect combination.
It’s a basic design that uses gravity and pressure rather than a pump to filter your water. One side of the filter hooks up to a reservoir for the dirty water while the other side of the filter is designed to screw into most narrow-mouthed bottles (like a Vitamin plastic water bottle). Gravity pulls the water through the filter, but we were able to give it an assist by rolling or squeezing the dirty water reservoir. During an overnight bikepacking trip, we just squeezed the fresh water into a Nalgene without any issues — and it was tiny enough to fit into our frame bag.
Plus, let’s be real: most of us weekend warriors aren’t heading out to set FKTs along the Pacific Crest Trail or spend weeks at a time traipsing along the Appalachian Trail. The size of the QuickDraw combined with the affordable price makes this a great pick for weekend wanderers who care about safety but don’t need tons of bells and whistles.
Best “In-a-Pinch” Backpacking Water Filter
Sawyer MINI Water Filtration System
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 1” x 5”
- Weight: 2 oz
- Output Flow: varies
- Longevity: up to 350,000 liters
Pros and Cons
- Pro: More affordable
- Pro: Lightweight
- Pro: Versatile
- Con: Water output flow varies drastically
- Con: Bag tends to blow out
The Sawyer MINI Water Filtration System is one of those items that are always in my bag no matter where I go. Due to its lightweight nature, it’s an easy thing to keep in a first aid kit or in the top pocket of your backpack. There were times I misjudged how much water I’d need on a day hike and thanked myself for always carrying the Sawyer MINI water filter so I could easily get more water.
And one of the best features of the Sawyer MINI water filter is that you can use it on any water bottle that you own. The kit comes with a straw that attaches to the filter and you can sip your water straight from your bottle. You can even get down on your belly and drink straight from the river (although that’s a bit more difficult and awkward). The point is that if you need to do it, you can.
What to Consider When Buying a Backpacking Water Filter
Cost & Value
There is a wide range of prices when it comes to backpacking water filters. You’ll want to make sure you purchase the ideal filter based on the type of backpacking adventure you regularly take part in. If you are an avid backpacker (heading out 2-3 times per month), you’ll want to grab a water filter that is long-lasting like the MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter. For those who backpack once or twice a season, going the cheaper route is better with a filter like the Platypus QuickDraw Filter or the Sawyer Mini Water Filter.
Like most things, the more expensive a backpacking water filter is the more likely it has a higher durability — like the MSR Guardian Water Purifier. The upfront cost can be quite high and isn’t usually worth it when you’re not backpacking regularly. You should also keep in mind whether there are maintenance expenses such as replacement filters.
Portability and Weight
Every ounce counts when it comes to backpacking. The weight of a backpacking water filter can change drastically depending on the brand and model you decide on. Take into consideration what you are willing to add to your load and how easy it is to pack.
Manual pumps tend to be more durable but heavier and bulkier. Squeeze water filters are lighter but also still a tad bulky. Tablets are likely the lightest and most portable/packable but aren’t great for lengthy treks. Gravity filters tend to be on the lighter side and easy to pack in a bag.
Durability and Reliability
All the brands on this list have proven track records of durable and reliable products, but there are differences in how long they might last. Manual hand pumps tend to last longer where you can usually replace individual parts rather than having to buy a whole new pump. Others, like squeeze bottles, are cheaper but might not last as long.
Ease of Use
Nowadays, most water filters are fairly easy to use. Advanced technology and the increase of outdoor enthusiasts has forced brands to make things a bit easier for their consumers. However, there are still various types of water filtration methods. The spectrum ranges from more complex hand-pumping water filters to gravity-fed filters that require some wait time. It really depends on your personality, the group size, and how patient you can be that determine what water filter might be best for you.
Gravity water filters do the work for you with…well, gravity. Gravity pulls the water from the dirty bag through the filter and into the clean reservoir, without needing any type of manual pumping. They’re also good for larger groups. Hand pumps take more work but aren’t complex to use.
Tablets to purify your water are also easy to use but can take a while to work depending on how murky your water is. Plus, some hikers and campers swear they come with a funky taste that isn’t for everyone.
How We Tested
In order to effectively evaluate these backpacking water filters, we compared each one in three different categories. In some instances, they were given ratings between 1 and 10 (1 being the worst rating while 10 is the best). All backpacking water filters were tested using the same water from one pond. Here is a breakdown of how we conducted the tests.
Packability
- Weight: How much does each backpacking water filter weigh? How do they rank against each other?
- Dimensions: How big is each water filter?
- Components: Are there multiple components or is it just one solid water filter?
Durability
- External material: What is the water filter made of?
- General thoughts: During the 12-week testing, did anything break or malfunction?
- Replaceability: Is the filter cartridge replaceable or do you need to buy a whole new system?
Performance
- Output flow: How many seconds/minutes did it take to filter the water before it was drinkable? This test was conducted 10 times for each of the backpacking water filters.
- Clogging issues: Were there any clogging issues after 10 attempts of filtering water?
- Sediment: Did any sediment get pushed through during the filtering process?
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