Best Backpacking Water Filters 2020 Reviews, Ratings, Chart & Buying Guide

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Everybody who spent a lot of their time exploring needs water to keep them going, however remaining hydrated isn’t as easy as drinking straight from streams and lakes. To protect yourself against protozoa, microorganisms, and even infections, there is an extensive variety of water filtration and cleansing products available that can be your constant companion in the exploration process. Backpackers water filters are really worthy to have while you are planning for hiking, trekking or mere traveling. Water-borne diseases can take a toll on your health. Carrying such a portable filter can provide clean water within a few minutes.

Water treatment has made some amazing progress in the most recent decade, and there is nobody exploring water channel structure that is best for each application. In any case, there are some extremely fabulous and flexible choices out there to look into. Look into the available choices and have a proper check at the available reviews in order to have a successful purchase. Hopefully, these reviews will help you to find out the most suitable one for you.

Now, while buying a backpacking water filter, you will surely get confused as there are numerous varieties available in the market. Which one to buy? To help you find the best product, here are the reviews of top 10 backpackers water filter in 2020. If you haven’t bought one, these reviews will surely help you to pick the most suitable one. Go through the features and pros and cons of these products and buy one for yourself.

Top 10 Backpacking Water Filters 2020 You Can’t Miss Buying

Here are the products that we considered the best in the market. Actually, there are different types of backpacking filters available in market. But, while choosing the top 10, here are the essentials that we have considered:

Portability – Usually, backpacking filters are quite user-friendly. But, here are the most portable filters that you can carry while hiking.
Affordable – There are filters, available at different costs. You can get the costly ones while there are certain affordable versions that won’t cost much to your pocket.
Lightweight – This is another thing that we consider while picking the best backpacking water filter for you. Here are varieties of backpacking water filters, which are quite lightweight. So, no more straining your shoulders!
Variety – Finally, this one is the important reason why we choose these products on the list. We have presented lots of variety of backpacking water filters for your consideration. Choose the most suitable one

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Platypus GravityWorks High-Capacity Water Filter System 4L

The Platypus Gravity Works is a standout amongst the most helpful water channels available, and it’s turned into an exploring staple. Rather than pumping, this requires negligible exertion, can channel up to four liters of water without a moment’s delay, and flaunts an expedient rate of 1.75 liters for every moment.

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Type: Gravity filter
Weight: 11.5 oz.
Filter life: 1,500 liters

Features:

The lightweight and durable water filters are quite user-friendly.
It comes with two 4-liter reservoirs, of which one is for clean water and the other one is for unfiltered water. If you are carrying them while camping, you can easily hang them up with the hang loops.
While using, just fill the unfiltered water-reservoir with water and hang it up on the clean water reservoir.
It comes with hollow fiber filter technology that offers a high flow rate. You can get 1.75 liters per minute.
The best backpack water filter is effective in removing dirt particles and protozoa from water.
There is a quick-disconnect valve inside the unfiltered reservoir that shuts off the machine automatically when the hose is disconnected.
Cleaning is quite easy as you just need to backflush the device.

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Filters and stores a high amount of water easily and rapidly; incredible for gatherings.
Gravity does basically everything: essentially top off the 4-liter “grimy” store, hang it from a tree limb or rock, and in only a couple of minutes you’ll have four liters of clean water to drink.
This channel is incredible for a group gathering, yet you can use it on smaller trips.

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Bulky and you require a better than average water source to fill the pack.
It is much more on the costlier side.
More, water recovery can be an agony if you don’t have a sensibly profound or moving water source.

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Verdict:

Buying this best backpack water filter can turn out be a lot beneficial for you if you are a frequent explorer.

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2. Best Survival and Military Grade Water Purifying System: MSR Guardian Purifier System

It’s a solid and helpful product that it’s currently being utilized as an emergency water purifier after cataclysmic events and in different nations around the globe.

[wpsm_button color=”btncolor” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/MSR-Military-Grade-Backcountry-Emergency-Preparedness/dp/B019ERWU66/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1539249199&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=MSR+Guardian+Purifier+System&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=trekkerr06-20&linkId=69a4ba52bd7d6f8da13c45bb181bf60f&language=en_US” icon=”none” class=” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored”]BUY NOW ON AMAZON[/wpsm_button]

Type: Pump purifier
Weight: 17.3 oz.
Filter life: 10,000 liters

Features:

It provides you with the ultimate protection, just be removing different types of viruses, protozoa, bacteria, and other dirt particles.
The hollow-fiber technology has made the machine safer than the other versions. These are not damaged by freezing also.
The self-cleaning facility of this filter has made it quite popular among the buyers.
This filter can withstand freezing drops, harsh environment and it is also perfect for heavy use.

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The most developed compact water purifier available.
While different pumps from the different products just give protection against protozoa and microscopic organisms, the Guardian gives a definitive help when exploring in high-altitude zones
It’s both a water channel and purifier, adding ever-critical infection insurance to the blend.

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The Guardian is the priciest choice on this rundown.
The product is on the heavier side

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Verdict:

If you have a good budget for your product then this is one of the products that you should look into.

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3. Easy Setup and Micro Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The Sawyer Squeeze is a perfect example of an ultra-light water treatment product. For quite a long time it has been one of the favorite products for many backpackers. At only a mere weight of 3 ounces, it gives filtered water at a much lesser time.

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Type: Straw/gravity filter
Weight: 3 oz.
Filter life: 1 million gallons

Features:

It provides you with the ultimate protection, just be removing different types of viruses, protozoa, bacteria, and other dirt particles.
The hollow-fiber technology has made the machine safer than the other versions. These are not damaged by freezing also.
The self-cleaning facility of this filter has made it quite popular among the buyers.
This filter can withstand freezing drops, harsh environment and it is also perfect for heavy use.

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The most developed compact water purifier available.
While different pumps from the different products just give protection against protozoa and microscopic organisms, the Guardian gives a definitive help when exploring in high-altitude zones
It’s both a water channel and purifier, adding ever-critical infection insurance to the blend.

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The Guardian is the priciest choice on this rundown.
The product is on the heavier side

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Verdict:

If you have a good budget for your product then this is one of the products that you should look into.

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4. Best Purification Tablet: Katadyn Micropur Purification Tablets

With the application of this product, it will be a much easier affair to have filtered water. If you want to buy this product, here are the essentials you need to know

[wpsm_button color=”btncolor” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Katadyn-Micropur-Purifcation-Tablets-White/dp/B01EOMM0FW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1539252015&sr=8-1&keywords=Katadyn+Micropur+MP1&linkCode=ll1&tag=trekkerr06-20&linkId=271f0185c5edac6a01c202135db5aeb2&language=en_US” icon=”none” class=” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored”]BUY NOW ON AMAZON[/wpsm_button]

Type: Chemical purifier
Weight: 0.9 oz.
Shelf life: 3 years

Features:

You can now forget about all microorganisms once you have water filtered by this.
This tablet filter can treat 1 liter of water.
It will provide a usual taste of water without any gross aftertaste.

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Extremely straightforward and no awful taste.
The process of water cleansing is much faster at the affordable rate.

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Despite being sheltered, you’re drinking unfiltered water straight from the source.
If you are looking forward to traveling light in the hills than you would really like to get it on your list.

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Verdict:

If you have a tight budget and don’t want to carry a filter, this can be a very good companion for outdoor exploration and buy online to have a great deal on this.

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5. Best Micro Water Purification Filter with Activated Carbon: Katadyn Hiker Pro Micro-filter

Pumping water has its drawbacks, yet many have discovered that the Katadyn Hiker Pro is a standout amongst the most dependable channel choices over an extensive variety of exploring situations.

[wpsm_button color=”btncolor” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Katadyn-8018273-Hiker-Pro-Microfilter/dp/B002CN82V2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1539330656&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=5.%09Katadyn+Hiker+Pro+Micro-filter&linkCode=ll1&tag=trekkerr06-20&linkId=f591cfda6ba2ceee4fcfbe43c153dabc&language=en_US” icon=”none” class=” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored”]BUY NOW ON AMAZON[/wpsm_button]

Type: Pump filter
Weight: 11 oz.
Filter life: 750 liters

Features:

It can kill every type of protozoa and bacteria.
As made of glass fiber, this filter is susceptible to any weather condition.
It comes with an activated carbon core that prevents any change of the taste of filtered water.
It can filter one-liter water appropriately in 2 minutes.
This filter is effective to remove particles that are more than 150 microns in size.

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A flexible and solid that can make clean water from puddles.
Pumping at a decent speed can give you a liter of fresh water in no time.
It is faster when compared to a lot of contemporary products.
The pumping action is smooth

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Relatively short channel life and expensive to supplant.
Regarding development, the Katadyn Hiker Pro is well worked for a pump however these structures are filled with a lot of faults.
The lifespan of the product is short

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Verdict:

Use this product to enjoy smooth pumping at an affordable rate.

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6. UV Water Purifier: Steripen Ultra UV Water Purifier

A water purifier that is portable and relatively small is the thing that is required by the hikers and trekkers. Buying this one is the best answer to that.

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Type: UV Light Purifier
Weight: 4.8 oz

Features:

The most important feature of the device is that it is highly portable; but, there are also some other important features.

Being a UV light purifier, it uses the UV light technology to destroy all germs in the water and also fights against the reproduction of those.
Steipen is effective in destroying 99.99% of protozoa, bacteria, and viruses and provides clean water to drink.
The battery life is strong enough to provide 50 treatments after every charge. It also provides 300 discharge cycles. This means it equals to 15,000 liters.
It comes with a simple OLED display that shows clearly the treatment, battery status, and the lamp. You can recharge the device from a computer, solar panel or wall socket through the USB
The water quality, provided by the filter is the best without changing the taste.

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The device is very lightweight and you can carry it easily.
It is super effective in removing all kind of debris from drinking water.

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It doesn’t work in murky water.
The device is a bit expensive than its contemporaries.

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Verdict:

Spending on a product that is so beneficial is really worthy. If you travel frequently and want to have clean water, this is the best backpackers water filter you can buy.

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7. Most Affordable Water Filter Cartridge: MSR Trail Shot

While looking for a backpackers water filter, you can buy this one. This is a hand pump filter that is available at an affordable price.

[wpsm_button color=”btncolor” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/MSR-TrailShot-Replacement-Filter-Cartridge/dp/B01N9FPIVQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1539332620&sr=8-2&keywords=msr+trailshot&linkCode=ll1&tag=trekkerr06-20&linkId=e8556ab8bf9ecf6ffe7f789b3c54b053&language=en_US” icon=”none” class=” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored”]BUY NOW ON AMAZON[/wpsm_button]

Type: Hand pump filter
Weight: 5.2 oz

Features:

This hand pump filter is quite affordable for the trial. The most exciting feature of this pump filter is that it can even purify the dirty water from the shallow stream and puddles. Here, are the features you need to know-

This is a pocket-sized water filter that is lightweight and it can clean water faster. For hikers, campers and other travelers, this filter is perfect.
You can drink directly from the filter or you can fill a water bottle. It can filter one-liter water in 60 seconds.
The device is ultra-light and compact. You can keep it in a stash pocket while hiking and camping.
It comes with hollow-fiber technology that allows water to pass through but restricts harmful bacteria and protozoa.

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This device is really affordable and lightweight.
There is a pre-filter attached to it.
It is good for shallow sources.

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It cannot purify viruses.
It requires hand pumping.

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Verdict:

So, you can buy the device if you don’t have a problem with hand pumping. Besides, the affordable rate is another reason to buy it.

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8. Best Personal Water Filter: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter Hiking

Buying a water filter that is handy to carry can serve you well. Go for Lifestraw as it looks attractive and also works better than its contemporaries.

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Type: Microbiological filter
Weight: 2 oz

Features:

While you are hiking or running, you need a water filter that is easy to carry. With Lifestraw, you can get a lightweight and portable water filter in your stash pocket. Know the features before buying-

This device comes with a microfiltration membrane that removes 99.99% bacteria from water instantly.
Lifestraw is effective in removing the smallest microplastics and also reduce turbidity.
This filter comes with a microbiological filter that is effective in providing 4000 liters of clean and safe water.

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This filter is quite affordable.
It is super-light to carry.

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You have to always keep it to lie down.
This is not effective always for backpacking.
It never filters viruses.

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Verdict:

Hopefully, you can buy it for having clean and safe drinking water.

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9. Best Compact and Ultralight Water Purifying Bottle: GRAYL Ultralight Water Purifier

How about getting a water purifier that looks like a bottle but provides clean and safe water? Go for Garyl Bottle as it is perfect to carry during outdoor adventures.

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Type: Purifier Bottle
Weight: 10.9 oz

Features:

Using this water purifier is really beneficial as it is easy to carry and use. Here are the features-

This device is perfect for outdoor adventures, global traveling, hiking, fishing, and backpacking.
Using the device is quite easy as you just need to fill it, press for purifying and drink directly from it. There are no hazards of pumping, squeezing, sucking, and charging up batteries or UV bulbs.
The purifier is made of high-class design that makes it effective to provide you with clean and safe drinking water within 15 seconds.
It can remove at least 99.99% viruses, bacteria, and protozoa cysts along with chemicals and metal particles from the water.
Along with these, it can remove any bad odor and maintains the perfect taste of the water.

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It can filter almost every type of viruses, bacteria, and protozoa.
This device is good for traveling

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The filter limit is really less as it is only 300 uses.
The bottle is quite heavy to carry.
Not good for backpacking.

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Verdict:

If you are traveling, buying this one is really good. Go for online shopping and have a great deal on it.

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10. Collapsible Water Container with Water Purifying System: Katadyn Befree Collapsible Bottle

This bottle-type backpackers filter is really awesome to carry. And also you can drink directly from it, so, you don’t need to carry another bottle.

[wpsm_button color=”btncolor” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Katadyn-Membrane-Endurance-Camping-Backpacking/dp/B075X5R67T/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1539338430&sr=1-3&keywords=Katadyn+Befree+Collapsible+Bottle&linkCode=ll1&tag=trekkerr06-20&linkId=e1aa85799248672315943a1a6e727783&language=en_US” icon=”none” class=” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored”]BUY NOW ON AMAZON[/wpsm_button]

Type: Straw filter
Weight: 2.3oz

Features:

This amazing portable water filter is easy to clean and easy to carry. Due to such reasons, the popularity of straw filters is really increasing nowadays.

This bottle filter is easy to use. You just need to squeeze it and see the water flow through the filter.
It can filter up to 2 liters of water in one minute.
Carrying the filter is super easy as it can be packed within small space.
It comes with 1-micron microfilter that is effective in removing protozoa and bacteria. It also removes harmful organisms.
You can easily fill it from any faucet or any water bodies as it comes with 43mm wide mouth opening.
The cap over drink nozzle keeps dirt out.

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Now, you can always be hydrated no matter where you are.
It is easy-to-carry.

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You may not get that much versatility.

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Verdict:

So, if you don’t want any messy product, this is the one you are looking for. You can get an amazing deal if buy online.

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Things to Consider before Buying a Water Purifier

Best Backpacking Water Filters 2020 Reviews_Trekkerr

Filters versus purifiers: Know what you’re attempting to maintain a strategic distance from and the fundamental strategies for dodging it. People often get confused between the filters and the purifiers and it is important that you properly check it before buying. Actually, water filters are effective in removing protozoan cysts, while water purifiers are perfect for viruses too.
Types of Water Channels and Water Purifiers: The exertion required for each kind of water-treatment technique fluctuates, as does the ideal opportunity for water to be prepared to drink. In this thorough review, you have met different types of filters. Before buying, you need to know how they perform and what will be suited to your requirements.
Pump Filters and Purifiers: You have to pump the water from shallow sources with a hose, while the outlet is attached to your water bottle. You can replace the internal cartridge.
Gravity Filters and Purifiers: The best part of this filter is that you don’t need to pump as the gravity will do it for you. It is good for a bigger camping group. What you need is to find a suitable place to hang it on.
UV Light Purifiers: This is the best for hikers and runners. This purifier is pen-style and easy-to-carry. Another benefit is you don’t need to clean or change anything in it.
Bottle Filters and Purifiers: This is the easiest type of all its kinds. They come with built-in filtration. There are certain bottle filters that work with suction, while some can work as coffee press. Buying this one is beneficial as they are lesser cost than its other versions.
Squeeze Filter: This is another easy option of treating unclear water and drinking directly through it. It is also less costly than other versions.
The Role of a Prefilter: If you need to treat water from a dinky source, it’s an important accomplice to have. Why do you need a prefilter?
Know Water Treatment Best Practices: Even the best channel or purifier isn’t powerful in the event that you don’t take after some essential cleanliness and use rules. What are the essentials you can follow?

You might be interested in our other reviews:

The Final Verdict

Water treatment has made some amazing progress in the most recent decade, and there is nobody exploring water channel structure that is best for each application. In any case, there are some extremely fabulous and flexible choices out there to look into. Look into the available choices and have a proper check at the available reviews in order to have a successful purchase. Hopefully, these backpack water filter reviews will help you to find out the most suitable one for you.