Little else ruins a good backpacking trip like a midnight run for the bushes. Weve been there, and were not keen on going back, which is why our experts have found the best backpacking water filters. We’ve spoken to thru-hikers, hunters, and mountaineers, and weve logged a not small number of miles ourselves, filtering our water along the way.

　　Our experts collectively tested a wide range of filters for the creation of this guide, from our top-pick Sawyer Squeeze to the budget-conscious LifeStraw Personal. Weve been squeezing water through countless tubes and dropping tablets in Nalgenes each season to bring you the streamlined selection of 15 filters you see today.

　　From stagnant green pools in the African savanna to bubbling alpine brooks in the Cascade Mountains, weve filtered water of all consistency and color in the wild and bring only the best filters on our excursions. Rest assured, we would trust every model in this guide to keep us safe and hydrated in the backcountry.

　　Editor’s Note: We updated our Backpacking Water Filters guide on January 30, 2025, to add information on different filter membranes to our Buyers Guide and additional specifications for each filter to help differentiate them.

　　The Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025 Best Overall Backpacking Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze Best Budget Backpacking Water Filter: LifeStraw Personal Best Backpacking Water Filter for Thru-Hiking: Katadyn BeFree 0.6L Best Water-Purifying Tablets: Katadyn Micropur Best Gravity Backpacking Water Filter/Best for Groups: Katadyn BeFree Gravity 3L Best Backpacking Water Filter Pump: MSR MiniWorks EX Best Backpacking Water Filter Bottle: Grayl GeoPress Bottle Sawyer Squeeze $41 at REI$41 at Amazon

　　(Photo/Sawyer) Specifications Weight: 2.5 oz. Filter Type: Bottle/inline filter Filter Life: 100,000 gallons Flow Rate: 1.7 L/min Filter Pore Size: 0.1 microns Removes Particulates and Bacteria: Yes Removes Protozoa: Yes Removes Viruses: No Pros Simple to use design Lightweight at under 3 oz. Packable Integrated flip-cap keeps outlet clean Cons Included pouches aren’t very durable Inline filter setup isnt flawless Chris Carter This Sawyer Squeeze ($41) is the gold standard for many thru-hikers and backpackers across the globe. The membrane filters down to 0.1 microns, making it effective against bacteria and protozoa (thus, slightly more effective and safer than other filters). Newly updated with a better flip cap, this filter can be used with a water bladder, directly from a bottle, or inline in a hydration system.

　　Given our bench-testing, the given flow rate of 1.7 liters per minute seems accurate to us, though this number can be harder to recreate halfway through a thru-hike. Senior Editor Nick Belcaster used the Squeeze as his primary filter for his Pacific Crest Trail thru, and it performed admirably. From high desert cisterns of unknown quality to sources in the Sierra that likely didnt even need it, the Squeeze was dependable.

　　During this time, he sparingly backflushed the filter and, when needed, found a sports cap and Smartwater bottle combo to recreate the pressure provided by the syringe that comes with the Squeeze. For longer or more remote expeditions, the syringe is a nice addition to bring along.

　　Weve also played around with the hydration pack inline set-up with the Squeeze, and while functional, we found it a bit finicky. Best to leave this filter mated up to a water bladder, or, straight from a soft drink-threaded bottle.

　　The pouches that come with the Squeeze arent the best and form pinholes where theyre folded repeatedly. During his thru-hike, it was only a couple hundred miles before Belcasters pouches bit the dust (and, based on the number of similar bags found in hiker boxes, he wasnt alone). A popular upgrade is to snag a CNOC 2L Vecto bladder, which is far easier to scoop water with and much more durable.

　　We love that there are no annoying tubes — you just screw the filter onto the squeeze bag or a bottle and drink. For overall ease of use and durability, the Squeeze has earned its place at the top of the list.

　　Best Budget Water Filter LifeStraw Personal $17 at Amazon

　　Specifications Weight: 1.6 oz. Filter Type: Straw filter Filter Life: 4,000 L Flow Rate: N/A Filter Pore Size: 0.2 microns Removes Particulates and Bacteria: Yes Removes Protozoa: Yes Removes Viruses: No Pros Budget price Great for daily adventures Lasts for up to 4,000 L, plenty for almost any outdoor adventurer Lightweight at 2 oz. Cons Wont work for filtering water into a bladder or bottle for reserve Requires emptying before storage Chris Carter The LifeStraw Personal ($20) is one of the most consistently high-rated water filters of all time. The simple straw-style filter uses a hollow fiber membrane that filters out bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics down to 0.2 microns (the standard for water filters). It’s also the lightest on the market at 2 ounces and costs less than lunch these days.

　　That said, it’s only good for drinking water directly from the source and doesn’t work for filtering into bottles, so it has its limitations. For long-distance backpacking, you’ll probably need a secondary water filtration method. But it’s a great budget pick and a solid option for emergency kits, backpacking, hiking, bugout bags, or international travel.

　　In full honestly, however, the best use we were able to drum up for the LifeStraw is to bring along while flyfishing or kayaking. Being in the water all day makes the most sense for a filter like this, and we loved leaving our bottles behind and sipping straight from the source instead.

　　Theres a set of flip caps on both the inlet and output sides, which means that you can deploy this filter quickly and when youre done, not worry about grunge making its way in there. Theres little to no restriction on the flow rate when drawing through the filter, so dont feel like this is a milkshake through a straw scenario. We could take full gulps through the Lifestraw.

　　For the ultra-minimalist, or the backpacker who wants an easy-to-use option they can pull straight from an outer pocket of their pack, the LifeStraw Personal is a must-have. If the filter-as-you-go style is what youre after, but you want a means of moving some water as well, check out a filter bottle like the LifeStraw Go Series or Grayl GeoPress.

　　Best Filter for Thru-Hiking Katadyn BeFree 0.6L $39 at Amazon

　　Specifications Weight: 2.3 oz. Filter Type: Bottle filter Filter Life: 1,000 L Flow Rate: 2 L/min Filter Pore Size: 0.1 microns Removes Particulates and Bacteria: Yes Removes Protozoa: Yes Removes Viruses: No Pros Fast flow rate of 2 L per minute A bit lighter than the Sawyer Squeeze Simple cleaning mechanism Hydrapak bladder is durable, and filter is compatible with other size bladders Cons Clogs up faster than some models Doesn’t fit as many water bottles as the Sawyer Squeeze Chris Carter Read Review: First Look: Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

　　To justify taking anything on an extended thru-hike, it needs to be dependable, lightweight, and durable enough to last for months of torture. Today, you usually see one of two popular filters being used by long-distance hikers on trails like the PCT and AT: the Sawyer Squeeze or the Katadyn BeFree ($40).

　　One of the authors of this guide has taken the BeFree on three different thru-hikes across America and has nothing but praise for this tiny ultralight wonder. At 2.3 ounces, it barely registers in your pack. The filter membrane has a lifespan of 1,000 liters and a flow rate of 2 liters per minute, bumping it just ahead of the Squeeze and many others in the flow department.

　　Its 0.1-micron microfilter allows you to confidently gulp down any water you encounter on a long trail (though the murky cow troughs in New Mexico on the CDT did have our tester filtering twice), and the high flow rate means you’re not wasting a bunch of energy just to get a sip in. The wide mouth of the flexible flask allows it to fill up in just a couple of scoops, and you can clean the filter by simply swishing water around in the flask.

　　It’s not flawless, though. First, it isn’t as versatile as the Squeeze in that it won’t fit over standard water bottle mouths (this isn’t an issue if you plan to just use the included flask or other 42 mm bladders such as HydraPak). Second, it tends to clog a little faster in filthy water than other filters, including the Squeeze. The cleaning method also isnt as flawless, as it has you shake the debris free instead of forcing it out with water.

　　Those gripes aside, this is still the top pick for hundreds of long-distance hikers, and for good reason. If you’re looking for an ultralight filter with a solid flow rate for long adventures, don’t pass the BeFree 0.6L by.

　　Specifications Weight: 0.9 oz. Filter Type: Chemical purifier Filter Life: 1 liter per tab Flow Rate: 1 L/4 hours Filter Pore Size: N/A Removes Particulates and Bacteria: Only bacteria Removes Protozoa: Yes Removes Viruses: Yes Pros Destroys bacteria, viruses, and protozoa including cryptosporidium Ultralight and easy to stash away Budget-friendly Cons 4-hour wait time to fully clean water Expires after 5 years Slight odor/taste, as with most chemical treatments Chris Carter If you really don’t want to sacrifice weight for a filter — or are in an area that eats filters for breakfast — chemical treatment is a great option. Katadyn’s Micropur M1 Tablets ($16) have been a top choice over the years, thanks to their purifying powers and easy-to-use instructions.

　　Our exploits have taken us to high-alpine outflows where every water source is heavily laden with glacial silt, and for quick filtration, chemical tablets do the trick (though we sometimes prefilter a bit with a bandana). Otherwise, these tabs ride along with us in our emergency kits, as theyre about the lightest option youll encounter, and less likely to spill than chemical drops like Aquamira.

　　Some claim there is a slight aftertaste, although we like these much better than other chemical treatments. Also, we agreed that learning the wait times is important. The tablets destroy viruses and bacteria in 15 minutes, but it takes 4 hours to kill the pesky cryptosporidium parasite. This is a good bit longer than our second choice in chemical treatment, Aquatabs (30 minutes to clean), but if youre using chemical filtration, youve likely got some time to kill anyway and may as well kill everything.

　　For backpacking trips, you can use tablets in the evening to ensure that you have clean water for the next day. These are also great options for trips where you’re operating out of a backcountry base camp for side excursions. Most filters have the potential to fail, so having a few Micropur Tablets stashed away for emergencies is smart.

　　Best Gravity Water Filter/Best for Groups Katadyn BeFree Gravity 3L $75 at REICheck Price at Backcountry

　　Specifications Weight: 6.8 oz. Filter Type: Gravity Filter Filter Life: 1,000 L Flow Rate: 2 L/min Filter Pore Size: 0.1 microns Removes Particulates and Bacteria: Yes Removes Protozoa: Yes Removes Viruses: No Pros Requires no complicated backflushing High flow rate Easy to hang from a tree limb, etc. Cons You’ll need a place to hang the filter Heavy Chris Carter Read Review: Fast Clean: Katadyn BeFree 3L Gravity Filter First Look

　　Gravity filters use the force of gravity to pull water through the filter. For that reason, they’re extremely user-friendly. Just fill it with dirty water, hang it, and come back in a few minutes to find filtered water waiting in another container. They work great for larger groups or when you want to filter a lot of water all at once. They’re also quite light, given their speed and ease of use.

　　At just 6.8 ounces, the Katadyn BeFree Gravity Filter ($75) is the lightest gravity filter on this list, beating out the Platypus GravityWorks by 5 ounces. Using the same filter element as the handheld BeFree, this setup filters 3 liters at a time and comes with a quick-connect output hose to easily fill multiple bottles, pots, or bladders. The wide-mouth port on the dirty-water bladder makes filling up quick, and a simple shutoff valve makes filling different vessels easy.

　　It also doesn’t require commonly involved filter maintenance like backflushing — since it clears itself with a vigorous shake of the filter. Similar to the Sawyer Squeeze, the flow rate is great, and because the bag rolls down, it’s fairly packable.

　　The expected filter lifespan of 1,000 liters is likely on the conservative end, but it is a good bit lower than the 100,000 gallons (thats 378,541 liters) that the Squeeze claims. Our testing has shown that the BeFree will last for at least an entire thru-hike, at least.

　　Overall, it came in behind the Sawyer Squeeze in our testing, largely because it’s more expensive. However, for those who don’t mind spending a little more or are traveling as a bigger group in the backcountry, this is one of the best backpacking water filters available. It’s proven itself over many backpacking and hunting trips in the Rocky Mountains and beyond.

　　Specifications Weight: 1 lb. Filter Type: Pump filter Filter Life: 2,000 L Flow Rate: 1 L/min Filter Pore Size: 0.2 microns Removes Particulates and Bacteria: Yes Removes Protozoa: Yes Removes Viruses: No Pros Easy to clean filter element Unique carbon/ceramic filter design cleans heavy metals and organic compounds Interfaces with MSR Dromedary bags or Nalgene bottles Uptake hosing uses a small float to pull from the cleanest water Cons Pretty expensive Heavy at 1 pound Chris Carter MSR makes a few pump filters, but this one is our favorite. The MSR MiniWorks EX ($120) protects against bacteria, protozoa, heavy chemicals, and particulates. One of our favorite features of this filter is the fact that it’s compatible with both MSR Dromedary Bags and Nalgene bottles, so you can easily attach and pump into your drinking vessel.

　　Pump filters arent as prevalent today as they once were, but that doesnt mean they dont have a place. Large groups are an excellent place to deploy a pump filter like the MiniWorks, where ease of use and not having to refill a dirty water bladder constantly can save time. Its also pretty foolproof to stick into someones hands and educate them quickly: Stick this end in the water, then pump.

　　The filter element is ceramic, meaning you clean it over time instead of replacing it (although you may need to replace the tubing). This field reparability is a pretty common theme among MSR kit — such as the brands expedition stoves — and its something those on long river trips will come to appreciate. The filters carbon core also does some heavier lifting than comparable filters, sucking up heavy metals and organic compounds.

　　During testing, we had a few users note an issue with pressure building up in the filter chamber, causing the flow rate to slow. We still found we could hit the rated 1 liter per minute, but only with some good arm muscle. MSR says that a tempo of around 70 to 80 pumps a minute is prime, and wed agree. The $120 price is a bit on the high end for pump filters, but if youre after the best, this is it.

　　The MiniWorks EX is the filter wed reach for on a float down the Grand Canyon with friends, and thats where itll excel. Pro tip: using a flocculant such as Water Wizard For River Runners before filtering super sedimented water will condense large particles together, making for easier filtering.

　　Best Water Filter Bottle Grayl GeoPress Bottle $100 at REI$100 at Amazon

　　Specifications Weight: 15.9 oz. Filter Type: Bottle filter/purifier Filter Life: 65 gallons Flow Rate: 5 L/min Filter Pore Size: N/A Removes Particulates and Bacteria: Yes Removes Protozoa: Yes Removes Viruses: Yes Pros Convenient and great for travel Durable polypropylene bottle Activated carbon doesn’t just filter water, but purifies it as well One-way valve allows for drink mixes to be used Cons More expensive option Inability to use filter separate from bottle housing Chris Carter Read Review: GRAYL Geopress Purifier Gets an Ultralight Upgrade: Geopress vs. Ultrapress Review

　　The Grayl GeoPress ($100) uses electroabsorption and activated carbon to purify water. Simply fill, press down, and drink. It is that fast. (And yes, the convenience, fast filter time, and quality of this filter make it worth the price.) Of the bottle filters available today, this is our favorite.

　　This is truly the best if you’re drinking from really sketchy, off-grid water sources or want a filter for backpacking that isn’t a bladder and hose system. The activated carbon filter medium goes a step beyond most other filters in protecting against heavy metals, chemicals, and viruses — in addition to common protozoa and bacteria.

　　We’ve tested this filter abroad and love it for international travel. It’s ideal for when you want to filter all tap water before drinking, and it works wonderfully as a constant companion to keep you hydrated on the go. We’ve also used it backpacking and thru-hiking on the Appalachian Trail. For one or two people, the GeoPress is an awesome purification method.

　　One of our biggest issues with other filter bottles, such as the LifeStraw Go, is the inability to add powdered drink mixes to our water on the go. Thanks to a recent design update, Grayl incorporated a one-way Drink Mix Valve into its filters, meaning you can load up the electrolytes without worrying about clogging your filter. Very slick.

　　We love the GeoPresss fast flow rate of 5 liters per minute (under 30 seconds to get clean water). The top complaint is its size (though it’s not any bulkier than a Nalgene). Also, the replacement cartridges are expensive at $30 and need to be replaced every 250 liters. All that being said, however, this is an easy go-to for international travel, or shorter day trips where you wont need to camel up on water.

　　Specifications Weight: 9 oz. Filter Type: Bottle/straw filter Filter Life: 4,000 L Flow Rate: N/A Filter Pore Size: 0.2 microns Removes Particulates and Bacteria: Yes Removes Protozoa: Yes Removes Viruses: No Pros 2-stage filter improves taste Affordable Durable build Sleek design with lots of fun colors Cons Straw doesnt extend all the way to the bottom of bottle Straw cover cap unscrews relatively easily Chris Carter Sleek, lightweight, and thoughtfully designed, the newly minted LifeStraw Go Series ($45) filter bottle is ready for a rowdy road trip across Mexico or a casual day on the river. Its streamlined, stylish design joins forces with a 0.2-micron filter and 4,000-liter lifespan to deliver a hard-working portable filter thats equally at home on trail or around town.

　　Muted and flashy colorways abound for whatever your vibe might be, and the quick-release top handle protects the nozzle, allowing it to be carried around with ease. Its crafted with surprisingly quality materials for such an affordable model, and has a premium, top-shelf feel. While we love the ability to swiftly unscrew the top handle and snag a quick slurp, we found it can sometimes pop off when we dont want it to, as its only screwed on by a couple of threads.

　　At $45, this is one of your best bets for a budget filter bottle. It uses the same type of hollow-fiber filter as the original LifeStraw but seamlessly incorporates it into a BPA-free plastic bottle, thats now made from 50% recycled plastic. The filter straw takes a bit of a suck initially, but soon flows with ease, and has a phenomenally natural taste to it. We do wish it extended a bit lower into the bottle, as we regularly have to pour out a few milliliters of unfiltered liquid — which is a bit deflating on a backpacking trip.

　　The 22-ounce bottle is a solid alternative option to the straw if you won’t be near water sources as frequently. The activated carbon filter reduces chlorine, organic chemical matter, and odors for a better taste than other filters we tried, making it a fine bottle to tote around on daily outings.

　　Similar to the original LifeStraw, we love that the Go Bottle is quick and simple to use. It’s even easier than just the straw, as the bottle provides a way to carry and store water when you aren’t near a source. We also dig the approachable price point.

　　MSR Guardian Purifier $390 at REICHECK PRICE AT BACKCOUNTRY

　　Specifications Weight: 1 lb., 1.3 oz. Filter Type: Pump filter/purifier Filter Life: 10,000 L Flow Rate: 2.5 L/min Filter Pore Size: 0.2 microns Removes Particulates and Bacteria: Yes Removes Protozoa: Yes Removes Viruses: Yes Pros Self-cleaning ability cuts down on maintenance time Super long filter life of 10,000 liters Faster flow rate than MiniWorks EX Cons Heavy at more than a pound Expensive Chris Carter Read Review: MSR Guardian Purifier — Last One You’ll Ever Need

　　The MSR Guardian Purifier ($390) filters out nearly everything (including viruses), has an excellent flow rate, and even self-backflushes during use. For most people and places, however, it’s downright overkill. If you’re setting up for a serious adventure that requires filtering a lot of very sketchy water, however, you may want to consider forking over the cash.

　　The difference between this filter and the more affordable MiniWorks EX is both a higher flow rate (more than twice the capacity) and the pumps self-backflushing ability. The pump accomplishes this by using 10% of the water it filters to clear the membrane and flush back into the source with the second tube. The unique uptake float keeps the supplies separate and means your time to clean this filter is near zero.

　　The Guardian physically removes viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and particulates, including hepatitis A, E. coli, giardia, cryptosporidium, and more. Just be ready to lug a large item that weighs in at over a pound.

　　The MSR Guardian is probably one of the best backpacking water filters on the market. So why didn’t it top the list? Well, in two words, price and weight. It costs a pretty penny at $390 and weighs considerably more than other filters. We find that most users will be better suited by the MiniWorks EX filter, which still accomplishes the same feats, just a bit slower and with some additional cleaning.

　　Platypus QuickDraw $55 at REICHECK PRICE AT BACKCOUNTRY

　　Specifications Weight: 3.3 oz. Filter Type: Bottle/inline filter Filter Life: 1,000 liters Flow Rate: 3 L/min Filter Pore Size: 0.2 microns Removes Particulates and Bacteria: Yes Removes Protozoa: Yes Removes Viruses: No Pros Impressive 3 liter per minute flow rate Filter interfaces with both Platypus reservoir and popular soft-drink threaded bottles O-ring sealed caps for both the inlet and output sides of the filter Integrity Check allows you to ensure your filter membrane is still safe to use O-ring in inlet side is indexed to not fall out Cons Some wish the reservoir was larger 0.2 micron filter size isnt as fine as some filters out there Chris Carter Read Review: Water Filter Review: Small Speedy Platypus QuickDraw Rivals Sawyer Squeeze

　　A newer filter system on the market is the small and packable Platypus QuickDraw. We tested it for several months last year (and plan to use it a lot more this year) and love its low weight, packable size, and good filter rate.

　　The QuickDraw’s hollow fiber filter component and 1-liter plastic reservoir come in at just 3.3 ounces. The dual-thread design is awesome and allows you to screw the filter onto both the reservoir and a threaded plastic bottle (like the popular Smartwater bottles).

　　We found it super easy to use and backflush, and we experienced a good flow rate. The filter is good for 1,000 L before it needs a replacement.

　　Factoring in the size, weight, and price, this filter nearly made it higher on the list. But the Sawyer Squeeze filters down to 0.1 microns — slightly better than the QuickDraw’s 0.2 microns — for a few bucks less. Overall, the Quickdraw is still one of the best backpacking water filters you can buy.

　　Katadyn Hiker Microfilter $90 at REIcheck price at backcountry

　　Specifications Weight: 11 oz. Filter Type: Pump filter Filter Life: 750 liters Flow Rate: 1 L/min Filter Pore Size: 0.2 microns Removes Particulates and Bacteria: Yes Removes Protozoa: Yes Removes Viruses: No Pros Reliable pump performance Prefilter in intake hose reduces effort by the main filter Doesn’t require replacement filters as often as other choices High pump force (8 lbs. compared to 4 lbs. of MSR Guardian) Cons You’ll still have to pump it, which takes some effort Pump body is smooth plastic, which can be difficult to grip Chris Carter The Katadyn Hiker Microfilter ($90) has been one of our long-time favorite pump filters for its great price and performance in the long run. Several users found it can last for 2 to 6 years before having to replace the filter, and for a pump filter, its on the more affordable side.

　　The Hiker filters bacteria, protozoa, microplastics, and chemicals down to 0.2 microns, which is comparable to other pumps like the MSR MiniWorks EX or Guardian. Like the Guardian, the Hiker Microfilter also implements a prefilter on the intake side to cut down on the amount of large debris that reaches the main filter element — greatly increasing the time in between cleaning.

　　Filtering is quick enough at 1 liter per minute (which we had no problem hitting in our timed tests), and despite the more old-school design, pumping wasnt a chore to get through water for a crew of hikers. The included bottle adapter is quick to fill up Nalgenes, and while we havent tried out the hydration reservoir adapter yet, it seems to be a quality design for those who use bladders.

　　So why doesnt the Hiker Microfilter place higher in our lineup? Its our opinion that the MSR MiniWorks EX and Guardian simply do the job better, and are easier to field clean (often an issue when filtering the sediment-thick waters youll purify with a pump filter). The ABS plastic exterior of this filter is also pretty slick, and because of the downward direction youll need to pump in, it can be a little tricky to get a good grip on when pumping for a while.

　　For $90, however, it slides in below both of those filters, and if youre after a pump filter but dont want to spend more than $100 to get one, the Hiker Microfilter can be a smart buy.

　　LifeStraw Peak Series — Straw Filter Squeeze Filter $25 at REI$44 at REICheck price at Amazon

　　Specifications Weight: Straw: 2.3 oz.; Squeeze Filter: 3.2 oz. Filter Type: Straw: straw; Squeeze Filter: bottle/gravity filter Filter Life: Straw: 4,000 L ; Squeeze Filter: 2,000 L Flow Rate: Straw: N/A ; Squeeze Filter: 3 L/min Filter Pore Size: 0.2 microns Removes Particulates and Bacteria: Yes Removes Protozoa: Yes Removes Viruses: No Pros Lightweight design Durable and sleek looking Quick flow rate of 3 liters per minute on the Squeeze filter Cons On the heavier side Squeeze filter has a shorter filter life than some Chris Carter Read Review: I Hiked the Entire Appalachian Trail Testing This Water Filter: LifeStraw Peak Gravity 3L and Peak Squeeze Water Filter Review

　　We put the new LifeStraw Peak Series — a personal straw filter, squeeze filter, and gravity filter — to the test this spring on the Appalachian Trail. The Peak Series Personal Straw Filter ($25) and Squeeze Filter ($44) turned out to work great for filtering water at various sources in the backcountry.

　　The personal Peak Series filter worked extremely well and had a good flow rate. After 20+ years of LifeStraw being on the market, it was nice to finally see a big upgrade in materials and design.

　　The new design is comfortable, easy to use, durable, and easy to clean and backflush. If you’ve used a LifeStraw filter before and are maybe looking to replace it, we definitely recommend the Peak Series version.

　　The LifeStraw Squeeze Filter also performed well in testing, though not as much as others on our list. It’s modular, so while it has the filter incorporated inside the squeeze pouch, you can also move it to the outside (and swap out the cap) if filling bottles or not drinking directly from the filter. Both are a great price.

　　Platypus GravityWorks 4L $135 at REICheck Price at Backcountry

　　Specifications Weight: 11.5 oz. Filter Type:  Gravity filter Filter Life:  1,500 L Flow Rate: 1.75 L/min Filter Pore Size: 0.2 microns Removes Particulates and Bacteria: Yes Removes Protozoa: Yes Removes Viruses: No Pros Bags are clearly labeled dirty and clean, so theres no confusion Flow rate is pretty great for a gravity filter Quick disconnect on dirty bladder side makes it easy to set up Large 4 liter capacity Cons Can require an air flush to get full flow rate potential Dirty bag zip closure doesnt always stay closed Chris Carter The Platypus GravityWorks 4L ($135) has won a spot on our list for another year in a row. Why? The Platypus is good for when you need water for more than just drinking (straw filters are great, but not for filtering several liters of water at a time).

　　So far as gravity filter systems go, the GravityWorks is the full ticket, with other systems like the Katadyn BeFree Gravity Filter only providing a single dirty water bag. The Platypus option instead hooks it up with both dirty and clean 4-liter bladders, and tacks on a few other niceties that might lure you to this setup.

　　The quick disconnect hose on the dirty bladder side was one of those perks, which meant that we could fill up without the need to bring the entire filter system with us down to the water source. The wide-mouth opening of this bladder is also nicer to use compared to the screw-top mouth of the BeFree Gravity, though we did find that it doesnt always stay closed.

　　Filter rates are about on par between these two options, with the slight edge going to the BeFree. We did find that sometimes the GravityWorks could develop an airlock when first being set up — something thats easy to remedy by elevating the clean side bladder for a minute to bleed out the air. Then, its smooth sailing.

　　Both gravity systems work great, and between the two, its tough to call either a clear winner. Those familiar with the BeFree system will find it an easy choice, but if youre already plugged into the Platypus world with their hydration bladders, the GravityWorks 4L could be a great way to go for large group filtration.

　　MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier $300 at AmazonCheck price at Backcountry

　　Specifications Weight: 1 lb., 3 oz. Filter Type: Gravity filter Filter Life: 3,000+ L Flow Rate: 1 L/2 min Filter Pore Size: 0.2 microns Removes Particulates and Bacteria: Yes Removes Protozoa: Yes Removes Viruses: Yes Pros Works great for group travel in the backcountry Requires no backflushing Activated carbon adds extra purification compared to other gravity systems Cons Expensive for a gravity filter set up Heavy Chris Carter Read Review: MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier Offers Epic Viral Protection, 10 Liters at a Time

　　With an easy-to-fill 10-liter reservoir and a 1-liter per 2-minute flow rate (which the brand claims is 2.5 times faster than the competition), the MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier ($300) takes technology designed for the military and brings it to groups of backcountry explorers.

　　The purifier meets NSF P248 testing standards, removing bacteria, protozoa, pathogens, and viruses through the 0.02-micron hollow fiber media. With an activated carbon component, it also pulls out chemicals, tastes, and odors — something that other gravity systems like the Platypus GravityWorks or Katadyn BeFree Gravity dont host.

　　MSR’s setup is simple, even if you do need ample space to get the dirty reservoir at least 6 feet above the clean water receptacle (fairly common for gravity water filters). The speedy flow rate is ideal, and the bottle adapter fits a range of sizes to allow the filling of separate water bottles or a larger container with the entire 10 liters.

　　This new purifier is up there as one of the best backpacking water filters for larger groups. With no backflushing required and a mesh carrying case, teardown is quick and easy.

　　If you’re going where there are no trees for hanging, this could be tricky. Also, at over a pound, it really only works for larger groups where you can split up the load. In our opinion, one of the only reasons wed opt to use the Guardian Gravity over other gravity systems is if you know youll be heading into an area where water taste is a known issue.

　　SteriPEN Adventurer $100 at AmazonCheck price at backcountry

　　Specifications Weight: 3.6 oz. Filter Type: UV purifier Filter Life: 8,000 L Flow Rate: 1 L/90 sec Filter Pore Size: N/A Removes Particulates and Bacteria: Only bacteria Removes Protozoa: Yes Removes Viruses: Yes Pros Lightweight Easy to use Long lifetime Great option for those with gut issues Cons Have to keep it charged Pricey Chris Carter UV filters are popular for a lot of reasons. They don’t require pumping or filtering, and the wait time to kill bacteria and viruses is fairly short (between 60 and 90 seconds).

　　Our first SteriPEN Adventurer ($120) recommendation came service of a mountain guide who had done the tango with suspect water one too many times and burnt out his gut flora — making the common chemical treatments alpinists use no longer an option. He praised the UV filter as being simple to use, long-lasting enough to get him through week-long mountaineering courses, and hard to break — an essential.

　　Using the Adventurer is pretty simple: just get your bottle of water ready (wide-mouth bottles are essential here), activate the UV light, and stir for a minute and a half. There are two options: 1 and 0.5 liters, but either way, once your time is up, everything nasty is sufficiently zapped. This type of filtration wont take out particulates in your water, so take some advice from our mountain guide friend: filter through a bandana first.

　　At 3.6 ounces, the SteriPEN is a little bit heavier than other filter options like the Sawyer Squeeze or Platypus QuickDraw, but if your water is fairly clean to begin with, the speed at which youre able to go from dirty to drinkable cant be beaten by those filters. Longevity isnt a problem, either, with 8,000 treatments being standard.

　　The rather inexplicable part about the Adventurer is that it runs on CR123 batteries and not a rechargeable internal battery. Most backpackers today carry some type of external battery pack, and recharging the SteriPEN would be simple to do. Bumping up to the SteriPEN Ultra ($130) will get you that USB charging ability, but in a bigger footprint.

　　Even still, for shorter trips where quick filtering is key (or youve been unkind to your gut biome), the SteriPEN Adventurer can be a key pickup toward getting your water quickly.

　　Backpacking Water Filters Comparison Chart

　　From weekend outings to full-blown thru-hikes, the GearJunkie team has put each of the filters on this list through rigorous testing; (photo/Chris Carter) How We Tested the Best Backpacking Water Filters The GearJunkie team is made up of adventurers from a plethora of different outdoor sports and activities, but each of their hobbies requires a central discipline: proper water filtration in the backcountry. It’s key to survival, and if done poorly, can quickly put you in a dangerous situation.

　　For this guide, we carefully scrutinized the most reliable, functional water filters that outdoor enthusiasts from all ends of the spectrum depend on in the wild. We brought each of these filters on adventures and made sure that we would feel comfortable with all of them as our primary means of accruing filtered water in the field.

　　Our Testing Process and Testing Grounds Our water filter field testing begins the second we jump out of our rigs and onto the trail, heading straight for the first water source. We often test filters side-by-side to gauge filter rates, ease of use, and frequency of needed cleaning. We make sure to test both clear as well as more suspect sources, as well as use these filters solo and in large groups to best identify user needs.

　　To date, weve sent filters out on entire thru-hikes of the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails. These feats of endurance are true tests of a filters mettle, and weve seen a not-small number of them bite the dust and hit the hiker box. While some filter lifespans are exceedingly long, weve certainly hit the ceiling on a few.

　　Filtering from a clear mountain stream isnt tough, but we also seek out some gnarlier sources to test these filters; (photo/Erika Courtney) Outside of the field, we also put these filters through a more standardized set of tests in order to get some hard numbers on performance. Most filters these days work spectacularly, so in many cases, our decision to recommend one over another comes down to a few more pumps of a filter.

　　Independently verifying weights and packed sizes is a quick and easy way to ensure we dont upset the weight weenies on staff, and we weigh systems all together to ensure weve got the full picture. Flow rates, too, are a simple test to compare side-by-side with manufacturer claims, and are important to independently verify outside of the field.

　　Finally, as a true test of grit, we whip up a rather dingy soup from our compost bin as a final test for these filters. Its a tough test meant to bring these systems near to clogging, but it separates the just-OK filters from the winners. It also sets us up perfectly to execute our cleaning tests, where we sample the ease of restoring a filter to close-to-new functionality.

　　Our Expert Testers Guide author Mary Murphy curated our initial selection of 14 filters back in May 2020. A prolific backpacker, Mary knows the value of a reliable filter for constant, dependable hydration in the backcountry. Tester Chris Carter took over this guide in August 2022 and has been digging through his gear closet and scouring the internet ever since to bring you the most current, deserving selection possible.

　　Chris has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails (the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail) and continues to pursue long-distance hiking around the world. Significant time backpacking and hitchhiking around East Africa forced him to purify water of the grimiest sorts and made him religiously fastidious in his hydration practices. Hes suffered from his fair share of water-born pathogens and will only rely on the best of the best to filter his fluids on any adventure.

　　GearJunkies Camp, Hike, and Backpack Editor, Will Brendza, also contributed to this guide. Will has been professionally testing and reviewing outdoor gear for over 15 years and spends an inordinate amount of time out on the trail. Hes constantly testing and reviewing the latest and greatest outdoor products, including water filters and purifiers, to find the best gear to make his outdoor adventures more enjoyable.

　　Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Water Filter

　　Gravity filters are great for having a bunch of filtered water on hand around camp, but can often be too heavy for lightweight solo backpacking trips; (photo/GearJunkie) Inline filters are often used in gravity systems, but they can also be paired with a hydration pouch or water bottle for quick use. Filters such as the ubiquitous Sawyer Squeezeor the Platypus QuickDraw can be used in this way. These generally rely on the user sucking the water from a pouch or water bottle, through the filter, directly into their mouth. With the correct adapters, several models of inline filters can be used with a hydration pack you may already be carrying, offering easy filtration without adding much weight.

　　Straw Filters While we dont recommend them as your primary method of water filtration in the wild, straw filters are undeniably one of the easiest ways of procuring fresh water fast. Our favorite budget filter, the LifeStraw Personal, fits this bill. These filters are great for trail running, mountain biking, or as a backup to your primary filter. They allow you to get down and dirty by a stream or lake and drink directly from the source by sipping the water through the filter like a straw.

　　The main downside to straw filters is that they dont offer any way to carry filtered water with you, unless you can fit the straw into a water bottle of dirty water you are carrying with you, which can be really annoying. It can also get frustrating having to practically lie down on muddy or rocky banks to get a drink any time you get thirsty. These filters suffice for day hikes, but youll probably want something different for any extended backpacking trip.

　　Xiaoling filtering water with the LifeStraw Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze 1L Filter on her thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail; (photo/Chandler Keller) Pump Filters Pump filters, such as the MSR MiniWorks EX, work great for pulling water out of shallow pools or creeks and can be a solid choice for small backpacking groups. They tend to run on the heavy side, take a little more effort to use, and can be quite complicated to clean. For these reasons, you dont see as many pump filters in the backcountry as you used to, but they do still have their place.

　　In some cases, as with the MSR Guardian, pump filters do a better job of purifying truly nasty water by removing viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, such as E. coli, giardia, and cryptosporidium. This is something to consider a little more seriously while adventuring internationally.

　　Water Filter Bottles

　　The Platypus Quickdraw filters down to 0.2 microns, which catches anything youd be worried about, but filters quicker than 0.1-micron filters; (photo/Erika Courtney) Filter Pore Size Any filter that uses a membrane to separate the nasty bits from your water (note: not chemical or UV filters)will do so through pores in the membrane material. These pores are measured by theirmicronsize, and theyre a good indicator of not only how effective your filter is but also how fast it will filter water.

　　For example, the SawyerSqueezefilters down to 0.1 microns, which is just about the standard youll see. This is fine enough to catch particulates, bacteria, and protozoa but not small enough to nab viruses. Alternatively, the PlatypusQuickDraw uses a 0.2-micron membrane, which filters the same way but at a higher flow rate. On the trail, this means you can filter more water faster.

　　If youre adventuring somewhere with especially sedimented water, such as rafting the Grand Canyon, an extra step is usually necessary to keep your filter elements from clogging prematurely. That is unless youre using the MSR Guardian, which backflushes the filter with every pump. For every other type of filtration system, use a flocculant such as alum powder (easy to snag in any grocery store), which will accumulate and settle the sediment for you.

　　Filter Time Flow Rate

　　Its important to look for a lightweight, packable filter that still boasts a high flow rate for backpacking missions; (photo/Emily Malone) Durability Longevity A filters lifespan greatly depends on its filter method (cartridge, hollow membrane, chemical, or UV light). Backpacking water filters can last anywhere from 250 to 4,000 L. Cleaning your filter regularly using the methods that the manufacturer recommends will also help prolong its life.

　　Filters that use a cartridge tend to last anywhere from 200 to 500 L before you need to replace the cartridge. On the other hand, with other filters that last longer, you may need to replace the entire unit at the end of its life. TheLifeStrawis an example of this; it can filter around 4,000 L, and then it will stop working and need to be replaced.

　　For UV methods like theSteriPEN, it’ll last forever as long as you charge or continue to replace the batteries (barring any damage, of course).

　　Filter Failure Integrity Testing Water filters with a filtration element arent bulletproof and can fail if allowed to freeze, causing the fragile membranes to break. If this happens, your filter wont fully treat water passed through it. Thankfully, the workaround is simple: when temperatures look like theyll dip below freezing, toss your filter in your sleeping bag to keep warm.

　　If youve had a chilly night and forgotten your filter (it happens to the best of us) or potentially dropped it, an integrity test is in order. Filters like the Platypus QuickDraw instruct on how to do this, but the process will work for other hollow fiber filters as well, like the Sawyer Squeeze.

　　First, backflush a minimum of 1/2 a liter of water through the filter, then empty the dirty water bag and reattach it to the filter. Introduce air into the filter by either squeezing the empty bag or, in gravity filters, by blowing air through the clean side. If air bubbles pass through the other side of the filter element, your filter is compromised and should be replaced.

　　Properly cleaning and taking care of your filter can greatly improve its lifespan; (photo/Chris Carter) Price Value Theres a bit of a spread when it comes to backcountry water filters, and without a little context, you might be led to believe that more money = more filtration. Instead, consider that there are a number of factors that go into just how much filter you might want to spring for: group size, water quality, and storage needs are just a few.

　　Budget If youre solo more often than not and find that day hikes are more your speed, it can be easy to jump into a budget filter thats quick to deploy and drink straight from the source. Know that these types of straw filters wont give you any storage capacity for the long haul, but for out-and-back endeavors where water is plentiful, they can do the trick.

　　The LifeStraw Personal ($20) is an excellent example of this, and our fly fisherfolk on staff have come to lean on this filter as a go-to for quick and easy drinking while on the river. Chemical treatments such as Katadyn Micropur ($16) can be cheaper still, but wed caution that this type of filtration is better suited to some specific use types — such as rivers with high glacial silt content.

　　Mid-Tier Bumping up a bit in price nets you a great deal more in the world of backpacking filters. Even shelling out $40 to $100 can get you a hollow fiber filter that will last for 1,000+ liters and move enough water to make personal trips to refill quick and easy. These filters often offer additional water bladders to filter from and backflushing syringes or hosing to connect to hydration systems.

　　The Sawyer Squeeze ($39) continues to dominate our recommendations a number of years down the line here, and its easy to see why: a decent flow rate, long lifespan, and suite of accessories make this one of the most well-rounded options out today. The Platypus QuickDraw ($50) is right behind it, and even offers up some additional use options and a quicker flow rate. This price range is also where you can get into some different styles, such as a gravity filter like the Katadyn BeFree Gravity 3L ($75) or Grayl GeoPress ($100) bottle filter.

　　Premium Going with a premium filter option means that youve either got a lot of people to get water to, or are headed somewhere where the water is consistently challenging to filter. Anything north of $100 is likely to either be a pump filter or a complicated gravity system, and will use additional filter elements such as activated charcoal to strip out odors and heavy metals — improving taste.

　　TheMSR Guardian($390) is the mack daddy of pump filters, and, honestly, its a bit overkill for most of North America. Thats why we suggest the MSR MiniWorks EX($120) as a better option for most folks. The MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier ($300) is similarly overbuilt compared to the pump version and builds on a charcoal filter and 10(!) liter capacity to get an entire platoon watered.

　　Frequently Asked Questions What is the best way to purify water when backpacking? The best way to clean your water when backpacking is to use and find the cleanest water source possible. You’ll want to look for clear, running water — somewhere between a babbling brook and a rushing river.

　　Avoid stagnant ponds or areas where there might be runoff (from livestock, urban areas, etc.) or debris. You’ll also want to find a safe place to refill, pump, or hang your gravity filter.

　　With some filtering methods, like chemical filters and tablets, you’ll want to wait longer to ensure that the water is clean if it’s below a certain temperature (or cloudy).

　　Purifiers, like the Grayl GeoPress, protect against protozoa or parasites, and bacteria, but you still want to source your water from a fast-flowing stream or river; (photo/Chris Carter) Whats the difference between filtration and purification? Filters most commonly use a tube, pump, or gravity method of filtering. Purifiers use a combination of a tube or chamber with activated carbon or another chemical component to fight against one key difference: viruses.

　　All of the choices on this list protect againstat leastbacteria and protozoa, and many also protect against things like toxins, chemicals, and viruses. We recommend choosing the one that will work best based on your situation, budget, and preference.

　　How long does a backpacking water filter last? The lifespan of a filter largely depends on the type of filter. Most hollow fiber or activated charcoal cartridges will need to be replaced every couple hundred uses, or after a certain number of liters have been filtered. Some filters, like theLifeStraw, can last for years, but when it’s run its course you’ll need to buy a new one.

　　There are also some filters and purifiers that just need new batteries or to be charged.

　　A filter can last you many years if you take proper care of it; (photo/Emily Malone) Can viruses be filtered out of water? Yes! Purifiers like theGrayl GeoPress Purifier are built especially to filter and protect againsteverythingyou could encounter, whether in the backcountry or in a developing country.

　　As long as you are following the instructions on your filter or purifier, it will protect against whatever it’s rated for (usually something like 99.999999% of bacteria and 99.999% of parasites and microorganisms).

　　How much should I spend? Our top two considerations when buying gear like this are always: (1) how often we will be using it, and (2) price. Another important factor for many is how long a filter will last. If you backpack or hike 9-12 months out of the year, you probably want to drop more money on a filter that has a longer lifespan.

　　When all else fails, you can boil water to be safe. But let’s be honest, having a water filter on hand is much better.

　　A reliable water filter can be pricey but is an important investment to ensure a safe trip in the backcountry; (photo/Chris Carter)

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