Going on adventures through hidden and beautiful places requires carrying all the essentials, especially a trusty **water filtration system**. It’s super important to have clean, safe water for your health on these trips. Picking the right water filter for backpacking is just as crucial as checking the weather forecast. After tons of research and testing, here’s how to find the best water purifier for your next backpacking trip.
Remember, a backpacking water filtration system should be compact, lightweight and, above all, effective in removing harmful impurities from natural water sources. Today’s market offers a wide variety of water filtration systems, each with its own unique features and advantages. Some rely on modern technology to secure clean, safe water, while others stick to the basics, using pump or gravity-fed systems. It can be a overwhelming process to figure out which one will best meet your needs.
Through our rigorous process of testing and selection, we have identified the very best backpacking water filtration systems based on purification effectiveness, speed, durability, ease of use, and, not to mention, affordability. By the end of this article, we guarantee you will have all the information you need to select the best backpacking water filtration system, ensuring your hydration is never compromised when wandering through the off-the-grid beauty of nature.
Best Backpacking Water Filtration System
Selecting the right backpacking water filtration system is an important decision. The chosen system must not only be suitable for your specific needs, but it must also deliver on the promise of pure, safe drinking water. With a multitude of options available on the market, sifting through all the data can be quite a task. In this article, we aim to ease your selection process by providing a list of the best backpacking water purification systems. Our findings are inherently derived from hands-on testing and thorough analysis, and we have taken into account various critical factors to suit the diverse needs of backpackers worldwide.
Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System w/ Two 32-Oz Squeeze Pouches, Straw, and Hydration Pack Adapter
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use water filtration system for your outdoor adventures, the Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Hollow Fiber membrane filter removes bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics, providing you with clean and safe water.
- The system is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry with you on the go.
- The included syringe makes it easy to clean the filter, ensuring that it stays in good working condition.
Cons
- The system requires some effort to squeeze the water through the filter, which can be tiring after a while.
- The included pouches may not be the most durable, so you may need to replace them after a few uses.
- The system may not be suitable for filtering large amounts of water at once.
We’ve used the Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System on several camping trips and hikes, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The filter is effective at removing bacteria and protozoa, giving us peace of mind that we’re drinking safe water. The system is also lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry with us on the go. We appreciate the included syringe, which makes it easy to clean the filter and ensure that it stays in good working condition.
One thing to keep in mind is that the system requires some effort to squeeze the water through the filter, which can be tiring after a while. Additionally, the included pouches may not be the most durable, so you may need to replace them after a few uses. Finally, the system may not be suitable for filtering large amounts of water at once.
Overall, we think that the Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use water filtration system for their outdoor adventures.
Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw, Camping Water Filtration System, Water Purifier Survival for Travel, Backpacking and Emergency Preparedness, 1.5 gal Bag, 0.1 Micron, 5 Stage Filtration, Blue
If you’re looking for a reliable water filtration system for camping or emergency situations, the Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 5-layer filtration system effectively removes bacteria, sediment, chemicals, and other contaminants from water.
- The filtration system is easy to use and requires no electricity or batteries.
- The compact and portable design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
Cons
- The filter straw is only suitable for clean water with low sediment.
- The filter may clog if used with water that contains a lot of sediment.
- The filter needs to be replaced after filtering 3000L/792Gal water.
The Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw is a great option for those who need a reliable water filtration system for camping or emergency situations. The 5-layer filtration system effectively removes bacteria, sediment, chemicals, and other contaminants from water, making it safe to drink. The filtration system is also easy to use and requires no electricity or batteries, which is great for those who are camping or in areas with no power.
One of the best things about the Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw is its compact and portable design. It’s easy to take with you on the go, whether you’re camping, hiking, or in an emergency situation. The filter straw is also lightweight, which makes it easy to carry with you.
However, it’s important to note that the filter straw is only suitable for clean water with low sediment. If you use it with water that contains a lot of sediment, the filter may clog. Additionally, the filter needs to be replaced after filtering 3000L/792Gal water, which may be a downside for those who need to filter a large amount of water.
Overall, the Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw is a great option for those who need a reliable water filtration system for camping or emergency situations. Its 5-layer filtration system, easy-to-use design, and compact portability make it a great choice for those who need clean water on the go.
Survivor Filter PRO – Hand Pump Camping Water Filtration System Survival – Water Purifier Survival
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient water filtration system for your camping trips, the Survivor Filter PRO is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The Survivor Filter PRO is a complete water filtration system that can filter up to 150,000 gallons of water in its lifetime, making it a great long-term investment for your camping needs.
- The system comes with a pre-filter, a primary filter, a secondary filter, and a post-filter, ensuring that the water you drink is completely clean and safe.
- The Survivor Filter PRO is incredibly easy to use. Simply place the included cup under the spigot, fill the cup with water, and then pump the water through the system. Once the water has been filtered, pour it into a container for later use.
Cons
- The Survivor Filter PRO is a bit heavy, weighing in at 3 pounds, which may make it less than ideal for some campers.
- The system requires some assembly, which may take some time and effort.
- The Survivor Filter PRO is a bit pricey compared to some other water filtration systems on the market.
Overall, we highly recommend the Survivor Filter PRO for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient water filtration system for their camping trips. The system’s multiple filtration layers ensure that the water you drink is completely clean and safe, and the hand pump makes it easy to use without the need for batteries or replacement parts.
Sawyer Products SP2101 MINI Water Filtration System, 2-Pack, Blue and Green
If you’re looking for a reliable and lightweight water filtration system for your outdoor adventures, the Sawyer Products SP2101 MINI Water Filtration System is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Sawyer Squeeze Pouch makes it easy to collect and filter water.
- The system removes bacteria and protozoa, providing clean water for your trip.
- The MINI Water Filtration System is lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack.
Cons
- The system requires pre-filtering of water before use.
- The Sawyer Squeeze Pouch may not be as durable as some users would like.
- The system does not remove viruses from water.
The Sawyer Products SP2101 MINI Water Filtration System is a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight and effective water filtration system for their outdoor adventures. The system is easy to use and provides clean water for your trip. However, it does require pre-filtering of water before use and does not remove viruses from water.
The Sawyer Squeeze Pouch is a great addition to the system, making it easy to collect and filter water. The system is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack. However, some users may find that the Sawyer Squeeze Pouch is not as durable as they would like.
Overall, the Sawyer Products SP2101 MINI Water Filtration System is a reliable and effective option for anyone looking for a water filtration system for their outdoor adventures.
Platypus Quickdraw Ultralight 1 Liter Backpacking Water Filter System, DrinkCap Only
If you’re looking for a lightweight and compact water filter system for your backpacking trips, the Platypus Quickdraw Ultralight 1 Liter Backpacking Water Filter System is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Quickdraw filter system is super fast and easy to use, with no priming or pumping required.
- The filter can be used directly from the source or with the included Platypus 1L Dirty Dog Water bottle for added versatility.
- Weighing just 5.9 ounces, this water filter system is ultra-lightweight and easy to pack.
Cons
- The Quickdraw system can be a bit finicky to use at first, and may require some trial and error to get the hang of.
- The filter’s 0.6 micron pore size may not be fine enough to remove all bacteria from the water, so it’s important to use this system with purification tablets or another method for added safety.
- The Quickdraw system is only good for 300 liters of water, which may not be enough for multiple long-term backpacking trips.
We’ve used the Platypus Quickdraw Ultralight 1 Liter Backpacking Water Filter System on several backpacking trips, and it has definitely made our water sourcing process more efficient and convenient. The filter system is incredibly easy to use – simply dip the filter into the water source, squeeze the clean water into your container, and enjoy! We’ve found that the Quickdraw system works best with clear water sources, as it can get clogged with sediment from murky water.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Quickdraw system is not quite as effective at filtering out all bacteria as some other water filter systems on the market. While it’s a great option for backpackers who want a lightweight and compact filter system, it’s important to use this system with purification tablets or another method for added safety.
Overall, we highly recommend the Platypus Quickdraw Ultralight 1 Liter Backpacking Water Filter System for anyone looking for a lightweight and efficient water filter system for their backpacking trips.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best backpacking water filtration system, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Filtration Method
There are several types of filtration methods used in water filters, including gravity, pump, and squeeze. Gravity filters are easy to use and require no effort, but they can be slow. Pump filters are more efficient and can filter larger amounts of water quickly, but they require more effort. Squeeze filters are compact and lightweight, but they require the most effort to use.
Filtration Speed
The speed at which a filter can process water is an important factor to consider. If you plan to use the filter for large groups or in emergency situations, a faster filter may be necessary. However, if you are solo backpacking or have limited water needs, a slower filter may be sufficient.
Filtration Efficiency
The efficiency of a filter is measured by its ability to remove contaminants from the water. Look for filters that have a high filtration efficiency, typically measured in microns. The lower the micron rating, the more efficient the filter.
Durability
Backpacking water filters can take a beating, so it’s important to choose a filter that is durable and can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Look for filters made from high-quality materials and with sturdy construction.
Weight and Size
Backpacking water filters should be lightweight and compact to make them easy to carry in a backpack. Look for filters that are designed specifically for backpacking and have a low weight and small size.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best backpacking water filtration system for your needs.
