The Best Outdoor Water Filter Reviews
Water filters transform murky, potentially harmful water into clean drinking water. They usually do this by utilizing a physical barrier (often a porous medium) to filter out contaminants.
They’re more reliable than chemical treatments like chlorine dioxide tablets for camping and backpacking, and they tend to be easier on the wallet too. Check out our top choices for outdoor water filters for your next adventure:
1. LifeStraw
As a company, LifeStraw is all about helping people in developing nations access clean water. But it’s also a great piece of gear to have for hikers, campers and survivalists who want the confidence that they can drink even questionable water on a backpacking trip without getting sick.
It works by sucking water through a hollow fiber membrane filter that’s packed with microscopic pores that trap bacteria, parasites, microplastics, sand and silt. The absolute pore size is 0.2 microns, so it removes almost all contaminants while allowing safe drinking water to pass through.
The carbon filter reduces bad tastes, odors and chlorine, and it’s removable and replaceable so you can get the most out of the product. The whole thing is about nine inches long and just over an inch wide and weighs less than two ounces so it’s easy to slip into the side pocket of your backpack.
The company is also making strides to be more environmentally friendly by swapping out plastic components for Tritan Renew material and by reducing the amount of material used in its products.
2. MSR AutoFlow XL
A well-respected pump filter that removes protozoa and bacteria from water with 48 strokes per minute. It comes with a rugged, 3-dimensional Piped drinking fountains film reservoir that HF-welded seams and 1000-denier base make more durable and robust than other backpacking filters. It’s designed to be field-maintainable, and the mouth opens wider to allow for easier filling. This is a great choice for backpacking and other backcountry adventures where you need a quick, reliable way to get clean drinking water.
It can be a bit heavy for a backpacking filter, and it can take some work to hand-pump clean water into a bottle. Outdoor Gear Lab and Switchback Travel both note the distinctive taste of plastic that can be noticeable, particularly in muddy or turbid water. This is a good choice for groups since you can divide the labor.
This is another military-grade pump that uses a 0.02-micron filter to catch viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. It also purifies, ridding your drinking water of chlorine and other organic compounds that can taint the flavor. While it’s heavier than the Guardian above, it offers a longer filter life at 2,000 liters.
3. Katadyn Micropur MP1
Katadyn is an American manufacturer of quality outdoor gear, including water filters. Their chlorine dioxide-based tablets are a favorite among backpackers and campers for their effectiveness and light weight. These are quick to work, killing bacteria and protozoa in just 15 minutes (Giardia requires 30), and only need 4 hours to kill Cryptosporidium.
They’re also much lighter than a filter, and you don’t have to worry about cleaning or changing filters. Plus, they’re compact and easy to store in a pack or bug-out bag for emergencies.
The only drawback is that you have to wait a little longer for your water to be clean, as they take four hours to fully treat contaminated water. But, they’re a great option for day hikers, solo backpackers and anyone who is trying to save space on their backcountry trip. You can even use these in conjunction with a filter like the Sawyer Squeeze for a more comprehensive approach to water treatment. The best part is that these are also the most affordable of all the methods we’ve looked at here!
4. HydraPak Flux+
The HydraPak Flux+ is one of the latest all-in-one filtration bottles to hit the market. It combines the water reservoir capacity of a traditional bottle with a built-in filter top for backcountry travelers. The 1.5L bottle holds enough water for a multi-day hike and allows you to refill from natural sources on the trail, all while packing to an ultralight size.
The bottle’s collapsible design is up to 50% lighter than a hard water bottle and packs down into its own stuff sack when empty. The flexible body is abrasion resistant and features RF welded seams to add structure. The high-flow drink nozzle can be easily opened and closed with just one hand, and is designed to prevent direct contact with dirty hands.
The HydroPak Flux+ can be paired with any 42mm filter including the Katadyn BeFree, as well as HydraPak’s own inline filters. The company also has a larger 3- and 6-L Seeker+ reservoirs available with built-in filters and a flexible camp tap for complete backcountry hydration solutions.
5. Sawyer Squeeze
Sawyer’s filtration system is certified for 0.1 micron pore size, which means it removes bacteria, protozoa, and cysts like giardia and cryptosporidium. It’s a great option for backpacking trips and camping in the continental US and doesn’t require iodine or chlorine treatment. However, it does not remove waterborne viruses or heavy metals so it’s best used in conjunction with a purification system for international travel or wilderness adventures in the US where backcountry water contamination is a concern.
It’s easy to use: simply fill up a bag with dirty water and squeeze Smart water dispenser it through the filter, or connect it inline on your hydration pack (sold separately). The Squeeze is compact and lightweight making it a good choice for backpacking, camping, international travel, or emergency preparedness. Plus, it has a lifetime warranty and is super affordable.
It comes with bags to carry your clean drinking water in and is compatible with almost every 28mm bottle on the market including popular hiker-friendly brands like smartwater and LIFEWTR (hikers love them for their superb structural integrity). The Squeeze is also able to be backflushed, a process that restores its flow rate, unlike the Katadyn BeFree which does not allow for this.
