Everyone who explores the backcountry needs water, but staying hydrated isn’t as easy as drinking water straight from streams and lakes. To protect against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses, there are many water filtration and purification systems designed specifically for hiking (many of the options on this list are also great for day hikes, trail running, and travel). We’ve been testing water filters on adventures far and near since 2018, and our 18 current favorites below include everything from ultra-light squeeze filters and chemical drips to pumps and massive gravity water filters. For more information, see our comparison chart and buying tips below our recommendations.
       Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on June 24, 2024, upgrading the Grayl GeoPress Purifier to our top water filter for international travel. We’ve also provided information about our testing methods, added a section on water safety when traveling abroad to our buying advice, and made sure all product information was current at the time of publication.
       Type: Gravity filter. Weight: 11.5 oz. Filter service life: 1500 liters. What we like: Easily and quickly filters and stores large volumes of water; great for groups; What we don’t like: Bulky; you need a decent source of water to fill your bag.
       Without a doubt, the Platypus GravityWorks is one of the most convenient water filters on the market, and it has become a must-have for your camping trip. The system requires no pumping, requires minimal effort, can filter up to 4 liters of water at a time and has a high flow rate of 1.75 liters per minute. Gravity does all the work: simply fill a 4-liter “dirty” tank, hang it from a tree branch or boulder, and in just a few minutes you’ll have 4 liters of clean water to drink. This filter is great for large groups, but we also like to use it on smaller outings because we can quickly grab the day’s water and head back to camp to fill individual bottles (the clean bag also doubles as a water reservoir).
       But compared to some of the more minimalist options below, the Platypus GravityWorks is no small device with two bags, a filter, and a bunch of tubes. Additionally, unless you have a deep enough or moving water source (similar to any bag-based system), obtaining water may be difficult. At $135, GravityWorks is one of the more expensive water filtration products. But we like the convenience, especially for group hikers or base camp type situations, and we think the cost and volume is worth it in those situations… Read More Platypus GravityWorks Review View Platypus GravityWorks 4L
       Type: Compressed/linear filter. Weight: 3.0 oz. Filter life: Lifetime What we like: Ultra-light, fast-flowing, long-lasting. What we don’t like: You’ll have to buy additional hardware to optimize the setup.
       The Sawyer Squeeze is the epitome of ultra-lightweight water handling ability and has been a mainstay on camping trips for years. It has a lot going for it, including a streamlined 3-ounce design, a lifetime warranty (Sawyer doesn’t even make replacement cartridges), and a very reasonable price. It’s also incredibly versatile: at its simplest, you can fill one of the two included 32-ounce bags with dirty water and squeeze it into a clean bottle or reservoir, pan, or directly into your mouth. The Sawyer also comes with an adapter so you can use the Squeeze as an inline filter in a hydration bag or with an additional bottle or tank for a gravity setup (ideal for groups and base camps).
       Sawyer Squeeze has had no shortage of competition in recent years, especially from products like LifeStraw Peak Squeeze, Katadyn BeFree, and Platypus Quickdraw, featured below. These designs reflect our main focus at Sawyer: bags. The bag that comes with the Sawyer not only has a flat design with no handles, making it difficult to collect water, but it also has serious durability issues (we recommend using a Smartwater bottle or a more durable Evernew or Cnoc tank instead). Despite our complaints, no other filter can match the Squeeze’s versatility and durability, making it an undeniable appeal for those who want to get the most out of their equipment. If you prefer something lighter, Sawyer also offers “mini” (below) and “micro” versions, although both versions have very low flow rates and are not worth paying for the 1 ounce (or less) weight savings. View Sawyer Squeeze water filter
       Type: Compressed filter. Weight: 2.0 oz. Filter life: 1500 liters What we like: Great filter that fits standard soft flasks. What we don’t like: No containers—if you need them, check out HydraPak’s Flux and Seeker soft bottles.
       The 42mm HydraPak Filter Cover is the latest in a series of innovative squeeze filters, complementing the Katadyn BeFree, Platypus QuickDraw and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze filters below. We’ve tested each of them consistently over the past four years, and the HydraPak is perhaps the most impressive of them all. Sold separately for $35, the HydraPak screws onto the neck of any 42mm bottle (like the soft bottles included in running vests from Salomon, Patagonia, Arc’teryx and others) and filters water at a rate of more than 1 liter per liter. minute. We found the HydraPak to be easier to clean than the QuickDraw and Peak Squeeze, and it has a longer filter life than the BeFree (1,500 liters vs. 1,000 liters).
       BeFree was once the most popular product in this category, but HydraPak quickly surpassed it. One of the main differences between the two filters is the design of the cap: the Flux has a noticeably more refined cap, with a durable pivot opening that does a good job of protecting the hollow fibers inside. In comparison, the BeFree spout looks cheap and reminiscent of disposable plastic water bottles, and the cap is easy to tear off if you’re not careful. We also found that the HydraPak’s flow rate remained fairly stable over time, whereas our BeFree’s flow rate slowed down despite frequent maintenance. Most runners already have one or two soft bottles, but if you’re looking to buy a HydraPak filter with a container, check out the Flux+ 1.5L and Seeker+ 3L ($55 and $60, respectively). See HydraPak 42mm Filter Cap.
       Type: squeeze/gravity filter. Weight: 3.9 oz. Filter service life: 2000 liters. What we like: Simple, versatile squeeze filter and bottle for personal use, more durable than the competition; What we don’t: Lower flow than HydraPak filter cap, heavier and less versatile than Sawyer Squeeze;
       For tourists looking for a simple solution, a universal filter and bottle is one of the best options for water purification. The Peak Squeeze kit includes a squeeze filter similar to the HydraPak filter cap shown above, but it also combines everything you need into one simple package by gluing on a compatible soft bottle. This device is great as a portable device for trail running and hiking when water is available, and can also be used to pour clean water into a pot after camp. It’s very durable compared to standard HydraPak flasks (including the one included with the BeFree below), and the filter is also quite versatile, as is the Sawyer Squeeze, which also screws onto standard-size bottles. can be used as a gravity filter, although the tubing and “dirty” reservoir must be purchased separately.
       When analyzing the differences between LifeStraw and its competitors, Peak Squeeze falls short in several areas. First, it is larger and heavier than the HydraPak filter cap with working flask (or Katadyn BeFree), and requires a syringe (included) to clean properly. Unlike the Sawyer Squeeze, it only has a spout on one end, which means it cannot be used as an in-line filter with a hydration reservoir. Finally, despite the high stated flow rate, we found the Peak Squeeze to clog quite easily. But the price is only $44 for the 1-liter model ($38 for the 650 ml bottle), and the simplicity and convenience of the design can’t be beat, especially when compared to the Sawyer. Overall, we’re more likely to recommend Peak Squeeze for simple standalone use than any other filter setting. View LifeStraw Peak Squeeze 1l
       Type: Pump filter/water purifier Weight: 1 lb 1.0 oz Filter life: 10,000 liters What we like: The most advanced portable water purifier on the market. What we don’t like: At $390, the Guardian is the most expensive option on this list.
       The MSR Guardian costs 10 times more than many popular squeeze filters, but this pump is what you need. Best of all, it’s both a water filter and a purifier, meaning you get the highest level of protection against protozoa, bacteria and viruses, as well as a filter to remove debris. In addition, the Guardian is equipped with advanced self-cleaning technology (approximately 10% of the water in each pump cycle is used to clean the filter) and is much less likely to malfunction than cheaper models. Finally, the MSR has a ridiculously high flow rate of 2.5 liters per minute. The result is maximum productivity and peace of mind when traveling to less developed parts of the world or other high-use areas where viruses are most often carried in human waste. In fact, Guardian is such a reliable and convenient system that it is also used by the military and as emergency water purifiers after natural disasters.
       You won’t find a faster or more reliable filter/purifier pump, but for many people the MSR Guardian is overkill. Besides the cost, it’s significantly heavier and bulkier than most filters, weighing just over a pound and packaged about the size of a 1-liter water bottle. Additionally, while the cleaning features are convenient for traveling and camping in some parts of the world, they are not necessary in most wilderness areas of the United States and Canada. However, Guardian is truly the best backpack cleaner out there and is worth it for those who need it. MSR also makes the Guardian Gravity Purifier ($300), which uses the same advanced technology as the Guardian but uses a gravity setting… Read our in-depth review of the Guardian Purifier. Check out the MSR Guardian cleaning system.
       Type: Chemical cleaner. Weight: 0.9 oz. Proportion: 1 liter per tablet What we like: Simple and easy. What we don’t have: More expensive than Aquamira, and you drink unfiltered water straight from the source.
       Like the Aquamir drops below, Katahdin Micropur tablets are a simple but effective chemical treatment using chlorine dioxide. Campers have a good reason to go this route: 30 tablets weigh less than 1 ounce, making it the lightest water purification option on this list. In addition, each tablet is individually packaged, so it can be modified to suit your trip (with Aquamira, you need to carry two bottles with you, regardless of the length of the trip). To use Katahdin, simply add one tablet to a liter of water and wait 15 minutes for protection against viruses and bacteria, 30 minutes for protection against giardia and 4 hours for protection against cryptosporidium.
       The biggest disadvantage of any chemical treatment is that the water, while clean, is still unfiltered (in the Utah desert, for example, this can mean brown water with a lot of organisms). But in alpine areas with relatively clear water, such as the Rocky Mountains, High Sierra or Pacific Northwest, chemical treatment is an excellent ultra-light option. When comparing chemical treatments, it is worth noting that Aquamir drops, although more difficult to use, are much cheaper. We did the math and found that you’ll pay about $0.53 per liter for Katahdin clean water, and $0.13 per liter for Aquamira. Additionally, Katadyn tablets are difficult to cut in half and cannot be used with 500ml bottles (one tablet per liter), which is especially bad for trail runners who use smaller soft bottles. See Katadyn Micropur MP1.
       Type: Bottle filter/purifier. Weight: 15.9 oz. Filter life: 65 gallons What we like: Innovative and easy-to-use cleaning system, ideal for international travel. What we don’t like: Not very practical for long and distant trips.
       When it comes to traveling abroad, water can be a tricky topic. Waterborne illnesses don’t just happen in remote areas: Many travelers get sick after drinking unfiltered tap water abroad, whether from viruses or foreign contaminants. While using pre-packaged bottled water is a relatively simple solution, the Grayl GeoPress can save you money while minimizing plastic waste. Like the much more expensive MSR Guardian above, Grayl both filters and purifies water, and does so in a simple but attractive 24-ounce bottle and plunger. Simply separate the two bottle halves, fill the inner press with water and press down on the outer cup until the system comes back together. Overall, this is a relatively quick, easy and reliable process as long as you have constant access to water. Greil also makes the upgraded 16.9-ounce UltraPress ($90) and UltraPress Ti ($200), which feature a durable titanium bottle that can also be used to heat water over a fire.
       While the Grayl GeoPress is an excellent choice for traveling in less developed countries, its limitations in the wild are undeniable. Purifying only 24 ounces (0.7 liters) at a time, it is an ineffective system except for on-the-go drinking where a water source is always available. Additionally, the purifier’s filter life is only 65 gallons (or 246 L), which pales in comparison to most of the products featured here (REI offers replacement filters for $30). Lastly, the system is quite heavy for what you get for less than a pound. For travelers who don’t want to be limited by Grayl’s performance or flow, another viable option is a UV purifier like the SteriPen Ultra featured below, although the lack of filtration is a significant drawback, especially if you plan to travel to remote areas (you’ll need access to clean , running water). Overall, the GeoPress is a niche product, but no other bottle filter is better suited for traveling abroad than the Grayl purifier. See GeoPress Greyl 24 oz Cleaner.
       Type: Compressed filter. Weight: 2.6 oz. Filter life: 1000 liters What we like: Very lightweight, perfect for carrying. What we don’t like: Short lifespan, doesn’t fit standard sized water bottles.
       Katadyn BeFree is one of the most common backcountry filters, used by everyone from trail runners to day hikers and backpackers. As with the Peak Squeeze above, the spin-on filter and soft bottle combination allows you to drink like any standard water bottle, with the water flowing straight through the filter and into your mouth. But the BeFree is a little different: the wider mouth makes refilling easier, and the whole thing is very light (just 2.6 ounces) and noticeably more compact. Hikers may want to opt for the more durable Peak Squeeze, but ultralight hikers (including hikers, climbers, cyclists, and runners) will be better off with the BeFree.
       If you like the Katadyn BeFree, another option is to purchase the HydraPak filter cap above and pair it with the soft bottle. In our experience, the HydraPak is the clear winner in terms of build quality and filter longevity: We tested both filters thoroughly, and the BeFree’s flow rate (especially after some use) was much slower than the HydraPak’s. If you’re considering a BeFree for hiking, you might also want to consider the Sawyer Squeeze, which has a longer filter life (effectively a lifetime warranty), doesn’t clog as quickly, and can be converted to an inline filter. Or a gravity filter. But for a more streamlined package than Peak Squeeze, there’s a lot to like about BeFree. See Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filtration System.
       Type: Chemical cleaner. Weight: 3.0 ounces (two bottles total). Treatment Rate: 30 gallons to 1 ounce. What we like: Lightweight, cheap, effective and unbreakable. What we don’t like: The mixing process is annoying, and the dripping water leaves a faint chemical taste.
       For tourists, there are several options for chemical water purification, each of which has its own pros and cons. Aquamira is a liquid chlorine dioxide solution that costs only $15 for 3 ounces and is effective in killing protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. To purify water, mix 7 drops of Part A and Part B in the lid provided, leave for five minutes, then add the mixture to 1 liter of water. Then wait 15 minutes before drinking to protect against giardia, bacteria and viruses, or four hours to kill Cryptosporidium (which requires careful advance planning). There’s no doubt that this system is cheap, lightweight, and won’t fail like some of the more complex filters and purifiers on this list.
       The biggest problem with Aquamir drops is the mixing process. It will slow you down on the road, require concentration to measure droplets, and can bleach your clothes if you’re not careful. Aquamira is a much more complex process than the Katadyn Micropur described above, but the good news is that it is cheaper and can handle many different volumes (Katadyn is strictly 1 tab/L, which is difficult to cut in half), making it Excellent suitable for groups. Finally, remember that when using any chemical purification system, you are not filtering and therefore drinking away any particles that end up in the bottle. This is generally suitable for clear mountain runoff, but is not the best option for those receiving water from smaller or more stagnant sources. View Aquamira water purification
       Type: Pump filter. Weight: 10.9 oz. Filter life: 750 liters What we like: A versatile and reliable filter that produces clean water from puddles. What we don’t like: Filters have a relatively short lifespan and are expensive to replace.
       Pumping has its drawbacks, but we’ve found the Katadyn Hiker to be one of the most reliable filter options for a variety of hiking scenarios. In short, you turn on the Hiker, lower one end of the hose into the water, screw the other end onto the Nalgene (or put it on top if you have a bottle or other type of reservoir), and pump the water. If you pump the water at a good pace, you can get about a liter of clean water per minute. We found the Hiker microfilter to be faster and easier to use than the MSR MiniWorks below. However, unlike the MSR Guardian above and the LifeSaver Wayfarer below, the Hiker is more of a filter than a purifier, so you don’t get virus protection.
       The design of the Katadyn Hiker is ideal for pumps, but these systems are not infallible. The unit is made of ABS plastic and has a lot of hoses and small parts, and we’ve had parts fall off from other pumps in the past (not yet with the Katadyn, but that will happen). Another downside is that replacing the filter is quite expensive: after about 750 liters, you’ll have to spend $55 for a new filter (MSR MiniWorks recommends replacing the filter after 2000 liters, which costs $58). But we still prefer the Katadyn, which delivers faster, smoother pumping despite its shorter filter life. See Katadyn Hiker microfilter.
       Type: Gravity filter. Weight: 12.0 oz. Filter life: 1500 liters What we like: 10 liter capacity, relatively lightweight design. What We Didn’t Like: The lack of clean gravity filter bags is of limited use.
       The Platypus Gravity Works is a convenient 4-liter gravity filter, but base camps and larger groups may want to check out the MSR AutoFlow XL here. The $10 AutoFlow can store up to 10 liters of water at a time, helping you minimize trips to your water source. At 12 ounces, it’s only half an ounce heavier than the Gravity Works, and the built-in filter flows water at the same rate (1.75 lpm). The MSR also comes with a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle attachment for easy, leak-free filtration.
       The main disadvantage of the MSR AutoFlow system is the lack of “clean” filter bags. This means you can only fill containers (drink bags, Nalgene, pots, mugs, etc.) at AutoFlow filtration rates. The aforementioned platypus, on the other hand, filters water into a clean bag and stores it there so you can quickly access it when you need it. Finally, both systems require good setup to work effectively: we prefer to hang the gravity filter from a tree branch and therefore find this system difficult to use in alpine conditions. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-performance gravity filter with quality components, the MSR AutoFlow is worth a second look. See MSR AutoFlow XL Gravity Filter.
       Type: Pump filter/cleaner. Weight: 11.4 oz. Filter life: 5,000 liters What we like: The filter/purifier combo costs less than a third of the Guardian price listed above. What we don’t like: There is no self-cleaning function, it is difficult to change the filter if necessary.
       UK-based LifeSaver isn’t a household name when it comes to outdoor gear, but their Wayfarer definitely deserves a place on our list. Like the MSR Guardian mentioned above, the Wayfarer is a pump filter that clears debris from your water while removing protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. In other words, the Wayfarer checks all the boxes and does it for an impressive $100. And at just 11.4 ounces, it’s much lighter than the Guardian. If you like MSR but don’t need such an advanced design, LifeSaver’s rural products are worth a look.
       What are you sacrificing now that the Wayfarer’s price is significantly lower? First, the filter life is half that of the Guardian and, unfortunately, REI doesn’t offer a replacement (you can buy one on the LifeSaver website, but at the time of publication it costs an extra $18 to ship from the UK). Second, the Wayfarer does not self-clean, which is one of the main features of the Guardian that allowed it to maintain such a high flow rate throughout its life (the LifeSaver also started out with a slower flow rate of 1.4 l/min). . But compared to standard pump filters like the Katadyn Hiker above and the MSR MiniWorks EX below, it provides more protection for the same price. As our wild areas become more and more densely populated, a pump filter/purifier becomes more sensible and the LifeSaver Wayfarer becomes a very affordable solution. View LifeSaver Wayfarer
       Type: Compressed filter. Weight: 3.3 oz. Filter life: 1000 liters What we like: High flow rate, universal, fits all 28mm bottles. What we don’t like: Short filter life; The rectangular size makes it difficult to hold while working.
       The aforementioned GravityWorks from Platypus is one of our favorite water filters for groups, and the QuickDraw featured here offers a great solution for individuals. The QuickDraw is similar to designs like the Sawyer Squeeze and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze above, but with a nice twist: the new ConnectCap allows you to screw the filter directly onto a bottle with a narrow neck and comes with a convenient hose attachment for easy refilling via gravity filtration. bladder. The QuickDraw has a claimed flow rate of an impressive 3 liters per minute (compared to the Squeeze’s 1.7 liters per minute), and it rolls up into a tight pack for storage in a backpack or running vest. It’s important to note that the included Platypus bag is more durable than the Sawyer bag and even has a convenient handle for easy access to the water.
       We thoroughly tested the QuickDraw and Peak Squeeze filters and ranked Platypus below LifeStraw for several reasons. First, it lacks versatility: While the Peak Squeeze is a decent portable device for trail runners, the QuickDraw’s oval shape and protruding filter make it difficult to hold. Second, there was a hole in our Platypus tank and the durable soft LifeStraw bottle is still not leaking. What’s more, the QuickDraw filter has half the lifespan (1,000L vs. 2,000L), which is too bad considering the LifeStraw’s $11 price increase. Finally, our cleaner began to clog quickly between cleanings, causing painfully slow shrinkage. But there’s still a lot to like about the Platypus, especially the new Connect Cap that earns it a spot on our list. See Platypus QuickDraw microfiltration system.
       Type: UV cleaner. Weight: 4.9 oz. Lamp life: 8000 liters. What we like: Easy to clean, no chemical aftertaste. What we don’t do: Rely on USB charging.
       SteriPen has occupied a unique position in the water purification market for over ten years. Instead of using the various gravity filters, pumps and chemical droplets on the list, SteriPen technology uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, protozoa and viruses. You simply place the SteriPen in a water bottle or reservoir and spin it until the device says it’s ready—it takes about 90 seconds to purify 1 liter of water. The Ultra is our favorite model, with a durable 4.9-ounce design, a useful LED display, and a convenient lithium-ion battery that’s rechargeable via USB.
       We love the concept of the SteriPen, but have mixed feelings after using it for a long time. The lack of filtration is definitely a disadvantage: if you don’t mind drinking sludge or other particles, you can only move water sources of the appropriate depth. Second, the SteriPen uses a USB-rechargeable lithium-ion battery, so if it dies and you don’t have a portable charger, you’ll find yourself in the wilderness without sanitizing (SteriPen also offers the Adventurer Opti UV, which features a durable design, powered by two CR123 batteries). Finally, when using a SteriPen, it is difficult to be completely sure that it is working – whether it is warranted or not. Have I immersed the device in too little or too much water? Is the process truly complete? But we have never gotten sick with SteriPen, so these fears have not yet come true. See SteriPen Ultraviolet Water Purifier.
       Type: Pump filter. Weight: 1 lb 0 oz. Filter life: 2000 liters What we like: One of the few pump designs with a ceramic filter. What we don’t like: Heavier and more expensive than the Katadyn Hiker.
       Despite all the latest innovations, the MSR MiniWorks remains one of the most popular pumps on the market. Compared to the Katadyn Hiker above, these designs have the same filter pore size (0.2 microns) and protect against the same contaminants, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium. While the Katadyn is $30 cheaper and lighter (11 ounces), the MSR has a significantly longer filter life of 2,000 liters (the Hiker only has 750 liters) and has a carbon-ceramic design that’s easy to clean in the field. Overall, this is a great pump from one of the most trusted brands in water filtration.
       However, we include MSR MiniWorks here based on our own operating experience. We found that the pump was slow to begin with (its stated flow rate is 1 liter per minute, but we didn’t notice this). Additionally, our version became virtually unusable halfway through our hike in Utah. The water was quite cloudy, but that didn’t stop the pump from failing a few days after it was taken out of the box. User feedback has been generally positive and we’re looking forward to another MiniWorks for further testing, but that said, we’ll go with the lighter weight and cost-effective Katadyn. See MSR MiniWorks EX microfilters.
       Type: Bottle/straw filter. Weight: 8.7 oz. Filter service life: 4000 liters. What we like: Extremely convenient and relatively long filter life. What we don’t like: Heavier and bulkier than a soft bottle filter.
       For those who need a dedicated water bottle filter, the LifeStraw Go is very attractive. Like the soft-sided bottle filter above, the Go makes water purification as easy as a sip, but the hard-sided bottle offers durability and convenience for everyday hikes and backcountry work—no squeezing or hand cooling required. In addition, LifeStraw’s filter life is 4000 liters, which is four times longer than BeFree. Overall, this is an ideal and durable setup for adventures where weight and bulk are not a major concern.
       But while the LifeStraw Go is convenient, it doesn’t do much—you get a bottle of filtered water and that’s it. Because it’s a straw filter, you can’t use the Go to squeeze water into empty bottles or cooking pots (like you can with the BeFree or Sawyer Squeeze). Also keep in mind that straw is bulky, which reduces the overall water storage capacity. But for short-term adventures or for those who prefer to filter their tap water, the LifeStraw Go is one of the most convenient and convenient options. See LifeStraw Go 22 oz.