When you’re trekking through the wilderness, ensuring you have access to clean drinking water is absolutely crucial. While backpacking itself may come with its own set of challenges, waterborne illnesses are a different kind of discomfort that can ruin your trip—especially when you’re far from civilization. Since carrying enough water for a multi-day journey isn’t feasible, having a reliable way to filter water while you’re in the wild is essential.

Among the various options available, water filters have become the go-to choice for many outdoor enthusiasts. They are lightweight, effective, and simple to use. However, with so many choices on the market, selecting the right filter for your specific needs can be overwhelming. To make your decision easier, I’ve compiled a list of the top water filters for hiking and backpacking, covering different styles including squeeze filters, gravity filters, and bottle filters.

Quick Picks: Top Water Filters for Every Backpacker

• Best Overall: Sawyer Squeeze
• Best Gravity System: Platypus GravityWorks 4L
• Best Filtered Water Bottle: Epic Water Filters Outdoor Series
• Best Pump Filter: Katadyn Hiker Microfilter

Detailed Breakdown of the Best Filters

Here’s a closer look at the best options for different needs and preferences:

1. Sawyer Squeeze: Best All-Rounder

• Price: Around $39 (may vary)
• Weight: 3.5 oz (wet)
• Includes: Two 32-oz squeeze bags, backflush syringe, hydration pack adapter, drinking straw

The Sawyer Squeeze remains my top pick for its combination of versatility, ease of use, and affordability. It weighs only 3 ounces and can filter 1.5 liters per minute, making it perfect for quick hydration during your hike. Its 0.1-micron filter eliminates 99.99999% of bacteria (like E. coli and Salmonella) and 99.9999% of protozoa (such as Giardia). You can use it in several ways: attach it to a bottle, use it with squeeze bags, or even set it up as a gravity filter. For a price of about $30, you won’t have to handle it with as much caution as other, pricier models.

2. HydroBlu VersaFlow: Close Runner-Up

• Price: $26 (kit), $22 (filter only)
• Weight: 2 oz
• Includes: Two 64-oz collapsible canteens, bucket adapter, hose, hose clamp

The HydroBlu VersaFlow is very similar to the Sawyer Squeeze but comes with a few improvements. It includes a filter window for easy monitoring and convenient caps to prevent leaks. The VersaFlow’s faster flow rate gives it an edge for those who prefer an inline filter setup. However, the Sawyer Squeeze still outperforms it in overall flow rate and weight, keeping it as the top choice for general use.

3. Katadyn BeFree: Best for Speed

• Price: $50
• Weight: 2.3 oz
• Includes: 1-liter soft bottle

For those looking for a filter with an incredibly fast flow rate, the Katadyn BeFree is a standout. It’s a 0.1-micron filter packed in a compact 2.3-ounce unit, making it one of the lightest and fastest filters available. However, it’s not as versatile as the Sawyer Squeeze or HydroBlu VersaFlow because it doesn’t have a backflush feature, and the included bottle is not very durable. It’s best for those who have reliable water sources.

4. Platypus GravityWorks 4L: Best for Groups

• Price: $120
• Weight: 11.5 oz
• Includes: Two 4-liter bags, water hose, shutoff clamp, filter, carrying bag

For group backpacking trips, the Platypus GravityWorks system is ideal. This gravity filter allows you to quickly and easily filter large amounts of water. While it’s on the heavier side at 11.5 oz, it’s great for multiple people due to its four-liter capacity. The system includes a shutoff clamp for efficient filling, and the antimicrobial treatment in the bags helps preserve the water’s taste.

5. Epic Water Filters Outdoor Series: Best Bottle Filter

• Price: $42
• Weight: 10.1 oz
• Includes: 32-ounce Nalgene bottle, easy-sip lid, Epic Outdoor water filter

If you prefer a water bottle with an integrated filter, the Epic Water Filters Outdoor Series is a fantastic option. While bottle filters are usually less versatile, this model is great for day hikes or keeping in your car for spontaneous outdoor adventures. The Epic filter removes 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.999% of protozoa, ensuring safe and clean water. Plus, the filter is easy to replace and recyclable, making it an eco-friendly choice.

6. Katadyn Hiker Microfilter: Best Pump Filter

• Price: $79.95
• Weight: 11 oz
• Includes: 11-ounce capacity filter, hoses, carry bag

Pump filters might feel a bit outdated, but the Katadyn Hiker Microfilter is still a great option for those who don’t mind a little extra weight. The filter is fast, effective, and works with a variety of water bags. The two-stage filtration system helps maintain flow rate by removing larger particles before they reach the .2 micron filter. Though a bit heavy, this filter is durable and easy to use, making it a good choice for larger groups.

Why You Need a Water Filter in the Wilderness

When you’re in the backcountry, it’s easy to assume that clear water from a stream is clean. However, it only takes a small amount of contamination from upstream sources, like animal waste, to turn seemingly clean water into a health hazard. Waterborne diseases such as Giardia, E. coli, and Cryptosporidium are common threats in the wild. Filtering your water ensures you’re protected from these harmful pathogens.

Water filters offer a range of advantages over other water treatment methods:

• Speed: Filters provide clean water quickly, far faster than boiling or chemical treatments.
• Durability: Most filters are built to last and can handle multiple uses over a long period.
• Ease of Use: Filters are typically easy to operate, even under challenging conditions.
• Taste: Filtered water generally tastes much better than chemically treated or boiled water.

In most hiking situations, a 0.1 or 0.2-micron filter will remove everything you need to worry about. While filters don’t address viruses or chemicals, they are still the most effective and convenient option for the majority of outdoor enthusiasts.

Other Water Treatment Methods

Although filters are often the best option, it’s a good idea to have a backup method of water purification in case your filter malfunctions. Here’s a quick overview of other treatment options:

• Boiling: While reliable, boiling water is fuel-intensive and time-consuming, making it less practical as a primary method.
• Chemical Treatment: Chemical treatments, like Katadyn Micropur tablets, are lightweight and easy to use but can leave a strange taste and require a waiting period before your water is drinkable.
• UV Purifiers: UV systems like the SteriPen offer thorough purification, especially for viruses, but they require batteries and don’t remove particulates from the water.

Conclusion

When you’re out in the wilderness, having a reliable method to treat your water is non-negotiable. While filters are the quickest and most effective solution for most people, always ensure you have a backup plan just in case. Whether you opt for the Sawyer Squeeze, Platypus GravityWorks, or another system, you’ll be able to safely hydrate during your outdoor adventures.