The Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

A bacteria-filled beach. A muddy wetland. Glacial silt runoff. The best backpacking water filters have to be able to handle some pretty gnarly water sources without clogging or breaking. I tested the 20 backpacking water filters in this story by taking them to three different water locations, pumping three liters of water through each filter. After each round, I timed how long it took each filter to handle a liter of tap water before continuing to the next round. At the end of all three rounds, I weighed each filter.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Laura Lancaster.

IMESASISHWA MWISHO

April 19, 2025

Imeandikwa na
Mwandishi wa Blogu ya Picha

Laura Lancaster

Maisha ya nje

Chunguza Maudhui Zaidi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

The Sawyer Mini is super lightweight, fits in your pocket, and filters up to 100,000 gallons of water.

Menachem Kossowsky
Mwandishi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Sawyer’s picaridin spray works up to 12 hours, and the company’s picaridin lotion is effective up to 14.

Bruce Ingram
Mwandishi wa Kuchangia

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter earns our top pick for its unbeatable mix of weight, longevity and versatility.

Meg Carney
Mwandishi wa Kuchangia