The Best Backpacking Water Filters, Tested

Drink clean water anywhere.


Water is the stuff of life, and when you’re exploring in the backcountry, having access to clean H2O is vital. For that, you need a portable water filter. Unlike many home units, systems designed for backpacking, camping, and hiking are equipped to remove bacteria, protozoa, and sometimes viruses, too. They also sift out particulate matter and can neutralize funky tastes, so you can chug with confidence.

The Difference Between Filters and Purifiers (And How They Work)

Water treatment is often lumped into one category—filters—but there are also purifiers, which remove viruses, too. On the surface, more protection sounds better, but the level you need depends on where you’re going. Water-borne viruses aren’t a threat in the U.S., Canada, parts of Europe, and Australia, so a filter is just fine. If you’ll be traveling elsewhere overseas, pack a purifier.




Continue reading the article by Popular Mechanic's Adrienne Donica here.

IMESASISHWA MWISHO

January 6, 2025

Imeandikwa na
Mwandishi wa Blogu ya Picha

Mechanics maarufu

Chunguza Maudhui Zaidi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

It's a 0.1 micron inline filter that fits in the palm of your hand and attaches to an included drinking pouch.

Stephanie Dwilson
Commerce Writer, Athlon Sports

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

For extreme bug conditions (deep woods, swamps), pairing the shirt with a dedicated insect repellent like Sawyer Permethrin is recommended, as the shirt itself isn’t chemically treated.

Philip Werner
Author and Backpacker

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Sawyer Squeeze: What I will use to filter from dirty to clean water

Kiley V
Hiker