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

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