International Header

Switchback Travel: Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

To protect against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses, there are myriad water filtration and purification systems built specifically for backpacking.

Switchback Travel: Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Last updated:
May 27, 2025
|  5 min read

Switchback Travel: Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Switchback Travel: Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

YouTube video highlight

To protect against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses, there are myriad water filtration and purification systems built specifically for backpacking.

Read more about the project

Switchback Travel: Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Hakuna vipengee vilivyopatikana.

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Everyone exploring the backcountry needs water, but staying hydrated is not as simple as drinking straight from streams and lakes. To protect against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses, there are myriad water filtration and purification systems built specifically for backpacking (many options on this list are great for day hiking, trail running, and travel, too). We've been testing water filters on backcountry adventures near and far since 2018, and our 19 current favorites below include everything from ultralight squeeze filters and chemical drops to pumps and large-quantity gravity filters. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks, along with details about our testing process.

Continue reading to learn more about the best water filters, written by Maddie Downie.

Switchback Travel: Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Everyone exploring the backcountry needs water, but staying hydrated is not as simple as drinking straight from streams and lakes. To protect against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses, there are myriad water filtration and purification systems built specifically for backpacking (many options on this list are great for day hiking, trail running, and travel, too). We've been testing water filters on backcountry adventures near and far since 2018, and our 19 current favorites below include everything from ultralight squeeze filters and chemical drops to pumps and large-quantity gravity filters. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks, along with details about our testing process.

Continue reading to learn more about the best water filters, written by Maddie Downie.

Mwandishi wa Blogu ya Picha
Senior Editor (Former)
Jenny Abegg and Maddie Downie
Topics of Expertise: Climbing, mountaineering, trail running, hiking and backpacking, backcountry skiing
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Switchback Travel: Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Everyone exploring the backcountry needs water, but staying hydrated is not as simple as drinking straight from streams and lakes. To protect against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses, there are myriad water filtration and purification systems built specifically for backpacking (many options on this list are great for day hiking, trail running, and travel, too). We've been testing water filters on backcountry adventures near and far since 2018, and our 19 current favorites below include everything from ultralight squeeze filters and chemical drops to pumps and large-quantity gravity filters. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks, along with details about our testing process.

Continue reading to learn more about the best water filters, written by Maddie Downie.

Mwandishi wa Blogu ya Picha
Senior Editor (Former)
Jenny Abegg and Maddie Downie
Topics of Expertise: Climbing, mountaineering, trail running, hiking and backpacking, backcountry skiing
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari
browse all articles
Hapa kwenye Sawyer
January 27, 2026
6 Min
Halfway Anywhere: Continental Divide Trail Gear Guide (2025 Survey)
Read More

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Babies carried in treated wraps were about two-thirds, or 66 per cent, less likely to develop the disease.

Maeve Cullinan
Global Health Security Reporter

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

This particular formula is nongreasy, nonsticky, and lacks a strong odor, making it highly appealing for direct skin application.

Jill Di Donato
Mwandishi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

The best filter, I took care to sleep with it on cold nights and back-flushed her in town.

Lauren “Mothra” Mullen
Hiker, Writer
<<  Previous Post
No previous post!
Check out our Directory
Next Post  >>
No next post!
Check out our Directory