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
A lady on a rock filtering water.

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
February 27, 2026
6 Min
Garage Grown Gear: 2026 PCT Top Picks!
Read More

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

An investment helps provide years of safe drinking water for entire families and schools.

Blueprint Digital
Blueprint Digital
Online Marketing Agnecy

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

You spray [permethrin] on your clothes and gear and it turns them into a barrier bugs don't want to cross.

Consumer Betterment
YouTube Channel

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

The Smartwater bottle’s small opening allows you to screw on filters, such as those from Sawyer.

Mary Andino
Mwandishi wa Kuchangia
<<  Previous Post
No previous post!
Check out our Directory
Next Post  >>
No next post!
Check out our Directory