Few things can ruin a great backpacking trip faster than a late-night dash to the bushes. We’ve experienced it firsthand and would rather avoid it, which is why our experts have identified the best water filters for hikers. We’ve consulted thru-hikers, hunters, and mountaineers, and we’ve covered plenty of miles ourselves, testing water filtration methods along the way.
To create this guide, our team rigorously tested a variety of filters. Season after season, we’ve filtered water through countless tubes and dropped purification tablets to bring you a refined selection of 15 top-performing water filters for hikers. The filters featured in this guide are the ones we trust to keep us safe and hydrated in the backcountry. So, Let’s explore with National Park Shops team!
Contents
- 1 Best Overall: Sawyer Squeeze ($45.99 on Amazon)
- 2 Best for Water Bottle: Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Bottle ($39.95 on Amazon)
- 3 Best for Budget: Aquamira Water Treatment Drops ($13 on Amazon)
- 4 Best Collapsible Bottle Filter: LifeStraw Peak Squeeze ($43.95 on Amazon)
- 5 Best for Camping Groups: Platypus GravityWorks 4L ($134.95 – $149.95 on Amazon)
- 6 Best Squeeze Filter: HydraPak 42mm Filter Cap ($26.99 on Amazon)
- 7 Chemical Water Treatment: Katadyn Micropur MP1 ($14.20 on Amazon)
- 8 Best Backpacking: MSR MiniWorks EX Water Filter ($119.95 on Amazon)
- 9 How we tested Best Water Filter for Hikers
- 10 FAQs
Best Overall: Sawyer Squeeze ($45.99 on Amazon)
- Type: Squeeze/inline filter
- Weight: 3.0 oz.
- Filter life: Lifetime
The Sawyer Squeeze is the ultimate choice for ultralight water treatment and has long been a favorite among thru-hikers. These water filters for hikers stand out for several reasons, including its compact 3-ounce design, lifetime warranty, and affordable price point. Most importantly, it’s highly versatile, simply fill one of the included 32-ounce pouches with dirty water and squeeze it into a clean bottle, reservoir, cooking pot, or even directly into your mouth. Additionally, Sawyer provides adapters, allowing you to integrate the Squeeze as an inline filter with a hydration bladder or use it in a gravity-fed system.
Despite its popularity, the Sawyer Squeeze has faced stiff competition in recent years from models. The biggest drawback? The included pouches. Their flat, handle-less design makes water collection tricky, and they tend to wear out quickly. However, even with this shortcoming, the best water filters for hikers struggle to match the Squeeze’s unmatched versatility and longevity, making it a top choice for those seeking reliable, long-term performance on the trail.
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Best for Water Bottle: Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Bottle ($39.95 on Amazon)
- Type: Squeeze filter
- Weight: 2.2 oz.
- Filter life: 1,000 liters
The Katadyn BeFree is one of the best water filters for hikers, widely used by everyone from trail runners to backpackers. It features a screw-on filter paired with a soft flask, allowing you to drink just as you would from a standard water bottle, with water passing through the filter before reaching your mouth. However, the BeFree stands out in a few key ways: its wider mouth makes refilling easier, and the entire setup is incredibly lightweight and notably more compact.
Best for Budget: Aquamira Water Treatment Drops ($13 on Amazon)
- Type: Chemical purifier
- Effective Against: Bacteria, protozoa, viruses
- Weight: 3.0 oz
- Treatment ratio: 30 gallons per 1 oz. set
Backpackers have several chemical water treatment options, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. One of the best water filters for hikers seeking a lightweight and affordable solution is Aquamira, a liquid chlorine dioxide treatment that effectively eliminates protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. This system is easy to use: mix 7 drops from Part A and Part B in the provided cap, let it activate for five minutes, then add the mixture to 1 liter of water. After 15 minutes, your water is safe from Giardia, bacteria, and viruses, though Cryptosporidium requires a four-hour wait, making advance planning essential. This method is budget-friendly, ultralight, and won’t break down like some of the more complex water filters for hikers available.
However, the biggest downside of Aquamira drops is the mixing process. It adds extra steps on the trail, requires careful measurement, and can bleach clothing if spilled. One important caveat with any chemical treatment: it doesn’t filter out debris, meaning you’ll still be drinking any particles present in your water. This isn’t a problem with clear mountain streams but is far less ideal when collecting from stagnant or murky sources.
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Best Collapsible Bottle Filter: LifeStraw Peak Squeeze ($43.95 on Amazon)
- Type: Squeeze/gravity filter
- Weight: 3.9 oz.
- Filter life: 2,000 liters
- Effective Against: Bacteria, protozoa, microplastics
For those seeking a hassle-free water treatment option, an all-in-one squeeze filter and bottle is among the best water filters for hikers. The Peak Squeeze stands out by integrating a squeeze filter but packaging everything into one convenient system, complete with a compatible soft flask. This setup is perfect for handheld use on hikes and trail runs where water sources are abundant, and it can also be used to transfer purified water into a pot for cooking at camp. Like the Sawyer Squeeze, it threads onto bottles with standard-sized openings and can function as a gravity filter, though you’ll need to purchase the tubing and a separate “dirty” reservoir for that setup.
That said, these water filters for hikers have some drawbacks compared to their competitors. It’s bulkier and heavier. It also requires a syringe (included) for thorough cleaning. Additionally, while it boasts a fast flow rate, we’ve found it tends to clog fairly easily. However, at just $44 for the 1-liter version, it remains an affordable and highly convenient option, especially for solo hikers looking for a streamlined filtration system.
Best for Camping Groups: Platypus GravityWorks 4L ($134.95 – $149.95 on Amazon)
- Type: Gravity filter
- Weight: 11.5 oz.
- Filter life: 1,500 liters
- Effective Against: Particulates, bacteria, protozoa
Undoubtedly, the Platypus GravityWorks is one of the most effortless and efficient water filtration systems available, making it a go-to choice for backpackers. As one of the best water filters for hikers, this system eliminates the need for pumping, requires minimal effort, and can purify up to 4 liters of water at once with an impressive flow rate of 1.75 liters per minute. Gravity takes care of the hard work, simply fill the 4-liter “dirty” reservoir, hang it from a branch or boulder, and within minutes, you’ll have clean, ready-to-drink water. While it’s ideal for larger groups, it also works well for smaller outings, allowing hikers to quickly gather their water supply for the day and retreat to camp to fill individual bottles. The clean reservoir even doubles as a storage container, adding to its versatility.
That said, these water filters for hikers are bulkier than some of the more minimalist options, with its two bags, filter, and tubing setup. Additionally, collecting water can be tricky if you’re dealing with a shallow or stagnant source, a common challenge for any bag-based system. However, for those who prioritize convenience, especially in group or basecamp settings, the ease of use and efficiency more than justify the added cost and bulk.
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Best Squeeze Filter: HydraPak 42mm Filter Cap ($26.99 on Amazon)
- Type: Squeeze filter
- Weight: 2.0 oz.
- Filter life: 1,500 liters
HydraPak’s 42mm Filter Cap is the latest addition to a lineup of innovative squeeze filters, competing with top choices. After testing each of these over the past four summers, we’ve found the HydraPak to be the standout performer. As one of the best water filters for hikers, it’s designed for convenience, threading onto any 42-millimeter water bottle opening. It’s an affordable, high-efficiency solution that surpasses many of its competitors. Additionally, these water filters for hikers offer a longer filter life and are significantly easier to clean. Moreover, the HydraPak maintains a steady flow rate even after extended use, whereas the BeFree’s flow rate noticeably declines despite regular maintenance.
Chemical Water Treatment: Katadyn Micropur MP1 ($14.20 on Amazon)
- Type: Chemical purifier
- Weight: 0.9 oz.
- Filter life: 1L per tablet
Katadyn Micropur tablets offer a straightforward and effective chemical purification method using chlorine dioxide. For backpackers, this approach has a strong appeal, each pack of 30 tablets weighs less than an ounce, making it the lightest water treatment option on this list. Additionally, since the tablets are individually wrapped, they provide more flexibility in packing. Using Katadyn is simple: drop one tablet into a liter of water and wait, 15 minutes for bacteria and viruses, 30 minutes for Giardia, and four hours for Cryptosporidium.
The biggest drawback of chemical treatment methods is that they don’t physically filter out debris, so if you’re sourcing water from muddy or stagnant pools, you may still end up with murky water. However, in high-altitude regions with clear streams, chemical treatments remain a great ultralight option. Another downside is that Katadyn tablets cannot be easily split in half and are designed for one-liter bottles, making them less convenient for trail runners using smaller 500mL soft flasks. That said, for those searching for the best water filters for hikers, Katadyn Micropur remains an excellent choice for multi-day adventures where weight and simplicity matter most.
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Best Backpacking: MSR MiniWorks EX Water Filter ($119.95 on Amazon)
- Type: Pump filter
- Weight: 1 lb. 0 oz.
- Filter life: 2,000 liters
Despite the wave of recent advancements in water filtration, the MSR MiniWorks remains one of the most widely used pump filters available. It features a 0.2-micron filter pore size, offering reliable protection against contaminants like Giardia and Cryptosporidium. The MSR MiniWorks stands out with its impressive 2,000-liter filter lifespan, far surpassing the Hiker’s 750-liter capacity. Additionally, its carbon/ceramic filtration system is designed for easy field maintenance, making it a top choice for those prioritizing long-term durability. With a reputation built by one of the most trusted brands in water filtration, these water filters for hikers remain a solid investment for backcountry adventurers.
That said, our personal field testing revealed some drawbacks. The MiniWorks felt noticeably slower than its advertised 1L per minute flow rate. More concerningly, during our backpacking trip, our unit became nearly unusable midway through due to murky water – an unexpected failure for a brand-new filter. However, on a later trip in Wyoming, where water sources were clearer, we encountered no such issues.
How we tested Best Water Filter for Hikers
The National Park Shops team is composed of outdoor enthusiasts spanning a wide range of activities, yet one essential skill unites them all: ensuring proper water filtration in the backcountry. Access to clean water is not just a convenience, it’s a necessity for survival. Without the right filtration system, adventurers can quickly find themselves in dangerous situations.
For this guide, we thoroughly evaluated some of the best water filters for hikers, focusing on reliability, functionality, and real-world performance. Each filter was tested in diverse outdoor environments to ensure it could serve as a dependable primary filtration method in the field. Whether tackling multi-day backpacking trips or quick day hikes, we made sure that every option included here meets the high standards that outdoor enthusiasts demand.
FAQs
What’s the difference between filtration and purification?
Most water filters rely on one of three primary methods: tube-based filtration, pump systems, or gravity-fed designs. On the other hand, water purifiers incorporate an additional layer of protection, typically using activated carbon or chemical treatments to combat one critical difference – viruses.
All of the best water filters for hikers featured on this list effectively remove at least bacteria and protozoa, while many models also provide protection against viruses, toxins, and harmful chemicals. When selecting the right option, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, budget, and preferences to ensure the best performance for your outdoor adventures.
How long does a backpacking water filter last?
The durability of a water filter largely depends on its filtration technology. Hollow fiber membranes and activated charcoal cartridges typically require replacement after several hundred uses or once they reach their maximum filtration capacity. Additionally, certain filters and purifiers operate using batteries or rechargeable power sources, meaning they only require a new battery or a quick charge to continue functioning efficiently.
Can viruses be filtered out of water?
Absolutely! Purifiers are specifically designed to eliminate a wide range of contaminants, making them a reliable choice whether you’re exploring the backcountry or traveling in regions with uncertain water quality.
As long as you use the purifier correctly and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, it will effectively protect against the contaminants it is rated for, typically removing 99.999999% of bacteria and 99.999% of parasites and microorganisms.
