Embarking on a backpacking journey through rugged terrain or tranquil forests can be a transformative experience. However, the serenity of the wilderness brings with it a vital responsibility—ensuring water safety.
A dependable water filter is not just a piece of backpacking gear; it is a lifeline.
The availability of clean, drinkable water cannot be guaranteed. Streams, rivers, and even seemingly pristine lakes, like the one above, may harbor contaminants invisible to the naked eye. Bacteria, protozoa, and other harmful microorganisms thrive in these environments, making untreated water a potential hazard.
Integrating a high-quality water filter into your hiking gear mitigates these risks, offering peace of mind and safeguarding health. It transforms questionable water sources into potable ones, ensuring that your adventures are not cut short by illness. Moreover, a reliable water filter reduces the need to carry excessive amounts of water, lightening your load and allowing for greater exploration.
Let’s look at the top selections from Amazon, as well as one EPIC update bonus chosen by our experts as the best of the best for 2024.
Sorry, we couldn’t wait, here it is — our personal selection for the best backpacking water filter — Epic Water Filters.
EPIC is also offering a huge giveaway that you won’t want to miss.
Everywhere Bottle Filter – $30
Epic Water Filters began in Boulder, Colorado with a mission of developing a bottle with a robust filter in it, so people in countries with poor water quality could drink that water without getting sick, while at the same time reducing the need for single-use plastic water bottles in those countries.
When Flint, Michigan made international headlines in 2015 with its massive and unimaginable water pollution crisis, it became apparent that it was not just developing countries that had water quality problems.
Epic now offers a wide range of filters, pitchers, dispensers, bottles and accessories for every facet of water purification for all conditions, at home or on the road. Their filters remove PFAS, fluoride and 99.99% of all water contaminants you will come across while drinking in nature.
Check out our personal favorite when we are deep in the wilderness — the Everywhere Bottle Filter — as explained here by backpacking expert Alex Broggi.
Now back to our updated list of the 7 highest-rated water filters on Amazon.
Note: all prices are current list prices, discounts may apply.
1. The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter – $19.95
This is an innovative filter that is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for backpacking.
It has a 0.2 micron filter that removes bacteria protozoa and microplastics — which are now becoming a huge problem — and it can filter up to 1,000 gallons of water before needing replacement.
It is also the most affordable option on this list.
With an insane 116,810 ratings and an incredible 4.8 stars the LifeStraw personal water filter is the highest-rated and best-selling backpacking water filter on Amazon.
Amazon reviewer NF gave it 5 stars and said:
“I ordered one for my backpack and then I ordered a second for backup. They truly work, you can unscrew the bottom for a good fit on any water bottle or use it like a straw. The water tastes like fresh mineral water from an Artesian well.”
2. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System – $45.99
This is lightweight and easy to use with a 0.1 micron filter that removes 99.99% of all bacteria and protozoa.
It comes with two 32-ounce squeeze bag and can also be attached to a water bottle or hydration pack.
This filter fits in the palm of your hand and only weighs 2 ounces!
You can run 540 gallons through it before the filter needs to be replaced.
With 9,522 ratings and an impressive 4.7 stars the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System is the second highest-rated backpacking water filter on Amazon.
Amazon reviewer Set Dancer gave it 5 stars and said:
“It works as advertised. It seems well made and durable, ran some tap water through it and as far as I can tell it works fine. Filters water quickly enough for two or three people at least.”
3. Platypus GravityWorks 4L – $134.95
As the name indicates, this filter uses gravity to filter water, making it super easy and convenient to use.
It has a 0.2 micron filter that removes bacteria and protozoa and it can filter up to four liters of water at once.
It does not require pumps batteries moving parts or chemicals, ensuring access to clean water from contaminated sources in any situation.
The hollow fiber microfilter cartridge filters up to 1,500 gallons of water before needing to be replaced.
Now available with an updated storage bag!
With 2,261 ratings and a whopping 4.7 stars the Platypus GravityWorks is the third highest-rated backpacking water filter on Amazon.
Amazon reviewer M Gladden gave it 5 stars and called it
“A very simple and efficient way to create a base-camp spigot and hydration bag refilling station. Just add a few inexpensive hydration tube quick connect adapters to the clean filter line, enter your backpack’s hydration bag line and you’re in good shape even for trekking expeditions.”
4. MSR Guardian Water Purifier – $389.95
This military-grade purifier uses advanced technology to remove bacteria, viruses, protozoa and even sediment from water.
It has a durable design and is effective for even the most challenging water sources.
It pumps at a rapid 2.5 liters per minute and treats up to 10,000 liters of water before needing replacement.
It’s on the heavier side at 17 ounces but can service an individual or small group of people.
It is definitely pricey, but with 455 ratings and 4.7 stars, for many people the MSR Guardian is the very best backpacking water filter on Amazon and well worth the extra cost.
Amazon reviewer Alondra gave it 5 stars and said:
“It’s better than hauling water. I trout fish in Montana and Wyoming and used to haul two gallons plus three liters of water. With the MSR Guardian I can haul one Nalgene bottle and refill it as often as I want.”
5. GRAYL GeoPress Water Purifier 24 oz. – $99.95
The this purifier is easy to use and effective against bacteria, viruses and protozoa.
It has a compact design and comes with a bottle for easy packing and carrying.
It requires zero setup, no sucking or squeezing, and makes 24 ounces of clean purified water in just 8 seconds, or 5 liters per minute.
The replaceable purifier cartridge is good for 65 gallons, or 250 liters.
With 4,319 ratings and an excellent 4.6 stars the GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz. is the fifth highest-rated backpacking water filter on Amazon.
Amazon reviewer Eclectic gave it 5 stars and said:
“It worked better than expected. We took this bottle on our recent trip to Liberia, West Africa. We filtered tap water multiple times a day. Not only did this ensure the safety of the water, it also removed any off-tastes.”
6. Katadyn BeFree 1.0 Water Filter – $39.95
This filter has a fast flow rate and a 0.1 micron filter that removes bacteria, protozoa and microplastics.
It is lightweight and comes with a collapsible one-liter hydropack soft-bottle flask for easy packing.
It is very compact, has a filter flow rate of 2 liters per minute and can filter up to 1,000 liters of contaminated water.
With 3,076 ratings and 4.6 stars the Katadyn BeFree water filter is the sixth highest-rated backpacking water filter on Amazon.
Amazon reviewer Buffalo gave it 5 stars and said:
“It’s great for mountain biking. It’s much faster than any pump-type filter I’ve had. Really nice to not have to deal with plugging pumps and loose hoses, very functional.”
7. HydroBlu Versa Flow – $22.95
Last but not least, this water filter is lightweight and easy to use with a 0.1 micron filter that removes 99.99% of bacteria, including Giardia, E. coli, cryptosporidium and more.
It can be attached to a hydration pack or used with a straw for convenient on-the-go use.
It weighs only two ounces and can filter one gallon every five minutes.
With 555 ratings and an very respectable 4.6 stars the HydroBlu Versa Flow is the seventh highest-rated backpacking water filter on Amazon and comes it as one of the least expensive.
Amazon reviewer Roger Hill gave it 5 stars and called it:
“A great design. Great to include a small window in the filter to where you can see what junk came from the water. I also like the dust caps and the folding canteens that are very strong.”
The verdict is in: when you are out in the unpredictable wilderness, a reliable water filter is essential for ensuring water safety during your outdoor adventures.
The last thing you will want is to be sickened by a completely avoidable hazard like contaminated water.
Quite simply, a good water filter is a crucial investment that ensures your vitality and peace of mind, making your outdoor experiences both safe and enjoyable for you and each of your traveling companions.
Until next time, thanks for visiting and Stay Adventurous!
👉 Do you have a personal favorite backpacking water filter? Please let our community know in the comment section! 💧
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