Are you a camper or an outdoor enthusiast? Have you been seeking information concerning the best water filter for your backpack? You have indeed landed on the right page. We are here to help you in making the right decision.

We have sampled and are subsequently going to review ten of the best water filters for backpacking on the market at the moment. As such, we are also going to examine water filtration alongside other forms of water treatment with the aim of proving to you beyond reasonable doubts that finding the best water filter is indeed the best approach for a wholesome outdoor backpacking experience.

Our Top Choice

#1: MSR HyperFlow Microfilter

Obtaining clean water from a water filter ought not to be a life and death affair. Indeed, it is possible for you to achieve this end with much comfort. You can only do this by leveraging the best portable water purifier of this kind. It does have a diminutive size which makes it easier to carry around. It also hardly breaks down and is as such simpler to maintain.

Features Specifications
  • Microfilter utilizes Hollow Fiber Technology
  • Filtration rate of 3 liters per minute
  • Advanced engineering
  • 0.2-micron pores
  • Ergonomic design
  • 20 strokes per liter of water
  • Diminutive size
  • Diminutive size
  • Tool-free maintainability

Pros Challenges
  • Highly mobile and simpler to utilize
  • Limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
  • Suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities
  • Produces only one cup of water at a time
  • Pretty effective against protozoa, bacteria and particulate matter
  • Cannot remove some particles and germs
  • Discharges water at faster rates
  • Fits most backpackers conveniently

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Editor’s Choice

#2: Katadyn BeFree 3.0L Water Filter

Perhaps no other brand is as authoritative and reliable as the Katadyn water filters. With these filters, you no longer have to worry about where your next clean drinking water shall come from. You only have to set the appropriately and let gravity do the work. It also possesses some collapsible parts which enable it to be stored and carried around hassle-free.

Features Specifications
  • EZ-Clean Membrane
  • HydraPak 3L reservoir
  • Katadyn BeFree™ Water Filtration System
  • Collapsible 3-liter reservoir
  • Hydrapak® Soft Flask
  • 0.1-micron microfilter
  • BPA-free
  • 43 mm wide mouth opening
  • Tested to 1000 liters
  • 2 liter per minute discharge rate

Pros Challenges
  • Quite simple to fill and engage
  • For solo use only
  • Has an ultra-durable casing that is resistant to abuse
  • Possesses fewer features
  • Accepts water conveniently from any source
  • Cannot accommodate many attachments
  • Tested and tried for the removal of stronger germs
  • Great for cloudy water

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Practical Choice

#3: Katadyn Pocket Microfilter

If you ply rough terrains, you want a strong and durable water filter. It is only then that you will be assured of long-lasting use with ease. This is the best water filter for backpacking to look up to. It is designed to operate optimally under the most extreme of circumstances imaginable. This notwithstanding, it is also quite great at combating protozoa and bacteria.

Features Specifications
  • Highest quality construction
  • 0.2 Micron glass-fiber filter
  • Silver impregnated ceramic element
  • 1 quart (1 liter) per minute flow rate
  • Micro Filtration method
  • 13,000 gallons (50,000 liters) cartridge capacity
  • Vario Dual Technology Filter technology
  • 20 ounces heavy
  • Field-cleanable Filter Protector Screen
  • 10 inches high

Pros Challenges
  • Backed by a generous 20-year warranty
  • Quite weighty (weighs 2 pounds/1 kg)
  • Round pump handle for easy pumping
  • Requires frequent maintenance to operate optimally
  • Works well in extremely difficult conditions
  • Traps dirt and germs
  • Kills protozoa and other harmful microorganisms
  • Lasts longer and allows for repeated use

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Saver’s Choice

#4: LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle

Emergency situations are ordinarily hectic. They require faster and prompt responses. The water filters that are suited for their applications also need to be lighter and easier to engage, for obvious reasons. This ultralight backpacking water filter is the one to consider leveraging. It embodies all the crucial traits and also operates without any batteries at all. You will also find it quite convenient given its faster discharge rates.

Features Specifications
  • No batteries or chemicals
  • 0.2 microns
  • Replaceable filters
  • 2-stage filtration technology
  • Evidence-based claims
  • BPA-free Tritan
  • Activated carbon capsule
  • 23 ounces heavy
  • Food-grade silicone mouthpiece
  •  2-stage activated carbon filter

Pros Challenges
  • Improves tastes and diminishes bad odor
  • Cannot remove large particles
  • Reduces the organic chemical matter
  • Unsuitable for domestic home use
  • You only have to simply fill up the bottle and there you go
  • Is not great for use by multiple persons at a time
  • Handles 1,000 gallons of water at a time

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Other Notable Choices

#5: 2018 Boston Fortis Personal Portable Water Filter

If you are searching for a water filter that can handle enough water for a whole family at a time, this is certainly one of the best backpacking water filter to consider. This is especially so because of its large capacity, which is sufficient to meet the needs of many people at a time. Moreover, it suits multiple uses and is great at ridding the water of germs.

Features Specifications
  • New Advanced 3-Stage Filter
  • 500 ml (17 Oz.) per minute flow rate
  • Military-grade BPA-free ABS material
  • 500 gallons carrying capacity
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Laboratory-tested and certified
  • Microns filtration technology
  • 9 ounces heavy
  • Removes 99% of bacteria

Pros Challenges
  • Possesses several additional features
  • Too bulky to move around with ease
  • Filters huge quantities of water at a time
  • Requires huge muscle power to operate
  • Pumps water to any container imaginable like the hydration packs and water bottle
  • Calls for plenty of storage space
  • Calls for limited maintenance on your part

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#6: SurviMate Filtered Water Bottle

If your entire outdoor life centers on the removal of water, you definitely want a universal water filter. By reason of being able to handle all kinds of water, this best backpacking water purifier fits that particular bill perfectly. It is also strong enough to be able to exude prolonged and regular use. Its brand is also reputable and reliable enough for your safety and security.

Features Specifications
  • 4 advanced high-performance filters
  • BPA Free Tritan, PP, PE, ABS materials
  • Food Grade Tritan Co-polyester casing
  • Best Filter Accuracy: 0.01 micron
  • Heat-resistant
  • Bottle capacity: 650 ml
  • Replaceable filters
  • Flow rate: 550 ml/minute
  • Built-in compass
  •  Operational Temperature: 32℉-90℉

Pros Challenges
  • Longer shelf life (5 years)
  • Complicated to use
  • Handles all kinds of water
  • Limited capacity
  • Cheaper than most alternatives
  • Poor warranty back-up
  • Protects against heavy metals

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#7: Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Microfilter

Obtaining fresh water from a pool of dirty water ought not to be too daunting a task. This can only be assured if the filter in question is faster. Consider trying this specific best backpack water filter out. It also allows you to monitor the filtration process courtesy of the transparent indicator. What’s more? The filter also works well in challenging conditions are is thus reliable.

Features Specifications
  • Activated carbon
  • 11 ounces weighty
  • Pleated glass-fiber filter media
  • 0.2 microns filtration pores
  • Field-cleanable filter protector screen
  • Transparent design
  • Pump-action Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Microfilter

Pros Challenges
  • Improves the taste of the water
  • Not too simple to store around
  • Cuts down the number of chemicals in your drinking water
  • Quite expensive to afford
  • Has a compact size and convenient to move around
  • May disparage unskilled users
  • Compatible with many hydration bladders
  • Accommodates various water sources

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#8: Katadyn Vario Water Filter

To fully enjoy your time outdoors, you want a multipurpose water filter. This top-rated water filters for backpacking the one to look up to. It is well suited for all kinds of outdoor activities. Moreover, it is engineered in such a manner as to allow for simplified operations. This makes it all the more convenient to utilize. This is not to mention its faster discharge rate.

Features Specifications
  • Dual pumping modes
  • 2 quarts (2 liters) per minute output
  • Activated Carbon
  • 500 gallons (1875 liters) cartridge capacity
  • Glass fiber filter
  • 15 ounces heavy
  • Ceramic pre-filter
  • 6.5 inches high
  • Pleated glass fiber filter
  •  36 inches long hose

Pros Challenges
  • Removes particles from water also
  • Limited capacity and unsuitable for whole families
  • Reduces the chemical composition of the water
  • Brings about lower value for money
  • Suitable for backpacking and outdoors
  • Calls for huge muscle power to effectively engage
  • Engaged by means of a simple turn
  • Produces long-lasting outcomes which are pretty convenient

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#9: MSR AutoFlow Gravity Water Filter

In case you ever dream of camping worry-free, you much also carry with you a nice and specially-designed camping water filter. This is to expend minimal muscle power and allow you to multitask. By virtue of possessing a compact size and incorporating several functionalities in one, no other water filter beats this one for camping. You, therefore, have no choice but to consider giving it a higher priority.

Features Specifications
  • Food-grade inner lining
  • 175 liters per minute filtration rate
  • Incorporates water collection, storage, and filtration systems
  • 20 x 11.3 x 0.5 inches
  • Durable film reservoir
  • 11.2 ounces
  • Closure system
  • Made in the USA

Pros Challenges
  • Allows you to multitask while camping
  • Way too unaffordable
  • Uses the power of gravity to operate
  • Requires the mastery of some technical jargons
  • Requires no manual/physical pumping at all
  • Cannot endure extremely rough terrains with ease
  • Brings about better tasting water output
  • Quite comprehensive in scope

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#10: Katadyn Hiker Microfilter Water Filter

As stated, Katadyn is a very reliable brand. This Katadyn hiker pro water filter is particularly handy for those who have never used a water filter before. It is pretty easy to engage and fits most backpacks. You will hardly encounter any hassles and inconveniences that are characteristic of other kinds of water filters. This is why you inevitably have to bring it in if you are a starter.

Features Specifications
  • Prefilter and Deluxe Carry Bag
  • 0.2-micron glass fiber filter media
  • Ultra-lightweight
  • 11-ounce water microfilter
  • Compact
  • Activated carbon component
  • Compatible with hydration bladders

Pros Challenges
  • Is appropriately sized for the backpackers
  • Backed by a limited 1-year warranty
  • Wards off chemicals in the drinking water
  • Quite clumsy in shape and construction
  • Greatly improves the taste of water
  • Has a low discharge rate
  • Works well under all circumstances
  • Does not require constant backflushing

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Bonus Choice

#11: BJONE 15L Gravity Filter With Water Bag

To be able to shower with clean water, you have to acquire a water filter that has a very high capacity. This best gravity water filter backpacking is designed for such an application. It also has a multifunctional design which suits it for a variety of water-related tasks and chores. Its extreme lightweight also sees to it that you carry it around with relative ease.

Features Specifications
  • Food-grade TPU coated nylon
  • Removes 99.9999% of bacteria
  • BPA-free materials
  • Purifies 790 gallons (3,000 liters) of water
  • Professional outdoor water purifier bag
  • 0.1 Microns filtration diameter/pores
  • TPU-coated Nylon casing
  • 15-liter carrying capacity
  • Advanced ultrafiltration membrane
  •  800 ml per minute filtration rate

Pros Challenges
  • Possesses non-toxic parts and components
  • Cannot handle certain kinds of water e.g. sea water
  • Sturdy enough to guarantee the needed stability
  • Too clumsy to lift around with ease
  • Not so complicated to master and engage
  • Not so resilient to abuse
  • Suits outdoor applications pretty well
  • Pairs and communicates well with other plumbing devices

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Best Way to Purify Water While Backpacking

To purify your water while backpacking, you have primarily two main options to consider. First, you can either boil the water on your own or, second, consider using water filters.

Below is a breakdown of these two options complete with their advantages and disadvantages.

Boiling Water

Boiling water is just that. It entails lighting a fire and placing the pot that contains the water atop the fireplace. You will then have to wait for the water to boil, which may take a huge chunk of your time especially if the quantity is huge. Thereafter, you have to wait again for quite some time to let the water cool to drinkable temperatures.

Advantages

  • Pretty effective at killing germs
  • Produces safer and more reliable outcomes
  • Breaks hard water perfectly
  • Works well with all kinds of water
  • Comparatively less expensive than the use of filters

Disadvantages

  • Takes too much time
  • Unsuitable for emergency situations
  • Impractical in remote locations

Water Filters

Water filters are appliances that are used to eliminate impurities from water. They use physical, biological or chemical processes to do so. They are compact in size and very portable. As such, they may be carried around with ease. This makes them suited for use in remote locations and in emergency circumstances. Moreover, they also require hardly any technical expertise to engage as they are simpler to engage.

Advantages

  • Faster than most other viable options
  • Portable to allow for use in remote locations
  • Responds well to emergency situations
  • Cheaper than boiling water
  • Requires no co-operant tools to operate

Disadvantages

  • Does not kill all germs effectively
  • Requires refills and periodic repairs
  • May harbor germs which may compromise the future quality of water

From the foregoing discussions, it is quite clear that using water filters is by far the better of the two options. Boiling water is great for ordinary home use. However, the use of water filters is great for remote locations such as camps, expeditions, picnics, and outdoors. This is because it is portable, takes the shortest duration of time and is comparatively less daunting. You should, therefore, consider giving it a topmost priority in your search for the better option.

Conclusion

Well, you have undoubtedly received the insight you require to go about this issue with ease. We are now pretty confident that you can now make the right decision from an informed position.

We are also aware that you are not the only one in this position. There are others around you who may similarly want to enjoy similar benefits. Please consider sharing this vital piece of information with them.

Remember, you should never drag your feet to make a purchasing decision. The longer you wait, the more likely that these best water filter backpacking may run out of stock. This is why we urge you to make up your mind within the shortest time possible!

Research:

  • https://www.boldsky.com/health/wellness/2014/benefits-of-boiled-water-20140531153508-040363.html
  • https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-disadvantages-of-drinking-boiled-water
  • http://www.allaboutwater.org/water-filters.html
  • https://www.biotechwater.com/advantages-disadvantages-water-filtration/
  • https://www.brondell.com/water-filtration/water-filtration-benefits/