Because its a straw filter, you cant use the Go to squeeze water into an empty bottle or a pot for cooking (like you might with the BeFree or Sawyer Squeeze). Further, many bottle filters (like the Sawyer Squeeze or LifeStraw Peak Squeeze) also can perform as inline or gravity filters, or be used as straws to suction water directly from the source. Gravity does all the work: simply fill up the 4-liter dirty reservoir, hang it from a tree branch or boulder, and in just a few minutes youll have four liters of clean water to drink. You wont find a faster or more reliable pump filter/purifier, but the MSR Guardian will be overkill for many. Plus, its available in a variety of colors, notably offers purification on top of filtration, features a nice drinking spout and cap, and has a nifty French-press-style plunger to get the job done. Second, the SteriPen uses a USB-rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and if that runs out and you dont have a portable charger, youre stuck in the wilderness with no purification (SteriPen also offers a few AA-compatible models). In fact, the Guardian is such a reliable and convenient system that its also used in the military and as an emergency water purifier after natural disasters. Finally, when using the SteriPen, its hard to feel totally confident that it workedrational or not. The big downside of Potable Aqua is taste. Finally, its worth checking out the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze below, which features a faster flow rate, gravity adapter, and compatibility with standard bottle openings.See the Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle 1L. By contrast, most purifiers use chemicals or ultraviolet light to treat water straight from the source (i.e. ), which is a competitive price for those who use Smartwater bottles or already own a compatible reservoir.See the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System. Potable Aqua tabs are a classic and a method thatweve used as a filter backup for years. Most of todays most popular options for individuals settle in the 2 to 5-ounce range. Further, the Katadyn and Aquamiradon't have as many issues with taste, which is why theyland higher spots on our list.See the Potable Aqua Tablets. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. The Sawyer Squeeze epitomizes ultralight water treatment and has been a mainstay on the thru-hiking scene for years. Water filters use microscopic pores to strain out protozoa (such as Giardia) and bacteria (E. Coli and Salmonella, for example). We love the concept of the SteriPen but have mixed feelings after extended use. If your filter lasts that long and youre ready for a new cartridge, then youve gotten a lot of use and clean water out of it, making it a solid investment. Alternatively, the MSR Guardian pump purifier uses 0.02-mircon hollow fibers to filter viruses. bladder hydration msr purifier And as with every form of water treatment that uses power, we recommend bringing a backup option into the field in case the Pure malfunctions. The device is made of ABS plastic and has a number of hoses and small parts, and weve had pieces snap off of other pumps in the past (not with the Katadyn yet, but it certainly can happen). Second, the filter is only compatible with42-millimeter openings, so its not as versatile as the Sawyer, which fits a variety of standard (28mm) water bottles. Type: Bottle/straw filterWeight: 7.8 oz. And finally, with a 2.5 liter-per-minute flow rate, the MSR is ridiculously speedy. Many water filters and purifiers are able to remove bacteria, protozoa, and sometimes even viruses, but they wont necessarily change the taste of the water. Theyre among the heaviest systems, take more time and effort than most methods, and cleaning the cartridges isnt as easy as a simple backflush (as with most inline, bottle, and straw filters). But despite our gripes, no other filter comes close to matching the Squeezes versatility and longevity, which are undeniable draws for those who want to get a lot out of their gear. In the end, if your standard on-trail setup uses a hydration reservoirand you dont mind converting that water reservoir into a dirty bagits really hard to beat the convenience of the Thru-Link.See the MSR Thru-Link Inline Water Filter. However, we have the MSR MiniWorks ranked here because of our own in-the-field experiences. Instead of the various gravity filters, pumps, and chemical drops on this list, SteriPens technology uses UV rays to destroy bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. But keep in mind that both chemical and UV purifiers forgo filtering, making them good options only when you have access to clear water sources like glacial streams. Pore size refers to the size of the tiny openings in the filter, and is measured in terms of microns. In this scenario, you can boil your drinking water provided you have a backpacking stove and extra fuel, but this a time and labor-intensive method. The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. Another option is to scoop the dirty water into a Ziploc bag, let the sediment settle, and transfer the clear water from the top into a bottle for treatment. On the other hand, the Platypus mentioned above filters water into a clean bag and stores it there, making it quickly accessible when you want it. If filters like the Sawyer Squeeze, Katadyn BeFree, and Platypus QuickDraw above have caught your eye, its also worth considering LifeStraws Peak Squeeze. And if you want to keep weight down, its also worth checking out the Hydroblu Versa Flow filter, which is still lightweight at 2.6 ounces but has a faster flow rate than the Mini.See the Sawyer Mini Filter. UV purifiers like the SteriPen use ultraviolet rays to achieve the same effect. And if you prefer to go even lighter, Sawyer also offers Mini and Micro versions, although both have painfully slow flow rates that arent worth the 1-ounce (or less) weight savings.See the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter. Type: Bottle filter (inline adaptors available)Weight: 2 oz.Filter life: 100,000 gallonsWhat we like: Feathery light.What we dont: Well stick with the better-performing and longer-lasting Sawyer Squeeze. If youre using chemicals to purify your water or drinking from questionable sourcesperhaps water with floating leaves or plants growing underneath the surfacetaste can come into play in a big way. Filter life: 4,000 litersWhat we like: Incredibly convenient and relatively long filter life.What we dont: Heavier and bulkier than soft-flask bottle filters. Others require a separate piece of equipment, including the syringe that comeswith the Sawyer Squeeze. As with any manufacturer-provided spec, the listed filter life is optimistic and probably should be thought of as a maximum. Pump Filters/Purifiers Like the Katadyn BeFree and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze above, it makes water treatment as simple as taking a sip, but the hard-sided bottle boosts durability and convenience for casual day hikes and frontcountry applicationsno squeezing or cold hands required. Not only do the Sawyers included pouches feature flat and handle-less designs that make water collection challenging, but they also suffer from serious durability issues (we recommend using a Smartwater bottle or longer-lasting Evernew or CNOC reservoir instead). Cleaning pump filters is a slightly more intensive process, as you'll need to unscrewthe apparatus and either removethe filter or extenda brush down the interior. Type: Gravity filterWeight: 11.5 oz.Filter life: 1,500 litersWhat we like: Filters and stores a high quantity of water effortlessly and quickly; great for groups.What we dont: Bulky;you need a decent water source to fill the bag. But for all of its convenience, the LifeStraw Go isnt incredibly versatile. This often takes the form of a simple hose or cap that fits onto commonly sized water bottle openings. Type: Chemical purifierWeight: 3.8 oz.Filter life:60,000L+What we like: Can filter 60,000 liters with little upkeep.What we dont: Less convenient than other chemical purification options. But in alpine areas with relatively clear mountain water like the Rockies, High Sierra, or Pacific Northwest, chemical treatments are a great ultralight option. Type: Chemical purifierWeight: 0.9 oz.Treatment ratio: 1L per tabletWhat we like: Simple and light. Finally, keep in mind that the 750 liters referenced above for the Katadyn is actually a lot for most casual backpackers that get out a few times a year. Whats more, the MSR comes with an attachment for a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle for easy and leak-free filtering. Finally, gravity filters arent our first choice for on-the-go water treatment, as setting up the system can take some time, and youll need somewhere to hang it (something to keep in mind if you're headed above treeline). But where it falls short is in its simplicity: Unlike the Sawyer, the Platypus cannot be used as an inline filter, which really cuts down on versatility. The Platypus Gravity Works is a user-friendly gravity filter with 4 liters of volume, but basecampers and larger groups might want to take a look at the MSR AutoFlow XL here. The Sawyer Squeeze has seen no shortage of competition in recent years, particularly from newcomers like the Platypus QuickDraw and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze below. From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. See the Aquamira Water Treatment. Bottle filtersalso known as squeeze filtersattach to the spout of a soft-sided bottle or pouch and filter water as you drink. If you've ever gone camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountain biking, trail running, or nearly anything else in the outdoors, chances are you've used a headlamp. All told, the Pure is intriguing, but it isnt our favorite chemical purification optionwell stick with the more reliable chlorine dioxide for most applications.See the Potable Aqua Pure ElectrolyticPurifier. Finally, keep in mind that when calculating the weight of your setup, that youll also want to factor in your water storage (bottle, reservoir, etc.). But while the Katadyn is $30 cheaper and lighter at 11 ounces, the MSR has a significantly longer filter life at 2,000 liters (the Hikers is just 750L), with a carbon/ceramic design thats easy to clean in the field. Its also extremely versatile: In its simplest application, you fill one of the two included 32-ounce pouches with dirty water and squeeze into a clean bottle or reservoir, a pot for cooking, or straight into your mouth. But compared to some of the more minimalist options below, the Platypus GravityWorks is not a small apparatus, with two bags, a filter, and a bundle of tubing. In general, chemical purifiers are the most minimalist option (and great for groups), with squeeze filters like the 2-ounce Sawyer Squeeze Mini not too far behind (although theyre slightly larger in size). as fast as the AutoFlow can filter. We ran the numbers and youre paying roughly $0.53 per liter of clean water with Katadyn whereas Aquamira is more like $0.13 per liter. The Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier is designed with travel and light adventuring in mind. setup. These designs address our main concern with the Sawyer: the pouches. Well usually opt for a filter in these scenarios, but if youre using a purifier its a good idea to pre-filter your water (more on this below). On the extreme ends of the spectrum, the Grayl GeoPresshas a cartridge life of only 65 gallons, while the Sawyer Squeeze has a lifetime warrantythey dont even make replacement cartridges for it. Unlike most chemical purifiers that use chlorine dioxide or iodine, the Pure combines salt water and an electric charge to remove contaminants from water. Neutralizer tablets are available and do a decent job of masking the chemical flavor, and many people add a drink mix to make a tastier concoction. There are a number of chemical water treatment options for backpackers, and each has itsown set of pros and cons. The flow rate is impressive at 3 liters per minute (compared to the Squeezes 1.7 L/min. Type: Pump filter/purifierWeight: 1 lb. unfiltered water). Type: Bottle/gravity filterWeight: 3.9 oz.Filter life: 2,000 litersWhat we like: More durable soft flask and higher flow rate than the Sawyer Squeeze.What we dont: Heavier and shorter filter life. Below we cover all the gear you need for your backpacking adventures, including detailed round-ups, reviews, and MSR has been a longstanding leader in the world of backpacking filters, so its no surprise their Guardian has become our go-to pump for trips abroad. Its important to note that carbon becomes ineffective before the filter (after approximately six months or 200 liters), so if this is a feature you want to maintain, choose a filter that allows you to purchase the carbon element separately from the complete cartridge. Then wait 15 minutes before drinking for protection from Giardia, bacteria, and viruses, or four hours to kill Cryptosporidium (that takes a lot of advanced planning). Type: Bottle filterWeight: 3.3 oz.Filter life: 1,000 litersWhat we like: Fast flow rate, easy to clean, and durable materials.What we dont: Cannot be used as an inline filter; oblong size is difficult to hold while running. Unlike the MSR Guardian, however, the Hiker is a filter but not a purifier, so you dont get virus protection. Last but not least, we should mention that just about every water filter and purifier can malfunction, which may leave you without clean water in the backcountry. We brought the Mini along on a 4-day trek in Patagonia (with clear water sources), and it required so much suction when paired with a smartwater bottle that we resorted to our groups gravity filter instead. Type: Pump filterWeight: 16 oz.Filter life: 2,000 litersWhat we like: One of the few pump designs with a ceramic filter.What we dont: Heavier and pricier than the Katadyn Hiker. The Pure Electrolytic comes with the same downsides of nearly all chemical treatment options. Youll have to purchase inline adapters separately for use with a gravity system or hydration reservoir, but the Mini is nevertheless a decent option for those who dont mind a simple bottle filter. Purifying just 24 ounces (0.7L) at a time, its an inefficient system for anything but on-the-go drinking when water sources are consistently available. Additionally, the small 16-ounce pouch isnt ideal for filling up standard water bottles, and weve had bad luck with delamination and leaks on all of our Sawyer bags. The flow rate indicates the speed at which a filter treats water, and is most often measured in terms of liters per minute. For those wanting a dedicated water bottle filter, the LifeStraw Go has a lot of appeal. Finally, squeeze and straw filters can only move as fast as you can drink or squeeze, although newer models like the Platypus QuickDraw and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze advertise rates of up to 3 liters per minute. Furthermore, water retrieval can be a pain if you dont have a reasonably deep or moving water source (similar to any system that relies on a bag to collect water). All that said, the Katadyn BeFree isnt without its drawbacks. With a product like the LifeStraw Go,this is as easy as blowing out after each use. The Katadyn BeFree is our favorite dedicated bottle filter, with an extremely light weight, easy operation, and nice, streamlined build. hydration backpack hiking water bladder packs ounce litre kbni suitable lightweight cycling running outdoor climbing camping sellers sports Almost all water treatment systems have some way of connecting to either a water bottle or hydration reservoir, if not both. Also, take note that the straw is bulky, so it reduces the amount of overall water storage. Our top picks for 2022below include everything from ultralight bottle filters and chemical drops to pumps and large-quantity gravity filters. And in comparing chemical treatments, its worth noting that despite being more difficult to use, Aquamira drops are considerably cheaper. All in all, its an ideal and long-lasting set-up for environments when weight and bulk arent top considerations. As we touched on above, if youre not using a dedicated filter to separate out sediment and other particulates, finding a clean and moving water source is the best way to ensure your water tastes good. Compared to the Katadyn Hiker above, the designs have identical filter pore size (.2 microns) and protect against the same contaminants, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium. In general, we dont recommend simple straw filters for high-performance backcountry use, but we include the LifeStraw Go on our list as a nice recreational option. setWhat we like: Light, cheap, effective, and wont break.What we dont: The mixing process is annoying, and the drops leave a faint chemical taste. Read more about us. But should you find yourself with no other option, weve found a bandana (or other piece of clothing) to be the most effective pre-filtering method for straining out leaves, sand, and other bits before purification. Type: Gravity filterWeight: 12 oz.Filter life: 1,500 litersWhat we like: 10 liters of capacity in a relatively lightweight build.What we dont: No clean bag; gravity filters have limited applications. As with all backpacking gear, youll want to go as light as possible without sacrificing too much in the way of functionality. Leading pump filters are listed at about 1 liter per minute, although that seems fairly optimistic to us (the exception is the pricey MSR Guardian, which is speedy at 2.5 L/min.). Read in-depth reviewSee the Platypus GravityWorks 4L. While streams, lakes, and ponds along the trail can be great drinking Review: Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter, How to Choose a Water Filter for Backpacking, backpacking water filtercomparison table, Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle 1L ($50), See the Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle 1L, Katadyn Micropur MP1 ($16 for 30 tablets), See the MSR Thru-Link Inline Water Filter, Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System ($45), See the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System, Potable Aqua Pure ElectrolyticPurifier ($100), See the Potable Aqua Pure ElectrolyticPurifier, Back to Our Water Filter Comparison Table. As an inline filter, it also works as a gravity setupsimply hang your bladder, open the valve of your drinking hose, and let gravity do the work. Plus, the Katadyn tablets are difficult to cut in half and dont work with 500mL bottles (its one tab per liter), which is a bummer especially for trail runners with smaller soft flasks.See the Katadyn Micropur MP1. Despite all of the recent innovations, the MSR MiniWorks remains one of the most popular pumps on the market. Nevertheless, the Guardian truly is the ultimate backpacking purifier and worth the cost for those who need it. hydration camouflage Straw Filters For backpackers, there is a strong argument for going this route: the tablets weigh less than 1 ounce for 30, making them by far the lightest water purification option on this list. But we still prefer the Katadyn, which despite the shorter filter life, has faster and smoother pumping action.See the Katadyn HikerMicrofilter. Type: Bottle filterWeight: 2.3 oz.Filter life: 1,000 litersWhat we like: Extremely light and great for on-the-go hydration.What we dont: Short lifespan and does not fit standard-sized water bottle openings. Using simple mechanics (and some elbow grease), a pump siphons water from the source, through a hose and filter, and out another hose into a clean receptacle. The MSR Guardian is ten times the price of many popular bottle filters here, but this pump is the real deal. Keep in mind that the flow rates listed by the manufacturers are going to be realized in optimal circumstances (i.e. And the Ultra here is our favorite model, with a durable 2.9-ounce build, helpful LED display, and convenient USB-rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. In many ways, the Peak Squeeze is the most well-rounded of the bunch: Like the BeFree, it comes with its own soft flask and is decently easy to carry, making it a great setup for shorter pursuits like trail running and day hiking. If youre not keen on keeping up your equipment, you can always opt for more carefree models like the SteriPen or chemical treatments like Aquamira or Potable Aqua. This isnt a huge issue when youre drinking straight from cold mountain streams, but it definitely can be as the quality of your water source deteriorates. For example, two of our favorite pump filters are the Katadyn Hiker and MSR MiniWorks. Because they are so small, the best way to combat viruses is through chemical or ultraviolet purification. Keep in mind that bottle filters are often slower at filtering than a high-performing pump design and require quite a bit more effort than a gravity model. The most important distinction comes in the level of protection each method provides. Most backpacking filters on this list have a pore size of 0.1 or 0.2 micron, which is why they sift out protozoa and bacteria, but not viruses. Aside from cost, its noticeably heavier and bulkier than most filtersat just over a pound and packing down roughly to the size of a 1-liter water bottle. Another way to combat foul-tasting water is to use a carbon filter. But the Katadyn'sflow rate is undeniably faster, the soft flask is much nicer as a handheld, and cleaning is as easy as squishing the filter in clean wateras a dedicated bottle filter, the BeFree wins out for its ease of use and streamlined design. The QuickDraw is similar to designs like the Sawyer Squeeze above, threading onto a bottle or soft flask with a standard-size opening (28mm) to filter clean water into your mouth or separate vessel. Type:Bottle/inline filterWeight: 3 oz.Filter life: LifetimeWhat we like: Super lightweight, fast flow rate, long-lasting.What we dont: Youll have to buy extra gear to optimize your setup. Instead of gravity doing the work, suction brings the water from the dirty bag, through the filter, and into the hydration hose to the mouth. Type: Pump filterWeight: 11 oz.Filter life: 750 litersWhat we like: A versatile and reliable filterthat can make clean water from puddles.What we dont: Relatively short filter life and pricey to replace. Without a doubt, the Platypus GravityWorks is one of the most convenient water filters on the market, and its become a backpacking staple. To protect against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses, there is a wide range of water filtration and purification systems built specifically for backpacking (many options on this list are great for day hiking, trail running, and travel too).