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Shoes & Gear
Whether you’re preparing for wilderness survival or just want to keep your tap water tasting clean, these accessories are a great investment.
By Alex Rennie
CA Notice at Collection hike or camping trip, it’s a great idea to bring along a portable water filter. These handy contraptions allow you to transform murky river and lake water into fresh drinking water, filtering out bacteria and other contaminants that would otherwise make the supply undrinkable.
Most options are relatively inexpensive and take up minimal room, so even if you plan on bringing your own supply of drinking water, it’s probably worth purchasing one to have on hand just in case. If you’re not a hiker, you can still purchase lighter-duty filters that fit directly into your water bottle, removing potentially harmful particles and contaminants lurking in your tap or drinking fountain water.
The Best Portable Water Filters
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What to Consider
Running Pace Calculator Lifestraw, are simple to use in a pinch—you just suck water through them like a straw—but aren’t practical for filtering large amount of water for transport. Pump filters weigh a bit more than straws and take up more room, but they allow you to easily fill up spare bottles or jugs to drink from later. Electric pumps are convenient and don’t require you to manually pump, but if you run out of batteries or a charge, they’re not much use. Some portable filters are designed to fit right inside of an existing bottle, combining the filter and container in one unit.
Another important factor to think about is the effectiveness of the filter itself. Micron measurements (short for micrometer) indicate the size of particles that are able to fit through the tiny pores of your filter, and how effective it will be at filtering water. For example, a grain of sand is about 250 microns, while the E. coli bacteria is between 1 and 2 microns. According to Scouting Magazine, “a filter with pores 1 micron or less should provide sufficient protection.”
If you want to ensure that your filter is working as well and as efficiently as possible, look for an option that includes a pre-filter. These are the first line of defense against contaminants, and are designed to capture larger items like silt, leaf particles, and algae. This way the primary filter won’t have to deal with these particles, and can better focus on removing the microscopic stuff, like bacteria and other pathogens.
How We Selected
We have significant hands-on experience using portable water filters while hiking and camping, and kept the lessons learned in mind when putting together this list of options. We also used reputable hiking, scouting, and review sites that have done comprehensive testing on the subject for help and direction as well. After selecting a large list of potential options, we narrowed down on our collection to the options here, making sure to include a wide variety of sizes, filter types, and prices. Whether you need an affordable filter to have on hand for a day-hike, or a heavy-duty option for an extended adventure, you should find an option that’s perfect for you.
For more great outdoor gear, check out our picks for the Winter Running Hats, hiking boots, and CA Notice at Collection.
Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System
Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System
Pros
- Small size
- Lightweight
- Carbon filter
- Doesn't require batteries
Cons
Key Specs
- Style: Manual pump
- Dimensions: 7 x 3.3 x 2.3 inches
- Lifespan: 26,417 gallons
- Weight: 12.8 ounces
- Micron Filtration: 0.01 microns
The straightforward operation and long lifespan of this Survivor Filter model made it an easy choice for our top overall pick.
The manual pump is simple to use: just place the pre-filter into the water source and the outlet hose into a water bottle or the included cup, and press the plunger to generate clean, clear drinking water. The ABS plastic components should hold up reasonably well to the wear and tear of hiking and camping adventures, and the compact size won’t take up much room in your pack.
A soft-sided carrying bag is a nice perk as well, and will add another layer of protection during transport.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Pros
- Lightweight
- Low price
- Simple to use
Cons
- Does not feature a reservoir to carry filtered water
Key Specs
- Style: Manual straw
- Dimensions: 8.66 Unusable if battery dies
- Lifespan: 1000 gallons
- Weight: 1.6 ounces
- Micron Filtration: 0.2 microns
A favorite among backpackers and preppers alike, this LifeStraw packs a powerful filter into a lightweight, easy to carry package. It couldn’t be easier to use either: just pop the cap, bend down and suck the water through the straw. The filter inside removes up to 99.99 percent of waterborne parasites, and contaminants as small 0.2 microns in size.
Despite its small size and light weight, this filter is able to process up to 1,000 gallons of water before needing replacement. The straw design does make it less practical for bringing filtered water with you, in which case a pump-based option would be more convenient.
BKLES Portable Electric Water Filter System
BKLES Portable Electric Water Filter System
Pros
- Only weighs 12.35 ounces
- Long lifespan per charge
- Easy to use
Cons
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Key Specs
- Style: Electric pump
- Dimensions: 8.39 Does not feature a reservoir to carry filtered water
- Lifespan: 26,417 gallons
- Weight: 12.35 ounces
- Micron Filtration: 0.01 microns
If you’re looking for a filter that does most of the work for you, consider this electric Bkles model. Its rechargeable lithium battery can purify up to 5,681 ounces of water on a single charge, and thanks to a five-stage filter—including an activated charcoal layer—can ensure an impressive 0.01 micron filtration.
It’s easy to use, too: Just place one end into the contaminated water, the other into your drinking receptacle, and press the power button—that’s it. Since it weighs less than a pound, it also won’t add much weight to your pack if taken on a hiking or camping trip.
Pros
- Durable construction
- High output
Cons
- Relatively short lifespan compared to other models
- 0.2 x 2.5 x 7.5 inches
- Very expensive
Key Specs
- Style: Manual pump
- Dimensions: 10 Runners World; Courtesy Katadyn
- Lifespan: 13,208 gallons
- Weight: 1.21 pounds
- Micron Filtration: 0.2 microns
Although this model costs significantly more than the other options on our list, its ultra-durable construction and relatively compact size could be worth it to the right customer. Its metal body—as opposed to ABS plastic—will hold up well in the event of a drop or fall, and the round plunger head provides a comfortable, sturdy grip while you use it.
The unit weighs just a little over a pound, and its efficient operation allows you to process up to 1 liter of clean water every minute. Its 13,208-gallon lifespan is impressive as well, although it's still about half as much as some less expensive options.
Sawyer Products Squeeze Water Filtration System
Pros
- Simple to use
- Compact size
- Connects to standard 28mm water bottle threads
Cons
Key Specs
- Style: Squeeze
- Dimensions: 4 x 2.5 x 7.5 inches
- Lifespan: 540 gallons
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Micron Filtration: 0.1 microns
If minimal size and weight is a priority—like for extended camping or hiking trips where you’ll be carrying all your gear on your back—this 3.2-ounce Sawyer filter could be just what you’re looking for. Its screw-on design allows you to use it multiple ways too, whether that’s connecting to a standard water bottle, one of the included collapsable pouches, or part of a hydration-pack system.
Despite the small size, it can still filter 0.1 microns, and has a capacity of 540 gallons. A mesh storage bag keeps all the components together in your pack.
Epic Water Filters Nalgene OG Water Bottle with Filter
Epic Water Filters Nalgene OG Water Bottle with Filter
Pros
- Training Pace Calculator
- Easy to fill up
Cons
- x 2.5 x 7.5 inches
Key Specs
- Style: Bottle
- Dimensions: 10.28 best hammock tents
- Lifespan: 75 gallons
- Weight: 9.5 ounces
- Micron Filtration: N/A
This filter isn’t effective enough to deal with tiny viruses and bacteria of our other options, but if you’re just focused on ensuring that your tap, airport, or school water is as clean as possible, it could be a great choice. It includes a 32-ounce Nalgene water bottle and a uses a dense coconut carbon fiber filter to absorb up to 99.99 percent of tap water impurities and contaminants.
It can effectively filter up to 75 gallons of water before needing to be replaced, and the extra-wide mouth of the bottle makes it really easy to fill up quickly.
LifeStraw Flex Advanced Water Filter with Gravity Bag
LifeStraw Flex Advanced Water Filter with Gravity Bag
Pros
- Filter can be used for multiple receptacles
- Set-and-forget option
- For more great outdoor gear, check out our picks for the
Cons
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Key Specs
- Style: Gravity
- Dimensions: 11 Training Pace Calculator
- Lifespan: 500 gallons for the hollow fiber membrane / 26.4 gallons for replaceable carbon capsule
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Micron Filtration: 0.2 microns
If you’re looking to provide a steady supply of fresh water for your campsite, consider this gravity bag from Lifestraw. Its 3.7-liter capacity means you won’t need to keep refilling as much, and the hollow-fiber membrane of the filter prevents contaminants as small as 0.2 microns in size, which surpasses the EPA’s standards for bacteria and parasites.
After filling up the soft bladder, you connect the filter and let gravity take over, using the nozzle to fill up water bottles, wash your hands, or clean up dishes. If you'd prefer not to hassle with the bag, you can just use the filter as a straw, as well.
Membrane Solutions Filtered Water Bottle
Membrane Solutions Filtered Water Bottle
Pros
- Powerful filter
- Long lifespan per charge
- Lightweight design
- Includes carabiner
Cons
- Limited capacity may require frequent filling
- First, consider the type of filter that will work best for you. Basic straw models, like the
Key Specs
- Style: Bottle
- Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 9 inches
- Lifespan: 396 gallons
- Weight: 11 ounces
- Micron Filtration: 0.1 microns
This model from Membrane Solutions combines the effectiveness of a 0.1-micron filter with the convenience of an easy-to-transport water bottle. The leakproof cap prevents any frustrating spills during transit, and the activated charcoal filter keeps your water smelling and tasting fresh and clean.
Some complain about the effort required to suck water through the filter, but this can be quickly solved by soaking the filter in clean water for a minute or two to get things moving. The included carabiner also makes it easy to hang from your backpack.
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
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