Best Backpacking Water Filters

Best Backpacking Water Filters

 

hiking water filter

 

Backpacking Water Filters

The Best Backpacking Water Filters are those that you can easily carry around in a backpack, and are generally flexible and fold up when not in use (so they don't take up much space.) These are usually BPA free pouches that you place the unpurified water in (from any source) and then let it pass through the filters down into a collector source.

 

They rely on using gravity instead of a mechanical device to slowly turn contaminated water into clean, safe drinking water, through trickle down water purification. The Katadyn Pouch Filter and the Platypus are two good examples of backpacking water filters.

 

katadyn water filters

 

Katadyn Water Filter

Katadyn is my go-to water filter for survival or emergency outdoor usage. The Katadyn Pocket Water Filter is a manual pump type of water filter than has a very high level of water purification capabilities. I would choose this one over all the others because it is manual and durable, and make it my primary survival filter. 

It is also the Best-selling emergency preparedness water filter with the highest ratings.

Super High Quality construction, it is made to last for the longhaul.  The filter’s silver infused ceramic element is effective against bacteria and protozoa, using a Micro Filtration method. Up to 1 quart (1 liter)/minute Cartridge Capacity, up to 13,000 gallons (50,000 liters), depending on water quality. This pocket water filter is a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts, international travelers, and the U.S. Military.

Berkey Sport Water Filter Bottle

Berkey makes a water filter bottle sized filter that is good for filtering cleaner water sources like running streams, rivers or tap water. The Berkey Sport Water Filter is a good backup if you don't have the resources to get a Katadyn, the recommended backpacking water filter that is good for emergencies. 

 

It is a simple filter that is better than a pur or brita in filtering capabilities. I use these to filter running water sources and still love to zap it with a good UV water purifier to be safe. For tap water it is great and easy to use. Having anything is far better than nothing and risking potential giardia and waterborne illness where there is no doctor!

High pH Alkaline Water