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Author: Zach Faulds / Last updated July 30, 2021

Anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors knows the importance of drinking water. Keeping hydrated is the top priority of any camper, hiker or athlete. It is likely that water is also one of the heaviest items you carry. The longer you plan to be outdoors, the more water you need. One way to reduce weight is to carry a hiking water filter. These portable water supply systems turn turbid water in ponds, streams and lakes into clean, safe drinking water. They are small and light, and can even be carried with you. We do not recommend going on the road without a backpack. Check the list below to find the best hiking filter for you.

The filter uses replaceable carbon and ceramic filters that can remove 99.9% of harmful pollutants, including bacteria, particulates and organic matter, to provide clean drinking water.

The compact hand pump uses three independent filtration devices to provide clean, clear drinking water at a rate of 500 ml per minute.

The filter weighs only 3.5 ounces and measures 4 x 3 x 8 inches. The filter unit can be connected to the included 16-ounce drinking bag, 7-inch drinking straw or standard disposable water bottle.

Our reviews are driven by hands-on testing by actual buyers, expert opinions, "popular wisdom" evaluations, and our own expertise. We always strive to provide true and accurate guides to help you find the best choice.

Pump-type water filters usually have a manual pump and a water inlet hose. Insert the water inlet hose into the water source, and insert the other end of the hose into the water bottle or water tank. Start operating the pump and bring the filtered water into your bottle or tank. Pump water filters are useful because they can be used even in the shallowest water sources. However, pumping may require a lot of work because the flow rate varies from model to model.  

Gravity water filters are usually used to filter large amounts of water. First, fill the reservoir or large container with water from a water source. Then, the container is hung on a tree or high on a campsite. Gravity water filters are a convenient choice because gravity can do all the work for you, and there is no need to pump water. However, sometimes it may be difficult to find a place to hang your container, and it is not a good choice for use in shallow water. 

The bottled water filter has a built-in filtration system. Some models have convenient bite valves or straws, while other models work like a coffee machine or use ultraviolet light. This is a great choice for one person and can be conveniently placed in a backpack. This is the most economical option, and the water is easy to drink in a short time. 

Founded in 1969, currently headquartered in Seattle, MSR or Mountain Safety Research, is a high-quality manufacturer of camping, hiking and mountaineering equipment. In addition to hiking water filters, MSR also produces tents, camping stoves, cooking utensils, snow shoes, etc.   

Survivor is a reputable company that specializes in providing clean, drinkable water for homes, outdoors, etc. All of its products provide a defect-free lifetime warranty and personalized customer support. Survivor Filter produces high-quality household filters, electric filters, travel canteens and other water filtration accessories. 

Founded in 1984, Sawyer specializes in producing advanced outdoor products that prevent bacteria, sunlight, bugs, water, and injuries. In addition to water filters, Sawyer also produces insect repellents, sunscreens, snake venom extractors and other outdoor accessories. 

The capacity of the hydration filter may be an important feature that you need to consider when buying. If you are hiking alone or looking for something that can be conveniently put in your backpack, then a bottle filter may be your best choice. But if you are camping in a large group of people, you may want to consider pump filters or gravity filters, which usually include large reservoirs.

Perhaps the most important feature of a hiking filter is its safety features. The best hiking water filters can easily turn dirty water from lakes, ponds, streams, etc. into safe drinking water. Water filters can protect you from protozoa (such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia), bacteria (including Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Shigella), and even certain types of viruses (such as hepatitis A, Rotavirus and Norovirus).

The weight of the hiking filter can be an important consideration. If you use the water filter for backpacking, you will need to consider a more compact and lighter option. Although gravity filters may be heavier, they are a good choice for group hikes or group camping. Just make sure to find a sturdy tree or pole in your campsite that can withstand the weight of the reservoir when filled with water.

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The system uses replaceable carbon and ceramic filters to remove 99.9% of harmful pollutants, including bacteria, particulates, and organic matter, to provide clean drinking water. The hand pump can handle up to one liter of water per minute. Attach the base to the supplied hose, or install it directly to a compatible ewer and hydration system airbag. Each filter can wash up to 2,000 liters of water before it needs to be replaced. The entire system can be cleaned and maintained without tools. It weighs 1 pound, is 7.5 inches tall, and has a diameter of 2.75 inches, so it's easy to add to your gear. One disadvantage is that the filter tends to build up pressure in the filter chamber, which will reduce the water filtration speed of each pump, causing it to crawl slowly. In addition, this filter cannot remove viruses.

This compact hand pump uses three independent filtration devices to provide clean, clear drinking water at a rate of 500 ml per minute. The 0.1 micron pre-filter can remove dangerous algae and protozoa that can cause serious diseases, while the 0.01 micron primary filter can remove 99.9% of viruses. Both have a service life of 100,000 liters. The carbon filter removes pollutants such as heavy metals and chemicals, and has a service life of 2,000 liters. The system enjoys lifetime warranty service. Includes a collection cup and a storage bag. One problem with Survivor Filter PRO reported by users is its structure-it is made entirely of plastic, and its pump handle has design flaws that are easy to break or break. Although this option is lighter and more compact than many alternatives, it also processes water more slowly.

This water filtration system can complete all the work of cleaning drinking water. Simply fill the "dirty" airbag with water, connect the supplied hose, filter and "clean" airbag, and let gravity do the rest. Water flows from the raised bag into the drinking water bag at a rate of 1.75 liters per minute. A four-liter bladder can be filled with clean water in just 2.5 minutes. High-quality filters can remove up to 99.9% of bacteria and dangerous protozoa. Replacement parts, bottle adapters and deodorizing carbon elements can be purchased separately. One disadvantage of this system is its plastic structure. When the reservoir is filled with water, the plastic holes that hold the straps will begin to crack and unravel. According to reports, the customer service team is happy to help resolve these issues and send replacement products.

The entire system weighs only 3.5 ounces and measures 4 x 3 x 8 inches. The filter device can be connected to the supplied drinking bag, straw or standard disposable water bottle. The filter can remove 99.9% of bacteria, 99.9% of protozoa and 100% of microplastics. Since these filters can clean 100,000 gallons of water, you are unlikely to need to replace them. A small plunger is included to create a backflow and flush the filter clean. Every filter sold is thoroughly tested before packaging. Additional adapters, airbags and drinking water bags can be purchased separately. As we all know, there is a problem with the O-ring of the Sawyer Products MINI water filtration system, which can cause sealing. The O-rings of this water filter may crack or rupture, so you may need to replace them over time.

The filter system does not use any chemicals or moving parts, so it is very durable and will not disappoint you. Each filter can clean up to 1,000 gallons of water before it needs to be replaced. The 0.2 micron filter exceeds EPA standards and can remove 99.9% of bacteria, protozoa and microplastics. It also makes drinking water clearer by removing dirt and silt. Even the most weight-conscious hiker who is only 1 inch in diameter, 9 inches long, and weighs 2 ounces can satisfy this option. Remember, if there is no air bag or delivery hose, this filter must be immersed in water and used as a straw. Some users report that the straws of LifeStraw personal water purifiers are difficult to use. If you don't like to use a straw to suck water, another product with a pump or squeezable function may be a better choice.

The Katadyn Hiker microfilter water filter is an extremely durable product at an affordable price. According to reports, this hiking water filter has been used by many customers for six or seven years before the filter was replaced. Its 0.2 micron glass fiber filter is designed to filter bacteria, protozoa, microplastics, chemicals, etc. The activated carbon in the filter core improves the taste of your drinking water and reduces chemicals. Compared with other products, no continuous blowback is required. This ultra-light, compact water filter weighs only 11 ounces and can be put in a backpack when hiking or camping. One disadvantage is that it requires manual pumping for normal operation, which requires a lot of work. However, the flow rate of this water filter is fast enough that you don't need to spend too much time waiting for the water to become drinkable.

This product uses electric adsorption and activated carbon to purify your drinking water. When using, just fill the bottle with water and press it to drink. If you use very dirty water or travel to remote areas, this may be the best option on the market. In addition to most bacteria and protozoa, this bottle can also filter heavy metals, chemicals and viruses. The 24 ounce size is the perfect travel choice and can be easily put in a backpack or suitcase. It is a great choice for international travel, allowing you to filter any tap water before drinking it quickly. One disadvantage of the GRAYL Geopress water purifier is that its filter element is relatively expensive and needs to be replaced more frequently than other models. The company recommends replacing the ink cartridges approximately every 250 liters of water or approximately 66 gallons.

This water filter is designed with high-quality stainless steel and is available in four unique colors. It uses ultraviolet radiation to filter 99.9996% of molds, protozoa, bacteria and viruses in drinking water. This kind of lamp can not only prevent viruses and bacteria, but also disinfect the bottles. Vacuum insulated stainless steel can keep water cooling for up to 24 hours at a time. Every purchase includes a limited lifetime warranty, which helps protect you from manufacturing defects. The upper limit usually lasts about a week before it needs to be recharged. One disadvantage of CrazyCap 2.0 UV water purifier is its high-end price. This market does offer trusted options from reputable companies, especially if you are looking for products that do not involve replaceable filters or extensive cleaning and maintenance.

Hiking water can be filtered using various types of filters, including pump filters, gravity filters, and bottle filters. Water can be collected from rivers, lakes, streams, etc.

Our most acclaimed hiking water filter is the MSR MiniWorks EX micro filter water filter, but there are many other quality water filters from well-known brands. Read our reviews to determine which one best suits your needs.

Generally speaking, water filters are designed to remove protozoa and bacteria from water sources, but they cannot remove viruses. However, water purifiers are designed to remove protozoa, bacteria and viruses.

Consider using MSR MiniWorks EX micro-filter water filter as a high-quality hiking water filter, which can remove 99.9% of harmful pollutants, or Survivor Filter PRO, which uses three independent filtering devices. 

Leave us a message and let us know your favorite hiking filter and what you like about it.

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