Camping and backpacking filters are great solutions for drinking water on the go. And if you’re searching for a reliable water filter for camping and hiking, the best hiking water filter is probably what you want to get.
But choosing the best water filter pump best rated in camping & hiking water is easier said than done. That’s why we’ve picked the best camping water filters in our list and we hope you find yourself the best camping filter for your needs.
Below you will find our reviews for the following camping water filters:
- Our Top Pick – Platypus GravityWorks 4 L Water Filter Kit
- Most Portable – LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
- Great Value – HydroBlu Go Flow Gravity Water Filter Bag with Versa Flow
- For Emergency Preparedness – SurviMate Portable Water Filter Pump
Are you looking for some safe drinking water options while going camping? Do you want to carry some water filtration with you that is not bulky and will work outdoors? Are you thinking of buying a portable water filter but are not sure which one would work best?
The last thing you want to worry about on your camping trip is about the quality of the water you drink. What could be better than having your own water filtration system and knowing what you are drinking is absolutely clean? Not sure how you can do that? Then this article is meant just for you!
Today we take a look at why filtering your own water for drinking outdoors is a good idea. We are also doing detailed reviews of 5 of the best water filter systems that you can easily carry along. Find out their price range, features as well as their pros and cons. So, even as you get ready to go camping, read through and find out which one you need to get.
So take a look at the best backpacking water filters of our camping water filter roundup. Enjoy choosing a camping water filter in our list and order now:
Our Choice Recommendation
- High-capacity, gravity-fed, hollow-fiber water filter system is ideal for group and family camping, outdoor...
- Meets all EPA/NSF guidelines for removal of 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa, including giardia,...
- No pumping required; reservoir fills easily and hangs from a tree to deliver four liters of filtered water for...
5 Water Filtering Purifiers For Backcountry Camping
Option #1. Platypus GravityWorks 4 L Complete Water Filter Kit
Pros:
- Filters very fast.
- No pumping required.
- Weighs less than a pound.
- High quality storage bags.
- Long hose makes it easy to hang from a tree.
- Very easy to clean.
Cons:
- This offer may not be the best for all budgets.
- Filter cartridge can leak.
This water filter kit from Platypus GravityWorks meets all EPA and NSF guidelines of removing traces of bacteria such as E.coli, salmonella, cholera, giardia and more. This option has a 4 litre dirty water reservoir and a 4 litre clean water reservoir. The filter backflushes in 4 seconds and does not require additional tools. The zip opening allows easy filling of water. The shutoff clamp makes it safe to store and use clean water. Replaceable cartridge can filter up to 1,500 gallons of water. Water is clean in as fast as 2.5 minutes.
Option #2. The Personal Water Filter from LifeStraw
Pros:
- Cleans even the dirtiest looking water.
- Clean and crisp taste.
- Reliable.
- Works as claimed.
- Smaller and lighter than most portable water filter kits.
- No added taste to water.
- Will not make you sick afterwards.
Cons:
- Difficult to suck the water.
The Personal Water Filter from LifeStraw will give you up to 1,000 gallons of filtered water. This choice removes most traces of bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella as well as various parasites that are found in water. In addition, it also removes even the smallest traces of micro plastics and reduces their turbidity to almost 0.2 microns. This option claims to be verified by various lab tests and meets the guidelines set by the US EPA, ASTM and the NSF for water purifiers. Purchasing this choice also serves a community service by providing a year of safe drinking water to a school child in need for an entire school year.
CHECK PRICEOption #3. Versa Flow Water Filter Kit by HydroBlu
Pros:
- Small and easy to pack.
- Easy to carry anywhere.
- Very easy to assemble and use.
- Water flow is fast.
- Carries a lot of water.
- Great value for money.
- This offer can work even on the dirtiest of water.
- No smell or taste of chemicals.
Cons:
- Bag may not be very durable.
The Versa Flow Water Filter Kit by HydroBlu comes with its own Gravity Water Filter bag that has a capacity of carrying up to 10 litre of water. Weighing just about 9 oz. this is extremely light in weight and very easy to carry around. This offer is also very easy to use, especially because of the hose that has a quick connect mechanism. The water filter will easily slide on to the bag and the entire kit is very easy to set up and use. The bag is made using BPA free food grade thermoplastic polyurethane plastic, or TPU. This choice also has additional reinforced stitching that will make it more durable. The filter will remove most traces of bacteria such as E.coli, cholera, giardia and salmonella. This option will filter up to 10,000 gallons of water.
CHECK PRICEOption #4. SurviMate Portable Water Filter Pump
Pros:
- Filters even the muddiest of water.
- Very quick to assemble.
- Easy to carry.
- This option does not take up much space.
- Water tastes good.
Cons:
- None as yet.
The portable water filter pump from SurviMate comes with a three stage water filtration system and claims to be up to 20 times more effective than other portable water filters. This choice can remove traces of bacteria and other germs such as E.coli, giardia, cholera and more. The kit comes with two extra pre-filters that will help you use the replacement in case of an emergency. The flow rate of the kit is about 1400 ml in a minute. The filter can work for up to 3,000 litres of water. Anti-skid rubber on the sides will keep it sturdy while in use.
CHECK PRICEYou Might Also Like:
Option #5. Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
This is a mini water filtration system from Sawyer Products that is ideal for the outdoors as well as for indoor use. The small size will easily fit in your palm, and at just 2 ounces, it is light to carry around. This option can be attached to a regular drinking pouch which is included, as well as to disposable water bottles. You can also use it with hydration packs or drink directly with a straw. The filter has been rated up to 100,000 gallons. This offer removes various traces of bacteria such as salmonella, giardia, E.coli, cholera and more.
Pros:
- Very lightweight. Easy to use.
- This choice makes water look clear and crisp.
- Easy to fill.
- Easy to get water out.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- The O ring on the seal is not sturdy.
Advantages of being able to filter water for drinking while camping
Of course there are various advantages of being able to filter your own water when you are outdoors or are camping. Here is a look at why it can be good for you:

- It is fine to carry your own filtered water with you, but it is possible that the water gets consumed on the way.
- In the event that you suddenly have the need to get more water to drink, you can easily filter it without the risk of drinking contaminated water.
- In some cases, water that has been filtered for a long time may not retain its clean properties. In such a situation, it is always better to be able to filter the water and get access to clean water immediately.
What are other uses of water on camping trips, apart from drinking?
In addition to drinking the water, clean water can help you in many other ways when you are out camping. One of the first uses of clean drinking water is to use it for cooking purposes. Also, you may need to use clean drinking water for your daily cleaning needs, such as for your oral hygiene as well as for cleaning utensils in which you may need to cook or eat. This is also especially important for those who travel with small babies or children.
5 Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Backpacking Water System
- Choose a filter that is lightweight and easy to carry. This will make it easier to transport and use when you are out camping.
- Make sure the filter is certified by NSF International, which ensures that it meets certain standards for safety and performance.
- Look for a filter with an activated carbon core, as this will help remove unpleasant tastes and odors from your water.
- Check the flow rate of the filter, as this will determine how quickly you can get clean water.
- Consider getting a filter with replaceable cartridges, so you can easily switch them out when they become clogged or worn out.
ALSO: Consider investing in a portable UV light water purifier for added protection against bacteria and viruses!
Beneficial Information For Readers
For any outdoor enthusiast, these products are necessary. They aid in lowering the danger of contracting infections and illnesses that are transmitted by water, in addition to providing clean, safe drinking water. No matter where your adventures take you, you may always have access to fresh, clean drinking water with a camping water filter. It's crucial to take your needs into account when selecting a water filter for camping. Today's market offers a variety of filters, including chemical treatments, pump-style filters, and gravity-fed filters. Choose the type that best meets your demands because each has advantages and cons of its own. Because gravity is the only mechanism used to move the contaminated water through the filter media, gravity-fed filters are ideal for people who don't want to carry about extra weight or bulk in their packs. Compared to gravity-fed devices, pump-style filters require more work but offer superior filtering. Chemical treatments are portable and simple to apply, but they might not be as good at eliminating impurities from your drinking water.
Usage Ideas: How Should I Be Using Them?
There are three basic applications for these filters. They can first be used to clean water that comes from natural sources like rivers, lakes, and streams. This is accomplished by eliminating potentially dangerous bacteria and other pollutants. Second, they can be used to reduce the quantity of chlorine in your drinking water as well as remove sediment, particles, heavy metals like lead and mercury, and heavy sediment. Even if your water doesn't contain any dangerous germs, filtering it to get rid of them also makes drinking it safer. By removing offensive smells and aromas, these filters can also be utilized to enhance the taste of the water you drink. When you're camping or backpacking, improving the taste of your water can definitely help you keep more hydrated. Wherever your activities take you, using a filter for camping is a terrific way to ensure that you'll always have delicious, clean drinking water.
Drawbacks: What To Watch Out For
There are a few disadvantages to take into account despite the many advantages of these useful products. First of all, they can be fairly expensive and demand constant upkeep. The type of filter you buy could need to be changed every few months or even more frequently if used in highly polluted water sources, depending on the filter. Furthermore, some filters can take a while to filter a lot of water, which can be annoying if you need to get back on the trail right away. It's critical to conduct study before purchasing a camping water filter in order to address these drawbacks. Choose a filter that has adequate filtration capabilities while being affordable and simple to maintain. To filter smaller volumes of water more quickly and with less effort, think about buying numerous smaller filters rather than a single larger one. In case something breaks or needs to be replaced during your vacation, make sure you have an extra set of replacement parts.
What Qualifications Should Be Considered When Measuring Them?
Effectiveness, mobility, durability, and price are the main quantitative metrics for these items. Effectiveness is determined by how well the filter removes impurities from water; portability is established by the filter's size and weight; durability is determined by how long the filter can last under normal use; and cost is assessed based on the filter's price in comparison to that of comparable products. When deciding which filter is most appropriate for a specific circumstance, all of these elements should be taken into consideration.
General User Experience: What To Know
These practical items are necessary gear for every outdoor enthusiast. They offer a dependable and safe approach to remove potentially dangerous bacteria, parasites, and other impurities from water sources. No matter where your activities take you, you may always have access to clean drinking water with the appropriate filter. It's crucial to take its capacity, mobility, and filtration mechanism into account when selecting a camping water filter. While some filters employ ceramic or activated carbon to filter out contaminants from the water, others use reverse osmosis or ultraviolet radiation for a more comprehensive purification. It's crucial to take into account the filter's capacity for processing a large volume of water at once as well as how simple it is to move and set up the filter in various areas. There is undoubtedly a camping water filter that precisely suits your needs among the various options on the market today!
The general procedures for employing these filters are as follows: Make sure your filter is the appropriate one for your needs first. For various water sources and impurities, different filters are created. Before using the filter, carefully read the instructions. Third, add water from your source and attach the filter to your bottle or other container. The water should then be forced through the filter and into your container by pumping or squeezing it. Fifth, make sure there are no leaks during filtering and that all connections are tight. Enjoy safe drinking water at last! You may use a camping water filter to ensure that the water you consume while in the wilderness is safe by following these easy instructions.
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