5 of the Best Portable Water Filters for Backpacking in 2023

There are 100+ different portable water filters available for you to purchase online today.

Many of them will make most natural water sources drinkable, but some of them are poorly designed and inefficient.

But there are a select few that are thoughtfully designed, made of high-quality materials, and trustworthy with your health.

Fortunately for you, we’ve hand-selected the five best ones available.

And we’ve come to our conclusion by researching and testing the different brands according to filtration capacity, durability, effectiveness against pathogens, and company reputation.

That’s right, we’re water fanatics and have been for over eight years. And this review of the best portable water filters is a testament to our expertise and passion.

Our top pick for best portable water filter goes to the Survivor Filter PRO for its filtering capability and lifetime warranty. While most portable water filters on the market operate on the 0.2 micron level, the Survivor Filter PRO has a 0.01 micron size – 20 times more effective at removing microorganisms. Independently tested at multiple USA labs, this filter removes viruses, bacteria, parasites, and heavy metals. It has a triple filtration system which includes a dual hollow fiber membrane and carbon filtration.

While filters with a small micron size of 0.01 tend to have a slower flow rate, the Survivor PRO filters quickly at 500 mL per minute. It is sturdy and well built – manufactured from ABS material and food-grade activated carbon, with a steel rod inside for extra support. It is BPA-free of course, and comes with a 100% money-back lifetime guarantee.

The Survivor Filter PRO is well-reviewed by hikers, preppers, and environmentalists alike. Its ability to filter out viruses sets it apart from other portable water filters in its class. With its durable design and lifetime warranty, the Survivor Filter PRO remains our top choice for best portable water filter.

The pre-filter is placed in the water source

The Sawyer Mini is a very versatile personal filtration system in a compact design. Weighing at 2 oz., this portable water filter fits in the palm of your hand and can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water with a single cartridge. It is perfect for backpacking, hiking, international travel, and emergency preparedness due to its compact size and efficient filtration capabilities. With a micron size of 0.1, it can effectively remove bacteria and parasites including Giardia and Cryptosporidium from any fresh water source. It passed the highest level of testing standard with absolutely no pathogen breakthrough.

The Sawyer Mini can be attached to the squeeze pouch and drank directly through the straw or dispensed into a water bottle. It can also be used to drink directly form the water source or screwed onto a standard plastic water bottle – perfect for suspect water overseas.

It remains one of the most popular portable water filters due to its versatility, compact size, and large filtering capacity. With its lifetime warranty, the Sawyer Mini is a great choice for a portable water filter.

The Lifestraw is a slender, lightweight straw filter which has gained much popularity among hikers, backpackers, and international humanitarian causes. Its simple and compact, yet efficient design allows it to be transported easily and used among a variety of fresh water environments.

It has a micron size of 0.2 making it capable of filtering out bacteria and parasites. All testing has been done and verified in US laboratories. It has a filter capacity of 1000 Gallons which equates to roughly 4 years of regular use. The proceeds of each purchase will support one child with access to clean water for a whole school year.

The Lifestraw remains an icon symbol for portable water filtration world wide and for good reason. With a slightly smaller capacity than the other filters on this list, it is certainly durable, portable, and efficient in providing clean water immediately.

The Katadyn Pocket Water Filter is, by far, the most well-crafted portable water filter on the market. It has a very durable aluminum casing which protects the internal ceramic filter. It can endure a variety of harsh weather conditions and will remain functional is snow, sand, and mud. Its robust design allows it to pump even the murkiest of waters and produce clean, clear water on the other end.

It has a 0.2 micron size – capable of removing sediment, bacteria, and parasites. Being 20 oz. in weight and 10 inches in length, the Katadyn Pocket Filter is slightly larger than most portable water filters but is still a perfect for backpacking and hiking. The durability and efficiency of the Katadyn Pocket Filter justify the higher price tag, making it the only portable water filter you'll ever need to buy.

In comparison to the other filters on the list, the 13,000 gallon capacity might seem small. However, unlike most portable water filters, the Katadyn Pocket Microfilter uses a reusable filter as opposed to a disposable one which can be cleaned on the field. With a 20-warranty, the Katadyn Pockety Microfilter remains a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

As the name alludes to, the HydroBlue Versa is a very versatile straw filter capable of removing bacteria and parasites with its 0.1 micron filter. It has a capacity of 100,000 gallons and a lifetime, money-back guarantee.

The HydroBlu is categorized as a straw filter but, in fact, can function in a variety of ways. It can be used to drink directly form the source through a straw, it can be set up as a gravity filtration system to accommodate multiple users, and can also be attached to a bucket for larger quantities. Its versatility certainly sets it apart among the other water filters on this list. The HydroBlue is popular among outdoors enthusiasts and emergency preppers.

A water filter is a device that makes water potable and safe for drinking by removing contaminants and impurities found in water via a fine physical barrier. By passing water through a barrier, heavy impurities such as copper, nickel, lead, chromium, chlorine, iron, mercury, and some species of bacteria and protozoa are removed or reduced.

The barrier that most water filters use usually comes in the form of a replaceable cartridge and contains several layers of permeable material. The materials can include a porous cloth for trapping large sediment and activated carbon which impurities bind to. Because activated carbon has such a high surface area, it is extremely effective at trapping contaminants.

What is a Micron?

The efficiency of each water filter is measured in microns. A micron is a unit of measurement that filters use to measure the smallest access point at which contaminants can pass through. "Micron" is actually an abbreviation for "micrometer" and is equivalent to 1/1,000,000 meters, or 0.0004 inches.

A human red blood cell is about 5 microns in diameter. Bacteria average around 0.3 microns in size. Most portable water filters have a 0.1-micron filter size and are capable of blocking most bacteria. However, viruses are often small enough to pass through a 0.1-micron filter. Therefore, additional purification methods may be necessary.

The words "filter" and "purifier" are often used interchangeably. And while there is a definite relationship between the two, it is worth identifying the difference. In a general sense, water purification is the process of removing contaminants from a water source and consists of many methods: distillation, reverse osmosis, and filtration, to name a few.

Contaminants refer to anything that is undesirable for human consumption and can include lead, copper, fluoride, pesticides, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Filtration is a specific type of purification that uses a barrier to block certain contaminants from going through.

Because filtration is limited by the size of the barrier by which contaminants are being blocked, smaller contaminants, such as viruses and certain chemicals, can slip through and must be purified by other means. While the term "purification" still technically refers to the overall process of decontaminating water, water purifiers have become associated with the chemical process of destroying viruses and smaller bacteria - contaminants that filters are usually unable to remove.

• Water Filters - Water filters purify water by allowing water to pass through a barrier that blocks contaminants. This barrier – usually made of activated carbon and other natural minerals – can capture sediments, bacteria, and protozoan cysts. Most water filters are unable to filter out viruses which are often small enough to pass through the barrier. Specialized filters with a micron size of less than 0.1 can block viruses.

• Water Purifiers - Water purifiers are known as the chemical means of killing live microorganisms in the water, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These chemical means include iodine, chlorine or bleach, chlorine dioxide, or colloidal silver. Because these chemicals destroy live organisms but do not remove heavy metals and other larger particles, filtration is still a necessary process.

• Hybrid Water Filters - Some manufacturers of water purification devices have created devices that both filter the water of large particles and purify it of smaller microorganisms. Most of these have a pre-filter that captures all sediments found in water in order to make the process of purification easier and more efficient. Once these sediments have been removed, the water is then purified using chemicals or UV light to eliminate other microorganisms.

The best approach would be to use both a filter and a chemical means of purifying the water of microorganisms. It is also important to note that because water filters are used to capture contaminants, continuous use will cause contaminants to clog in the filter. It is important, therefore, to clean your filter regularly to maximize efficiency.

There are a number of contaminants that are always found in contaminated water. While some are easy to remove, others are extremely difficult and require a combination of techniques to successfully eradicate them. Some of the major contaminants of water include the following:

• Bacteria - Typically found in human and animal fecal waste, these contaminants are known to be the easiest pathogens to filter out and treat because of their large sizes. Bacteria live in water and can cause diseases in humans if ingested. Examples include E. coli, Campylobacter, Cholera, Shigella, Salmonella, and Coliform, among others. Bacteria can be eliminated by all types of filters, UV purifiers, and chemical treatments.

• Protozoa - These single-celled microorganisms are the most feared of all waterborne contaminants as they cause severe intestinal problems. Symptoms typically start anywhere from 2 – 12 days after ingestion. This group of microorganisms is able to live in cold water for up to a couple of months. Examples include Giardia, Cyclospora, and Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium is especially resistant to a number of water treatment techniques because of its hard-protective outer layer. These groups of organisms can be eliminated by iodine, chlorine dioxide, and only a handful of filters.

• Sediment/debris - These include solid stuff like sand, silt, dirt, plant and animal matter, and debris. This can be eliminated by all kinds of filters. This is because they are large enough to be captured by any filter cartridge

• Chemicals/toxins - These are chemicals usually found in water that are toxic and harmful to humans and animals. These chemicals dissolve into the water and can only be removed using filters that use the activated carbon block filter cartridge. This is because the activated carbon absorbs the chemicals which cannot be captured by normal filters due to their dissolved nature

It is important to know that the effectiveness of each filter against the contaminants mentioned above depends on the micron size of its filter cartridge. As was mentioned earlier in this article, the smaller the micron size of the filter cartridge, the more effective it is at eradicating contaminants. It is, therefore, important to know which cartridge best suits your needs before purchasing your portable water filter to maximize efficiency and avoid health complications as a result of ingesting these contaminants.

Read our article on waterborne diseases for a better understanding of the different types of pathogens.

1. Place twigs above the pan in a criss-cross pattern to support the container. Ensure that the twigs are strong enough as the container will be heavy.
   
   
2. Poke holes in the bottom of the container with a knife as to ensure proper drainage.
   
   
3. Place the container on top of the twigs and fill it about 1.5 inches high with coarse gravel. Place a cloth on top of the gravel layer.
   
   
4. If charcoal is available, grid it up to a coarse powder with rocks and fill the next layer with it to about 2 inches high. Cover it with a cloth.
   
   
5. Fill the top layer with fine sand to about 6 inches high (leave some space for the water to be poured in). Cover the layer with cloth and secure it by placing a few pebbles around the perimeter.
   
   
6. Fill the container with water and allow it to drain.
   
   
7. Repeat the filtration process several times until the water is free of sediment.
   
   
8. Purify the water by boiling it to eliminate pathogens.

There are a lot of factors that you should consider when purchasing a portable water filter. These factors are discussed below.

Weight / Size

The first and most important factor to consider when purchasing a portable water filter is the weight and size of the filter. For a filter to be considered portable, it must be convenient and easy to carry around when performing outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or traveling. It is, therefore, important to take the size of the filter into consideration before choosing a brand or model.

While most portable water filters are compact, small, and relatively easy to fit into your purse or bag, their weights still vary according to the type or model, materials used, and type of filtering technology used. It is, therefore, important to carry out your research first to know which one is best suited for the activity you wish to carry out.

Filtering Bacteria and Parasites

As has been discussed earlier, water filters also differ with regard to their efficiency against bacteria, parasites, viruses, and other microorganisms. While most filters can guarantee the elimination of sediments, bacteria, and protozoan cysts, there are only a handful of filters that eliminate viruses and parasites.

Some filters are hybrids of purifiers and filters, making them the ideal filter as they eliminate sediments, bacteria, and protozoan cysts, as well as other viruses and parasites. Depending on the activity you wish to carry out, it would be important to know how effective the portable water filter you wish to purchase is against viruses and parasites.

Micron Size

Another very important factor to consider is the micron size. A micron which is an abbreviated term for micrometer, amounts to 0.0004 inches (or a millionth of a meter). The micron is also used to rate cartridges for sediment removal in water filters. The micron size of a filter is, therefore, very important as it can give you an insight into the effectiveness of the filter.

Generally, the smaller the micron size, the more efficient the filter. Most water filters are perfectly capable of capturing bacteria but are almost incapable of eliminating viruses. This is because viruses are very tiny, with sizes that range from 0.004 to 1.0 microns (about 100 times smaller than bacteria). Knowing the micron size of a filter will help you determine whether some additional form of purification (chemical or UV light) is needed before ingestion.

Filtration Speed

Each portable water filter is unique when it comes to filtration speed. While some are capable of producing about 20 ounces of water within a minute, some are capable of producing just a few ounces within the same timeframe. If you need to use the filter while camping or traveling with a group of people, then you should consider purchasing a filter that produces clean water quickly.

Capacity / Filter Replacement

The size of the filter is also a very important factor to take into consideration when purchasing a filter. This is especially important if you are looking to camp or travel with a group of people. Generally, the larger the water capacity of the filter, the bigger and heavier the device. In addition, it is important to know how frequently you will be expected to change the filter cartridge of the device.

Filter cartridges have varying lifespans, with some lasting just a few days while others can last a couple of months. Nevertheless, high-quality filters usually carry long-lasting cartridges. Some allow you to filter up to 100,000 gallons of unsafe water, while others allow filtration of only about 270 gallons of water using a single cartridge.

Ease of Use

Most portable water filters are small and compact, but that doesn’t mean they are easy to use. While some models are very easy to set up and use and just require that you draw water through the filter straight into your mouth, others come with a detailed guide on how to use the device. To avoid using the device incorrectly, it is important to carry instructions with you.

Cost

Setting up a budget before starting your search for a portable water filter is the best way to find one that accurately matches your budget. Portable water filters, just like most products, vary in price. While some cost about $100 or less, others are priced at hundreds of dollars. Again, like most products, the most expensive model isn’t always the best, as there are a good number of relatively cheaper, more efficient alternatives available. So, it is possible to get a small and efficient unit at a relatively cheaper price.

Maintenance/Cleaning

This is another very important factor to take into consideration when purchasing your portable water filter. As previously mentioned, filters make water cleaner and safer for drinking by capturing the contaminants found in the contaminated water as it passes through the filter cartridge.

Continuous use of the device without cleaning leads to clogging of dirt and other contaminants, which can negatively impact the efficiency of the product. It is, therefore, important to know how the filter is cleaned, how frequently it should be cleaned, and how frequently cartridges are expected to be replaced before purchasing a particular filter model.

Having a portable water filter on hand will certainly reduce your chances of contracting any waterborne pathogens when drinking from freshwater sources. While most portable water filters will remove sediment, bacteria, and protozoa, viruses are often too small to catch. Even though viruses in North American freshwater sources are rare, combining a portable water filter with water purification tablets is the safest approach.