But no other bottle filter beats the Grayl purifier for traveling abroad, and its a great replacement for buying water in disposable plastic bottles. But in alpine areas with relatively clear mountain water like the Rockies, High Sierra, or Pacific Northwest, chemical treatments are a great ultralight option. Furthermore, water retrieval can be a pain if you dont have a reasonably deep or moving water source (similar to any system that relies on a bag to collect water). In general, its a simple, lightweight set up that can purify 1-20 liters at a time, boasts a lifespan of 60,000 liters, and charges (slowly) using the attached solar panel. Pump Filters/Purifiers Most importantly, they kill bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, thereby purifying water for drinking. And while most newer bladders support the connection system on the MSR (any bladder with Quick-Connect fittings will work), others require you to modify by cutting the reservoir tube and utilizing the two included fittings. Unlike most chemical purifiers that use chlorine dioxide or iodine, the Pure combines salt water and an electric charge to remove contaminants from water. Well usually opt for a filter in these scenarios, but if youre using a purifier its a good idea to pre-filter your water (more on this below). Our top picks for 2022below include everything from ultralight bottle filters and chemical drops to pumps and large-quantity gravity filters. Furthermore, many of these filters and purifiers are made with a great deal of plastic and its fairly likely that youll break another component of the device before the filter expires. What we dont: More expensive than Aquamira and youre drinking unfiltered water straight from the source. Others require a separate piece of equipment, including the syringe that comeswith the Sawyer Squeeze. As with all backpacking gear, youll want to go as light as possible without sacrificing too much in the way of functionality. All in all, be mindful of the compatibility for a water filter or purifier to make sure it works with your drinking vessels. Unlike the MSR Guardian, however, the Hiker is a filter but not a purifier, so you dont get virus protection. Aside from cost, its noticeably heavier and bulkier than most filtersat just over a pound and packing down roughly to the size of a 1-liter water bottle. The Sawyer Squeeze has seen no shortage of competition in recent years, particularly from newcomers like the Platypus QuickDraw and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze below. What this means is that you can only fill up your receptacles (hydration bladder, Nalgene, cooking pot, mug, etc.) All told, if youre in the market for a high-capacity gravity filter with quality components, the MSR AutoFlow is well worth a second look.See the MSR AutoFlow XL Gravity Filter. Its important to note that carbon becomes ineffective before the filter (after approximately six months or 200 liters), so if this is a feature you want to maintain, choose a filter that allows you to purchase the carbon element separately from the complete cartridge. Everyone exploring the backcountry needs water, but staying hydrated is not as simple as drinking straight from streams and lakes. The Pure Electrolytic comes with the same downsides of nearly all chemical treatment options. 1.3 oz.Filter life: 10,000 litersWhat we like: The most advanced portable water purifier on the market.What we dont: At $390, the Guardian is the priciest option on this list. But for short adventures or those who like to filter their tap water, the LifeStraw Go is one of the most convenient and user-friendly options here.See the Lifestraw Go 22 oz. Chemical/UV Purifiers With a product like the LifeStraw Go,this is as easy as blowing out after each use. Because chemical and ultraviolet purifiers do not filter water, they dont have a flow rate.
All told, flow rate will be an important consideration for groups and time-conscious endeavors, but less of an issue for more casual hikers and backpackers.
wearer ), and the QuickDraw is easy to clean without the need for any extra tools (we recommend watching Platypus instructional video here). But while they have long been a popular option for backcountry filtration, pump filters recently have been outpaced by other styles. To protect against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses, there is a wide range of water filtration and purification systems built specifically for backpacking (many options on this list are great for day hiking, trail running, and travel too). Almost all water treatment systems have some way of connecting to either a water bottle or hydration reservoir, if not both. Staying hydrated is an absolute necessity on any outdoor excursion, but if youre headed out for more than a few hours, it might be unrealistic to carry all the water you need. Finally, unlike the versatile Sawyer Squeeze, you only get a tube port on one end, meaning the Peak Squeeze cannot be used as an inline filter with a hydration reservoir. Whats more, it includes a carbon filter for better-tasting water when drawing from dirty sources. Keep in mind that bottle filters are often slower at filtering than a high-performing pump design and require quite a bit more effort than a gravity model. Like the Katadyn BeFree and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze above, it makes water treatment as simple as taking a sip, but the hard-sided bottle boosts durability and convenience for casual day hikes and frontcountry applicationsno squeezing or cold hands required. Type: Gravity filterWeight: 12 oz.Filter life: 1,500 litersWhat we like: 10 liters of capacity in a relatively lightweight build.What we dont: No clean bag; gravity filters have limited applications. clear water), and you'll need to stay on top of filter maintenance to keep things moving properly(more on this below). Alternatively, the MSR Guardian pump purifier uses 0.02-mircon hollow fibers to filter viruses. See the SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier. According to the CDC guide on water treatment, a pore size of 1 micron (or less) is needed to filter out protozoa, while youll need a pore size as small as 0.3 micron to filter out bacteria. Whats more, with a filter life of just 1,000 liters, its certainly no match in terms of longevity. The most important distinction comes in the level of protection each method provides. In parsing out the differences, the LifeStraw is bulkier and heavier than the Katadyn, and it also requires a syringe (included) for proper cleaning. The QuickDraw System is competitively light at 3.3 ounces and has a grippy, soft-touch exterior with durable caps on both ends, giving it an extra dose of toughness and reducing the chance of contamination. But while the Katadyn is $30 cheaper and lighter at 11 ounces, the MSR has a significantly longer filter life at 2,000 liters (the Hikers is just 750L), with a carbon/ceramic design thats easy to clean in the field. And as with every form of water treatment that uses power, we recommend bringing a backup option into the field in case the Pure malfunctions. Keep in mind that the flow rates listed by the manufacturers are going to be realized in optimal circumstances (i.e. You get a bottle of filtered water, and thats about it. The primary downside to MSRs AutoFlow system is the lack of a clean bag. For those wanting a dedicated water bottle filter, the LifeStraw Go has a lot of appeal. The words filter and purifier often are used interchangeably, but knowing the differences between the two is a key step in choosing the best water treatment for your needs. User reviews generally are positive and we are looking forward to getting another MiniWorks out for more testing, but regardless, well take the lower weight and cost of the Katadyn.See the MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter. This isnt a huge issue when youre drinking straight from cold mountain streams, but it definitely can be as the quality of your water source deteriorates. However, if youre traveling in less-developed regions of the world or just want to be extra cautious (especially in high-traffic areas), a purifier is a great option to have. First, it has a relatively short lifespan compared to a filter like the Squeeze (1,000 liters vs. the Sawyer's lifetime warranty), and its known to clog much more quickly in dirty water. With its included HydraPak bottle, the BeFree allows you to drink as you would from any standard water bottle, with the water passing directly through the filter on its way to your mouth. Further, many bottle filters (like the Sawyer Squeeze or LifeStraw Peak Squeeze) also can perform as inline or gravity filters, or be used as straws to suction water directly from the source. And while its 100,000-gallon filter life pales in comparison to the standard Squeezes lifetime guarantee, its still incredibly impressive compared to most options here. Although theyre most commonly used in gravity setups, inline filters also can be paired with a hydration reservoir (purchased separately) to provide on-the-go filtration for solo travelers. Theyre among the heaviest systems, take more time and effort than most methods, and cleaning the cartridges isnt as easy as a simple backflush (as with most inline, bottle, and straw filters). See the Aquamira Water Treatment. Type:Bottle/inline filterWeight: 3 oz.Filter life: LifetimeWhat we like: Super lightweight, fast flow rate, long-lasting.What we dont: Youll have to buy extra gear to optimize your setup. And if you want to keep weight down, its also worth checking out the Hydroblu Versa Flow filter, which is still lightweight at 2.6 ounces but has a faster flow rate than the Mini.See the Sawyer Mini Filter. Used in the popular Brita kitchen filters, carbon removes chlorine, organic compounds, and other bad odor and taste-inducing materials. Finally, when using the SteriPen, its hard to feel totally confident that it workedrational or not. Instructional videos are available online for almost every product on our list, and you should expect basic maintenance to be part of owning and using a water filter.
hydration camouflage We love the concept of the SteriPen but have mixed feelings after extended use. The Platypus Gravity Works is a user-friendly gravity filter with 4 liters of volume, but basecampers and larger groups might want to take a look at the MSR AutoFlow XL here. We found the pump to be slow from the outset (it has a listed flow rate of 1L/min., but we didnt experience that). The MSR Thru-Link, for example, attaches directly to your water reservoir hose, and pump filters like the Katadyn Hiker and the MSR MiniWorks have adapters that fit the mouth of a standard Nalgene bottle. Neutralizer tablets are available and do a decent job of masking the chemical flavor, and many people add a drink mix to make a tastier concoction. Compared to the Katadyn Hiker above, the designs have identical filter pore size (.2 microns) and protect against the same contaminants, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium. By contrast, most purifiers use chemicals or ultraviolet light to treat water straight from the source (i.e. Type: Gravity filterWeight: 11.5 oz.Filter life: 1,500 litersWhat we like: Filters and stores a high quantity of water effortlessly and quickly; great for groups.What we dont: Bulky;you need a decent water source to fill the bag. Pumping water has its downsides, but weve found that the Katadyn Hiker is one of the most reliable filter options across a wide range of backpacking scenarios. Type: Pump filterWeight: 11 oz.Filter life: 750 litersWhat we like: A versatile and reliable filterthat can make clean water from puddles.What we dont: Relatively short filter life and pricey to replace. But looking for advice on which reusable water bottle to choose? Bottle filtersalso known as squeeze filtersattach to the spout of a soft-sided bottle or pouch and filter water as you drink. The LifeStraw weighs only 2 ounces and costs $20, and Aquamira drops are just $15 for enough solution to treat 30 gallons of water (and a mere 3 extra ounces in your backpack). In addition, each tablet is individually wrapped and therefore can be modified for the specifics of your trip (with Aquamira you have to carry both bottles no matter the length of your trip). But despite our gripes, no other filter comes close to matching the Squeezes versatility and longevity, which are undeniable draws for those who want to get a lot out of their gear. (total for both bottles)Treatment ratio: 30 gallons per 1 oz. And in comparing chemical treatments, its worth noting that despite being more difficult to use, Aquamira drops are considerably cheaper. At 12 ounces, its just a half-ounce heavier than the Gravity Works, and the inline filter passes water at an identical rate (1.75 L/min). And the Ultra here is our favorite model, with a durable 2.9-ounce build, helpful LED display, and convenient USB-rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. Below we cover all the gear you need for your backpacking adventures, including detailed round-ups, reviews, and MSR has been a longstanding leader in the world of backpacking filters, so its no surprise their Guardian has become our go-to pump for trips abroad. Bottle Filters Pore size refers to the size of the tiny openings in the filter, and is measured in terms of microns. Finally, some premium treatment options both filter and purify water, such as the MSR Guardianand Guardian Gravity. Sawyer also includes adapters so you can use the Squeeze as an inline filter on your hydration bladder or in a gravity setup (great for groups and basecamping) with additional bottles or reservoirs. The flow rate indicates the speed at which a filter treats water, and is most often measured in terms of liters per minute. The design excels on long trail runs when water is readily available: the compact filter sits inside the bottle (unlike the protruding Sawyer Squeeze), its wide mouth makes refilling easy, and the whole setup is a feather light 2.3 ounces. The smaller the pore, the more particles the filter can block. The big downside of Potable Aqua is taste. Finally, as with the QuickDraw, it features a competitively fast flow rate, filtering a whopping 3 liters of water per minute. Viruses are rarely found in natural sources, which is why most backcountry-goers find filters to be fully sufficient. Finally, its worth checking out the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze below, which features a faster flow rate, gravity adapter, and compatibility with standard bottle openings.See the Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle 1L. And MSR also makes the Guardian Gravity Purifier, which features the same advanced technology of the Guardian but in a gravity setupRead in-depth reviewSee the MSR Guardian Purifier System. All that said, the Katadyn BeFree isnt without its drawbacks.
3m respirator cbrn fr piece face m40 pouch carrier filter uswe hydration revzilla pack All in all, its an ideal and long-lasting set-up for environments when weight and bulk arent top considerations. In addition, chemical purifiers can add an undesirable taste to your water, and UV purifiers require batteries and electronics, which arent great to rely on in the backcountry. We ran the numbers and youre paying roughly $0.53 per liter of clean water with Katadyn whereas Aquamira is more like $0.13 per liter. Most importantly, its both a water filter and purifier, which means you get the highest level of protection against protozoa, bacteria, and viruses, along with a filter that removes debris. Finally, the Platypus is also available as a standalone filterfor $35 (2.2 oz. Leading pump filters are listed at about 1 liter per minute, although that seems fairly optimistic to us (the exception is the pricey MSR Guardian, which is speedy at 2.5 L/min.). On the other hand, the Katadyn BeFree is only compatible with specific Katadyn soft flasks. In general, chemical purifiers are the most minimalist option (and great for groups), with squeeze filters like the 2-ounce Sawyer Squeeze Mini not too far behind (although theyre slightly larger in size). Instead of the various gravity filters, pumps, and chemical drops on this list, SteriPens technology uses UV rays to destroy bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Instead of pumping, this system requires minimal effort, can filter up to four liters of water at once, and boasts a speedy flow rate of 1.75 liters per minute. Though eye-catching and certainly useful for a wide range of scenarios (think traveling in lesser-developed countries or hydrating in camp), the Grayl has limitations. In general, gravity filters have the fastest flow rates: the Platypus GravityWorks filters 1.75 liters per minute, which means it only takes a few minutes to fill a 4-liter bladder with clean water. Most backpacking filters on this list have a pore size of 0.1 or 0.2 micron, which is why they sift out protozoa and bacteria, but not viruses. Viruses, on the other hand, can be as small as 0.02 micron.
cleaning brushes bristle tube hookah nylon Type: Bottle/gravity filterWeight: 3.9 oz.Filter life: 2,000 litersWhat we like: More durable soft flask and higher flow rate than the Sawyer Squeeze.What we dont: Heavier and shorter filter life. To purify your water, mix 7 drops each of Part A and Part B in the included cap, let it sit for five minutes, and add the mixture to 1 liter of water. Plus, its available in a variety of colors, notably offers purification on top of filtration, features a nice drinking spout and cap, and has a nifty French-press-style plunger to get the job done. It slows you down on the trail, takes some concentration in terms of measuring out the drops, and can bleach your clothing if youre not careful. Rather than manually filtering into a bottle or a separate reservoir, the Thru-Link attaches directly to the hose of your bladder and filters as you drink. ), which is a competitive price for those who use Smartwater bottles or already own a compatible reservoir.See the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System. The Sawyer Squeeze (which also includes inline adapters) will do the same job for less and has a longer lifespan, but keep in mind that the connection points arent quite as secure. Used in this way, an inline filter will only add about 3 ounces to your kit (assuming youre already bringing a reservoir) and is one of the easiest and most efficient ways for individuals to stay hydrated. While streams, lakes, and ponds along the trail can be great drinking Review: Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter, How to Choose a Water Filter for Backpacking, backpacking water filtercomparison table, Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle 1L ($50), See the Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle 1L, Katadyn Micropur MP1 ($16 for 30 tablets), See the MSR Thru-Link Inline Water Filter, Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System ($45), See the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System, Potable Aqua Pure ElectrolyticPurifier ($100), See the Potable Aqua Pure ElectrolyticPurifier, Back to Our Water Filter Comparison Table. LifeStraw also offers a smaller filter-equipped bottle (650mL) for $33 and Peak Gravity System with a 3-liter reservoir for $60.See the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze 1L. You simply place the SteriPen in your water bottle or reservoir and swirl until the device indicates youre finishedit takes about 90 seconds to purify 1 liter. The Sawyer Squeeze epitomizes ultralight water treatment and has been a mainstay on the thru-hiking scene for years. Also, take note that the straw is bulky, so it reduces the amount of overall water storage. But we still prefer the Katadyn, which despite the shorter filter life, has faster and smoother pumping action.See the Katadyn HikerMicrofilter.
In the end, if your standard on-trail setup uses a hydration reservoirand you dont mind converting that water reservoir into a dirty bagits really hard to beat the convenience of the Thru-Link.See the MSR Thru-Link Inline Water Filter. Straw filters have their place for simple applications and day trips, but are not a very versatile setup as they offer no way to produce or store clean water for cooking or drinking later. Finally, keep in mind that when calculating the weight of your setup, that youll also want to factor in your water storage (bottle, reservoir, etc.). The QuickDraw is similar to designs like the Sawyer Squeeze above, threading onto a bottle or soft flask with a standard-size opening (28mm) to filter clean water into your mouth or separate vessel. The purchase price of the Katadyn is $30 less than the MSR, but it has a shorter filter life of 750 liters vs. 2,000 liters, which is a big difference. For more background information, see our backpacking water filtercomparison table and buying advice below the picks. This generally is fine for clear mountain runoff but is not optimal for those acquiring water from smaller or more stagnant sources. Type: Inline filterWeight: 2.5 oz.Filter life: 1,000 litersWhat we like: For those who hike with a water reservoir, the convenience is unmatched.
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