3 best rated water filters for backpacking

Rated water filters for backpacking are essential for ensuring safe drinking water in the outdoors. These filters are designed to remove contaminants and pathogens from natural water sources such as rivers, streams, and lakes, making the water safe to drink.Here are some key points about rated water filters for backpacking:

  1. Filtration Methods:

    • Backpacking water filters typically use various filtration methods, including mechanical filtration, chemical treatment, and UV purification. Mechanical filters physically block contaminants from passing through, while chemical treatments kill or neutralize harmful microorganisms.

  2. Filtration Pore Size:

    • The pore size of a backpacking water filter is crucial in determining what it can remove from the water. Most filters can remove bacteria and protozoa, but not viruses, as viruses are smaller. Some filters with smaller pores or additional treatment methods can also remove viruses.

  3. Pump Filters:

    • Pump filters require manual effort to pump water through the filter. They are effective at removing contaminants and are popular among backpackers for their reliability.

  4. Gravity Filters:

    • Gravity filters use gravity to force water through the filter. They are convenient because they require minimal effort and can filter larger volumes of water at once. However, they may be slower than pump filters.

  5. Squeeze Filters:

    • Squeeze filters are compact and lightweight. They work by squeezing water through the filter, and they are favored by ultralight backpackers for their portability.

  6. Chemical Treatment:

    • Some backpackers use chemical treatments like chlorine dioxide or iodine tablets to purify water. These treatments can be effective against a wide range of pathogens but may not remove sediment or improve the taste of the water.

  7. Ultraviolet (UV) Purifiers:

    • UV purifiers use ultraviolet light to destroy microorganisms in the water. They are lightweight and easy to use but require batteries or a power source.

  8. Flow Rate:

    • The flow rate of a water filter is important, as it determines how quickly you can obtain clean water. Faster flow rates are usually preferred, especially when filtering larger quantities of water.

  9. Maintenance:

    • Regular maintenance, such as backflushing or cleaning the filter, is essential to keep it functioning effectively. Neglecting maintenance can lead to clogs and reduced performance.

  10. Longevity:

    • The lifespan of a water filter depends on its design and the quality of materials used. Some filters have replaceable cartridges, which can extend their lifespan.

When choosing a rated water filter for backpacking, consider factors like the water sources you'll encounter, the filter's weight and size, and your personal preferences for ease of use. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and replace filter cartridges as recommended to ensure water safety during your outdoor adventures.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best rated water filters for backpacking on the market
  

Filtered Water Bottle, BPA Free with 4-Stage Integrated Filter Straw, Camping, Hiking, Backpacking and Travel Water Purifier 22 Ounces (250 ML)

Versa Enterprises Inc.

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Survival Water: Safe drinking water in the event of a natural disaster or survival situation. Always prepare!

  • UNLIKE OTHER WATER BOTTLE FILTERS: This water bottle is simple and effective. Easy to use and clean. Simply fill the water bottle up with unfiltered water and. Filters can purify up to 1500 Liters (Over 50,000 Ounces). No need to worry about replacing filters after a handful of uses.
  • 4-LEVEL FILTER & PURIFICATION: Our purifier water bottles have 4 advanced high-performance purify installed, they are: Medical Grade Hollow Fiber Membrane, Coconut Shell Activated Carbon, Beads and Medical Grade PP Cotton.
  • BPA FREE & 100% TRITAN: Our bottles are made from Food Grade Tritan Copolyester, without any negative smell, it is BPA-free and very durable.
  • EASY TO TRAVEL WITH: Portable filtered bottle only weighs 22 Ounce, which won’t bring you much burden when you carry it. More importantly, it is a wonderful assistant for wildness survival to instantly provide healthy, drinkable water to keep energetic outdoor.
  • 🇺🇸TOP CUSTOMER SERVICE! We include TOP RATED CUSTOMER SERVICE as well - if anything goes wrong, just email us via your Amazon account and we never quibble. We stand by our products and service.

SUPOLOGY Water Filter Straw, Personal Life Survival Straw Water Purifier with 16oz Water Bag Extension Tube for Outdoor Emergency, Adventure, Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Travel, Survival kit

supology

Based on 144 reviews Check latest price
  • SUPOLOGY Water filter straw for outdoor, adventure, camping, hiking, trail running, climbing, travel and home emergency.
  • Micro-filtration membrane of water filter straw removes 99.9999% of harmful substance.This water filter can removes the smallest solid particles found in the environment (down to 0.01 micron) and other harmful substance.
  • This survival water filtration have passed professional certification.It can provide you with safe and clean drinking water.There is one carbon filter block, it will filter big dust and stone, it is very helpful to keep the filter straw clean. The activated carbon block will prevent mud and sand from clogging the filter straw.
  • Water purifier dimensions is 8.47*1.26 inch and weight only 2.67 ounce.Reusable squeeze pouch detail is 10.39*4.66 inch and weight 0.88 ounce.Easy to carry.
  • Filter rated up to 396 gallons; Includes one SUPOLOGY filter, 480 ml reusable squeeze pouch and 8.03-inch drinking straw.

User questions & answers

Question: In the 5 pack, what is the little stone block that looks like an aquarium bubbler? It came in a separate little bag in the package
Answer: It might be a silica bag to prevent moisture buildup.
Question: Mine came with what looks like another filter? Is this normal. Do i have to some how install the filter before use. Doesnt seem like straw comes apart
Answer: Mine did not come with an extra filter. It came with a clear plastic straw and a bag to collect water in. My straw does not come apart either. Are you sure its a filter?

Product features

Must-have accessory for clean water supply

396 gallons of clean water supply for the family and personal. 16 OZ water bag will helpful for

The activated carbon block will prevent mud and sand from clogging the filter straw, It will extend the clean straw working life. and save more plastic water bottles. It is a must-carry accessory for amping hiking and adventure.

A life save tool for disaster and water shortage

Clean water is important for us to grow up.

This item is a useful tool for the Africa water shortage area and disaster.

Propur Traveler Countertop Gravity Water Filter System - Removes Fluoride, Lead, Chlorine, Microplastics, and More - Includes 1 ProOne 5-inch Filter Element - Use in Your Home or Office.

Propur

Based on 162 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Propur Traveler system is small in size for portability and is great for use in tight spaces. The system requires no electricity to provide reliable water filtration just about anywhere whether at home, office, vacation, camping or college dorm! Each container is made from one piece of high quality polished stainless steel for lasting durability and attractive appearance. The system was created using a compact and portable design to produce ideal water filtration for indoor/outdoor daily use and for emergency preparedness. Just grab it and go! Works with just about any water source including tap, lake, river, stream, pond and rain water. The traveler comes equipped with the new ProOne G2.0 5” filter.

  • BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES- This gravity fed filtration system requires no electricity, providing clean, drinkable water for you and your family in just about any emergency situation. You don’t have to be a survivalist or a prepper to understand the value of a clean glass of water during a natural disaster.
  • CLEAN, ProPURIFIED WATER - The ProOne G2.0 filters help remove harmful contaminants and chemicals from your drinking water. They reduce or remove heavy metals, fluoride, pesticides, herbicides, chloramines, bacteria, pharmaceuticals and much more. Beneficial minerals like calcium are left behind for great tasting, healthier H2O.
  • LONG-LASTING FILTERS - Propur’s ProOne G2.0 filters will lasts up to 6 months with regular daily use. Our filters are infused with silver to help prevent bacterial growth, leaving you with convenient, worry-free drinking water. ProOne G2.0 series “all-in-one” filters are NSF/ANSI -42 component certified and independent lab tested.
  • 1.6 GALLON CAPACITY - The Traveler is a great water purification system for 1 person and its space-saving design makes it the perfect size for a small kitchen, apartment, college dorm room, or anywhere space is at a premium. It’s compact, portable design makes it ideal for vacation and travel. The Traveler is 18.5” tall and 7.5” in diameter.
  • HIGH QUALITY 304 STAINLESS STEEL - The Propur Traveler is made from an easy to clean polished stainless steel. It is resistant to corrosion and rust, and it will look great on your counter. Its lasting durability makes it ideal for daily use. Use indoors or outdoors. This system includes 1 ProOne G2.0 - 5” filter element, 1 stainless steel spigot, and 1 non-slip pad.

User questions & answers

Question: How often do I need to buy a replacement filter
Answer: I haven't changed my filters yet but I heard it's suggested between 300-400 gal and each fill is 2.75 gal for the one bought. I initially purchased 2 sets, the black ones and the fluoride ones attached on the bottom. By mistake they sent me 2 sets of the fluoride filters so I only needed to buy the black ones (that don't filter the fluoride) for the next filter change. There are now new filters that filter fluoride and all the other stuff in just the 2 black filters on the top canister. After I use these next filters I'll opt for just the 2 filters that do both. I could not find the simple black filters without fluoride filtration anywhere except on Alex Jones website. I couldn't find them on amazon either. It appears that Alex Jones has a monopoly on these things but maybe they were all out when I looked for replacements. There is a small price savings by buying the newer (2 filters only- which do what 4 filters did that I bought the first time)
Question: I have ran water thru it 5 or 6 times and i still have a bad taste to the water. I scrubed the filter before ininstalled it. Does anyone else have th
Answer: Yes, try to flash it at least 10 times. If the problem persists, chances are it is with the filter or some chemical in your water and filter interaction. Try to replace the filter.
Question: Can you put softened water in the Propur or will it clog the filter? Thank you for your time and help
Answer: We use our regular tap water and it works just fine
Question: I bought a PT a week ago. It worked great. The water tastes wonderful. Yesterday, the flow rate slowed down to a still. 2 days to filter 1 GL
Answer: With mine it normally takes between 24 and 36 hours to filter a gallon. There could be several factors at play that is causing the slow filter rate. First thing to note is if you are letting the filter dry in between uses, then flow rate will be reduced for the next one or two times you use it as the filter has to become saturated again. For best results here I have found that keeping the filter in constant use provides me the best performance. The second thing to note is this is a gravity filter so the more water you have in the top tank the higher the flow rate. As the water level drops the flow rate will decline accordingly. The third thing it could be is the filter either was not properly washed before being put into service or is in need of cleaning. To do this remove the filter from the top housing and using the supplied sponge lightly scrub the white portion of the ceramic filter under running water. This removes the very top layer of contaminate that collects on the filter. Depending on water quality the cleaning cycle can vary. On average I need to clean mine once a month but have had to do it more frequently when the city is doing work on the water main in my area. If all of the above are tried and do not fix your issue then I recommend contacting ProPur as they will have more options for you.

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