The Best Water Filter For Outdoors

Buying Guide

Whether you are hiking in the remote backcountry or traveling abroad, having access to clean drinking water is essential. Packing a portable water filtration system is one of the best ways to protect yourself from contaminants like bacteria, viruses and heavy metals to ensure you always have refreshing, safe water on hand.

There are many different types of filtration systems, from electric, pump and gravity-powered varieties, to straw-style and bottle filters. No matter which one you choose, every device should have an internal component, like a cartridge, that strains out debris, protozoa and bacteria using microscopic pores. Over time and after a certain number of uses, the component must be cleaned or replaced to keep working as intended.

Many systems also include activated carbon and pre-filter elements. The carbon removes colors, odors and nasty flavors like chlorine, and reduces contaminants like pesticides and man-made chemicals. Meanwhile, the pre-filter removes large particles — think: silt, leaf debris and sediment — before the water reaches the second component, which strains out the microscopic contaminates. A pre-filter can help improve the device’s water flow rate and extend the life of all of its elements.

Some of the most common portable water filtration systems include the pump, which draws water via an intake hose from a stream, pond or other source into a bottle or bag; the squeeze bag or bottle, a reservoir that you squeeze to send the water through a filtration element; and the straw, a literal straw with a built-in element that allows you to safely slurp water directly from the source.

Electric-powered models are the most advanced and can filter over 15 ounces of water per minute.  They draw water from sources using a hole, but no manual pumping is required. While this option is also the priciest, it is a great investment for those who have access to a power source, batteries or a mobile charger.

• There is a difference between a water filter and purifier; the former removes physical sediment, bacteria, protozoa and cysts but may not remove smaller viruses, like norovirus and hepatitis A. However, while a purifier may remove all types of contaminants, it doesn’t remove sentiment.
• Outdoor water filtration systems vary greatly in price.
• Carefully read the directions that come with your water filtration system; every product works differently and there are precise steps to avoid cross-contamination (mixing untreated water with clean water).
• For the best results, find water that is as clear as possible before filtering. Even if your device has a pre-filter, sentiment in murky water can slow down the filtration process or make it less effective.