Water Filters

Hiking water filters are portable devices used to purify water from natural sources like rivers, lakes, or streams, making it safe to drink during hiking, backpacking, or camping trips.

There are several types of hiking water filters, each with pros and cons depending on weight, speed, convenience, and level of filtration.

Types of Hiking Water Filters:

1. Pump Filters

  • How it works: You manually pump water through a filter.

  • Pros: Fast, filters out bacteria, protozoa, and sediment; some also remove viruses.

  • Cons: Bulkier, requires effort.

  • Example: MSR MiniWorks EX, Katadyn Hiker Pro

2. Squeeze Filters

  • How it works: Fill a soft bottle or bag, squeeze water through a filter.

  • Pros: Lightweight, simple, no pumping.

  • Cons: Bags can wear out, slow if water is murky.

  • Example: Sawyer Squeeze, Platypus QuickDraw

3. Straw Filters

  • How it works: Sip directly from a water source through the filter.

  • Pros: Ultra-light, very compact.

  • Cons: No way to store clean water; not good for cooking or groups.

  • Example: LifeStraw, Sawyer Mini

4. Gravity Filters

  • How it works: Hang a dirty water bag above a clean one; gravity pulls water through a filter.

  • Pros: Good for groups, effortless once set up.

  • Cons: Bulkier, slower to set up.

  • Example: Katadyn BeFree Gravity, Platypus GravityWorks

5. UV Purifiers

  • How it works: Uses ultraviolet light to sterilize water.

  • Pros: Kills viruses too (which most filters don’t); compact.

  • Cons: Requires batteries; doesn’t remove sediment or bad taste.

  • Example: SteriPEN Ultra, CrazyCap UV

6. Chemical Purifiers

  • How it works: Tablets or drops that kill pathogens.

  • Pros: Ultralight, cheap, no gear.

  • Cons: Takes time (30–60 min); leaves taste; doesn’t remove debris.

  • Example: Aquamira Drops, Katadyn Micropur tablets

What to Look For in a Hiking Water Filter:

  • Weight – crucial for ultralight backpacking

  • Flow rate – how fast it filters water

  • Pathogen protection – bacteria, protozoa, and sometimes viruses

  • Durability – how long the filter lasts (measured in liters)

  • Ease of cleaning/maintenance – some can be backflushed to extend life

Best for:

  • Solo hikers: Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree

  • Groups: Platypus GravityWorks

  • Ultralight: Sawyer Mini or tablets

  • International travel / virus protection: SteriPEN + prefilter or chemical drops

Would you like a comparison chart or help picking one for your specific trip or location?