GearJunkie: The Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2024

We put the best backpacking water filters and purifiers to the test so you can stay safely hydrated on your next trip into the great outdoors.

You don’t need much to have a successful backpacking trip. Yes, you’ll need some gear (like a tent, a sleeping bag, and a pack). But most importantly, you’ll need a way to get clean, safe water while on the trail.

Before we explain in depth how each water filter works, here are a few things that will help you through this guide. There are many different methods of filtering (or treating) water. The most common methods are through a cartridge or tube, with either activated carbon, UV light, or chemicals.

Filters also come in different styles: straw-style, pump filters, gravity filters, and UV or tablet treatments. They all make water safe to drink but differ slightly in size, durability, and price.

We’ve spoken to thru-hikers, hunters, and mountaineers, and read hundreds of customer reviews to find out which water filters on the market are truly the best.

Our team collectively tested a plethora of diverse filters for the creation of this guide. Current author and Senior Editor, Chris Carter, has been squeezing water through countless tubes and dropping tablets in his Nalgene each season to bring you the streamlined selection of 18 filters you see today. From stagnant green pools in the African savanna to bubbling alpine brooks in the Cascade Mountains, Chris has filtered water of all consistency and color in the wild, and brings only the best filters on his excursions. Rest assured, we would trust every model in this guide to keep us safe and hydrated in the backcountry.

Read the full article from Mary Murphy, Chris Carter, and Will Brendza on GearJunkie's website here.