The Manual: The Best Portable Water Filters and Purifiers for Outdoor Adventures

Solid footwear, a comfortable hiking backpack, a first aid kit, and a few days’ worth of food are all vital things to have with you on the trail, but nothing is more important than having a safe water source. You won’t last three days without water (more like one or two if you’re outdoors), but water alone is not enough: It needs to be clean – not just of particulate matter like dirt and sand but of bacteria, protozoa, and viruses as well.

Furthermore, it’s almost impossible to bring enough water with you for an extended hike if you’re not moving by vehicle, and if you’re in the wilderness far away from sources of clean drink, then the water you encounter outdoors may not be safe. Streams, ponds, and other freshwater bodies may look and even taste clean while in fact being host to a myriad of bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens that can be a serious – even fatal – problem when you’re hundreds of miles away from civilization.

That’s why a durable, reliable, simple, and efficient water filter is an indispensable tool in any outdoorsman’s kit. There are a number of great ones on the market today, and we’ve rounded up the best ones below (most of which are surprisingly inexpensive). Given how important a clean source of hydration is, there’s no excuse not to have one in your pack, so read on.

See the full article from Lucas Coll on The Manual's website here.