In fact, the Guardian is such a reliable and convenient system that its also used in the military and as an emergency water purifier after natural disasters. Then wait 15 minutes before drinking for protection from Giardia, bacteria, and viruses, or four hours to kill Cryptosporidium (that takes a lot of advanced planning). But while they have long been a popular option for backcountry filtration, pump filters recently have been outpaced by other styles. Bottle filtersalso known as squeeze filtersattach to the spout of a soft-sided bottle or pouch and filter water as you drink. You get a bottle of filtered water, and thats about it. Second, the SteriPen uses a USB-rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and if that runs out and you dont have a portable charger, youre stuck in the wilderness with no purification (SteriPen also offers a few AA-compatible models). 
Chemical/UV Purifiers Leading pump filters are listed at about 1 liter per minute, although that seems fairly optimistic to us (the exception is the pricey MSR Guardian, which is speedy at 2.5 L/min.). But in alpine areas with relatively clear mountain water like the Rockies, High Sierra, or Pacific Northwest, chemical treatments are a great ultralight option. The Sawyer Squeeze epitomizes ultralight water treatment and has been a mainstay on the thru-hiking scene for years. By contrast, most purifiers use chemicals or ultraviolet light to treat water straight from the source (i.e. On the extreme ends of the spectrum, the Grayl GeoPresshas a cartridge life of only 65 gallons, while the Sawyer Squeeze has a lifetime warrantythey dont even make replacement cartridges for it. 
The purchase price of the Katadyn is $30 less than the MSR, but it has a shorter filter life of 750 liters vs. 2,000 liters, which is a big difference. On the other hand, the Katadyn BeFree is only compatible with specific Katadyn soft flasks. Pumps and gravity systems are the heaviest and bulkiest, and include multiple components like storage bags and hoses. According to the CDC guide on water treatment, a pore size of 1 micron (or less) is needed to filter out protozoa, while youll need a pore size as small as 0.3 micron to filter out bacteria. 
As with any manufacturer-provided spec, the listed filter life is optimistic and probably should be thought of as a maximum. In addition, each tablet is individually wrapped and therefore can be modified for the specifics of your trip (with Aquamira you have to carry both bottles no matter the length of your trip). All told, the Pure is intriguing, but it isnt our favorite chemical purification optionwell stick with the more reliable chlorine dioxide for most applications.See the Potable Aqua Pure ElectrolyticPurifier. With especially dirty water sources, pre-filtering can be a great idea even if youre using a filter to treat your water, as it will mitigate potential clogging. Finally, gravity filters arent our first choice for on-the-go water treatment, as setting up the system can take some time, and youll need somewhere to hang it (something to keep in mind if you're headed above treeline).. 
Unlike the MSR Guardian, however, the Hiker is a filter but not a purifier, so you dont get virus protection. Its important to note that carbon becomes ineffective before the filter (after approximately six months or 200 liters), so if this is a feature you want to maintain, choose a filter that allows you to purchase the carbon element separately from the complete cartridge. A key product specification that we reference in this article is filter life, or how quickly your filter will need to be replaced. The QuickDraw is similar to designs like the Sawyer Squeeze above, threading onto a bottle or soft flask with a standard-size opening (28mm) to filter clean water into your mouth or separate vessel. Pore size refers to the size of the tiny openings in the filter, and is measured in terms of microns. But for a dedicated bottle filter, the QuickDraw gives the Katadyn BeFree above a run for its money with an even faster flow rate and compatibility with most standard bottles (although the oblong size does make it difficult to use as a handheld while running). Type: Gravity filterWeight: 11.5 oz.Filter life: 1,500 litersWhat we like: Filters and stores a high quantity of water effortlessly and quickly; great for groups.What we dont: Bulky;you need a decent water source to fill the bag. Getting sick in the backcountry can be a serious medical concern, so we think having a backup is a smart way to go.Back to Our Top Water Filter Picks Back to Our Water Filter Comparison Table. Type: Gravity filterWeight: 12 oz.Filter life: 1,500 litersWhat we like: 10 liters of capacity in a relatively lightweight build.What we dont: No clean bag; gravity filters have limited applications. Keep in mind that the flow rates listed by the manufacturers are going to be realized in optimal circumstances (i.e. Most importantly, its both a water filter and purifier, which means you get the highest level of protection against protozoa, bacteria, and viruses, along with a filter that removes debris. That said, for those who enjoy the process of camp chores and dont mind a little gear maintenance, we certainly understand the appeal. Rather than manually filtering into a bottle or a separate reservoir, the Thru-Link attaches directly to the hose of your bladder and filters as you drink. Type: Bottle filter (inline adaptors available)Weight: 2 oz.Filter life: 100,000 gallonsWhat we like: Feathery light.What we dont: Well stick with the better-performing and longer-lasting Sawyer Squeeze. Because they are so small, the best way to combat viruses is through chemical or ultraviolet purification. Almost all water treatment systems have some way of connecting to either a water bottle or hydration reservoir, if not both. But no other bottle filter beats the Grayl purifier for traveling abroad, and its a great replacement for buying water in disposable plastic bottles. Further, many bottle filters (like the Sawyer Squeeze or LifeStraw Peak Squeeze) also can perform as inline or gravity filters, or be used as straws to suction water directly from the source. Simply fill the dirty water bag, hook up the filter to the port or hose, and let gravity do the work. The lack of filtration certainly is a downside and means that unless you dont mind drinking silt or other particles, youre limited to moving water sources of a decent depth. The Sawyer Squeeze (which also includes inline adapters) will do the same job for less and has a longer lifespan, but keep in mind that the connection points arent quite as secure. Type: Bottle filterWeight: 3.3 oz.Filter life: 1,000 litersWhat we like: Fast flow rate, easy to clean, and durable materials.What we dont: Cannot be used as an inline filter; oblong size is difficult to hold while running. And if you prefer to go even lighter, Sawyer also offers Mini and Micro versions, although both have painfully slow flow rates that arent worth the 1-ounce (or less) weight savings.See the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter. Finally, its worth checking out the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze below, which features a faster flow rate, gravity adapter, and compatibility with standard bottle openings.See the Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle 1L. Plus, the Katadyn tablets are difficult to cut in half and dont work with 500mL bottles (its one tab per liter), which is a bummer especially for trail runners with smaller soft flasks.See the Katadyn Micropur MP1, Type: Inline filterWeight: 2.5 oz.Filter life: 1,000 litersWhat we like: For those who hike with a water reservoir, the convenience is unmatched.What we dont: Does not come with compatible vessels.. At 12 ounces, its just a half-ounce heavier than the Gravity Works, and the inline filter passes water at an identical rate (1.75 L/min). And at $120, the GravityWorks is on the more expensive end of the water filtration spectrum. This is important to keep in mind if youre drawing from unclear water sources such as a silty river, murky pond, or muddy desert pool. Aside from cost, its noticeably heavier and bulkier than most filtersat just over a pound and packing down roughly to the size of a 1-liter water bottle. But keep in mind that both chemical and UV purifiers forgo filtering, making them good options only when you have access to clear water sources like glacial streams. Like the Squeeze, the Mini attaches to its included bag or other compatible water bottle to squeeze filtered water into your mouth or drinking vessel. Whats more, the MSR comes with an attachment for a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle for easy and leak-free filtering. Further, the Katadyn and Aquamiradon't have as many issues with taste, which is why theyland higher spots on our list.See the Potable Aqua Tablets. All in all, be mindful of the compatibility for a water filter or purifier to make sure it works with your drinking vessels. And as with every form of water treatment that uses power, we recommend bringing a backup option into the field in case the Pure malfunctions. However, we have the MSR MiniWorks ranked here because of our own in-the-field experiences. Additionally, the purifier cartridge has a lifespan of only 65 gallons, which pales in comparison even to the LifeStraw Go's 4,000 liters. If youre using chemicals to purify your water or drinking from questionable sourcesperhaps water with floating leaves or plants growing underneath the surfacetaste can come into play in a big way. That said, these purifiers offer a nice alternative to bulkier filters, and we especially like chemical options like Aquamira and Potable Aqua for large groups, weight-conscious outings, or as a backup to a filter. Type: Bottle filter/purifierWeight: 15.9 oz.Filter life: 65 gallonsWhat we like: An innovative and easy-to-use purification system.What we dont: Not super practical for extended backcountry trips.
As we touched on above, if youre not using a dedicated filter to separate out sediment and other particulates, finding a clean and moving water source is the best way to ensure your water tastes good. If you've ever gone camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountain biking, trail running, or nearly anything else in the outdoors, chances are you've used a headlamp. The primary consideration here is cost: you have the initial purchase price of the item, but after a certain number of liters of water have been filtered, youll need to buy a replacement cartridge. Importantly, the included Platypus bag is also much more durable than those from Sawyer and even features a convenient handle for easy water retrieval. Used in this way, an inline filter will only add about 3 ounces to your kit (assuming youre already bringing a reservoir) and is one of the easiest and most efficient ways for individuals to stay hydrated. MSR makes their Thru-Linkfor this very application, and models like the Sawyer Squeeze quickly convert into an inline filter with included adapters. For example, two of our favorite pump filters are the Katadyn Hiker and MSR MiniWorks. But despite our gripes, no other filter comes close to matching the Squeezes versatility and longevity, which are undeniable draws for those who want to get a lot out of their gear. Did I submerge the device too little or too much? This often takes the form of a simple hose or cap that fits onto commonly sized water bottle openings. But where it falls short is in its simplicity: Unlike the Sawyer, the Platypus cannot be used as an inline filter, which really cuts down on versatility. All in all, its an ideal and long-lasting set-up for environments when weight and bulk arent top considerations. Pump Filters/Purifiers Instructional videos are available online for almost every product on our list, and you should expect basic maintenance to be part of owning and using a water filter. Second, the filter is only compatible with42-millimeter openings, so its not as versatile as the Sawyer, which fits a variety of standard (28mm) water bottles. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. Because its a straw filter, you cant use the Go to squeeze water into an empty bottle or a pot for cooking (like you might with the BeFree or Sawyer Squeeze). Finally, both systems require a good set-up for effective operationwe prefer to hang our gravity filter from a tree branch, and have thus found it a difficult system to use in alpine environments. Type: UV purifierWeight: 4.9oz.Lamp life: 8,000 litersWhat we like: Lightweight purification without the chemical aftertaste.What we dont: Relies on USB charge. Given that their task is to remove contaminants from water, it should come as no surprise that many water filters need to be cleaned of this buildup. But uses and budgets vary, and the ideal Backpackers need a stove that is lightweight, dependable, and will get the job done quickly after a long day on the trail. For backpackers, there is a strong argument for going this route: the tablets weigh less than 1 ounce for 30, making them by far the lightest water purification option on this list. Further, our version became almost unworkable midway through a Utah backpacking trip. The MSR Thru-Link, for example, attaches directly to your water reservoir hose, and pump filters like the Katadyn Hiker and the MSR MiniWorks have adapters that fit the mouth of a standard Nalgene bottle. The primary downside to MSRs AutoFlow system is the lack of a clean bag. Their lightweight and easy-to-use design makes them a great option for weight-conscious trips and solo backpackers, day hikers, trail runners, cyclists, and more. Keep in mind that bottle filters are often slower at filtering than a high-performing pump design and require quite a bit more effort than a gravity model. If your filter lasts that long and youre ready for a new cartridge, then youve gotten a lot of use and clean water out of it, making it a solid investment. Type:Bottle/inline filterWeight: 3 oz.Filter life: LifetimeWhat we like: Super lightweight, fast flow rate, long-lasting.What we dont: Youll have to buy extra gear to optimize your setup. For well over a decade, SteriPen has held a unique place in the water purification market. In general, chemical purifiers are the most minimalist option (and great for groups), with squeeze filters like the 2-ounce Sawyer Squeeze Mini not too far behind (although theyre slightly larger in size). We love these filters for their versatilityin addition to drinking from the bottle or pouch, you can also squeeze water into a separate receptacle for storage. At just 3 ounces and $15, Aquamira is a liquid chlorine dioxide solution that effectively kills protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. Type: Bottle filterWeight: 2.3 oz.Filter life: 1,000 litersWhat we like: Extremely light and great for on-the-go hydration.What we dont: Short lifespan and does not fit standard-sized water bottle openings. The Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier is designed with travel and light adventuring in mind. Finally, keep in mind that when calculating the weight of your setup, that youll also want to factor in your water storage (bottle, reservoir, etc.). But similar to the Sawyer Squeeze, the Peak Squeeze also threads onto bottles with standard-size mouths and can be used as a gravity filter. clear water), and you'll need to stay on top of filter maintenance to keep things moving properly(more on this below). All told, if youre in the market for a high-capacity gravity filter with quality components, the MSR AutoFlow is well worth a second look.See the MSR AutoFlow XL Gravity Filter. Type: Bottle/gravity filterWeight: 3.9 oz.Filter life: 2,000 litersWhat we like: More durable soft flask and higher flow rate than the Sawyer Squeeze.What we dont: Heavier and shorter filter life. Straw filters have their place for simple applications and day trips, but are not a very versatile setup as they offer no way to produce or store clean water for cooking or drinking later. But compared to some of the more minimalist options below, the Platypus GravityWorks is not a small apparatus, with two bags, a filter, and a bundle of tubing. We ran the numbers and youre paying roughly $0.53 per liter of clean water with Katadyn whereas Aquamira is more like $0.13 per liter. unfiltered water). With a product like the LifeStraw Go,this is as easy as blowing out after each use. But looking for advice on which reusable water bottle to choose? We took this hybrid filter and purifier along to Perus Theres no need for us to tell you the value in staying hydrated, no matter what your day has in store. But we still prefer the Katadyn, which despite the shorter filter life, has faster and smoother pumping action.See the Katadyn HikerMicrofilter. The smaller the pore, the more particles the filter can block. In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. This filter is great for large groups, but weve enjoyed it on smaller outings too when we could quickly retrieve our days water and escape back to our camp to fill individual bottles (the clean bag also functions as water storage). Type: Chemical purifierWeight: 3 oz.Treatment ratio:0.5liter per tabletWhat we like: Lightweight and cheap.What we dont: Tastes funky and takes 30 minutes to activate. This generally is fine for clear mountain runoff but is not optimal for those acquiring water from smaller or more stagnant sources.See the Aquamira Water Treatment. Youll have to purchase inline adapters separately for use with a gravity system or hydration reservoir, but the Mini is nevertheless a decent option for those who dont mind a simple bottle filter. Instead of gravity doing the work, suction brings the water from the dirty bag, through the filter, and into the hydration hose to the mouth. You simply place the SteriPen in your water bottle or reservoir and swirl until the device indicates youre finishedit takes about 90 seconds to purify 1 liter. The result is ultimate performance and peace of mindwhen backpacking and traveling in less-developed regions of the world or other high-use areas (viruses are most commonly carried in human waste). But weve never been sick after using a SteriPen, so those concerns havent yet been realized.See the SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier. You wont find a faster or more reliable pump filter/purifier, but the MSR Guardian will be overkill for many. All told, its a well-built pump from one of the most trusted brands in water filtration. The Pure Electrolytic comes with the same downsides of nearly all chemical treatment options. The Katadyn BeFree is our favorite dedicated bottle filter, with an extremely light weight, easy operation, and nice, streamlined build. It slows you down on the trail, takes some concentration in terms of measuring out the drops, and can bleach your clothing if youre not careful. Theyre among the heaviest systems, take more time and effort than most methods, and cleaning the cartridges isnt as easy as a simple backflush (as with most inline, bottle, and straw filters).