Almost all water treatment systems have some way of connecting to either a water bottle or hydration reservoir, if not both. Did I submerge the device too little or too much? The flow rate is impressive at 3 liters per minute (compared to the Squeezes 1.7 L/min. 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). Its also extremely versatile: In its simplest application, you fill one of the two included 32-ounce pouches with dirty water and squeeze into a clean bottle or reservoir, a pot for cooking, or straight into your mouth. MSR makes their Thru-Linkfor this very application, and models like the Sawyer Squeeze quickly convert into an inline filter with included adapters. And the Ultra here is our favorite model, with a durable 2.9-ounce build, helpful LED display, and convenient USB-rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. The Pure Electrolytic comes with the same downsides of nearly all chemical treatment options. Although theyre most commonly used in gravity setups, inline filters also can be paired with a hydration reservoir (purchased separately) to provide on-the-go filtration for solo travelers. clear water), and you'll need to stay on top of filter maintenance to keep things moving properly(more on this below). 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. Third, it's$11 more, and lacks the versatility of the Squeezes gravity/inline adapter. The primary downside to MSRs AutoFlow system is the lack of a clean bag. The LifeStraw weighs only 2 ounces and costs $20, and Aquamira drops are just $15 for enough solution to treat 30 gallons of water (and a mere 3 extra ounces in your backpack). And with particularly cold water, your hands can get pretty chilly, too. 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. In many ways, the Peak Squeeze is the most well-rounded of the bunch: Like the BeFree, it comes with its own soft flask and is decently easy to carry, making it a great setup for shorter pursuits like trail running and day hiking. Staying hydrated is an absolute necessity on any outdoor excursion, but if youre headed out for more than a few hours, it might be unrealistic to carry all the water you need. Water purifiers also remove protozoa and bacteria, but they eliminate viruses as well (like Hepatitis A and the Norovirus). If youre not keen on keeping up your equipment, you can always opt for more carefree models like the SteriPen or chemical treatments like Aquamira or Potable Aqua. Gravity does all the work: simply fill up the 4-liter dirty reservoir, hang it from a tree branch or boulder, and in just a few minutes youll have four liters of clean water to drink. That said, for those who enjoy the process of camp chores and dont mind a little gear maintenance, we certainly understand the appeal. Gravity systemswhich use an inline filterare best for groups, basecamping, or anytime you want to filter large quantities of water with minimal hands-on effort. 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. Using simple mechanics (and some elbow grease), a pump siphons water from the source, through a hose and filter, and out another hose into a clean receptacle. 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). And while its 100,000-gallon filter life pales in comparison to the standard Squeezes lifetime guarantee, its still incredibly impressive compared to most options here. 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. Last but not least, we should mention that just about every water filter and purifier can malfunction, which may leave you without clean water in the backcountry. Many water filters and purifiers are able to remove bacteria, protozoa, and sometimes even viruses, but they wont necessarily change the taste of the water. One ounce lighter and $16 cheaper than the Sawyer Squeeze above, the Sawyer Mini is one of the lightest and most compact water filters on the market. And while most newer bladders support the connection system on the MSR (any bladder with Quick-Connect fittings will work), others require you to modify by cutting the reservoir tube and utilizing the two included fittings. But weve never been sick after using a SteriPen, so those concerns havent yet been realized. Unlike the MSR Guardian, however, the Hiker is a filter but not a purifier, so you dont get virus protection. Keep in mind that the flow rates listed by the manufacturers are going to be realized in optimal circumstances (i.e. 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). 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. As with all backpacking gear, youll want to go as light as possible without sacrificing too much in the way of functionality. 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. For well over a decade, SteriPen has held a unique place in the water purification market. Purifying just 24 ounces (0.7L) at a time, its an inefficient system for anything but on-the-go drinking when water sources are consistently available. 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. Despite all of the recent innovations, the MSR MiniWorks remains one of the most popular pumps on the market. Potable Aqua tabs are a classic and a method thatweve used as a filter backup for years. Like the Katadyn BeFree and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze above, it makes water treatment as simple as taking a sip, but the hard-sided bottle boosts durability and convenience for casual day hikes and frontcountry applicationsno squeezing or cold hands required. Pumping water has its downsides, but weve found that the Katadyn Hiker is one of the most reliable filter options across a wide range of backpacking scenarios. Sawyer has played into the fast-and-light community of hikers who use disposable plastic water bottles on the trail, making their Squeeze and Mini versions able to screw into the mouth of a standard plastic water bottle (great for weight savings, less great for the environment). The good news about chemical purifiers is that you can sit back and let them do their work, rather than pumping or squeezing as in the case of some filters. The Platypus Gravity Works is a user-friendly gravity filter with 4 liters of volume, but basecampers and larger groups might want to take a look at the MSR AutoFlow XL here. In general, its important to read about and practice maintaining your filter at home before taking it out into the field. 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. Sawyer also includes adapters so you can use the Squeeze as an inline filter on your hydration bladder or in a gravity setup (great for groups and basecamping) with additional bottles or reservoirs. It adds an unfortunate taste, takes a half hour to do its job (or fourhours if youre worried about Cryptosporidium), and does not remove floaties like a filter would. Additionally, some models offer carbon filters as add-ons: the Platypus GravityWorks, for example, sells a carbon element separately that can be added to the existing filter. 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. 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. Well usually opt for a filter in these scenarios, but if youre using a purifier its a good idea to pre-filter your water (more on this below). These designs address our main concern with the Sawyer: the pouches. However, we have the MSR MiniWorks ranked here because of our own in-the-field experiences. The smaller the pore, the more particles the filter can block. Finally, unlike the versatile Sawyer Squeeze, you only get a tube port on one end, meaning the Peak Squeeze cannot be used as an inline filter with a hydration reservoir. 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. LifeStraw also offers a smaller filter-equipped bottle (650mL) for $33 and Peak Gravity System with a 3-liter reservoir for $60.See the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze 1L. All in all, its an ideal and long-lasting set-up for environments when weight and bulk arent top considerations. 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. 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. Everyone exploring the backcountry needs water, but staying hydrated is not as simple as drinking straight from streams and lakes. You get roughly one liter of clean water per minute if youre pumping at a good clip, and weve found that the Hiker Microfilter works faster and is easier to use than the MSR MiniWorks below. The MSR Guardian is ten times the price of many popular bottle filters here, but this pump is the real deal. Most gravity and straw filters are maintained by backflushing clean water or air through the filter. 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. As an inline filter, it also works as a gravity setupsimply hang your bladder, open the valve of your drinking hose, and let gravity do the work. What we dont: Relies on USB charge. 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. But no other bottle filter beats the Grayl purifier for traveling abroad, and its a great replacement for buying water in disposable plastic bottles. Our top picks for 2022below include everything from ultralight bottle filters and chemical drops to pumps and large-quantity gravity filters. With a product like the LifeStraw Go,this is as easy as blowing out after each use. At just 3 ounces and $15, Aquamira is a liquid chlorine dioxide solution that effectively kills protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. 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. But gravity filters arent for everyone: theyre bulkier and heavier than most alternatives, and youll need a fairly good water supply to fill up your reservoir (pumps are better for shallow sources). 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. Additionally, the purifier cartridge has a lifespan of only 65 gallons, which pales in comparison even to the LifeStraw Go's 4,000 liters. Platypus GravityWorks above is one of our favorite water filters for groups, and their QuickDraw offers a nice solution for individuals. Thats something we can help with Water treatment is a sometimes annoying and always time-consuming process, but remains an absolutely essential part of any backcountry trip. Similar to Aquamira drops below, Katadyn Micropur tablets are a simple and effective chemical treatment using chlorine dioxide. Now for something a little different: Potable Aquas Pure Electrolytic Water Purifier. All told, flow rate will be an important consideration for groups and time-conscious endeavors, but less of an issue for more casual hikers and backpackers. And if you want to keep weight down, its also worth checking out the Hydroblu Versa Flow filter, which is still lightweight at 2.6 ounces but has a faster flow rate than the Mini.See the Sawyer Mini Filter. Pump filters are a great option for small groups (1-4 people), and especially when you need to pull water from shallow pools. But its 2,000-liter lifespan is twice the length of most competitors, and the price is right at just $38 for the 1-liter model (you can also purchase a replacement filter for $18, which is a real steal). Most importantly, they kill bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, thereby purifying water for drinking. But looking for advice on which reusable water bottle to choose? In general, gravity filters have the fastest flow rates: the Platypus GravityWorks filters 1.75 liters per minute, which means it only takes a few minutes to fill a 4-liter bladder with clean water. While streams, lakes, and ponds along the trail can be great drinking Review: Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter, How to Choose a Water Filter for Backpacking, backpacking water filtercomparison table, Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle 1L ($50), See the Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle 1L, Katadyn Micropur MP1 ($16 for 30 tablets), See the MSR Thru-Link Inline Water Filter, Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System ($45), See the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System, Potable Aqua Pure ElectrolyticPurifier ($100), See the Potable Aqua Pure ElectrolyticPurifier, Back to Our Water Filter Comparison Table. 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). To purify your water, mix 7 drops each of Part A and Part B in the included cap, let it sit for five minutes, and add the mixture to 1 liter of water. Type: Chemical purifierWeight: 3 oz. Because they are so small, the best way to combat viruses is through chemical or ultraviolet purification. Plus, the bottle has a nice soft touch (albeit cold when full of stream water), and when empty, the BeFree system can fit in the palm of your hand. Without a doubt, this system is inexpensive, lightweight, and wont malfunction like some of the more complicated filters and purifiers on this list. It shouldnt come as a surprise that the smaller and less expensive Mini is slower to filter and more prone to clogging. You get a bottle of filtered water, and thats about it. But for all of its convenience, the LifeStraw Go isnt incredibly versatile. 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. For more background information, see our backpacking water filtercomparison table and buying advice below the picks. Importantly, the included Platypus bag is also much more durable than those from Sawyer and even features a convenient handle for easy water retrieval. Alternatively, the MSR Guardian pump purifier uses 0.02-mircon hollow fibers to filter viruses. Pore size refers to the size of the tiny openings in the filter, and is measured in terms of microns. Read more about us. Finally, when using the SteriPen, its hard to feel totally confident that it workedrational or not. Furthermore, many of these filters and purifiers are made with a great deal of plastic and its fairly likely that youll break another component of the device before the filter expires. 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. Finally, as with the QuickDraw, it features a competitively fast flow rate, filtering a whopping 3 liters of water per minute. 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.). 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. Type: Chemical purifierWeight: 0.9 oz.Treatment ratio: 1L per tabletWhat we like: Simple and light. 1.3 oz.Filter life: 10,000 litersWhat we like: The most advanced portable water purifier on the market.What we dont: At $390, the Guardian is the priciest option on this list. 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. 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. 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. Instead of the various gravity filters, pumps, and chemical drops on this list, SteriPens technology uses UV rays to destroy bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. 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. 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. This technology is more common in military and municipal applications than the outdoor world, although weve even seen it before with MSRs now-discontinued Miox. Given that the Katadyn replacement filter costs $55 vs. $45 for the MSR, this brings the cost of the system up over a period of years. If youre wondering about the differences between iodine (Potable Aqua) and chlorine dioxide (the Katadyn and Aquamira above), the former is not effective in killing Cryptosporidium, while the latter is categorized by the CDC as having low to moderate effectiveness. This often takes the form of a simple hose or cap that fits onto commonly sized water bottle openings. All told, its a well-built pump from one of the most trusted brands in water filtration. 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. And in comparing chemical treatments, its worth noting that despite being more difficult to use, Aquamira drops are considerably cheaper. 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.). Further, many bottle and inline filters also can be used as a straw (such as the Sawyer Squeeze Mini), and are by far the more well-rounded choice. 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. Whats more, the MSR comes with an attachment for a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle for easy and leak-free filtering. 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). (total for both bottles)Treatment ratio: 30 gallons per 1 oz. Neutralizer tablets are available and do a decent job of masking the chemical flavor, and many people add a drink mix to make a tastier concoction. The Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier is designed with travel and light adventuring in mind. And at $120, the GravityWorks is on the more expensive end of the water filtration spectrum. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. 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). UV purifiers like the SteriPen use ultraviolet rays to achieve the same effect. In general, its a simple, lightweight set up that can purify 1-20 liters at a time, boasts a lifespan of 60,000 liters, and charges (slowly) using the attached solar panel. Filter life: 4,000 litersWhat we like: Incredibly convenient and relatively long filter life.What we dont: Heavier and bulkier than soft-flask bottle filters. 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. The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. 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. As with any manufacturer-provided spec, the listed filter life is optimistic and probably should be thought of as a maximum. In order to use the Katadyn, just add one tablet to a liter of water, wait 15 minutes for protection from viruses and bacteria, 30 minutes for Giardia, and four hours for Cryptosporidium. For $10 less, the AutoFlow can store up to 10 liters of water at a time, which will help you keep your trips to the source to a minimum. For example, two of our favorite pump filters are the Katadyn Hiker and MSR MiniWorks. 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 Katadyn BeFree is our favorite dedicated bottle filter, with an extremely light weight, easy operation, and nice, streamlined build. Our biggest issue with Aquamira drops is the mixing process. 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. Finally, squeeze and straw filters can only move as fast as you can drink or squeeze, although newer models like the Platypus QuickDraw and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze advertise rates of up to 3 liters per minute. The Sawyer Squeeze has seen no shortage of competition in recent years, particularly from newcomers like the Platypus QuickDraw and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze below. The flow rate indicates the speed at which a filter treats water, and is most often measured in terms of liters per minute. 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. Additionally, the small 16-ounce pouch isnt ideal for filling up standard water bottles, and weve had bad luck with delamination and leaks on all of our Sawyer bags. Gravity/Inline Filters 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. Water filters and purifiers range in weight and bulk, from super lightweight tablets that are just a fraction of an ounce, to the 1-pound 1-ounce MSR Guardian. Without a doubt, the Platypus GravityWorks is one of the most convenient water filters on the market, and its become a backpacking staple. But in alpine areas with relatively clear mountain water like the Rockies, High Sierra, or Pacific Northwest, chemical treatments are a great ultralight option. Type: Pump filterWeight: 16 oz.Filter life: 2,000 litersWhat we like: One of the few pump designs with a ceramic filter.What we dont: Heavier and pricier than the Katadyn Hiker. The words filter and purifier often are used interchangeably, but knowing the differences between the two is a key step in choosing the best water treatment for your needs. With its included HydraPak bottle, the BeFree allows you to drink as you would from any standard water bottle, with the water passing directly through the filter on its way to your mouth. All told, with a scant 2.5-ounce weight, affordable $45price tag, and impressive flow rate of 1.5 liters per minute, the Thru-Link is a lightweight and convenient way of hydrating on the go. 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. Keep in mind that Grayl also makes the 16.9-ounce UltraPress, which features the same technology in a more streamlined (12.5 oz.) Also, take note that the straw is bulky, so it reduces the amount of overall water storage. For backpacking, the practicality is limited.See the Grayl 24oz GeoPressPurifier. Unlike most chemical purifiers that use chlorine dioxide or iodine, the Pure combines salt water and an electric charge to remove contaminants from water. The big downside of Potable Aqua is taste. See the Aquamira Water Treatment. User reviews generally are positive and we are looking forward to getting another MiniWorks out for more testing, but regardless, well take the lower weight and cost of the Katadyn.See the MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter. By contrast, most purifiers use chemicals or ultraviolet light to treat water straight from the source (i.e. Whats more, with a filter life of just 1,000 liters, its certainly no match in terms of longevity. First, it has a relatively short lifespan compared to a filter like the Squeeze (1,000 liters vs. the Sawyer's lifetime warranty), and its known to clog much more quickly in dirty water. Remember, this doesnt mean your water isnt safe to drinkyouve filtered or purified itbut you can always add an electrolyte-enhanced drink mix like Nuun Sport hydrationtablets to make it more palatable (or in the case of Potable Aqua, use the accompanying neutralizing tablets). 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. setWhat we like: Light, cheap, effective, and wont break.What we dont: The mixing process is annoying, and the drops leave a faint chemical taste. But while they have long been a popular option for backcountry filtration, pump filters recently have been outpaced by other styles. On the other hand, the Katadyn BeFree is only compatible with specific Katadyn soft flasks. We found the pump to be slow from the outset (it has a listed flow rate of 1L/min., but we didnt experience that). Available in both liquid and tablet forms, chemical purifiers use iodine or chlorine dioxide to remove protozoa, bacteria, and viruses from water. Another way to combat foul-tasting water is to use a carbon filter. Not all portable backcountry filters use carbon, but many on our list do including the MSR MiniWorks and Grayl GeoPress. Cleaning pump filters is a slightly more intensive process, as you'll need to unscrewthe apparatus and either removethe filter or extenda brush down the interior. Viruses, on the other hand, can be as small as 0.02 micron. It has a number of things going for it, including a streamlined 3-ounce build, lifetime warranty (Sawyer doesnt even make replacement cartridges), and very reasonable price tag. Compared to the Katadyn Micropur above, Aquamira is much more of a process, but the good news is that it's cheaper and can treat a variety of different volumes (the Katadyn is a strict 1 tablet per liter and is difficult to halve), which makes it great for group use. as fast as the AutoFlow can filter. 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.
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