Best Portable Water Filters: Must Have For Travelling

Why Are Great Portable Water Filters Worth It For Travelling?

You’ve come to the correct place if you want to be safe and prevent the terrible stomach problems that can be developed when camping or trekking. On wilderness natural water sources, we tested and evaluated some of the best portable water filters.

If you really want to, spend your money on a portable water filter that in principle is a fine idea but that you end up abandoning halfway through your vacation since it is cumbersome and worthless.

But, we would highly advise selecting a filter that has been demonstrated to regularly and successfully remove the undesirable items from lakes, streams, and rivers (via testing, customer feedback, and third-party data).

Reviews – Best Portable Water Filter 2024

Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System: Most Well-Rounded and Versatile!

The Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System is, in our opinion, the greatest all-around portable water filter currently on the market among all water filters. With its small 0.1 micron holes and unparalleled 100,000-gallon lifespan, this lightweight hiking filter is one of the most adaptable, durable, and dependable portable water filters on the market.

The Sawyer MINI Water Filtration System embodies the term “multi-functionality” in its purest form. It may be fastened to a hydration pack, a drinking pouch included, or a regular disposable water bottle.

The filter may also be used as a straw so that you can sip water straight from the source. Also, the absolute filtering medium used by this filter removes minute pollutants and is made up of thousands of u-shaped tubes. A bacterial cell typically ranges in size from 1 to 10 microns in length and 0.2 to 1 micron in diameter.

All bacteria and protozoans, including cholera, E. Coli, salmonella, giardia, and cryptosporidium, are nearly eliminated from water with the Sawyer MINI. You require this filter if you want to feel completely secure while drinking from any natural water source while traveling.

The 100,000-gallon lifespan of this portable water filter allows for years of usage and reuse. That’s one of the longest filter lifespans we’ve ever seen, and Sawyer backs it up with a 100,000-gallon warranty.

For those seeking the best, most adaptable portable water filter money can buy, this filter is the best option. Because it has a longer lifespan and more applications than any of its rivals, we believe the Sawyer MINI is the greatest option for everyone. Yet at between $21 and $30, depending on where you get it), this filter offers unquestionable value.

The benefit of this water filter is that it lasts for a whopping 100,000 gallons of water, or about 4, 000 liters, so as long as you take good care of it, you won’t actually need to replace the filter with a new one even if you use it for the rest of your life.

Every square inch of space counts whether you enjoy hiking or camping. Because the Sawyer MINI is so light, it won’t take up much space or add weight to your knapsack. In addition, we adore this filter’s adaptability. Although a bottle is our preferred method for using the filter, the straw function can also come in handy if you only need a fast sip.

As far as we can determine, the Sawyer MINI does not include a warranty; instead, it is backed by a 100,000-gallon guarantee that Sawyer claims to uphold. We don’t see why the MINI can’t have the same lifetime warranty as the Sawyer Squeeze, another Sawyer filter.

It takes some effort to possess this filter as well. Sawyer advises routine filter flushing to keep the system’s water flow at a satisfactory level.

Grayl Ultrapress: Top-Rated Filtered Water Bottle

Our top recommendation for the finest portable water bottle filter is the Grayl Ultrapress. During our testing, this system’s ease of use really astounded us. There are no hidden fees; in fact, this portable water filter bottle is among the simplest to operate that we’ve ever used.

What else is possible? 10-second filtering time, 99.9% elimination of waterborne pathogens, and extended filter life. Here is further information about these features.

An ion exchange medium and an electroabsorption-activated carbon purifier cartridge are both included in the Grayl UltraPress. Both the activated carbon filter and the ion exchange medium bind bacteria to the filter. These procedures eliminate bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and more when used together as water purifiers.

The water is then forced through the filter medium using plunge filtration in this water bottle filter. Just put the filter into the bottle after filling it with water.

Also, for a filter of its sort, the Grayl UltraPress performs for a very long time. It may be used 300 times. Your water source’s turbidity, though, could have an impact.

The perfect person for this water filter is someone who wants a really practical, straightforward portable water filter without complicated components or lengthy wait periods for filtered water. Beginners and eager hikers should choose the Grayl Ultrapress since it is quick and easy to use.

The Grayl Ultrapress portable water filter ability to filter in less than 10 seconds with essentially little effort is one of its outstanding features. To fill, simply push. When the press time reaches 25 seconds, you’ll know it’s time to buy a new filter.

It’s quite easy to set up this Grayl portable water filter. There are no complicated tubes or accessories; simply a water bottle with a filter.

Do you want to safeguard yourself from all potential waterborne pathogens? This portable water filter is a fantastic choice. It eliminates 99.99% of viruses, 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.9% of protozoa, heavy metals, particulates, and pollutants. This is something even our top selection, the Sawyer MINI, cannot accomplish.

The longest lifespan of this portable water filter is achieved with clean water. Yet, in the environment, we are not allowed to pick and choose which water sources to use. If the only water sources you have are turbid, you risk clogging the filter and needing to replace it sooner than expected.

The Grayl UltraPress is also an expensive investment. Although we believe the filter offers excellent value for the money at close to $100, some consumers may still find it to be prohibitively pricey.

PortaWell: Getting The Most Water Purified

The PortaWell filter is our top pick for the finest portable water filter with the most cleansed water, according to our tests. This is due to the system’s strong, premium electric pump filtration technology, which can filter water at a rate of up to 60 gallons per hour, making it perfect for huge families and parties.

The PortaWell portable water filter is a great option for filtering large quantities of water at a camping or trekking base before leaving on your excursions. It is more heavier and bulkier than the Grayl and Sawyer filters, and it won’t readily fit in your rucksack.

The PortaWell portable water filter rapidly pumps water through a 0.5-micron absolute ceramic filter, a carbon block filter, and a 1-micron sediment filter using an electric pump. This system allows for the simultaneous use of two filters, so you may mix and match according to your demands for pollutant removal.

Also, its battery-powered portable water filter eliminates 99.99% of dangerous bacteria, toxins, and heavy metals, as well as up to 100% of cysts.

In a test conducted by the company, the PortaWell portable water filter filtered 1 gallon of water in approximately 1 minute, which is almost 2.5 times as fast as a hand-pump filter.

This portable water filter works well for families and parties that want to use it at their base camp when camping or trekking. Due to its electric pump’s quick filtered water flow rate of 40–60 GPH, we believe the PortaWell is superior to the majority of alternative solutions for big gatherings.

We like how the portable water filters may be combined and separated to meet different filtering requirements. The absolute ceramic filter and the sediment filter work best together, according to our research, to treat surface water that is likely to be pathogen- and sediment-filled.

Run your water through the ceramic filter, sediment filter, and carbon block filter first if you want to get rid of pesticides, herbicides, and VOCs as well. Next, continue the procedure with the other filter.

This portable water filter requires more work to set up and operate than the gravity, bottle, and straw filters on this list. Before you can begin filtering water, you must arrange tubes, filters, batteries, buckets, and wires. You must pass water through the device twice if you want to employ all three filters to remove the most pollutants.

The technology requires power to function, which makes it challenging to utilize in remote areas. For usage in remote locations, the company supplies an add-on solar panel and battery. It’s unfortunate that this isn’t part of the cost.

Survivor Filter PRO: Excellent Pump Style

As the best pump-style portable water filter, we suggest the Survivor Filter PRO. The lowest particle size of any portable water filter available today is 0.01 microns, and this device combines three filter stages to remove microorganisms, heavy metals, pollutants, and more.

The Survivor Filter PRO is our top selection for the finest portable water filter due to its lifetime guarantee and filtration capacity. The Survivor Filter PRO features a 0.01 micron size, which is 20 times more efficient at eliminating germs than the 0.2 micron level used by the majority of portable water filters currently on the market.

This filter eliminates viruses, germs, parasites, and heavy metals after being independently tested at many USA labs. It has a triple filtration system with carbon filtration, two hollow fiber membranes, and one hollow fiber membrane.

The Survivor Pro filter is a hand-pump device that requires more effort and a slower flow rate than the PortaWell, but it is less expensive and produces results that are almost equal.

The Survivor Filter PRO employs manual pumping to circulate water through an internal “ultra filter,” a “ultra filter” pre-filter, and a carbon filter. The filter’s enclosure only has space for two stages, similar to the PortaWell, but a flexible tube allows the pre-filter to be connected to the remainder of the device.

Removes pathogens, heavy metals, bacteria, staph, 93% lead, and 99.5% mercury. This filter eliminates 99.999% protozoa (including giardia, cryptosporidium, and parasites). Moreover, the filter cleans the water of contaminants and toxins.

The internal ultra filter and ultra pre-filter have a combined lifespan of up to 100,000 liters, or about 25,000 gallons, but the carbon filter only lasts for 2,000 liters, or about 440 gallons. These lifespans for a pump-style filter are really astounding.

Those who desire the advantages of a pump-style filter and are willing to put in the effort to filter their water are best suited for this filter. As the Survivor Filter PRO is significantly smaller than the PortaWell and resembles a soap dispenser, it is convenient to carry everywhere.

Its filter’s straightforward, lightweight construction is its main advantage. With this system, there are just an inlet and exit hose, the pump unit and filters, a cup, a syringe for backwashing, and a carrying case. Pump filters naturally demand a little more labor from the user. It is simple to set up and quick to use, making it ideal for hydration stops in the middle of hikes.

This Survivor filter offers great filtering. Even our top option, the Sawyer filter, can only filter to 0.1 microns; none of the other filters on this list can. More pollutants, including minute viruses, may be removed from the water by using filters with smaller holes.

Unsure if you can rely on a portable filter to provide what it promises? In addition to a lifetime warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee for your piece of mind, the Survivor Filter PRO carries the WQA Gold Seal.

The Survivor PRO filters swiftly at 500 mL per minute, in contrast to filters with a small micron size of 0.01 which often have a slower flow rate. It is strong and solidly constructed, made of ABS plastic and food-grade activated carbon with an internal steel rod for further strength. Naturally, it is BPA-free and backed by a lifetime, 100% money-back guarantee.

The Survivor Filter PRO requires more work to operate than any other filter on our list since it is a hand pump filter. To move water through the system, you must actively pump the filter. All the components, including the tubing and backwashing syringe, must be transported with you.

Platypus Gravity Portable Water Filter

The Platypus Gravity Water Filter, in our view, is the best portable gravity filter bag. Why? Since this system is suitably scaled for families and groups and has one of the highest capacity and quickest flow rates of any hanging gravity filter.

What else are we fond of? Its portable water filter’s noteworthy characteristics include bacteria and protozoa removal that satisfies EPA and NSF standards, a BPA-free construction, and a 1,500 liter (329 gallon) lifetime.

The Platypus Gravity Water Filter is formed from a large number of hollow fibers that are packed closely together and capture microorganisms like giardia and cryptosporidium in their pores.

This gravity-hung water filter features two bags: one for clean water and the other for unclean water. The water will flow through the flexible tubing, through the filter, and into the clean water bag if you just suspend the dirty water bag higher than the clean water bag.

This gravity water filter is intended to last for 1,500 liters of water, or a little over 300 gallons, with the proper care and regular maintenance. The filter may be backwashed whenever necessary to increase flow rate and lengthen lifespan.

The greatest candidates for this portable water filter system, which filters 0.4 gallons of water per minute, are those who desire a portable, pump-free filtration option and don’t mind waiting several minutes for a complete batch of water to be processed.

The Platypus Gravity Water Filter has a strong, sturdy construction and performed admirably in our tests. Hanging gravity filters may occasionally be weak, and we’ve tried a few that are ruined after their first expedition. We like that the filter has a universal bottle adapter so that you may filter water directly into the water bottle of your choosing without using the bag.

The Platypus portable water filter lasts for many years given its expense. This water filter has a decent lifespan of 5 years. Assuring the limited warranty as well.

It’s simple to use the Platypus Gravity Water Filter. The two filter bags are simply connected; no technical setup or pumping is required. Just hang the dirty water bag and unwind.

But, do not anticipate receiving clean water immediately from this hanging gravity filter. With this type of water filter, you’ll have to be patient. According to consumer reviews that we’ve read, the filter clogs readily and requires frequent flushing. Your water source’s turbidity will affect how quickly the filter clogs.

Epic Nano Water Filter Dispenser: Good Holding Capacity

According to our tests, the Epic Nano dispenser is the best portable water system with a large holding capacity. The Epic Nano has been tested to industry standards to eliminate germs, viruses, giardia, cryptosporidium, and other pathogens, which is uncommon in water dispensers.

Gravity filtration is used by the Epic Nano to continuously remove impurities. Contaminants are captured in the sub-micron filter medium as water from the top chamber passes through the filter and flows into the bottom chamber.

In addition, this filter is able to eliminate 99.99% more pollutants than any other on this list, including the Cryptosporidium (99.999%), MS2 Virus (99.95%), Lead (99.4%), E. Coli (99.9999%), Giardia (99.909%), and Lead (99.4%). Depending on how frequently you use it, the filter may hold up to 150 gallons of water for 3 to 4 months.

Families or parties searching for a straightforward gravity filter that can be filled and used while camping or in an emergency should choose this filter. The Epic Nano has a respectable holding capacity of up to 1.5 gallons of water and is lightweight and portable (although not tiny enough to be carried in a knapsack).

The Epic Nano is among the finest portable filters we’ve tried in terms of value for money, costing less than $100 up front and about $50 to change the filter. We am astounded by this filter’s capacity to eliminate more than 200 contaminants. The filter’s NSF Standards testing is comforting, yet a formal NSF certification would be preferable.

Other noteworthy characteristics are the lifetime warranty, the BPA-free construction, and the filter countdown timer, which removes the element of guessing from filter replacements. You can rely on the Epic Nano to purify water that is microbiologically dangerous because of its robust construction and extended lifespan.

The Epic Nano dispenser is a large system (12 x 9 x 8 inches in size), making it less portable than some of the other filters on our list. Compared to other portable gravity filters, this device requires more frequent filter replacement.

Sawyer Tap Filtration System: Must Have For Travelling Abroad

The Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System is the most trustworthy travel filter in our view. Why? because it attaches to most faucets and may be used to purify water from any foreign source. To securely keep hydrated in rapidly urbanizing areas, attach the filter to a tap, hose bib, or faucet aerator, or attach it to other Sawyer filters (like the Sawyer MINI).

The Sawyer SP134 is primarily a faucet filter. To pass water through the filter, attach it to the end of a faucet with an 11/16- to 3/4-inch hose or faucet aerator. Then, turn on the faucet.

Its 0.1-micron absolute inline filter shields you from 99.99999% of bacteria (E.Coli, salmonella, and cholera), 99.9999% of all protozoa (cryptosporidium and giardia), and 100% of microplastics in low-quality household water.

Moreover, The Sawyer SP134 generates more water each day than even the largest family will require. We should consume around a half gallon of water every day, according to experts.

The perfect person for this filter is someone who wishes to purify possibly polluted household water for drinking or cooking when traveling to a developing nation.

This filter is precisely made to be convenient to use while traveling. It has everything required for a rapid setup, including a filter, backwash adapter, several faucet adaptors, a tap gauge, and an extension hose for shallow sinks. It is lightweight and small enough to fit into hand luggage.

It’s encouraging to note that the Sawyer SP134’s efficacy in removing contaminants is supported by independent testing from many US-based laboratories. We appreciate that each Sawyer filter undergoes three manufacturing-stage tests before being packaged for sale. It is unlikely that you will receive a defective product.

The wide range of applications for this little portable water filter had us pleasantly surprised. If you receive a boil-water alert, you can install the filter to your own faucet, campground taps, festival field taps, or hotel faucets.

Although the Sawyer SP134 is perfect for tap water, it cannot filter natural water sources like lakes or rivers. To drive water through the filter, you need the pressure of a hose or faucet.

This filter is not a one-size-fits-all, but it does fit most people. Several clients expressed dissatisfaction about the filter’s fit or the water leakage between the filter and the faucet.

Sawyer SP128 MINI Water Filtration System

A very adaptable personal filtering system with a small footprint is the Sawyer Mini. With a single cartridge, this lightweight, portable water filter can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water and fits in the palm of your hand.

Because of its small size and effective filtering qualities, it is ideal for emergency preparedness, foreign travel, trekking, and backpacking. It can successfully remove germs and parasites, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, from any fresh water source.

This portable water filter has a micron size of 0.1. It passed the strictest testing requirements without even a single pathogen breakthrough.

The Sawyer Mini may be linked to the squeeze pouch and poured into a water bottle or consumed directly through the straw. It may also be fitted into a typical plastic water bottle or used to drink straight from the water source, which is ideal for questionable water abroad.

Due to its adaptability, small size, and substantial filtering capacity, it is still among the most often used portable water filters. The Sawyer Mini is a fantastic option for a portable water filter because of its lifetime guarantee.

The Sawyer MINI Water Filtration System embodies the term “multi-functionality” in its purest form. It may be fastened to a hydration pack, a drinking pouch (included), or a regular disposable water bottle. The filter may also be used as a straw so that you can sip water straight from the source.

This filter employs absolute filtration, which eliminates minute pollutants via a network of several u-shaped tubes. A bacterial cell typically ranges in size from 1 to 10 microns in length and 0.2 to 1 microns in diameter.

All bacteria and protozoans, including cholera, E. Coli, salmonella, giardia, and cryptosporidium, are nearly eliminated from water with the Sawyer MINI. You require this if you want to feel completely secure while drinking from any natural water source while traveling.

The 100,000-gallon lifespan of this portable water filter allows for years of usage and reuse. That’s one of the longest filter lifespans we’ve ever seen, and Sawyer backs it up with a 100,000-gallon warranty.

For those seeking the best, most adaptable portable water filter money can buy, this filter is the best option. Because it has a longer lifespan and more applications than any of its rivals, we believe the Sawyer MINI is the greatest option for everyone. Yet at between $21 and $30, depending on where you get it, this filter offers unquestionable value.

If you take good care of this water filter, it will last for a whopping 100,000 gallons of water, or about 4, 000 liters, so you won’t actually need to replace it with a new one even if you use it for the rest of your life.

Every square inch of space counts whether you enjoy hiking or camping. Because the Sawyer MINI is so light, it won’t take up much space or add weight to your knapsack.

We adore this filter’s adaptability. Although a bottle is our preferred method for using the filter, the straw function can also come in helpful if you only need a fast sip.

As far as we can determine, the Sawyer MINI does not include a warranty; instead, it is backed by a 100,000-gallon guarantee that Sawyer claims to uphold. We don’t see why the MINI can’t have the same lifetime warranty as the Sawyer Squeeze, another Sawyer filter.

Ownership of this filter requires some effort. Sawyer advises routine filter flushing to keep the system’s water flow at a satisfactory level.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

We would like to suggest the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter as an alternative to the Sawyer MINI since it is one of the most well-liked and well-received portable water filter on the market.

It is possible to get a free quote from us today. Its price is reasonable, size and weight are ideal for hikes and backpacking trips in the bush, and its filtration is highly thorough.

Because of the Sawyer MINI portable water filter backwashing function, which enables a far larger filtering capacity, we continue to choose it.

The LifeStraw portable water filter is the perfect travel companion for your upcoming camping vacation, hiking excursion, or backpacking trip. It measures 9 inches and weighs only 1.62 oz. The little portable water filter may be put in practically any pocket.

The hollow fiber microfiltration membranes of the straw filter have minuscule holes and will prevent 99.999999% of germs, parasites, microplastics, and debris bigger than.2 micron from passing through.

The filtration procedure reduces bacteria and protozoa to levels that meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water requirements. Clean water that won’t spread waterborne illnesses is the end outcome.

LifeStraw Flex Advanced Water Filter with Gravity Bag

The LifeStraw Flex came in second place in our tests for gravity bag filters. This hanging gravity filter may be connected to your water bottle or the supplied bag for gravity water filtering, used as a personal straw filter to drink directly from a stream or lake, or used as an inline water filter with your own water hydration pack.

Why is this filter not our first pick for a gravity bag filter? The LifeStraw Flex has a larger capacity (528 gallons vs. 329 gallons) and is almost as adaptable as our top option, the Platypus Gravity Water Filter. But, the Flex has a shorter 3-year guarantee and doesn’t quite match the Platypus in terms of design quality and longevity.

One of LifeStraw’s four hanging gravity filters is the LifeStraw Flex. Water is filtered using a hanging bag attached to a membrane microfilter, an ion exchange filter, and an activated carbon filter while it runs via flexible tubing.

Moreover, the system has been shown to eliminate 99.999999% of germs, 99.999% of parasites (including cryptosporidium and giardia), and 99.999% of sand, silt, microplastics, and cloudiness in tests.

The filter’s amazing lifespan of 528 gallons, or slightly over 2,000 liters of water, means that it will likely endure for at least a year before needing to be replaced.

This filter is ideal for anybody searching for a less expensive, more durable alternative to the Platypus Gravity Water Filter with a reduced yearly cost. Given that the LifeStraw Flex is sold by a reputable company, you can be sure that even if the price is lower, you’re still getting a high-quality item.

One of the most well-known brands in the emergency water treatment sector is LifeStraw, so it’s comforting to discover that the Flex is supported by NSF and EPA Specifications, specifically NSF P231, for the elimination of bacteria and parasites.

The system is small and light enough to fit in any size backpack, weighing little under 7 ounces.

A flow rate of 0.125 gal/min for the Flex is substantially lower than the Platypus’ 0.4 GPM flow rate. Much longer will pass before you may drink pure water from this filter. Moreover, it might be a bit challenging to assemble the filter and connecting bag at first.

Katadyn Vario

The Katadyn Vario filter is our second-place pick for a pump-style water filter. This little filter purges natural water sources of bacteria, protozoa, algae, cysts, spores, and debris.

How does this filter stack up against the Survivor Filter Pro, our best pump type filter? While the Katadyn Vario weighs around 80 grams more than the Survivor Filter Pro (425 grams vs. 362 grams) and has a shorter guarantee than the latter (2 years as opposed to a lifetime), they are almost identical in terms of longevity and price.

With a rapid flow option of 2 liters (about 0.52 gallons) per minute, the Katadyn Vario provides clean water more quickly than the Survivor model.

For usage by 1-4 persons, the Katadyn Vario is a hand-pump filter that combines a ceramic prefilter with a glassfiber membrane and carbon core.

Water pollutants such as bacteria, protozoa, algae, cysts, spores, silt, chlorine, taste, and odor are all removed by this filter. We’d want to see more detailed information on the filtered contaminant removal, such percentages.

Also, the system has a maximum capacity of 2,000 liters, depending on the quality of your water, which is a significant amount compared to other pumps on the market.

The best person for this filter is anyone seeking for a hand pump filter that offers the option of a quick flow rate for instant access to filtered water or a slightly slower flow rate to prolong the filter’s life.

We appreciate that you can choose how rapidly water is pumped through this filter. While the “quick filter” option skips the ceramic filter to supply water at double the speed, the “longer life” mode puts water through a ceramic pre-filter at a rate of 1 liter per minute.

To increase the lifespan of the glassfiber membrane and decrease the frequency of filter replacements, we advise constantly utilizing the ceramic pre-filter.

The Katadyn Vario is surprisingly simple to operate compared to other pump-style filters that need an upper body exercise every time you want a drink. The dual-piston system, which enables the filter to provide a steady water flow without needless effort, is to blame for that.

The integrated bottle thread makes it simple to attach the filter to your water bottle if you want to pump water and bring it with you wherever you go.

The lifetime guarantee of our top selection pump filter outlasts the 2-year warranty, though. The glassfiber filter’s lifespan can be extended by using a pre-filter, however maintaining a satisfactory flow rate requires frequent filter cleaning.

MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter

MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter is the item after that on our list. This US-made pump filter eliminates germs, protozoan cysts, bad tastes, and smells as well as particles as small as 0.2 microns. With routine maintenance, the ceramic filter cartridge may provide plenty of water for up to 500 gallons.

Contaminants as small as 0.2 microns can be removed by the MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter, which utilizes a ceramic and charcoal carbon filter. Water must be manually pumped through the filter’s medium. Just submerge the hose in water and pump the device to provide clean water into the bag or water bottle that is connected.

Even in “worst-case” water, this pump filter satisfies NSF procedure P231 for 99.9999% bacteria removal and 99.9% protozoa removal during the course of its lifetime. Together with infections, the filter’s carbon core decreases several chemicals, insecticides, tastes, and smells.

Also, you may regularly maintain and replace this filter while using it while you’re on the go. None are needed.

This filter is the best option for anyone wishing to spend their money on a dependable, quick-flowing pump filter that is covered by the strongest guarantee available.

Its filter provides around one quart of clean drinking water per minute, making it a popular choice for lone travelers and small parties. No matter how wonderful the water source, pump filtration offers a reliable supply.

The Nalgene and the Camelback are two of the most well-liked water bottle brands that are compatible with this pump filter. Make advantage of the supplied storage bag to reduce the amount of space in your backpack.

Also, a lifetime guarantee is just what you want to see when you’re spending a significant amount of money up front on a filter.

Yet, the MSR MiniWorks appears to be somewhat hefty for a pump filter at over half a kilogram.

We also observed that the filter clogs up easily. The flow rate will rapidly drop down again when you scrub the filter with the cleaning pad that comes with it to clear it.

Epic Nalgene OG

The Epic Nalgene OG Woodsman is the filtered water bottle we placed second. With a 1-liter storage capacity and a 300-gallon filter lifetime, this portable bottled water filtration system is ideal for travel, trekking, and everyday usage.

Compared to the Grayl Ultrapress, our favorite water bottle filter, the Epic Nalgene OG Woodsman is around $40 less expensive. Nevertheless, the Grayl model has three times as many uses (300 vs. 100), while the Epic Nalgene is a little more difficult to use because of its straw filter design.

The Epic Nalgene OG Woodsman is a straw-equipped filter bottle with an internal filter. Water in the straw first travels through a mechanical and ion exchange filter, trapping impurities in its pores, before being sucked out.

Also eliminated by this filter bottle are viruses, heavy metals, chlorine, agricultural pollutants, medicines, protozoa (including 99.99% giardia), bacteria (including 99.99% E.Coli), protozoa (including 99.99% giardia), and more. Moreover, the Epic Nalgene filter has a 300 gallon capacity.

The perfect person for this filter is someone trying to save money on a water filter bottle that they can use in any situation. The Epic Nalgene OG Woodsman can help you get rid of impurities from both public and natural water sources.

The process of owning and utilizing this Epic filter is simple. The filter, like other bottles, is made up of not many pieces and doesn’t require assembly before each use. Wide-necked shape of the bottle makes it simple to clean after each usage.

You get immediate access to pure water thanks to the straw filtering. Just fill the bottle to the desired level, secure the lid, and drink. Moreover, epic leads the field with a lifetime guarantee for this filter, protecting you from defects in production.

Unfortunately, due to its enormous 1-liter capacity and heft, the bottle is not the greatest option if you have a little amount of knapsack space.

More work is required for the straw filter than for the plunge filtration in the Grayl Ultrapress. Sucking hard on the straw is the only way to get water. The remaining quarter of unfiltered water is trapped in the bottom of the bottle as a result of its construction.

HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter Package

The HydroBlue Versa, as the name suggests, is a very adaptable straw filter that has a 0.1 micron filter that can get rid of germs and parasites. It has a 100,000 gallon capacity and a lifetime money-back warranty.

Although the HydroBlu is labeled as a straw filter, it actually has a number of uses. It may be attached to a bucket for bigger volumes or set up as a gravity filtering system to accommodate many users.

It can also be used to drink directly from the source with a straw. It stands out from the other portable water filters on this list because of its adaptability. Outdoor lovers and others who like to be prepared for emergencies love the HydroBlue.

Buyer’s Guide: How We Picked The Best Water Filters That are Portable on This List

There are a few key characteristics to think about when choosing the best portable water filters for you. While selecting the best portable water filters in this guide, we looked at these characteristics as our criterion.

Flow Rate

Depending on the type of filter you choose, the flow rate of a portable water filter varies greatly.

The best portable water filters that employ a force greater than gravity to drive water through the filter will give you the best flow rate: hand pumps, electric pumps, bottle or straw filters. As a result of their reliance on gravity filtering, hanging bag filters have a slower, more consistent flow rate.

Think about whether you would rather wait a few minutes for the water to be filtered or prefer to have immediate access to clean drinking water or filtered water.

To alleviate flow rate concerns brought on by blockage, the majority of portable filters may be backwashed.

Filter Capacity & Lifespan

Portable back washable filters have a respectable lifespan of three to five years or more.

More remarkable filters exist than others. For instance, the Sawyer Products MINI filter might very well outlive you with a lifespan of 100,000 gallons, or 200 years.

Think about how long you’ll actually want to use the filter and whether the price is justified by the filter’s capacity.

Weight

The weights of several portable water filters vary. The lightest alternatives are the straw, squeeze, and gravity water filters since they often use lightweight plastic and hollow fiber filters that weigh very little.

Pump systems, water dispensers, bottle filters, and UV water systems are heavier and bulkier choices, but they are usually preferable for distributing large quantities of water to several households or groups of people.

Are you looking for a portable or lightweight filter? The best option is straw water filters, which you can only use to drink straight from water sources.

Physical Size

If you want to make your bag as clutter-free as possible, size is just as crucial as weight.

Because they are made up of more parts, bottle filters, dispensers, and filters with a hand pump obviously require more room.

Straw filters are the smallest portable filters, and they are the easiest to tuck away in your clothing or a pocket within your knapsack.

Ease of Use

Pump filters for portable water were assessed according to how quickly and efficiently they produced clean water.

The most popular portable filters are broken down below along with how simple they are to use: Straw filters and bottle filters are simple to operate and have few parts, although many of them demand manual sucking effort.

Pump filters, on the other hand, have numerous parts and require the most physical work. The Hanging gravity filters are simple to use but take a while to complete because of their many elements.

The less effort you have to put into maintaining hydrated, the more you can concentrate on enjoying your trip.

Types of Portable Travel Water Filters

Many designs and filtering techniques are available in backpacking water filters. The following is a list of the most popular portable water filter types.

Straw Filters

Straw filters are portable, lightweight, and small water filtration devices. You just insert one end of the straw into a water source and sip on the other; they don’t come with any large bags, tubes, or bottles. Straight into your mouth after passing through the water filter is clean drinking water.

You may carry filtered water with you by attaching several straw filters to a bottle or a bag.

Gravity Fed Filters

Two bags are linked by a pipe and a water filter in gravity water filters. You put filthy water in the “dirty” bag and hang it higher than the “clean” bag. Water will flow into the “clean” bag after passing through the filter and the pipe.

You may filter using some gravity filters into a bottle rather than another bag. The filter bag is easy to store until you need it again by simply folding it when not in use.

Pump Filters

Often consisting of two or three filters, including a pre-filter, a pump filter system provides clean drinking water by electric or manual pumping.

Put the “dirty” water hose end into your water source and use the handle to push and draw the water through the system to utilize a pump filter. Via the clean water hose, water will exit the filter and fill the jug or bottle of your choosing.

Filtered Water Bottles

Your drinking water is filtered in a couple of seconds using straw filters or plunge filters in filtered water bottles.

Suck the straw to force water through the filter and into your mouth while using a water filter bottle system. Putting pressure on the bottle’s cap will force water through the filter when using a plunge bottle filter.

UV Water Purifiers

Portable devices called UV water purifiers use ultraviolet radiation or known as uv light to purify water.

The majority of UV water purifiers work by penetrating dangerous pollutants in water and changing their DNA to render them inactive. The majority of portable UV filter devices come in the shape of water bottles as water purifiers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “potable water”?

Water that is fit for human consumption is known as potable water. Sometimes drinking water doesn’t taste so pleasant. When you use a portable water filter to make your natural water source consumable, you’ll undoubtedly discover that the water still has a very terrible taste. That is why a portable water filter is your best friend in this scenario.

How effective are portable water filters?

The top portable water filters safely eliminate all germs from untreated natural water sources, keeping you safe while traveling. If you want evidence that the filter performs as promised, look for portable water filters with third-party testing, NSF certifications, or a WQA Gold Seal.

Can portable water filters remove viruses?

The Survivor Filter PRO and the Grayl Ultrapress, two of the best portable water filters, can eliminate certain viruses from water. As viruses are so little, much smaller than bacteria and protozoa, they are extremely challenging to filter out and need a portable water filter with very small holes.

What is the best personal water purifier?

According to our tests, the Sawyer MINI portable water filter is the finest personal water purifier among all other water purifiers because it is efficient, dependable, and long-lasting, capturing impurities as small as 0.1 microns and lasting up to 100,000 gallons.

Are portable water filters worth it?

If you spend a lot of time trekking or camping in the wilderness and don’t want to boil your water every time you want a drink, portable water filters are worth the investment. With an average lifespan of 3-5 years and a cost of less than $100, portable water filters provide excellent value.

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