The Best Backpacking Water Filters For Safe Sips From Streams, Rivers, And Lakes

Reliable access to clean drinking water is essential when you're miles from the nearest trailhead or paddling along a remote river. While clear streams and alpine lakes might look pristine, they can still harbor harmful bacteria, protozoa or viruses that could sideline your trip with illness.

That's where the best backpacking water filters come in. These compact, lightweight water purification devices aim to safely remove contaminants from natural water sources, giving you peace of mind with every sip during a weekend hike or a multi-day trek.

Continue reading about the best water filters for backpacking, written by Meg Carney.

DÈNYE MIZAJOU

May 27, 2025

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Meg Carney

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Meg Carney se yon ekriven anplwaye pou Jaden &am. Otè deyò Minimalist ak lame nan podcast deyò Minimalist, Carney te yon ekriven deyò ak anviwònman an pou plis pase sis ane. Apre etidye atizay kominikasyon ak literati nan Duluth, Minnesota, li pouswiv divès kalite travay endistri deyò-endistri ki evantyèlman mennen l 'nan karyè aktyèl li nan ekri endependan. Carney rantre nan ekip la Jaden & Stream nan sezon otòn la nan 2021 kòm yon ekriven Kovèti pou.

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Medya Mansyone

The Sawyer Mini is super lightweight, fits in your pocket, and filters up to 100,000 gallons of water.

Menachem Kossowsky
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Medya Mansyone

Sawyer’s picaridin spray works up to 12 hours, and the company’s picaridin lotion is effective up to 14.

Bruce Ingram
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Medya Mansyone

The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter earns our top pick for its unbeatable mix of weight, longevity and versatility.

Meg Carney
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