Best Camping & Hiking Water Filters of 2025

Arlen Smith Avatar
Arlen Smith
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Camping and hiking water filters are a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. These filters are designed to remove harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants from natural water sources like rivers, streams, and lakes. They come in various sizes and styles, from small personal filters to larger group filters, and are easy to use and maintain. Some filters even have additional features like built-in water bottles, straw filters, and gravity-fed systems. Investing in a high-quality camping and hiking water filter ensures that you can enjoy clean and safe drinking water no matter where your outdoor adventures take you.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Membrane Solutions Portable Water Filter Straw Cover #TOP 1
Membrane Solutions Portable Water Filter Straw
ftb score rating icon 9.9
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter Cover #TOP 2
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw Cover #TOP 3
Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Camping & Hiking Water Filters

#TOP 1

Membrane Solutions Portable Water Filter Straw

water filter straw
Blue
Membrane Solutions Portable Water Filter Straw Cover
Membrane Solutions Portable Water Filter Straw Filtration Straw Purifier Survival Gear for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency, Blue, 4 pack

The Membrane Solutions Portable Water Filter Straw is a survival gear that provides clean drinking water quickly and easily. It is lightweight and portable, fitting in the palm of your hand, gym bag, or backpack. The 5-stage filtration system includes coconut shell activated carbon and ultrafiltration membranes that reduce 99.99999% of E. Coli and improve taste. With a pore size of 0.1 microns, its filtration accuracy is high while maintaining optimum flow rate. The straw can filter up to 5,000 liters of water, making it ideal for outdoor activities, travel, and emergency preparedness.

What We Like
Reliable clean drinking water
Lightweight and durable
Great price point
Effective 5-stage filtration
Compact and portable
#TOP 2

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

LSPHF017
Blue
1 Pack
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter Cover
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness, 1 Pack, Blue

The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is a must-have tool for camping, hiking, travel, and emergency preparedness. With its Microfiltration Membrane, it can remove 99.999999% of waterborne bacteria and 99.999% of waterborne parasites. It can also remove microplastics and reduce turbidity down to 0.2 microns. The claims are verified with laboratories using standard testing protocols set by the US EPA, NSF, and ASTM. Its microbiological filter can provide 4,000 liters of clean and safe drinking water with proper use and maintenance. Moreover, with every purchase, a school child in need receives safe drinking water for an entire school year. It is made of BPA-free materials.

What We Like
Exceptional filtration effectiveness
Lightweight and portable design
Easy to use
Durable and long-lasting
Eco-friendly alternative to plastic bottles
What We Don't Like
Natural taste may remain
#TOP 3

Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw

WD-FSBUL-1
Blue
Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw Cover
Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw, Camping Water Filtration System, Water Purifier Survival for Travel, Backpacking and Emergency Preparedness, 1.5 gal Bag, 0.1 Micron, 5 Stage Filtration

The Waterdrop Filter Straw is a versatile and efficient water filtration system designed for outdoor activities and emergency preparedness. With its 5-stage filtration process, including premium-quality coconut shell activated carbon and a 0.1 um ultrafiltration membrane, it effectively reduces harmful substances in water such as chlorine, sediment, and bad taste. The innovative backwash purifier function ensures a longer lifespan for the straw, providing safe drinking water for up to 1,400 gallons. The Waterdrop Filter Straw can be connected to water bags or bottles, offering clean drinking water anytime, anywhere. Whether you're hiking, camping, or facing an emergency situation, this gravity water filter straw is a must-have for ensuring your water safety and delivering a better drinking experience.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to carry
Flawless functionality in the wilderness
Fast and clean water filtration
Excellent customer service
Compact and space-efficient design
What We Don't Like
Bag size smaller than expected
Slow flow after multiple uses
#TOP 4

Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Filter

SP128 Niebieski
Blue
1-Pack
Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Filter Cover
Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System, Single, Blue

The Sawyer Mini Water Filter is perfect for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or traveling. This lightweight filter, weighing only 2 ounces, is easy to carry and fits right in your hand. You can use it with the included drinking pouch or standard water bottles, making hydration on the go simple and convenient. It effectively removes harmful bacteria and protozoa, ensuring that you drink clean water no matter where you are. With a filter lifespan of up to 100,000 gallons, it’s a reliable choice for emergency preparedness and outdoor adventures.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
Easy to use and operate
Effective water filtration
Durable and reliable performance
Good accessories included
What We Don't Like
Small water collection bag
#TOP 5

Sawyer SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System

SP129
Black/Blue
One Pouch
Sawyer SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System Cover
Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System w/ Two 32-Oz Squeeze Pouches, Straw, and Hydration Pack Adapter

The Sawyer SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System is a lightweight and portable water filter perfect for outdoor activities, travel, and emergency preparedness. It can remove harmful bacteria, protozoa, cysts, sediment, and 100% of microplastics. The 0.1 micron absolute inline filter is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and weighs only 2 ounces. The system also includes two reusable 32-oz collapsible pouches, a drinking straw, one set of Sawyer inline hydration pack adapters for filter, and a mesh storage bag. The built-in and removable flip top sports cap allows you to spray water straight into your mouth or bottle from the included pouch, and it also fits standard water bottles with 28 mm threads.

What We Like
Outstanding filtration performance
Compact and lightweight design
Easy to use and clean
Great value for the price
Positive impact on communities
What We Don't Like
Rigid and cumbersome bags
Optional accessories may be needed
#TOP 6

Membrane Solutions WS02 Water Filter Straw

Membrane Solutions WS02 Water Filter Straw Cover
WS02 Water Filter Straw, Detachable 4-Stage 0.1-Micron Portable Water Filter Camping, 5,000L Water Purifier Survival Gear and Equipment for Hiking Camping Travel and Emergency - 4 Pack

The Membrane Solutions Water Filter offers an innovative detachable design, allowing you to easily replace the filter element without discarding the entire straw. This feature makes it reusable and environmentally friendly. Additionally, it includes a superior backwash solution, meaning you can clean it effortlessly without extra tools. The 4-stage filtration system efficiently removes harmful contaminants while providing a great taste, ensuring that your drinking water is safe and pleasant. With a high flow rate, this filter supports various modes of use, making it perfect for camping, hiking, or emergency situations.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Good value for the money
Ease of use
High water quality
Emergency preparedness
What We Don't Like
Not tested by all users
#TOP 7

LifeStraw Personal Blue 4 Pack

LSP4PCCAN1
One Size
LifeStraw Personal Blue 4 Pack Cover
LifeStraw Personal Blue 4 Pack

The LifeStraw Blue 4 Pack is an essential camping and hiking water filter. With its compact and lightweight design, weighing less than 2 ounces, you can easily pack it anywhere you go. This durable water filter is equipped with a long-lasting membrane microfilter that can purify up to 1,000 gallons of water, providing you with safe drinking water for over 5 years. The LifeStraw protects against 99.999999% of bacteria, including E.coli and Salmonella, 99.999% of parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, and 99.999% of microplastics, silt, sand, and cloudiness. It is the ultimate survival tool, with an unlimited shelf life and proven performance in the harshest conditions. Plus, with your purchase, you are making a positive impact by providing one child with one year of safe water.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight
Effective water filtration
Great for emergencies
Convenient for outdoor activities
Cost-effective 4-pack
What We Don't Like
One strap broken on delivery
Only rated taste 4 stars
#TOP 8

Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter

8018006
Unset
One Size
Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter Cover
Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ Clean Membrane for Endurance Sports, Camping and Backpacking, One Size, 8018006

The Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter is an ideal companion for camping, backpacking and endurance sports. It features a 0.1 micron filter that removes bacteria and protozoa, surpassing EPA standards, and can filter up to 1,000 liters of contaminated water without using chemicals. The collapsible 1.0L soft bottle flask is easy to pack and the EZ-clean membrane is simple to clean without any extra tools. Additionally, the stay clean drink nozzle ensures that the mouthpiece is clean and sanitary.

What We Like
Lightweight and compact
High flow rate
Easy to use and clean
Versatile for various water sources
Durable and sturdy construction
What We Don't Like
Pinhole leak reported
Slower collection process
#TOP 9

Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System

L610
Green
Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System Cover
Survivor Filter PRO - Hand Pump Camping Water Filtration System Survival - Water Purifier Survival

The Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System is a lightweight and compact water filter ideal for camping, hiking, and backpacking. It comes with filters, tubes, cup, and bag, making it easy to use and stay prepared for whatever the wilderness offers. The survival water filter has a fast flow rate of 500ml (17oz) per minute and is BPA-free. It has been USA tested to remove 99.999% of tested viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, and reduces heavy metals according to NSF/ANSI Standards.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Fast water filtration
BPA-free materials
No charging needed
Great customer service
What We Don't Like
Flexible inlet hose
Initial plastic taste
#TOP 10

Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter

8019857
Transparent
Small
Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter Cover
Katadyn Hiker Pro Hand Pump Water Filter for Backpacking, Camping, Emergency Survival

The Katadyn Hiker Pro is an essential water filter for camping, backpacking, and emergency situations. With its advanced 0.2-micron glass fiber filter, you can trust it to eliminate 99.9999% of harmful bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa from water, ensuring your safety while on the move. Cleaning the filter is a breeze—just remove it and rinse in clear water to maintain optimal performance. Its ergonomic handle makes filtering quick and effortless, allowing you to hydrate efficiently. Plus, the impressive flow rate of 1 liter per minute means you won't be left waiting long for fresh water.

What We Like
Fast water filtration
Lightweight and compact
Easy to use
Durable construction
Affordable replacement filters
What We Don't Like
Minor difficulty with solo use
Occasional hose inconvenience
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do you purify water while hiking?

The most reliable method to purify water while hiking is by boiling it. Bring the water to a full rolling boil for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at high elevations above 6,500 feet), then allow it to cool before using.

2. What Micron rating for hiking water filter?

For hiking water filters, the most popular and effective micron rating for hollow fiber filters is between 0.1 to 0.2 microns. This rating is sufficient to filter out bacteria and protozoa, striking a balance between protection, flow rate, and filter lifespan.

3. Do you need a water filter for backpacking?

While purifiers offer more comprehensive protection, a water filter is typically considered sufficient for backpacking trips in the backcountries of the U.S. and Canada. Water filters are designed to remove harmful organisms like protozoa and bacteria, providing adequate water purification.

4. Do water filters work hiking?

Yes, water filters specifically designed for backpacking are effective in protecting against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses. There are a variety of water filtration and purification systems available that are suitable for backpacking, day hiking, trail running, and travel.

5. How do you naturally filter water in the wild?

In the wild, you can create a natural water filter using charcoal. Make charcoal by burning a campfire, covering it with dirt and ash, and allowing it to cool. Crush the cooled charcoal into small pieces and pour water through it several times to filter out impurities.

6. Which is better 5 micron or 30 micron?

The smaller the micron rating, the finer the particles that can be removed from water. A 5-micron filter can remove particles as small as 5 microns, while a 30-micron filter will allow smaller particles to pass through. The choice of micron rating depends on the size of particles you want to filter from your water.

7. Which portable water filter removes the most contaminants?

Reverse osmosis systems combined with carbon filters are the most effective portable water filters for removing contaminants. These systems use a multi-stage filtration process to remove a wide range of impurities and provide clean, purified water.

Editor's Notes

During our camping & hiking water filter research, we found 24 camping & hiking water filter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 716,833 customer reviews through our big data system to write the camping & hiking water filters list. We found that most customers choose camping & hiking water filters with an average price of $35.25.

The camping & hiking water filters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of camping & hiking water filters, including Membrane Solutions, LifeStraw, Waterdrop, Sawyer Products, Katadyn. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 951 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Arlen Smith Avatar

Arlen Smith is a writer and a surfer who lives in Los Angeles, he runs a popular blog that focuses on surfing skills and popular surf spots around the world. He enjoys the sun, the beach and the feeling of surfing. His expertise ranges from categories such as climbing, swimming, boating and outdoor sports.

Camping & Hiking Water Filters Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Membrane Solutions LifeStraw Waterdrop Sawyer Products Sawyer Products Membrane Solutions LifeStraw Katadyn Survivor Filter Katadyn
Special Feature Portable Protects against 99.999999% of bacteria (including E.coli, Salmonella), 99.999% of parasites (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium), 99.999% of microplastics, dirt, sand and cloudiness Water Purifier Survival, Gravity Water Filter Straw Lightweight Lightweight Portable NSF certified Lightweight Portable, Lightweight Portable, Lightweight
Package Information Bag,Bottle Bottle Bag Pouch Bag,Bottle Bottle,Syringe,Tube Bottle Bottle Dispenser Cartridge
Item Weight 2 Ounces 0.04 Kilograms 0.29 Pounds 100 Grams 0.2 Pounds 3 Ounces 0.82 Pounds 0.14 Pounds 12.8 Ounces 0.7 Pounds
Model Name gear Personal Water Filter WD-FSBUL MINI Water Filter Squeeze Filter gear LifeStraw 8018006 PRO 8019857
Power Source Non Electric No Electricity Or Battery Power Required Non Electric Manual Operation Ac/Dc Non Electric - - Non Electric Manual Winding
Maximum Flow Rate 500 Milliliters Per Minute - 700 Milliliters Per Minute 1E+5 Gallons Per Minute 1.7 Liters Per Minute 500 Milliliters Per Minute - 2 Liters Per Minute 500 Milliliters Per Minute 1 Liters Per Minute
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
ftb score rating icon 8.6
ftb score rating icon 8.4
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