The Best Water Filters For Backpacking, Camping, and Emergencies

A bacteria-filled beach. A muddy wetland. Glacial silt runoff. The best backpacking water filters have to be able to handle some pretty gnarly water sources without clogging or breaking. I tested the 20 backpacking water filters in this story by taking them to three different water locations, pumping three liters of water through each filter. After each round, I timed how long it took each filter to handle a liter of tap water before continuing to the next round. At the end of all three rounds, I weighed each filter.

Continue reading to learn more about the best water filters, written by Laura Lancaster.

Writer and Editor

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Hi, I‘m Laura. I’ve been editing and writing for nearly twenty years, covering everything from developing a seismologist’s first book to telling the story of my first deer hunt.

Outdoor Life: The Best Water Filters For Backpacking, Camping, and Emergencies

ローラ・ランカスター

Last updated:

| 5 min read

The Best Water Filters For Backpacking, Camping, and Emergencies

Continue reading to learn more about the best water filters, written by Laura Lancaster.

Writer and Editor

ローラ・ランカスター

Hi, I‘m Laura. I’ve been editing and writing for nearly twenty years, covering everything from developing a seismologist’s first book to telling the story of my first deer hunt.

Writer and Editor

ローラ・ランカスター

Hi, I‘m Laura. I’ve been editing and writing for nearly twenty years, covering everything from developing a seismologist’s first book to telling the story of my first deer hunt.

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Outdoor Life: The Best Water Filters For Backpacking, Camping, and Emergencies

ローラ・ランカスター

Last updated:

May 28, 2026

| 5 min read

The Best Water Filters For Backpacking, Camping, and Emergencies

Continue reading to learn more about the best water filters, written by Laura Lancaster.

Writer and Editor

ローラ・ランカスター

Hi, I‘m Laura. I’ve been editing and writing for nearly twenty years, covering everything from developing a seismologist’s first book to telling the story of my first deer hunt.

Writer and Editor

ローラ・ランカスター

Hi, I‘m Laura. I’ve been editing and writing for nearly twenty years, covering everything from developing a seismologist’s first book to telling the story of my first deer hunt.

learn about the author

メディア

Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad MembersSquad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.

We build products withindustry-leadingstandards and technology, designed to keep you outdoors for longer. Explore what others are saying about Sawyer.

News fromSawyer HQin Tampa Bay, FL, including product resources, updates in technology, and recent brand developments.

NewThere’s nothing like seeing hearing from those who are personally touched by the promise ofclean water. Explore their stories and lift your soul; you’ve made this work possible.

Stories and experiences encompassing a spread of outdoor enthusiasms, from theBackcountry to the Backyard^TM. What keeps you outdoors?

Trail tips and packing list guides for backcountry travel, gear choices.Trail guidesfor hiking, biking, thru-hiking and more.

Read aboutproduct reviewsfrom various media outlets, customers, community members, and outdoor gear websites.