Reliable water filters are a camper’s best friend. They help you safely drink from streams, rivers, and lakes, turning potentially risky water sources into safe, drinkable water. With a good filter, you won’t need to haul jugs of water, freeing up space and reducing the load.
There are several types of camping water filters available, each designed for different needs and preferences. Some use pumps, others rely on gravity, while some are just simple straws that you can sip through. Picking the right one depends on where you’re heading and what you’re comfortable using.
In this article, we’ll help you find some of the best camping water filters available, so that you can choose the right one for your needs. With the right filter, you can enjoy your outdoor adventure with peace of mind, knowing your water is safe to drink.
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What to Consider When Choosing a Camping Water Filter
One of the first things to think about is filtration speed and capacity. If you're camping with a group, you’ll need something that can filter lots of water quickly. Solo campers might get by with something slower but more compact.
Filter lifespan and maintenance are also big considerations. Some filters can clean several hundred gallons before needing a replacement, while others require frequent maintenance. Make sure to check how easy it is to clean and replace the filter parts.
Weight and portability can't be ignored either. Backpackers especially need something lightweight and compact. A bulky filter can be a real nuisance on long treks.
Types of Camping Water Filters:
- Pump Filters – a manual pump draws water through a filter cartridge.
- Gravity Filters – gravity pulls water through a filter and into a clean water container.
- Squeeze Filters – compact and lightweight.
- Straw Filters – drink directly from a water source through a filtered straw.
- UV Filters – ultraviolet light sterilizes the water by neutralizing contaminants.
1. Katadyn Hiker Pro
The Katadyn Hiker Pro is a reliable pump-style water filter, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who need to quickly filter water from a wide variety of sources. It’s known for its durability and efficiency, featuring a pleated filter cartridge that can handle multiple gallons of water on the trail.
The replaceable carbon core cartridge enhances taste and reduces chemicals, making it a winner for long trips.
Katadyn Hiker Pro
Efficient and reliable with a robust pump mechanism, it handles murky water like a champ.
Key Features
- Filters bacteria, protozoa, and particulates
- Lightweight and compact
- Quick-connect fittings for easy setup and cleaning
- Filters up to 1 liter per minute
Product Pros
- Great for fast filtration
- Works in shallow water sources
- Replaceable filter cartridges
Product Cons
- Manual pumping can be tiring
- Not great for large amounts of water
Where to Purchase
2. Platypus GravityWorks
Perfect for those who prefer to let gravity do the work, the Platypus GravityWorks is a hands-off filtration system. Its large 4-liter capacity is ideal for groups. Simply fill it up, hang it, and let gravity take care of the rest.
Platypus GravityWorks
4-liter capacity gravity-fed system designed for ease of use and group camping.
Key Features
- No pumping required
- Filters up to 1.75 liters per minute
- Can filter up to 1500 liters before needing replacement
- Includes a clean and dirty water reservoir system
- Adjustable hanging strap
Product Pros
- Hands free operation
- Lightweight and packable
- Large capacity
- Great for groups
Product Cons
- Requires a place to hang bags
- Slower than pump filters
Where to Purchase
3. Sawyer Squeeze
The Sawyer Squeeze is an ultralight, versatile filter that’s perfect for minimalist backpackers. This compact filter system attaches to a collapsible water pouch or standard plastic bottle, allowing you to squeeze water through the filter or drink directly from it. Its portability and reliability make it a go-to choice for those on the move.
Sawyer Squeeze Filter
A favorite among backpackers. It offers multiple ways to filter water… drink directly from the filter, squeeze into a water bottle, or use it as an inline filter on a hydration pack.
Key Features
- Filters up to 100,000 gallons before needing replacement
- Removes 99.999% of bacteria and protozoa
- Weighs only 3 ounces
- Can attach to various water pouches or bottles
Product Pros
- Extremely lightweight and portable
- Long-lasting filter life
- Multiple ways to use filter (squeeze, gravity, inline)
Product Cons
- Requires squeezing
- Can be slower than other methods
- Needs frequent backflushing
Where to Purchase
4. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
If you're heading out for a short trip or need a backup filter, the Lifestraw is hard to beat. Drink directly from any water source, no pumping or waiting required. It's incredibly simple, making it a popular choice for emergency kits.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
This emergency-friendly solution that lets you drink directly from streams, lakes, or any natural water source. It’s designed for instant use, with no setup or waiting time, making it an essential item for survival kits, day hikes, or as a backup filter.
Key Features
- Filters up to 1,000 gallons of water.
- Removes 99.999% of bacteria and parasites.
- No batteries or moving parts required.
- Lightweight and portable (weighs only 2 ounces).
Product Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Easy to Use
- Great for emergencies
Product Cons
- Limited to personal use
- Not ideal for groups or filtering large volumes
Where to Purchase
5. SteriPen Ultralight UV Water Purifier
The SteriPen Ultra is a UV water purifier that uses ultraviolet light to neutralize harmful microorganisms in water, making it safe to drink. It’s compact, lightweight, and works quickly, purifying water in just 90 seconds.
SteriPen Ultralight UV Water Purifier
The SteriPen Ultra uses UV light to purify water in a few minutes. It's compact and USB-rechargeable, making it a modern solution for campers.
Key Features
- Kills 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa
- Purifies 1 liter of water in 90 seconds
- USB rechargeable battery
- Compact and lightweight
Product Pros
- Fast and easy to use
- Works against viruses
- No need for replacement filters
Product Cons
- Requires batteries or charge to operate
- Does not remove particles
