Access to clean drinking water is essential for all backpacking adventures. But of course, you don’t bring gallons of clean water with you. Instead, we use filtration or purification systems from this link, or products that clean the water we find. We have tested many travel water purifiers over the past few camping trips and have only listed the best on this list. water quality, ease of installation of the product, weight, portability, and overall durability of the product.
Learn about the best products in their respective categories in this article. We have the best overall water filters, gravity fed water filters, ceramic filters, cheap water filters, and portable filters.
Pollution type
Microorganisms from human and animal faeces are the most common form of contamination (75-80% of water pollution comes from domestic sewage).
Protozoa (Cryptosporidium and Giardia are the two most common) are parasites found in the faeces of infected humans and animals. Infection causes gastrointestinal illness such as diarrhea and vomiting. The average incubation period is 7 days, so symptoms rarely appear a day or two after drinking contaminated water.
Bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella) are similar to protozoa but are smaller and can also be found in human and animal faeces. The incubation period is usually 2 to 5 days, and symptoms include cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and headache. As with protozoal infections, there are no treatments available (other than rest and hydration).
Viruses (eg hepatitis, norovirus) are dwindling again and are among the leading causes of water-borne and water-related human illness. Many sewage-contaminated waters contain 100 different viruses. The incubation period varies widely (depending on the virus), but symptoms usually appear within 12-48 hours.
Chemicals are usually the result of runoff from agriculture, which is a major cause of water degradation globally.Nutrient pollution can cause algal blooms, which can be invisible but harmful. (less risk in running water) Mining can also leave heavy metals in the water, which can linger long after mining operations stop.
What to look for in a backpacking water purifier
As we’ve seen, backpacking water purifiers work in different ways, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. As a general rule, filtration systems are effective against protozoa, but if you want protection against viruses, you’ll need a purification system.
Squeeze filter
These often come in the form of bottles with built-in filters, so they’re a great option if you want something that can be used both in the city and on the trail. It’s lightweight, but it won’t protect you from viruses.
Gravity filter
These are designed to filter dirty water from one reservoir and clean water to another. It’s great for groups or camping and when you need clean water to wash down.
Straw filter
If you need something small in your first aid kit, our ultralight and personal water filter straw are perfect. Additionally, it can be dipped directly into a water source, so you can drink from a puddle if you need to. There is none.
Pump filters and water purifiers.
The pump system is very reliable, but the obvious drawback is that it requires physical effort and is not suitable for large volumes of water.
Water purification by ultraviolet rays
UV rays have the power to protect you from viruses, bacteria and protozoa. However, it doesn’t work well in muddy water, so you’ll have to decide what’s most important to you.
Chemical refining
Adding drops to water requires a longer wait than a filter system, and you’ll also need some sort of container. There is no problem in leaving it.
