How to Select the Best Water Filter System for Backpacking
The right water filter can be the difference between surviving or not in the great outdoors.
Depending on the size and scope of your backpacking adventure, this can take on even greater priority. Even for day hikes, have a water filtration system handy is just smart emergency planning.
The bottom line is that you can survive for weeks without food, but only days without water.
In this guide, I break down the important criteria for selecting the right water filtration system for your needs. I’ll make recommendations throughout, depending on your circumstances.
In a rush? These are my top recommended solutions (up front):
Continue reading for the full guide…
A Primer on Filtration Methods
Filters vs UV Purifiers vs Chemical TreatmentHow Much Water do you Need?
- Best Emergency Water Filter
- Higher Volume Water Filter (Primary Source)
- Supplemental Water Filter: If you will be carrying in water or have access to water stations daily along your route, a supplemental filter will suffice for the “in between” times. In my water filters for hikers guide, I’ve covered these supplement solutions (read more here), but here is a high level view.
How Much Weight Can you Bear?
– how much do the systems weigh (comparison table)
How Safe/Reliable is the System?
How Easy is it to Use?
The Final Sip
About the Author Sam Hardy
Sam Hardy is an outdoor enthusiast with a penchant for survival prepping. He writes about the great outdoors and his favorite equipment here.
