Water Filters

8 Best Portable Water Filter for 2022

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Are you looking for the best portable water filter for your next camping or hiking trip? Luckily, we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the eight best options on the market.

Our goal was to find products that could fit in your pocket, provide the user with different water purification methods and still fit a price range for just about anyone. Read below to find out if one of these products will be perfect for you.

Whether you’re looking for a filter that can remove heavy metals and chemicals or just want something to make sure your water is safe to drink, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a list of our top eight picks:

Quick Comparison – Best Portable Water Filter

Best Portable Water Filter for 2022

  1. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
  2. Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System
  3. Platypus Gravity Water Filter
  4. LifeStraw Flex Advanced Water Filter with Gravity Bag
  5. Survivor Filter PRO
  6. Katadyn Pocket Microfilter
  7. Sawyer Products SP160 One Gallon Gravity Water Filtration System w/Dual-Threaded Mini Filter
  8. MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter Water Filter

8 Best Portable Water Filter

1.LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

1.LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
  • Removes Bacteria & Parasites: The Microfiltration Membrane Removes 99.999999% Of...
  • Removes Microplastics: Removes The Smallest Microplastics Found In The Environment (Down...

The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is one of the easiest water filters to use. Simply dip it into a stream or river and drink through the straw. It removes 99.9999% of bacteria and filters to 0.2 microns so you can also drink from a puddle or a lake. Its compact and lightweight design makes it perfect for hiking, camping, and emergencies alike.

With the LifeStraw Waterbottle, you can feel confident that your water is clean and safe to drink. It has been verified by rigorous testing in compliance with US EPA, NSF guidelines as well as ASTM specifications for purifiers on Earth – so no need to worry about chemicals or toxins being mixed into what’s coming out of this bottle! Plus every one sold supports 1 schoolchild saved per product purchased which means more than 4 thousand liters (1k gal)of fresh H2O delivered straight from our springs thereby making an impact globally too

Furthermore, it’s a great tool to have on hand regardless of where you go, be it the gym, hiking with friends, or biking around. It can be used while driving and camping as well!

The LifeStraw Water Filter is also extremely lightweight and easy to pack for any trip. This makes it an ideal travel companion! Weighing in at only 2 ounces and with a length of 9 inches, it won’t add any extra bulk to your bag.

With this water filter, you can get clean drinking water without having to constantly change the batteries like some other brands! With an easy-to-use design and clear instructions to guide you through removing contaminants, this is one of our top picks.

This water filter has received an almost perfect rating on Amazon with over 80,000 reviews. It truly lives up to the hype!

Specifications

  • 9 inches in length and weighs 2 ounces
  • BPA-free, made with FDA-approved materials
  • Item Dimension: 8.66 x 0.98 x 0.98 inches
Pros
  • Removes 99.9999% of bacteria at 0.2 microns
  • No need to change the batteries like some other brands
  • Clear instructions
  • Rated almost perfect on Amazon
Cons
  • Some find the mouthpiece too big

2. Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System

Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System
  • Ideal for outdoor recreation, hiking, camping, scouting, domestic and International...
  • High-performance 0.1 micron absolute inline filter fits in the palm of your hand and...

The Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System is one of the best-selling water filters on the market today. This filter will remove 99.99% of all bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella, so you can feel confident that your drinking water is clean even in emergencies!

The most compact, lightweight 0.1 Micron absolute inline filter on the market is now even more perfect as it fits in your palm and weighs just 2 ounces! 100% of MINI units have been individually tested three times to perform at a high level by Sawyer

It’s also effective against protozoa such as giardia and cryptosporidium. As an added bonus, this filter is also great for use on hiking trips since it’s lightweight and easy to pack! Simply attach the included straw and you can drink directly from your water source.

The Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System is a great product at a great price. It’s easy to use and includes clear instructions to guide you through setting up your filter. Simply attach the straw, submerge it in water, and drink as needed!

This filter is rated for a whopping 100,000 gallons of water. It includes one Sawyer MINI filter (rated at 18x), a 16-ounce reusable squeeze pouch with a 7-inch drinking straw, and a cleaning plunger that you can use over again!

Additionally, this filter has received great reviews on Amazon with over 4 thousand 5-star reviews! It’s the ideal option if you’re looking for a portable water filtration system that performs well and is very affordable.

Specifications

  • 1 ounce and 9 inches in length
  • BPA-free, made with FDA-approved materials
  • Item Dimension: 5.91 x 1.57 x 1.57 inches
  • Capacity: 10000 Gallons
Pros
  • Fits in your palm
  • Includes clear instructions
  • Rated 4.7 stars on Amazon with over 20000
  • Compatible with other Sawyer products so filters can be interchanged
  • Ideal for outdoor recreation, hiking, camping, scouting, domestic and international travel, and emergency preparedness
Cons
  • Some find it too small and difficult to use with big hands like those of a man. However, the included straw is very flexible so this shouldn’t be as much of an issue as some might think!

3. Platypus Gravity Water Filter

Platypus Gravity Water Filter
  • High-capacity, gravity-fed, hollow-fiber water filter system is ideal for group and family...
  • Meets all EPA/NSF guidelines for removal of 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa,...

The Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System is a gravity-fed hollow-fiber water filtration system that’s ideal for group and family camping, outdoor adventures, and emergency preparedness.

This system is also great for use at home during power outages or in the event of natural disasters like floods and hurricanes. It meets all EPA/NSF guidelines for removal of 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa, including giardia, cryptosporidium, E. coli, salmonella, cholera.

If you’re looking for a system that’s easy to use that produces clean water quickly then the Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System is a great option! It’s lightweight and includes everything you need to set up the system.

The fact that it doesn’t require pumping makes it more convenient than some other options on the market. Simply hang the dirty water reservoir from a tree, slide the clean water reservoir below it, attach hoses to each connector, and turn the filter on.

Within 2.5 minutes, your clean and safe drinking water will start flowing down from the clean water reservoir!

The system includes a 4-liter dirty water reservoir, a 4-liter clean water reservoir, a hollow-fiber microfilter that removes up to 99.9% of protozoa and bacteria (99.9999%), hoses, a shutoff clamp for control of water flow, and a storage sack.

The filter cartridge can be replaced as it filters up to 1,500 gallons (roughly six months with average use). The cartridge will produce a flow rate of 1.75 liters per minute as it works.

As is true for all gravity-fed filters, this one is best suited for groups. However, it’s also great for use at home during power outages or in the event of natural disasters like floods and hurricanes.

If you’re looking for a high capacity, easy-to-use gravity-fed water filter system then the Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System is a great option. It’s lightweight and includes everything you need to set up the system.

Just hang it from a tree, hook up the hoses, turn on the filter, and your clean water will start flowing down from the pressure of gravity!

Specifications

  • Dimensions : 13.2 x 2.8 x 5.8 inches
  • Avg. Weight: 0.33 Kg
  • Filter Cartridge Life: 1,500 gallons or 6 months of average usage
Pros
  • Dual-reservoir system that filters water quickly without the need to pump it through a filter
  • Lightweight and includes everything needed for set up (hoses, shutoff clamp, storage sack)
  • The cartridge can be replaced as it filters up to 1,500 gallons (roughly six months with average use)
Cons
  • Not ideal for groups – better suited for one or two people or small families

4.LifeStraw Flex Advanced Water Filter with Gravity Bag

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The LifeStraw Flex Advanced Water Filter with Gravity Bag is a point of use (POU) water purification system that uses the award-winning technology in the LifeStraw Personal to provide clean and safe drinking water at home or on the go.

The kit includes everything you need for a quick, easy setup including two 2.5 liter bags that you fill with water, a tube so you can drink clean water as it is filtered through the LifeStraw Flex Advanced Water Filter, and a shutoff clamp to stop or start the flow of water.

The LifeStraw Flex Advanced Water Filter filters up to 4 liters per minute as it removes bacteria and protozoa for safe drinking water.

It also significantly reduces the levels of lead, pesticides, and other organic chemical matter in your drinking water as well as removing chlorine for better taste. The hollow fiber membrane has a pore size that is 0.2 microns which filter out even the tiniest of particulates – making it great for backpacking or hiking.

The LifeStraw Flex Advanced Water Filter with Gravity Bag is the perfect solution for drinking water on the go, whether you’re camping, hiking, traveling, or simply away from your home during a natural disaster. If you want to drink clean and safe water without having to worry about where it’s coming from then this product is perfect for you.

This product is great for backpacking or hiking since it eliminates the need to carry heavy water bottles on your trip. Simply fill up one bag with water from a stream, lake, etc., attach it to the drinking tube, and start drinking!

Specifications

  • Dimensions : 11 x 3 x 5.5 inches
  • Avg. Weight: 6.9 Ounces
  • Packaging: Retail
  • Capacity: 3.7 litres
Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to take with you when traveling or backpacking
  • Perfect for hiking, camping, etc. since it eliminates the need to carry heavy water bottles with you
  • Filters up to 4 liters per minute
  • Removes 99.9999% of bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella
Cons
  • Not ideal for everyday use – more suited for camping, backpacking, etc.

5. Survivor Filter PRO

Sale
Survivor Filter PRO
  • Compact And Easy To Use - Weighing 12.8oz, this is a light and compact backpacking water...
  • Water Filter Backpacking - An easy pack-and-go water filter. No need to charge or wait for...

The Survivor Filter PRO removes 99.9999% of viruses, bacteria and protozoa, including E.coli, cholera, and salmonella, and reduces heavy metals like lead, arsenic, aluminum, and others.

The Survivor Filter PRO is truly what you need for safe drinking water on the go whether it’s camping or while hiking in the backcountry. It has a very fast flow rate that will allow you to filter large quantities of water quickly so everyone can have access to clean and safe water.

Furthermore, it reduces chlorine and other chemical odors or tastes in your water, which allows you to enjoy the taste of the water as it is. The Survivor Filter PRO removes 99.9999% of viruses, bacteria, and protozoa as well as reduces heavy metals such as lead.

The Survivor Filter PRO is not only great for hiking or camping but also for survival situations. It is compact, lightweight, and will allow you to drink clean water no matter where you are.

Specifications

  • Item Dimensions: 3.15 x 1.97 x 6.5 inches
  • Weight: 1 pound
  • Shell Material: ABS Plastic, Polysulfone Ultra Filtration System, Food Grade Activated Carbon and Steel Bar Handle for Added Strength
  • Filter Capacity: 100000 Liters
Pros
  • Removes 99.9999% of viruses, bacteria, protozoa as well as heavy metals
  • Also reduces chlorine and other chemical odors or tastes in your water for better taste
  • The compact size makes it great to take with you when hiking or camping
  • Perfect for survival situations
Cons
  • Not ideal for everyday use

6. Katadyn Pocket Microfilter

Sale
Katadyn Pocket Microfilter
  • ULTIMATE FILTRATION: Exclusive silver-impregnated ceramic cartridge with .0002 mm pores...
  • SWISS QUALITY & DURABILITY- 20-YEAR GUARANTEE. This steel bomb-proof filter is trusted by...

The Katadyn Pocket Microfilter is the ideal product for hikers, campers, backpackers, or anyone who’s on the go. It’s perfect for emergencies as well since it provides stress-free access to clean drinking water in any situation.

The Katadyn Pocket Microfilter is a lightweight and compact water treatment system that can be used on the go. The filter lasts up to 13,000 gallons before needing replacement with its durable reusable component making this an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who plan long adventures in remote locations without access or means of clean drinking water sources such as hikers trying not only to camp out under stars but live close enough to them.

It has an advanced design that allows you to simply squeeze water through its pleated Hydro Cell filter. It’s designed to filter a liter of water in just two and a half minutes, so you can have clean drinking water right away.

Furthermore, the Pocket Microfilter is a breeze to maintain and clean since it comes with a cleaning tool.

The Katadyn Pocket Microfilter is an ideal product for anyone who loves going out into nature or doing any kind of outdoor activity. Whether it’s a hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, or biking, this product is perfect for you!

Specifications

  • Items Dimensions: 2.56 x 5.43 x 1.5 inches
  • Item weight: 0.46 pounds
  • Capacity: 1.3 pounds
Pros
  • Compact, lightweight, and easy to use
  • Filters up to 1 liter in 2.5 minutes
  • Comes with a cleaning tool
  • Allows for stress-free access to clean drinking water in any situation
  • The durable reusable component makes this an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts since it has a long life span
  • Ideal for hikers or anyone who loves doing outdoor activities
Cons
  • Not great for very cloudy water conditions because it may have a problem filtering cloudy water

7. Sawyer Products SP160 One Gallon Gravity Water Filtration System w/Dual-Threaded Mini Filter

Sale
Sawyer Products SP160 One Gallon Gravity Water Filtration System w/Dual-Threaded Mini Filter
  • Compact gravity-based water filtering system with 0.1 micron absolute dual-threaded Sawyer...
  • High-performance 0.1 micron absolute inline filter fits in the palm of your hand and...

The Sawyer Products SP160 One Gallon Gravity Water Filtration System with Dual-Threaded Mini Filter is a convenient, compact water treatment solution that makes it easy to enjoy fresh, clean water wherever you go.

It’s great for camping, backpacking, hiking, and other outdoor activities when you’re in remote locations without easy access to clean drinking water. It can also be used during emergencies such as floods or earthquakes when clean drinking water is hard to find since this piece of equipment provides a convenient way to filter up to one full gallon of water without electricity or hand pumping.

The Sawyer Products SP160 Gravity Water Filtration System includes a 1-gallon bag, the dual threaded MINI filter that fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just 2 ounces, and an adapter so you can drink directly from the bag if you want. The gravity hose has adapters so you can attach the filter to a standard water bottle, bucket, or jug.

Furthermore, the Sawyer Products SP160 Gravity Water Filtration System also has a convenient handle making it easy to carry.

This is a great product for anyone who does outdoor activities such as camping, backpacking, and hunting trips where clean drinking water isn’t always easy to find since it’s lightweight and compact.

Specifications

  • Capacity: 1 Gallon
  • Item Dimensions: 5.75 x 2.75 x 13.75 inches
  • Weight: 8.8 ounces
  • Capacity: 1 Gallon Item Dimensions: 5.75 x 2.75 x 13.75 inches Weight: 8.8 ounces Filter life: up to 100,000 gallons of water filtration before needing replacement
Pros
  • Lightweight and compact so it won’t be a hassle carrying around wherever you go
  • Filters up to one full gallon of water without electricity or hand pumping
  • Comes with a convenient handle for easy carrying
  • Includes adapters so you can attach the filter to a standard water bottle, bucket, or jug
  • The dual threaded MINI fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just 2 ounces
  • Gravity hose has adapters so you can attach the filter to a standard water bottle, bucket, or jug
Cons
  • Filter life is shorter than other products with this design

8. MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter Water Filter

Sale
MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter Water Filter
  • Microfilter water filter pump for hiking, backpacking, camping, travel, survival, and...
  • Replaceable carbon and ceramic filter removes bacteria, protozoa, organic compounds, and...

The MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter Water Filter is a great addition to your outdoor gear for any activity where clean drinking water can be hard to find.

This small lightweight yet powerful microfilter delivers clean, taste, and odor-free water at the rate of one liter per minute. This makes it easy to get enough water for cooking or drinking without taking up a lot of space or weighing too much.

The MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter Water Filter is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and for easy portability, yet it uses a high flow rate so you can get water filtering quickly.

It also comes with two types of filter cartridges so you can choose the one that meets your needs based on the water source and activity.

You can choose from a ceramic filter cartridge which is great for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and backpacking where you’re filtering relatively clean water. It also comes with a replaceable carbon-impregnated cartridge that reduces bad taste, odors, chlorine and improves the clarity of the water. This could be great when you are in an urban environment or trying to make safe potable water from questionable sources.

The ceramic cartridge is perfect for outdoor activities where the source is relatively clean, while the carbon-impregnated cartridge can improve the taste and odor of questionable water sources.

This filter meets NSF protocol P231 for removal of bacteria (99.9999%) and protozoa (99.9%); one replaceable filter cartridge treats up to 2,000 liters of water and it pumps at a rate of one liter per minute.

Specifications

  • Pump measures 7.5 x 2.75 inches and weighs 1 pound; storage bag included
  • Manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty
  • Item Weight: 1.3 Pounds
  • Item Dimension: 10 x 4 x 7 inches
Pros
  • Lightweight and compact so it won’t be a hassle carrying around wherever you go
  • Comes with two types of filter cartridges for different types of water sources
  • Filters up to 2,000 liters before needing replacement filters
  • Delivers clear water quickly by pumping at a rate of 1 liter per minute
Cons
  • Ceramic filter lasts for up to 100 gallons of water, while the carbon-impregnated cartridge lasts for up to 50 gallons

Buying Guide:

Things To Consider When Shopping for a Portable Water Filter

When looking at portable water filters you need to consider whether or not it is necessary. If there’s a good chance that the source of water you come across will be relatively clean (streams, ponds) then it may not be as essential as if you’re in an urban area with public fountains and water faucets. You should also consider how long you’ll be away from a tap or other source of clean water.

If you’re planning on hunting, camping, hiking, fishing, or any other outdoor activity where your primary concern is getting enough drinking water then it might be worth bringing along a portable filter to ensure that the water you come across is safe. However, if you plan on only being away for one day or less then you might not need to worry about finding clean water since you’ll be back home soon enough.

Pump Capacity

A common mistake that people make when shopping for a portable filter is looking at the output volume instead of the input volume. Yes, the filter will be able to provide you with five gallons of water per hour, but that doesn’t mean that it can accept and effectively process that amount. Some filters will only be able to take in one liter at a time because this is their input capacity. This means that if you’re trying to purify enough water for cooking or drinking, you have to take the time to pump out the water slowly. The output volume is another vital consideration because it will determine how quickly you can get enough safe drinking water for your needs.

Size and Weight

A portable filter that’s small and lightweight will be much easier to carry with you wherever you go. If you’re trying to decide between two or more filters then consider the size and weight of each one, as it might be a deciding factor.

Filter Capacity

If you’re buying a portable water filter for outdoor activity like hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, etc., then it’s vital to consider how long you’ll be away from other sources of clean water. If you’re going to be gone for a couple of days then there’s a good chance that you’ll have to use the filter more than once. Make sure that your water filter will be able to process enough water so that you don’t have to carry backup bottles with you or waste time pumping out water.

Filter Efficiency

Water filters are rated by how much water they’ll be able to process before needing replacement filters. If you’re looking for a filter with maximum efficiency then consider buying one with an activated carbon filter along with another type of filtration like reverse osmosis (RO) or ultraviolet light (UV).

Filter Types

Make sure that the filter you choose will remove the contaminants that are most likely to be found in your water source. If you’re unsure about what’s exactly in your water then it might be wise to buy a filter with more than one type of filtration built-in. NOTE: Many filters rely on activated carbon for filtering, which is effective for removing odors and bad tastes, but is less effective at removing dangerous microorganisms.

Activated Carbon Filter

Activated carbon is used for filtering out odors, tastes, and chemicals. It will not remove certain microorganisms like parasites and viruses that you can get from contaminated water.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

This type of filter uses pressure to force water through a membrane that’s impermeable to contaminants. The membrane is very effective at removing chemicals, heavy metals, and microorganisms. However, reverse osmosis filters require a steady supply of water pressure in order to function effectively.

Ultraviolet Light Purifier

This type of filter uses ultraviolet light rays to kill microorganisms that can cause illnesses or diseases. Ultraviolet filters are very effective at removing protozoan cysts like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which are typically found in water sources that are fairly stagnant.

Carbon Filter vs. Reverse Osmosis Filter

Both carbon filters and reverse osmosis filters will effectively remove chemicals, odors, and bad tastes from your water. However, reverse osmosis filters are also very effective at removing dangerous microorganisms that can cause illnesses or diseases.

Ultraviolet Light Water Filter This type of filter uses ultraviolet light rays to kill microorganisms that can cause illnesses or diseases. Ultraviolet filters are very effective at removing protozoan cysts like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which are typically found in water sources that are fairly stagnant.

FAQ’s

Conclusion:

The portable water filter is a great addition to any camping, hiking, or outdoor adventure. It’s compact and easy to carry around in your bag. And with so many different types of filters on the market now, you can find one that meets your needs whether it be for weight concerns or environmental impact.

We hope this article has helped narrow down your search and that our list of filtered found the perfect match. If not, feel free to ask us anything in the comments below or send an email so we can help you find a better one. Happy shopping!

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Last update on 2024-12-21 at 11:31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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