Pump and Gravity Water Filters

Recent Pump/Gravity Water Filter Reviews

Katadyn Drip Gravidyn

The Gold Standard. Okay, obviously this isn't something to be carried on the trail—with the possible exception of a large group hike. For base camp, car camping, cabins, remote outposts it cannot be beat.  The instructions must be read carefully. The units that incorporate activated charcoal internally of the ceramic have a "6 Month" lifespan. This is only a factor for continuous use. If the elements are cleaned and dried then their lifespan is practically unlimited, on the order of several thousand… Full review

Platypus GravityWorks Filter System 4L

Perfect for individual or small group use in BWCAW. I've now used this filter system for two BWCAW trips, two nights in August and five nights in October. The August trip taught me the necessity of taking care when collecting water, to avoid clogging the filter. In October I had zero issues, partly because I took care to rinse out the dirty water bag each time before refilling it. I didn't need to do any back flushing in five nights/six days. Full review

Katadyn Hiker

A good alternative to treatment pills. I have used the older PUR version of this filter for the past 20+ years to purify all our drinking and cooking water each hiking day. Find a flowing water source if possible, they say 20 feet of tumbling water is somewhat clean. I would not expect this filter to clean water from a stagnant pond that horses use.  I have tried treatment pills, but don't like the idea. I cover the inlet filter screen with a double paper coffee filter held in place by a rubber… Full review

HydroBlu Go Flow Water Gravity Bag with Versa Flow Water Filter

Hydroblu's Go Flow Water Gravity Bag with the Versa Flow Filter is a lightweight, efficient way to filter for a group of people. Comparable to the Sawyer Mini, the Versa has an impressive flow rate. Water filtration can be tricky to navigate. Factors like external temperature, filter flow rate, and weight might go into your choice. If you're into ultralight backpacking, chances are that you've owned a Sawyer Squeeze or a Mini. But the birth of Hydroblu's Versa Flow Filter has me intrigued. Offering… Full review

MSR HyperFlow Microfilter

More efficient than the TrailShot and lighter than the MiniWorks, this filter is ideal for solo trips where water is free flowing and clear. Filters protozoa and bacteria, but not viruses. Weighing 221g, MSR claim the Hyperflow filter works down to 0.2microns and will filter 99.99% (see the caveat there) of bacteria and protozoa with an output of 2.75l per minute though you'd have to be pumping pretty hard and fast to achieve anything like this kind of flow rate. The cartridge has a 1,000l lifespan… Full review

Katadyn Hiker

A quality water filter by a reputable company. Always works and has some versatility. A little bulky if you are trying to travel slick and light. I have been using this filter for about 9 or 10 years. I have two of them and they both have worked quite well over the years. I have not had any issues with them being dependable. I really like that this setup comes with a handy storage bag, and there is a long hose provided to enable an easy reach to the water source. The hose floats to keep the hose… Full review

Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3.0L

I wanted a filtration system that was easier to use than the Sawyer. I found it. This system is super fast and easy. I used it on a weekend backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail and could not be more pleased with it. While the filter doesn't filter as much water as the Sawyer (you can filter about 1,000 liters before you need to replace the filter), the trade out is there is no backflushing necessary and it's much faster to fill the reservoir because the opening is bigger than the Sawyer (43… Full review

Renogy Portable Outdoor Water Filter

It is a functional pump that works, but isn't all the easy to use, especially by yourself. There are better filters out there...I'd recommend Sawyer. It is a functional pump that works, but isn't all the easy to use, especially by yourself. I found that having at least one person to assist by holding the clean water bottle and to make sure the water inlet hose stays in place. It went even better with three people. Unfortunately for me, this isn't great. Overall, a functional filter that works as… Full review

LifeStraw Mission Gravity Water Purifier

The gravity filter allows you to do other things during filtration, instead of pumping. No need to stand by the river to filter. You can carry the water back to camp. I agree with other reviewer about potential cross contamination during storage. Thanks to the other reviewer for the review, very detailed indeed and very accurate.  I used the filter for a two-month bike trip in Namibia and  Zambia, almost exclusively in clear water sources. I agree with your concerns about cross contamination during… Full review