Water Purifiers

Recent Water Purifier Reviews

SteriPEN Adventurer

Unlike mechanical filters this kills bacteria, protozoa and viruses, but it will not filter out debris, so it is best used with clear water. Also requires batteries. I have used the Steripien Adventurer for several mountain trips where I was guaranteed running water. I was attracted to it because, unlike other means of filtration, it also kills viruses. The idea is simple but genius—UV light disrupts the DNA of the nasties and destroys them and/or disrupts their reproductive potential. That said,… Full review

SteriPEN Classic UV Water Purifier

SteriPEN is an excellent handy tool for the right applications. Extremely easy to use, easy to carry, fits in a small pocket or attaches to one's belt or backpack strap, and can be used when out camping, but also in a restaurant in a cup of water, and in many water bottles, one can turn the bottle upside down, with the pen acting as a plug, while doing sterilization. It appears to have been developed for military application, to my memory, and that's a pretty good recommendation as to efficacy. … Full review

CamelBak All Clear

I lived in Mexico in a town that got its water from a lake. The water was not safe to drink so I used the Camelbak All Clear. I never got sick. I also use a Katadyn Pocket Filter when I need to get rid of all the solids. I have traveled to Mexico and Peru where the water quality is less than superb. If you drink the water that is untreated, you will get Montezuma's Revenge. I also have a carrier for the bottle. I am glad I bought this unit as it sure saved me a lot of running to the bathroom. Full review

MSR Guardian Purifier

It's a very high quality portable hand purifier, with a high level of filtration (small enough for viruses) and has fast flow rate, as it pumps very quickly. It also has a long lasting filter and is the only portable hand purifier that is truly freeze resistant. Best for backcountry camping in remote areas, especially if the water is very unsanitary. Would definitely recommend and is well worth the price. MSR has made some bold claims on what this product is capable of and as far as I can see the… Full review

Grayl Ultralight

I purchased this water filtration bottle primarily to take canoeing, for day trips and canoe camping outings. It is small, easy to carry, and can provide clean drinking water in a short period of time. It is really tough to use in the canoe, due to pressure needed, but a quick stop off at shore and I can get clean water quickly. It is also handy to use when hiking, as it fits nicely into backpack bottle pockets.                                Packaging as I purchased… Full review

SteriPEN Journey LCD

I have owned the Steripen Adventurer for about a decade, and it has performed very very well, with good battery life. With the Journey LCD, I had the same battery probs described by the other reviewers. My conclusion is that the Journey somehow drains batteries when not in use. I had a headlamp like that—it's now in the landfill. By flipping one battery when not in use (so it couldn't make a circuit), I seemed to get a little more life out of it. I do like the LCD display, but I am back to using… Full review

Grayl Ultralight

Convenient, lightweight, perfect for short trips. For short trips this thing is perfect! If you're going to be out for a week or less this will suffice so long as there is a freshwater source in the vicinity. Super easy and fast to use. Great for on the go! Used it while in an endurance race down a river in Florida for two days. Worked perfectly! It now replaces my Berkey sport bottle. Full review

SteriPEN Adventurer Opti

I’m sure someone out there could prove me wrong, but the SteriPen Adventurer Opti is a foolproof tool for purifying water in the backcountry. Usage and Why I Bought It:After borrowing a friend’s SteriPen Adventurer Opti during a three-day trip, the ease of use, compact size, and effectiveness were the reasons I purchased my own. It’s been a handy little companion during many hiking and canoeing trips, making the chore of preparing water for safe consumption much less daunting (than pumping)… Full review

MSR Guardian Purifier

Great product and would recommend to everyone. With its ease of use, the MSR Guardian Purifier is great for all outdoor enthusiasts and survival preppers. The product produces crystal clear and very good pure tasting water. However, the filter can be difficult to dry and after a while of no use it can get a moldy smell. Full review