Water Treatment
Need help getting started? Read our four-part guide to backcountry water treatment:
Part 1: Proper Hydration
Part 2: Keeping Your Water Supply Safe
Part 3: What’s in Backcountry Water?
Part 4: Methods for Making Water Safe
Category
PurifiersPump and Gravity Filters
Bottle and Inline Filters
Chemical Treatments
Filter Accessories
Brand
PlatypusMSR
Katadyn
Sawyer
Aquamira
Grayl
LifeStraw
Geigerrig
SteriPEN
Potable Aqua
Price
less than $25$25 - $49.99
$50 - $99.99
$100 - $199.99
$200 - $299.99
$300 - $399.99
$400 - $499.99
$500 and above
Recent Water Treatment Product Reviews
Aqua Research H2gO Purifier PRIME
This a great device for making lots of drinkable water fast! The only drawback is filtering dirty, cloudy water. It's small, easy to pack, and gets the job done. Would definitely recommend, especially to anyone traveling with large groups. Heck even individuals would see a reduction in pack weight! Hello, I am an avid backpacker, climber, hunter, and general outdoorsman. Recently I spent a weekend trip in the Weminuche using the H2gO purifier as my sole source for making clean water. I regularly… Full review
Sawyer MINI
Super lightweight, but needs to be backwashed often so the syringe adds weight. It also dispenses slowly. However, it is very versatile and easy to use. I used this on a weekender trip to a GA state park. I decided to pick up a 1L reservoir instead of using the small included pouch. I'd imagine the pouch would be very difficult to get water from streams. I was able to drink straight from the spout, so I didn't have to wait for water when I was already thirsty. However the water does come out slowly. Full review
Sawyer Select S2
The Sawyer Select series is a new line of purifiers/filters that offers a variety of contaminant removal, depending on one’s needs. All three models remove chemicals to .5 ppb (parts per billion), and pesticides to .01 ppb. The S2 is designed to remove 99.99% of viruses. The Sawyer Micro Squeeze filter can be used without the purifier to a .1 Micron level. This filter system is best for travelers that aren't concerned about the very lightest products available. Sawyer’s new Select Series is… Full review
Renogy Portable Outdoor Water Filter
Works well Small, packable, compact Easy assembly Easy care As a member of another website, I sometimes get the opportunity to try out different products in exchange for a review. I received the Renogy Water Filtration System to review and abuse on my recent camping trip. The Renogy Water Filtration system fit easily in my hydration bag. Easy initial assembly and basically three parts to pack. I would suggest pre-assembly due to a few small parts. Then main assembly when you pull it out to use it. Full review
Aqua Research H2gO Purifier PRIME
As an employee of Aqua Research, LLC of course I am biased towards this water purifier, but I have taken the H2gO purifier backpacking and use the disinfectant regularly. The best features in my opinion are the weight (3.8 oz) and the solar rechargability. I can stuff the purifier in the bottom of my backpack for weeks and then when I need to purify water pulled from a contaminated source I can simply hold in the sun for a couple seconds and be ready to create a disinfectant solution on the spot. Full review
Renogy Portable Outdoor Water Filter
Sometimes I get the chance to review products in exchange for an honest review. This time, I got one of these filters to take with me on my Appalachian Trail hike, and it worked really well. Not hard to figure out and does what it's supposed to, as long as you follow the directions. Great for backwoods/water/streams etc for filtering water so that it's drinkable. Even if it's slightly dirty. As the member of another website, occasionally, I have the amazing opportunity to test awesome products in… 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
Katadyn Exstream/MyBottle Virustat Kit
Great filter. Only imparts a slight iodine taste. I've used this setup for a few years to filter water on hikes up to a week long. I have filtered water from disgusting cow ponds and have never gotten sick. The flow rate is on the slow side, but it's a small price to pay for a great filtration system. This kit gives me enough confidence to drink water from pretty much any source if necessary. I find that the slow flow rate actually makes me drink more often and keep hydrated as opposed to chugging… Full review
Sawyer Squeeze
I have used this on overnight backpacking and bikepacking trips, as well as big one-day loop hikes. It is fast filtering, and with a little practice/modification, you can get water from almost any source. This filter is fast, and can provide water for a group as the only filter. The most important thing to note is that the pouch is very challenging to fill, especially in moving/very cold water (sticking your hands in alpine streams can be frigid). The best way to solve this is taking a 1G ziplock… Full review
Top-Rated Water Treatment
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