Water Treatment

Recent Water Treatment Product Reviews

Sawyer MINI

Compact, lightweight, and efficient. A perfect companion for the trail. You'll never know that it is in your pack. This is a great filter for backpackers, day hikers, and even those taking to the trail for an extended time. I felt perfectly confident with every use. It clearly worked well as I had no negative effects drinking from lakes, streams, and ponds. This little filter is so small and light you'll never know that it is there. Easy to use and easy to maintain. This is my go-to filter far any… 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

MSR Miox

Amazingly light, and extremely effective purification. I have used this for over 12 years and NEVER had an issue with it ! I have used this device for over 12 years; and in guiding groups of up to six people, I have NEVER had anyone suffer any stomach ailments or discomfort. Ever! But I do not use it the way the manual suggests. By using dirty murky water in the purification reservoir,  I found that friends' MIOX devices eventually corroded the electrodes and rendered them unusable. Instead, what… 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

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

LifeStraw Original

The LifeStraw is incredible. It makes drinking on the trail super easy. The LifeStraw is great! I love taking this with me on day hikes and especially when I’m backpacking. It’s super lightweight and doesn’t take up much space at all. At first the material of the LifeStraw concerned me. It didn’t feel like it’d be the best quality. But it has held up fantastic! It‘s good quality plastic. It’s just really lightweight! The instructions are simple. Uncap both ends, place the wide end… 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

Sawyer MINI

Light, handy, and reliable. Out of several water filters I have and use, this one is the most convenient and sees the most adventures. We have three of these Sawyer Minis in our family. They work really well and are lightweight and easy to use. They connect to a variety of bottles and bags as long as the screw top/threads match up. Fill the bottle and screw on the Sawyer. Then either squeeze the water into another container or drink right from the filter. Doesn't get much easier. Get creative and… Full review