10 Best Camping Water Filters: Reviews & Buying Guide [2023]

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Are you ready to take a break from civilization and explore the wild? Imagine getting lost in nature, surrounded by peace and tranquility.

You won’t get very far if you don’t have water! You can bring enough bottled water for a few days, but what about when you’re going on longer trips? How can you make sure that the water you drink is safe?

The answer: camping water filters! In this article, we will look at the best camping water filters available – so you can worry less about finding safe drinking water, and spend more time enjoying your deep connection with nature.

Best Camping Water Filters

Our Recommended Camping Water Filters In The Market

  1. (Bottle) LifeStraw Go Water Filter for Camping
  2. (Bottle) Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter
  3. (Bottle) GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier
  4. (Hand Pump) Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System
  5. (Hand Pump) MSR MiniWorks EX Backountry Water Filter
  6. (Hand Pump) Katadyn Hiker Microfilter
  7. (Bag) Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter – 1.5 gal
  8. (Bag) LifeStraw Flex Advanced Water Filter – 1.0 gal
  9. (Bag) Membrane Solutions Gravity Water Filter Pro – 1.5 gal
  10. (Bag) Platypus GravityWorks Camping Water Filter System – 1gal
  11. (Tablet) Potable Aqua Water Purification
  12. (Tablet) Aquatabs 49mg Water Purification

1- LifeStraw Go Water Filter for Camping

LifeStraw Go Water Bottle’s personal water filter is the perfect companion for camping trips. It has been upgraded with 2-stage filtration to ensure a high-quality taste of filtered water and complete protection from dangerous contaminants.

On top of having an award-winning hollow fiber membrane filter, LifeStraw Go also contains a carbon capsule that eliminates any bad odors, bad tastes, chlorine, and chemicals from the water.

This reusable LifeStraw bottle is perfect for any outdoor activity – such as hiking, camping, or traveling areas with poor water quality – and with its attachable carabiner, it can easily be hooked on your backpack or stored in any emergency kit.

It quickly and easily refills simply by scooping up water from rivers, streams or ponds. It even has an impressive capacity of 22 ounces!

The best part about getting a LifeStraw Go bottle is that each purchase goes towards providing kids in developing countries with clean drinking water for an entire school year!

Plus, with its BPA free Tritan to build and flexible food grade silicone mouthpiece it’s extremely durable and long lasting while also being easy to clean.

The filter can last up to 1000 liters (or 264 gallons) while the activated carbon capsule has the lifespan of 100 liters (26 gallons), amounting to 3 months worth of continuous use without needing replacement filters.

2 – Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter

When it comes to camping water filters, the Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter is a great option. With this filter, you don’t have to worry about where your next drink of clean water will come from.

All you have to do is simply fill up the flask and let the ez-clean membrane take care of the rest! It’s easy to maintain this membrane with just a few quick swishes or shakes in any lake, river or stream, and it packs small enough that you can quickly stow it away when you’re ready to hit the road.

The Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter is designed for solo use and features a 0.1 micron hollow fiber technology that guarantees clean water no matter how cloudy or murky it may be.

It has been tested up to 1000 liters depending on water quality and it only weighs 2.3 oz (63g). So if you’re looking for peace of mind with your next outdoor adventure, be sure to check out the Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter – an efficient and lightweight solution for all your drinking needs!

3 – GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier

The GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier is an excellent choice for those looking to purify the water they encounter on their outdoor adventures. The filter removes any and all pathogens, particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PFAS, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, flavors, and odors from sketchy drinking water sources so that you can be sure that what you’re drinking is safe.

What’s even better is that this filter requires no setup time – just fill it up and press a button to drink! It can hold up to 24 oz of water, which means you don’t have to worry about carrying around a lot of extra weight in order to stay hydrated. The replaceable purifier cartridge should last up to 65 gallons of purified water as well (250L).

Whether you’re in the wilderness on a camping trip or dealing with an emergency at home or in your car, you can use this trusty purifier knowing that it’ll get the job done.

4 – Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System

The Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System is the best when it comes to camping water filters. It has been independently tested at multiple labs in the USA, with tests showing the removal of 99.999% of viruses, staph, parasites, and bacteria, as well as a reduction of heavy metals such as mercury (99.5%) and lead (93%) – surpassing EPA standards for water filters.

The filter works hard to protect you from any unwanted objects in your drinking water, reducing heavy metals and improving taste thanks to its Dual Hollow Fiber Membrane (Ultra Filters) and Carbon Filtration Technology – 20 times more efficient than competing products at 0.2 microns!

Plus its shell is made from ABS Material (the same material used on car bumpers), Polysulfone Medical Grade Ultrafilter (the same material used in visors of Apollo Astronauts), with Food Grade Activated Carbon and a steel bar inside its handle for extra support – all guaranteed BPA free!

It also flows incredibly fast at 500 milliliters (17 ounces) per minute which makes it great for filtering large amounts of water for the whole family. And if that wasn’t enough, Nature’s Nutrition also offers a lifetime happiness guarantee!

They believe every customer is a lifetime customer so they prioritize taking care of you and your family – offering a Lifetime Warranty, Lifetime Customer Service, no questions asked, and no explanation necessary; just tell them what’s wrong and they will work to fix it, replace it or refund it!

5 – MSR MiniWorks EX Backountry Water Filter

The MSR MiniWorks EX Backcountry Water Filter is the perfect option for anyone looking for a top-of-the-line camping water filter. It includes a unique microfilter that removes bacteria, protozoa, organic compounds, and particulate from your drinking water, providing you with safe and clean tasting water.

What’s more, it pumps at a rate of one liter per minute and is compatible with a variety of wide mouth water bottles and hydration bladders (sold separately). This means that you can easily take it with you wherever you go!

Plus, it meets NSF protocol P231 for the removal of bacteria (99.9999%) and protozoa (99.9%) and its replaceable filter cartridge can treat up to 2,000 liters of water.

To round it off, this pump measures 7.5 x 2.75 inches and weighs 1 pound so it won’t take up much space in your backpack or storage bag – plus its manufacturer’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty!

6 – Katadyn Hiker Microfilter

The Katadyn Hiker Microfilter is one of the best camping water filters available. It has an easy-to-use design that makes it ideal for any camper or backpacker, from the beginner to the serious hiker.

With its 0.2 micron glass fiber filter media, it provides high output with minimal effort. What’s more, the activated carbon core improves taste and reduces chemicals in your drinking water, giving you safe drinking water even when you’re out in challenging conditions!

Plus, this filter requires very little maintenance – no backflushing needed at all! In other words, if you’re looking for a simple yet effective water filter to take on your next camping trip then the Katadyn Hiker Microfilter is your perfect choice!

7 – Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter – 1.5 gal

The Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter with 1.5 gal gravity-fed water bag is an amazing product that can provide you with clean, safe drinking water when you are out camping or on other outdoor adventures. The large capacity of the water bag ensures that you have enough for all-day drinking needs, and the advanced filtration system works to reduce chlorine, particulates, sediment, and more from inflow so that your water is pure and safe to drink.

This filter straw comes with a backwash purifier feature which helps keep it clean and ready for use each time. It’s also recyclable and very durable – lasting up to 1400 gallons- so it will be there when you need it. Both ends of the straw undeardissemble quickly, making it easy to attach to either a water bottle or a bag so you can access clean water any time. If connecting to a bag though, make sure that air is emptied out of the hose first before attaching the straw so water can flow in properly!

The Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw is perfect for those who love outdoor activities like camping, hiking, global travel or just being prepared in case of emergencies like floods or earthquakes. With this filter, you won’t have to worry about getting sick from contaminated water ever again!

8 – LifeStraw Flex Advanced Water Filter – 1.0 gal

The LifeStraw Flex Advanced Water Filter is the perfect water filter for campers. It offers up to 99.999999% protection from bacteria, 99.999% of parasites including Giardia and Cryptosporidium, and 99.999% of microplastics, heavy metals like lead, chlorine, organic chemical matter, silt, sand, and cloudiness – all while improving taste!

This versatile water filter system can be used in four different ways: as a personal straw filter; with the included gravity bag; as an in-line filter with most hydration packs or attached to most disposable water bottles.

It’s compact and lightweight too – weighing just 6.9 oz (196 g) – capable of filtering a gallon of life-giving freshwater within 10 minutes! And best yet it adds an extra layer of protection with its membrane microfilter which lasts up to 500 gallons (2,000 L) and replaceable activated carbon + ion exchange filter lasting up to 26 gallons (100 L).

Plus you’ll love knowing that every purchase helps provide one person in need with safe drinking water for one year through LifeStraw’s sustainable giving back initiatives!

Being certified B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified brand is the commitment they take seriously bringing you the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability

9 – Membrane Solutions Gravity Water Filter Pro – 1.5 gal

The Membrane Solutions Gravity Water Filter Pro 1.5 gal is the perfect choice for campers looking for a large capacity water filter solution. This filter provides up to 6 liters of clean, safe drinking water that can reliably supply a whole group during camping trips.

With 4-stage filtration consisting of 0.1-micron hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane, coconut shell GAC filter, and double PP fiber filter, it eliminates a minimum of 99.99999% of bacteria, micro-plastics, odors, iodine, chlorine, and heavy metals while filtering up to 5,000 liters outdoors water.

A superior backwash solution allows you to easily attach the mouthpiece to a common bottle and no syringe is needed as everything fits into an included storage bag.

You can also use this as a water filter straw direct or add an extension tube on the straw for greater flexibility in using it around your campsite or even connect it with common water bottles for convenience.

This versatile backpacking water filter also comes with an adjustable tree strap that easily attaches to most tree trunks which helps keep it from getting lost during your trek! Not only is this product one of the most reliable choices in terms of quality – but it’s also FDA/food-grade compliant and BPA free!

10 – Platypus GravityWorks Camping Water Filter System – 1gal

One of the best camping water filters available on the market today is the Platypus GravityWorks Camping Water Filter System – 1gal. This high-capacity, gravity-fed, hollow-fiber filter system is perfect for group and family camping trips, outdoor adventures, or emergency preparedness.

It meets all EPA/NSF guidelines for the removal of 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa, including giardia, cryptosporidium, E. coli, salmonella, and cholera.

No pumping is needed – just fill up the 4-liter dirty water reservoir and suspend it from a tree to have four liters of fresh water for cooking and washing in as little as 2.5 minutes!

It also comes with its own 4-liter clean water reservoir and all other parts you may need: a hollow-fiber microfilter, hoses, shutoff clamp, and storage sack so you can take it on your travels with no problems.

Plus, this filter allows you to conveniently replace the cartridge when it’s time so that you can continue to enjoy fresh filtered drinking water – up to 1,500 gallons in total! With a flow rate of 1.75 liters/minute and a kit weight of 11.5 ounces only – this USA product is worth investing in!

11 – Potable Aqua Water Purification

When it comes to camping water filters, Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets are the best choice. These tablets are designed to make any questionable water bacteriologically suitable to drink in emergency situations – so you can stay hydrated when you’re out on the trails or during natural disasters. Plus, they don’t leave behind any iodine taste or color, unlike other tablets on the market.

Not only are these tablets effective against bacteria and Giardia lamblia, but they’re also perfect for hikers, travelers, and all sorts of camping outings. Keep them with your camping accessories and never worry about having a safe supply of drinking water again!

12 – Aquatabs 49mg Water Purification

Aquatabs 49mg Water Purification tablets are the best choice for campers and adventurers who want to drink safe, clean water anytime, anywhere. These tablets kill 99.9% of harmful microorganisms in your water, such as giardia cysts, bacteria, and viruses.

Not only are they incredibly effective in ensuring you can enjoy clean water no matter where you go, but they’re also lightweight and easy to store in a disaster kit or bugout bag.

You’ll love the way the Aquatabs treated water tastes – unlike iodine based products, it has no unpleasant taste, color, or odor! Plus, these tablets are individually sealed in foil strips designed to ensure long lasting protection from parasites and bacteria that may be found in untreated backcountry sources.

So if you’re an avid camper or traveler looking for a reliable solution for your safe water needs – trust Aquatabs 49mg Water Purification tablets!

Types of camping water filters

When it comes to camping water filters, there are three types to choose from. The first type is the active units operated by hand pumps which provide the highest volume of water and act like backwoods faucets – meaning you can turn any available water source into your very own supply.

Gravity-fed water filtration systems with two bladders are the second type. They make for hassle-free filtration but you’ll need to be patient with them and remember which bladder stores clean water and which holds the unfiltered supply.

You could also opt for personal options such as filtered bottles and filtration straws – these are very convenient since they filter fast, easily, and don’t take up much space but they’re not made to process large quantities of liquid at once.

Key features of camping water filters

When choosing a camping water filter, there are several key features to consider. Capabilities, Method, Capacity, Price, and Portability should all be looked at.

The capabilities of the water filter you buy will depend on what kind of contaminants you need to filter out – particulates, bacteria, heavy metals, or other pollutants.

There is also a range of methods used to purify drinking water – from filtered bottles to hydration bladders and open-ended systems – so you will need to decide how much water is necessary for your group and how much time you want to spend filtering it.

The capacity and portability of the camping water filter will also play a role in its price tag so you should compare product specs with your budget before investing in one system over another.

Ultimately, there is a wide variety of choices when it comes to camping water filters that will suit any Water aficionado’s needs!

Benefits of camping water filters

The benefits of using a camping water filter are clear. One major benefit is weight savings. Even the heaviest filter on the market only weighs 1.3 pounds, which means that if you need to bring more than 2.5 cups of water with you on your camping trip, it makes more sense to use a filter and only pack enough for one stop, instead of lugging around gallons at a time.

Plus, depending on the location of your camp, this could mean never needing to carry water from one site to another ever again. Most campsites are located near natural sources such as lakes or streams providing an infinite supply of drinking water as long as it’s filtered properly.

On overseas trips, a filter can offer protection against questionable Drinking Water coming out of public taps as well!

Not convinced? Do a quick search online and see how devastating waterborne illnesses can be – then pick up a camping filter and start enjoying your camping trips with peace of mind!

Camping water filter pricing

When it comes to camping water filters, you have a ton of options. The price can range from as little as $15 for basic, personal filters to up to $100 for advanced systems with more protection against contaminants.

Smaller personal filters are great for cleaning relatively small amounts of water and don’t always offer the most protection against toxins. But if you need a filter that can protect you from a wide range of dangerous pollutants, then the best choice is going to be one of the higher end models around $100.

Ultimately, it all depends on your needs and budget so make sure you match yours to the filter that works best for you!

Conclusion:

If you love camping and the outdoors, investing in a reliable, durable water filtration system is highly recommended. Not only will it help keep your drinking water safe for consumption and free from contaminants, but you’ll also enjoy the convenience of having a clean supply of water wherever you go.

Do your research and pick out the best camping water filter that fits your needs to make sure you enjoy your time outdoors to the fullest!