The Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

A bacteria-filled beach. A muddy wetland. Glacial silt runoff. The best backpacking water filters have to be able to handle some pretty gnarly water sources without clogging or breaking. I tested the 20 backpacking water filters in this story by taking them to three different water locations, pumping three liters of water through each filter. After each round, I timed how long it took each filter to handle a liter of tap water before continuing to the next round. At the end of all three rounds, I weighed each filter.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Laura Lancaster.

照片缩略图 博客作者
Writer and Editor
劳拉-兰开斯特

Hi, I‘m Laura. I’ve been editing and writing for nearly twenty years, covering everything from developing a seismologist’s first book to telling the story of my first deer hunt. While the first half of my career was spent learning the ropes of publishing in New York City, for the second I’ve been in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, working on projects for clients in the outdoor space. Most recently, I’ve been working as a senior staff writer at Outdoor Life. When I’m not at home with my husband and daughter, you can find me camping, backpacking, and running in the foothills of the Cascades.

媒体报道

Smartwater bottles have a useful shape that fits well in skinny pack pockets and, more importantly, they're compatible with hikers' favorite water filter, the Sawyer Squeeze.

Danielle Vilaplana
作家

媒体报道

The simple design is easy to use and you’ll find it has a long life with reliable, high output.

Mikaela Ruland
Editor in Chief

媒体报道

It's fragrance-free and safe for use on the whole family, clothing, shoes, and gear.

Libby Sentz
Contributing Writer & Editor