A portable water filter is filter that is designed and used to remove impurities when camping, hiking, traveling, backpacking, and emergency cases.
Water is one of the essential items you need when going to outdoor activities.
Carrying gallons of water can be tiresome, and you cannot manage to bring enough water that will satisfy all those days.
Buying water when on the go can be expensive.
The only way that can save all those hassles is to finding water sources when on outdoor activities and making sure the water is safe for human consumption.
However, the most convenient way to ensure you have safe and enough water for drinking during outdoor activities is acquiring a portable water filter.
In this article, you will find Best Portable Water Filter reviews that can help you when on outdoor activities.
Portable Water Filter comparison
Types of portable water filters
Portables water filters types are
- Water filter bottles
- Water filter
- Water treatment tablets and mixes.
The portable water filters are also known as backpacking water filters/ hiking water filter.
What to consider when buying a portable water filter
- Water source
When traveling, you can’t manage to carry water that will satisfy all the days that you are out.
You should first know where you will get your water for drinking. Remember every water source has its contaminants.
If you are traveling in areas near agriculture land that water has contaminants like pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.
Some areas have water that is muddy, salty, and water that has sediments and silts.
Other water sources have contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and cysts.
- Weight and Size
When you are traveling, you can’t manage to carry a filter that is heavy or large that is not easy to pack. Choose a filter that is light and small to pack in your bags.
- Time
When buying a portable water filter consider how long it will take to filter water. The shortest time the filter will purify the water the better.
- Method of filtration
There is a different method to filter water, and each method filters specific impurities.
We have processes such as oxidation/ chemical (bacteria and organisms), carbon (small particles), Reverse osmosis (large particles), and Ozonation (bacteria, cysts, and virus).
For instance, your water source has virus contaminants; these are rotavirus, Norwalk virus, Hepatitis A, and Norovirus purification method needed reverse osmosis or ozonation, chemical process, and ultraviolet light
If your water has bacteria, these are salmonella and E. coli you need reverse osmosis or ozonation, chemical process, and ultraviolet light
There are water sources that have protozoan cyst these are Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium the method used to filter is the ozonation chemical process and ultraviolet light.
Other impurities that are found in water are heavy metals, sediments, mud, silt, large or small particles they require carbon or Reverse osmosis to filter them.
- Effective against which impurities
Every water source or every place has different water contaminants when buying a portable water filter you should know which dirt it removes in the water.
- Filter capacity
All water filters have a lifespan their last from one month to one year
When buying a portable water filter consider how long the cartridge will last and how many gallons of water will make it filter.
Advantages of portable water filter
They are portable
Disadvantages of portable water filter
Most of them use one method to filter water, so they are not effective compared with other water filter such as under-sink filters or faucet filters.
Portable Water Filter reviews
[su_box title=”Straw filter” box_color=”#1a30ba”]Straw filter
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
- Method of filter- hollow fiber membrane filter
- Weight-2oz or 56grams
- Size- 1 x 1 x 9 inches
- Impurities removed- bacteria and protozoa
- Time-1.7L (57 oz) per minute roughly 3-5 seconds
LifeStraw has been used globally by millions of people and NGOs since 2005. It is also distributed globally for relief efforts in a major emergency including the Haiti earthquake, Pakistan floods, and many others a natural disaster
This portable filter removes 99.99% waterborne bacteria and protozoa.
This filter uses 0.2 microns to remove contaminant in water
Lifestraw uses a hollow fiber membrane filter. This method of filtration requires no chemical, battery, or moving the part to filter water. It can be easily backflushed to clean the filter.
It is ultra-light which weighs 2oz or 56grams and has a filter capacity of up to 1000 liters or 264 gallons of water.
LifeStraw personal water filter has met various standards for water filtration and adheres to EPA guidelines to remove contaminants such as Giardia, E.Coli, and cryptosporidium.
It filters 1.7L (57 oz) per minute
How to use LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Open the cup and insert the bottom of the filter into the water source and sip water through the mouthpiece. After the drinking session blowback through the life straw to remove dirty water and flush filter membranes.
Bonus video of LifeStraw Go Portable Water Filter
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
- Method of filter- hollow fiber membrane filter
- Weight-2oz or 56grams
- Impurities removed- bacteria and protozoa
Sawyer mini water filtration system is capable of removing 99.99% of bacteria such as salmonella, cholera, and E.coli and 99.99% of protozoa like giardia and cryptosporidium
It has a filter capacity of 100,000gallons of water and weighs 2 ounces
It uses a 0.1-micron hollow fiber membrane inline filter.
With this filter, you can use a straw to drink water directly from the source or use a drinking pouch, standard disposable water bottles, hydration packs.
This product comes with one 16-ounce reusable squeeze pouch, 7-inch drinking straw, and cleaning plunger
Etekcity Portable Water Filter
Etekcity filter water in 3 stages it includes:
Stage1: pre-filter- removes sand, silt, rust, worms, and large particles
Stage 2: Carbon filter which eliminates chlorine and heavy metal ions
Stage 3: 0.01 microns hollow fiber UF membrane inline filter- that removes waterborne protozoa, pathogen, bacteria, and cysts.
This water filter is tested by the TüV SüD Institute and meets EPA water quality standards. Also, complies with FDA food contact test
It has a filter capacity of 1500 liters of water
It pack comes with:
- Straw for easier access to water directly from the source
- Syringe for cleaning after use
- Water pouch for collecting and storing filtered water
- Pre-filter for filtering silt and large particles
This filter filters water in 3 stage filtration and the system filters 0.05 microns, so it removes bacteria, viruses, heavy metal, and protozoa.
It has three removable filters Membrane Ultra Filter which filters 100,000 Liters (26,417 Gallons), Replaceable Carbon which filter 1000 Liters (264 Gallons) and Cotton Pre-Filters which filter 1000 Liters (264 Gallons.
Survivor water filter weighs 3.5 ounces or 100 grams
It has a filter flow rate of 200ml (7 ounces) per minute.
It is easily fit in the pocket and hand
This filter is BPA-free that meets FDA standards
It also improves taste and removes odor
How to use Survivor Filter
You can use survivor filter in three ways
- You can use a straw to drink water directly from the source,
- Screw into collapsible canteens and squeeze water through
- Attach into plastic bottles and take clean water
Pump filter
This filter uses Vario Dual Technology which consists of 3 stage filter level
- Glass fiber filter- removes waterborne bacteria
- Ceramic pre-filter-
- Active charcoal – eliminates odor
It has replaceable carbon which removes chemicals, bad odor, and bad taste of water.
Produces two quarts per minute in faster flow mode and one quartz per minute in longer life mode
It weighs 15oz and uses a 0.2micron filter to remove impurities in water.
Other pump filters you might like
Survivor Filter PRO – Virus and Heavy Metal Tested 0.01 Micron Water Filter for Camping, Hiking, and Emergency. 3 Stages – 2 Cleanable 100,000L Membranes and a Carbon Filter.
[2018 UPGRADED] Boston Fortis Personal Portable Water Filter
MoKo Portable Water Filter, Emergency Personal Camping Water Purifier, with Internal Carbon and Ultra Filter Assembly, 0.01 Micron Absolute Hollow Fiber Membrane, BPA Free, Matte Finish Army GREEN
[/su_box] [su_box title=”portable water filter bottle” box_color=”#1a30ba”]Portable water filter Bottle
Brita 23.7 Ounce Hard Sided Water Bottle with Filter – BPA Free – Gray
The Brita 20 Ounce Sports Water Bottle filters and reduces particulates, chlorine taste, and odor.
The built-in carrying loop and flip open straw make this water bottle effortless to use on the go.
This water bottle is top-rack dishwasher safe, fits most car cup holders, and for optimum performance the filter should be replaced every 40 gallons or two months.
The 23.7ounces capacity lets you stay dehydrated throughout the day.
Others portable bottle water filter you might like
- Sawyer 34oz Personal Water Bottle Filter
- LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle with 2-Stage Integrated Filter Straw for Hiking, Backpacking, and Travel
- Brita 20 Ounce Sports Water Bottle with 2 Free Replaceable Filters
- Thermos NSF/ANSI 53 Certified 22 Ounce Tritan Water Filtration Bottle
- Thermos NSF/ANSI Replacement Filters, White
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[su_box title=”Gravity filter” box_color=”#1a30ba”]Gravity filter
Sawyer Products 0.1 Micron Water Filtration System
The Sawyer Products Water Filtration System provides a safe and highly effective way to filter water with the bag to the bag’s gravity flow system. No waiting, no worries, no pumping, and no chemicals.
The filter uses a hollow fiber membrane of 0.1 microns. The pores sizes are so small to remove sediments, bacteria, protozoa, cysts, and other contaminants.
This water filtration system practically hands-free. Just hang the system off the ground, and within 11/2 minutes you will have two liters of safe drinking water.
This water filter includes one 2-liter grey reservoir (marked DIRTY), and the SP162 includes two 2-liter bags (grey marked DIRTY, blue marked CLEAN). Both bags include the Sawyer hollow fiber membrane Squeeze Filter, faucet adapter, drink tube, quick-release hose adapter, and detailed instruction book
Cons
It does not remove dissolved contaminants such as chemicals, chlorine, and heavy metals
LifeStraw Family 1.0 Portable Gravity Powered Water Purifier for Emergency Preparedness and Camping
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[su_box title=”UV water filter” box_color=”#1a30ba”]UV water filter
GRAYL Ultralight Water Purifier [+ FILTER] BOTTLE
The GRAYL Ultralight Water Purifier goes beyond standard water purification. It removes chemicals, heavy metals, flavor/ odor, bacteria, protozoa, and viruses.
GRAYL bottle comes equipped with a replaceable cartridge that lasts for about 40gal (150L), enough for 2-3 months of drinking water.
This filter makes safe water virtually effortless. You fill, press, and drink; no need to lie on your stomach to suck, no pumps and hoses, no sucking and squeezing, no batteries or bulbs, and absolutely no chemicals.
Makes 16oz (500ml) of safe, clean water in just 15 seconds so no need for a separate bottle you hydrate and keep on moving.
This bottle is compact and light fits in standard backpack side pockets and passes through airport security in your carry-on.
GRAYL’s Ultralight Water Purifier filters water combining three technologies.
- Technology #1 – Two layers of non-woven ceramic fiber, which provide a rugged and durable base.
- Technology #2 – a Positively charged mesh of ions (little magnets) that cleans onto contaminants as they flow using a method well-known ion exchange. The positive ions in the little magnet hold to negative charges on pathogens and chemicals. The contaminants remain inside the cartridge, and clean water flows.
- Technology #3 – Activated Carbon removes flavor/ odor and many chemicals and heavy metals.
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[su_box title=”Squeeze filter” box_color=”#1a30ba”]Squeeze filters
Sawyer Products PointOne Squeeze Water Filter System
The Sawyer Products PointOne Squeeze Water Filter System is a Lightweight, easily portable 0.1 absolute micron hollow fiber membrane inline water filters. Meaning the pores don’t have pore size larger than 0.1 micron makes it possible to remove bacteria and protozoa or cysts.
This Squeeze Water Filter System does not remove chemicals, dissolved solids, or viruses which are indeed not found in most cities.
The filter comes with a 32-ounce collapsible Mylar foil pouch (100% BPA free), which can be rolled tightly for easy packing and reused hundreds of times.
How does Sawyer Products PointOne Squeeze Water Filter System
You fill the pouch with any water source Screw the PointOne filter onto the pouch, then squeeze the bag to filter water into your container of choice or drink directly from the filter via its push/pull cap.
If you don’t have a pouch, you can use a threaded bottle and attach the PointOne filter to clean your dirty water.
The pointone is easy to maintain using included syringe filter cleaner, which is used to backflush the filter to promote a high-flow rate as well as longevity.
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[su_box title=”Water treatment tablets” box_color=”#1a30ba”]Water treatment tablets
Katadyn Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets
The tablet is effective against all micro-organisms.
It comes in a set of 20-30 counts, and each tablet treats 1 liter of water. After treating water no unpleasant taste or gross lingering aftertaste
This purification water tablet Meets EPA microbiological water purifier test standards.
It requires a 4 hour treatment time for its full effectiveness
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EveryDrop by Whirlpool Premium
The EveryDrop by Whirlpool Premium Water Filter removes chlorine and chloramines which cause unpleasant taste and odor in water.
The filter cleans one gallon in 2 minutes, and it is replaced every two months or after 60 gallons of usage (approximately 450 water bottles).
The package includes one blue every drop water filter, one protective travel case, and two micro contaminant replacement filters.
Sleek design and small enough makes the EveryDrop by Whirlpool Premium Water Filter perfect for those always on-the-go.
Beautiplove Portable Water Filter Updated Version, Fills Any Water Pitcher, Fast Filtering BPA Free Water Purifier with Patented ACF Technology
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[su_box title=”Ceramic water filter ” box_color=”#1a30ba”]Ceramic water filter
MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter Water Filter
The MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter Water Filter is reliable to provide filtered water for camping and hiking, backcountry adventures, global travel, survival situations, and emergencies.
The replaceable Marathon EX ceramic filter is perfect for removing bacteria (such as E. coli. Shigella, salmonella, cholera), protozoa (such as giardia, cryptosporidium, amoebae), and particulate, and its carbon filter eliminates unpleasant tastes and odors caused by organic compounds such as iodine, chlorine, and pesticides.
This filter is capable of pumping one liter of water per minute and compatible with a variety of wide mouth water bottles, and hydration bladders which are sold separately.
The MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter meets NSF protocol P231 for the removal of bacteria and protozoa, organic compound, and particulate. Its replaceable filter life of 2,000 liters of water
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[su_box title=”Portable desalination filter” box_color=”#1a30ba”]Portable desalination filter
Katadyn Survivor 06 Desalinator
The Katadyn Survivor 06 Desalinator is a hand-operated emergency water pump that weighs 2.5 pounds.
The desalinator Produces 30 oz or 890ml of drinking water in 1 hour enough for a life raft with up to 1-6 people.
Its smallest hand-operated desalinator, compact and lightweight which can comfortably fit into an emergency kit.
Look for a desalinator perfect for removing bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, and can make 1 ounce of drinking water in less than two minutes the Katadyn Survivor 06 Desalinator is a good solution.
The Katadyn Survivor models are trusted gear used by the US Navy, US Coast Guard, US Air Force, and many sailors around the globe.
Salt Rejection is 98.4 percent average (95.3 percent minimum).
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Types of portable water filter
They are different types of water filter in the market, and each type of filters work in its unique way.
- Straw filters
The straw water filters are also known as suction powered. This type of water filter uses straws to fetch water from the source. You draw water with the power of your mouth.
The straw water filter uses hollow fiber membranes that are 0.2microns wide. The water passes through the membrane where all the viruses and bacteria are removed on its way to the straw.
Advantages of straw water filter
- It helps to remove particulates (sediment and silt), bacteria, viruses, and protozoa present in the water.
Disadvantages
- They are not effective in removing dissolved contaminants such as chemicals, heavy metals, and chlorine.
- The hollow membranes clog more often, so they require to be cleaned
- Pump filters
The filters use a small hand pump to fetch water from the source. You put the hose into the source of water and use the pump
They use ceramic filters or fiber filters in conjunction with a carbon activated filter which makes it suitable to remove contaminants such as particulates and dissolved contaminants.
Pro
Cons
The pump filters that use ceramic filters are not efficient in removing bacteria or other small contaminants because they have large pores. Also, it is not able to remove organic compounds. They
- Bottle filter
It is an ordinary drinking bottle that has a filter to remove contaminants present in your water.
If you don’t need to clean the water, you can remove the cartridges and use them.
They use both fiber and carbon activated filters.
- Gravity filter
The filter has two containers placed above each other.
You pour contaminated water in the first container the water passes through the filters using gravity pull and gets into the second container which is placed lower.
They use ceramic, and carbon activated water filters to clean water.
The filter uses UV technology to clean water and requires a battery to operate.
- Squeeze filters
- Water treatment tablets
Best portable water filter brands
The top brands of portable water filter are:
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Brita
Portable water filter maintenance and cleaning tips
Keeping your portable water filter after use is essential it prolongs its lifespan and protects the filter from clogging.
To clean the portable water filter, some have a syringe to clean inside.
There is another portable water filter with non-replaceable filters you need blowback through the straw to remove dirty water and flush filter membranes.
Commonly asked question
Does portable water filter work on salty water?
Most filters do not remove salt or work as a water softeners they are only meant to remove impurities.
But they are a few brands that have portable desalination filter.
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Luxy
Luxy is a content writer who enjoys writing about water filtration technologies. She knows that water is a crucial part of our lives and it is important to make sure that we are drinking clean and healthy water. She developed this site in an effort to educate readers on the fundamentals of water treatment at home, at work, and when traveling. Also, the importance of clean, healthy drinking water for people in his community. When she's not working, she likes to spend time with her family and listen to music.