The 10 Best Backpacking Water Purification systems (2023 reviews)

We consider a backpacking water purification system to be a worthy investment in the long run. We are here to help you choose the right one for your needs from all the best available products in market today.

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Our Top Picks:

Best Overall: Buy: Platypus Backpacking Water Purification System READ REVIEW

Best With Gravity Bag: Buy: Sawyer Products Backpacking Water Purification System READ REVIEW

Best For backpack: Buy: Katadyn Backpacking Water Purification System READ REVIEW

Best For car: Buy: Membrane Solutions Backpacking Water Purification System READ REVIEW

Best For saltwater: Buy: Purewell Backpacking Water Purification System READ REVIEW

Best For boat: Buy: Greeshow Backpacking Water Purification System READ REVIEW

Best For Family Camping trip: Buy: BKLES Backpacking Water Purification System READ REVIEW

Best For prepper: Buy: Cast Master Backpacking Water Purification System READ REVIEW

Best With bladder: Buy: Shurex Backpacking Water Purification System READ REVIEW

Best premium: Buy: Roving blue Backpacking Water Purification System READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Platypus Backpacking Water Purification System

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The platypus backpacking water purification system is capable of outshining several other system featured in this list in overall features. This product is great for backpack camping, car camping, emergencies, etc. It is ideal for group and family camping, outdoor adventures, and emergency preparedness. The Separate carbon filter makes pee-pee apple juice-looking water clearer. The water is drinkable after filtering, no boiling required. It is very easy to use, and all the attachments for water bottles/bags/etc are very handy. The dirty water bag is clearly labeled so you don't get accidental cross-contamination.

This is the most flexible, hands free, lightweight. It is compatible with all other hydration systems.

• Works great and takes the worry of safe water away
• Excellent solution to filtering while hiking
• Super easy to use and no yucky taste to the water after using
• Maximize your taste-free water experience with the gravityworks carbon element

Best With Gravity Bag: Sawyer Products Backpacking Water Purification System

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Sawyer Products line of system come in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. Weighing just 3 ounces, the versatile, award-winning sawyer squeeze filter is incredibly simple to use and fits in the palm of your hand. It comes with a couple of 32 oz water bags, a syringe for backwash cleaning, a mesh bag, and tubing and attachments for gravity filtering. The filter will fit on standard sized water bottles in addition to the provided 1l pouch.

These filters must be kept from freezing because ice crystals growing within the fibers can compromise it. It works amazingly well, is versatile, super small, super light weight, and bringing a couple extra bags can serve as dromedary bags to lug water back to camp for later filtering to cook or drink.

It comes with a cap and can be used to transport water.

• Super convenient at a campsite or on a canoe
• Easy to use, light weight, more option for extended hikes
• Works great as a gravity or inline filter
• Convenient and easy to use verses other water filters

Best For backpack: Katadyn Backpacking Water Purification System

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Next on the list, we've got yet another system that manages to win our hearts. It's the katadyn backpacking water purification system and it's widely considered as one of the best convenient system you can buy. The smallest, most ultra light 3-piece cook system combines the crux lite stove and solo cook set. It connects directly to your hydration pack with 1/4” drink tubes and water bottles. It's compact and easy to take apart to clean and/or dry. It provides higher quality or longer lasting performance.

The filter’s silver impregnated ceramic element is effective against bacteria and protozoa, using a micro filtration method. A removable filter protector helps extend cartridge life in extreme conditions, and a glass-fiber element boasts an innovative pleated design, increasing surface area for improved filtration of silty or muddy water. It's light-weight and high volume, and the filter will take even some of the sketchiest water supplies and make them indistinguishable from (if not better than) tap water.

• Makes the water crisp, clear and clean
• Very easy to use and great tasting water
• Lightweight filter that works great, use when backcountry hiking
• Removes the majority of flavors and odors, is very quick for it’s size

Best For car: Membrane Solutions Backpacking Water Purification System

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The membrane solutions backpacking water purification system's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. These straws are a wonderful way to have peace of mind and quickly drink water from pretty much anywhere. Chlorine purifies swimming pool water enough to make it drinkable. It fits perfect in the haversack and it’s out of the way.

This straw filtration at only 6.7 " long and 1" in diameter fits any bottle, cup, or glass. It does not come with a sack to carry water. The Straw is light and easy to use. It is great to carry with when visiting foreign country like mexico and caribbean.

• A must for camping and hikes
• Great product to use for water purification in the wilderness
• New and hot release

Best For saltwater: Purewell Backpacking Water Purification System

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If you are looking for a reliable system for your daily usage, you cannot go wrong with the purewell backpacking water purification system. The outdoor pump water filter system uses 0.01 micron hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane, which can reduce up to 99.9999 % of tiny material. It takes up a good amount of space in a pack, and the hoses are so soft and flexible that they kink constantly and restrict flow, making a slow pump even more aggravating. This is sufficient to remove bacteria and protozoa. It is nice and light and good for 72hour kits or emergency's and camping.

This is a perfect addition to an emergency or hiking bag. It is made of food-grade materials. It is very suitable for field exploration.

• Small, compact and easy to store when not in use
• Great christmas gift for grown children who have everything to start those emergency preparedness
• Very compact so easy to put into a camping overnight pack

Best For boat: Greeshow Backpacking Water Purification System

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Greeshow line of system come in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. It provides healthy drinking water is essential to everyone for camping, hiking, outdoors, and emergency. It removes 99.99 % of bacteria, protozoa, and other harmful substances from untreated water sources such as rivers, lakes, and streams. This lightweight unit takes about 5 hours to fully charge, and won't take up too much space in your backpack.

The compact and lightweight design of the water purifier makes it easy to carry in your backpack or survival kit, while its durable construction ensures it can withstand rough outdoor conditions. Its backwash function also ensures a long-lasting filter life and optimal performance. The included instructions are easy to follow and the backwashing feature will help extend the life of your filters. If you live near a lake or a stream and need some quickly filtered water this is perfect for you. It’s portable, rechargeable and easy to use.

• Great for camping and hiking and emergencies
• Small, powerful and easy to store
• Excellent water purification in a small package
• The easiest way to produce clean, drinkable water

Best For Family Camping trip: BKLES Backpacking Water Purification System

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate system. The bkles backpacking water purification system is exactly that - it's a simple system that hits all the right notes. The Electric Water Filter is way better/easier at filtering a larger amount of water. It has 5 stages of filtration, is lightweight, and is very easy to use. It comes in a carrying case with a belt loop and a carabiner for easy transport. It is easy to produce larger volumes of water on-the-go. The quality of the build is great, and the plastic feels strong and durable.

This powered filter can refill everyone's water bottle on one charge without issues. It is also great that it has a small light that helps you see where you are pumping if you just happen to be using it at night. The kit comes with everything needed to get the pump ready as well as having backup filters all while being able to store each item within the provided carrying pouch.

• Comes with a nice carry case to store attachments and extra filters
• Compact, exterior feels strong and sturdy, nice carrying bag
• Takes up very little space and provides great clean water
• Sleek design, portable, lightweight and easy to use

Best For prepper: Cast Master Backpacking Water Purification System

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Not everyone likes to purchase system for their daily purpose, but the cast master backpacking water purification system would be an anomoly. The method of building the pump and filter into the can is great, there's less gear to carry and worry about losing when you'll need it. It has a small cubby in the middle of it for your accessories, and the hand pump that pressurizes the tank is solidly constructed and won't be breaking anytime soon. With the add on activated carbon filter, it will remove most chemicals and pesticides, as well as improving the taste of the water.

This jug is great for the beginner prepper and the more seasoned ones alike. It has a pump that is easy to initiate and use. The size compartments hold an extra carbon filter. This is a great kit for water filtration, and a good backup plan when camping, or for extra water storage needs around the house.

• Nice water can for emergencies or camping
• Need to worry about if you have clean water or not
• Easy setup and does not leak

Best With bladder: Shurex Backpacking Water Purification System

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate system. The shurex backpacking water purification system is exactly that - it's a simple system that hits all the right notes. Seriously though, this is great for collecting water while out on a long hiking/camping trip or use the collected water in your garden. It can filter 100, 000 gallons of water, and the bag and strap look commercial grade. The carbon filter that they use can filter down to 5 microns, and the hollow fiber membrane can filter down to 0.1 microns. The bag is made of food grade material and is BPA free. They also use a non-woven fabric so you can have the cleanest water available.

The water purification membrane filter has a very large capacity, while the carbon filter is good for about 300L. The bag is a very nice silicone. These filters can be separated from the bag system and you can use them directly connected to a water bottle if desired.

• Light weight and good for backpacking
• Awesome setup for a survival bag
• New and hot release

Best premium: Roving blue Backpacking Water Purification System

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The roving blue backpacking water purification system is specially designed for your regular usage and has plenty of features that are of high quality. The Roving Blue O-Pen is a water purification system that uses ozone technology to safely purify water by infusing it with a cloud of ozone gas to remove any taste or odor from the water you drink. It is proud to be building advanced, portable water purification systems that harness “the power of eo3”, electrolytic ozone, for use around the world. The pen is more powerful than chlorine and is highly effective against bacteria, viruses, and ozone to guarantee a safe glass of Drinkable water anywhere anytime.

A study found that drinking water from nearly half of restaurant soda fountains was not only riddled with bacteria, but also mold, yet quickly reverts to oxygen. The pen is a fast acting water purification system that can purify.5 l or 16 oz. The Ozone is better than UV sterilizers and faster than chlorine to guarantee a safe glass of Drinkable water anywhere anytime. It is the most advanced way to make aqueous ozone, a disinfectant that is more powerful than chlorine, yet quickly reverts to oxygen.

• Ozone is highly effective against dangerous microorganisms
• Neat and handy and easy to carry
• Good investment for long term