Camping, hiking, fishing – all are adventurous activities. Everything turns exciting. And nobody will deny that they hate such thrilling outdoor activities.
Well, I’m a camping freak as well. I need to check all the camping equipment before the camping night. However, I never forget to the best portable water filter like Membrane Solutions Personal Water Filter.
Well, you need an explanation, right?
Without the portable water filter, this is not possible to meet emergencies in outdoors. When you are hiking or camping, you need the purified water most. The key benefit is that you need to carry a large amount of water. Instead, you can refine the water from anywhere you need. This is a hassle-free process.
However, it may sound too attractive. But often, you might get confused about the selection of the portable water filter.
Therefore, in this post, I have reviewed the ten best portable water filters.
But before diving into the reviews, let’s know the water filter basics.
What is a water filter?
In a nutshell, a water filter is a device that purifies water through several stages of filtering. In this process, the water filter uses various chemicals, and stones to polish the water. It removes the unwanted elements, particles, and odor from water and makes the water clean for drinking.
What is a portable water filter?
A portable water filter is a small device. You can carry it with you anywhere you go. The necessary process remains the same. The filter will purify water as and when you need it. Maintenance of the filter is simple too.
Types of portable water filter
Straw Filters: looking like straws, they are the lightest and available everywhere.
Pump Filters: moderately sized but fit in a backpack. Needs a lead line connection to a water source.
Bottle Filters: usable like a bottle. You need to put the filter cartridge in the bottle to purify the water.
Gravity Filters: perfect for people loving adventures. It runs without any power source and instantly purifies water.
UV Filters: maintenance is an issue with the UV filters as they run with batteries. But they can provide clean and safe drinking water.
The reviews are here.
Membrane Solutions Personal Water Filter
It won’t be an exaggeration if I term it as survival gear for its outstanding performance and quality. Besides, the portable filter gets positive reviews from a remarkable number of people. The price is reasonable and it is available in two different colors.
The filtering process is separated into four parts with advanced safety filtration. The filtering process undergoes treatment with a coarse filter screen and coconut shell-activated carbon, among others. Hence, the presence of harmful elements is reduced to over 99 percent.
Portability is the most prominent feature. The lightweight device is portable to anywhere you want. The length measures over six and a half inches while the diameter is 1.1 inches. If you need to carry it, you can do it quickly for the compact size. When you are in a below-standard environment, this filter ensures pure drinking water.
Pros
- Four-stage filter straw
- Reduces water odor
- Compact size fits in a bottle or even in a purse
- Standard pore size
- Durable construction
- Suitable for all types of outing
Cons
- No extra filter
- Too small in size
Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System
If you are on long hikes in desert areas, this Sawyer water filter is the most important thing you need. This is the most versatile product in the water filter industry. Moreover, when you have doubts about the bottled water of your surroundings, rely on this filter without a second thought.
Versatile application is the other feature of this filter. You can use the filter for hiking, or camping. And even, you can use it for your kids when for an outing. The size and shape are compact, and also you can roll it up to your bag for the drinking pouch – that saves space too.
Clearing the germs and bacteria to over 99 percent is the other feature of this filter. Interestingly, the device can filter up to 100,000 gallons. As a result, you will get an impressive performance from this filter. Further, the manufacturer has tested the device from different testing laboratories to ensure quality.
Less weight level is the other advantage of this filter, and you can keep it with your backpack. Besides, the filter can filter water from different water sources and make them fresh for instant drinking. Using the straw, you can also drink directly from a source of water.
Pros
- Easy drinking technology
- Fits in different bottles
- Standard purification process
- Reasonable price
- Fiber strength
- Lab-tested filters
Cons
- May break easily
- Water leaking is a common issue
DEERFAMY Water Filter
camping without the Deerfamy water filter shall remain incomplete. This is a unique water filter that can address emergencies correctly. The style of the product is smart and can also prevent various types of germs and bacteria from water.
Removal of chemicals from water is another feature that you must admire. The filter can cut over 99 percent of harmful elements in the water. So, you can use the device for your outdoor and indoor events too. Drinking water from the device is simple also. Warranty for a lifetime is the other advantage that you will admire too.
Moreover, the filter lasts longer than the other similar filters in the industry. It can provide around 5,000 liters of water with a smart purification system. The design is versatile while it has only 12 ounces of weight. You can also attach small bottles or plastic bags to the system.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Can filter up to 1320 gallons of water
- No battery required
- Less weight
- BPA free
- Convenient carrying
Cons
- The pump may not work
- May get blocked if not cleaned with water
MSR Miniworks Ex
Everyone needs a reliable portable water filter when they are out traveling. If you are a frequent traveler, this is the right product for you. The features are standard considering the price range of this product. Moreover, this is a heavy-duty water filter that can treat water twice in capacity compared the similar other products.
For some long-distance trips, camping or hiking, you can rely on this product without a second thought. The body construction of the product is also remarkable. It has a ceramic filter and the device is stable when you are pumping water. It’s easier to use and effective to remove water contaminants to a great extent.
On the other part, this is a lightweight device that requires less maintenance. You do not need to clean this filtering unit on a regular basis. Besides, there is less clogging inside the pipes. Interestingly, the water taste increases after using this filter. And it can filter around 2000 liters of water before the first cartridge replacement.
Pros
- Durable device
- Long-lasting ceramic filter
- Easy assembly and disassembly
- Simple cleaning process
- Ergonomic handle
- Filters chemicals to improve the water taste
Cons
- May break easily
- Water pumping is complex
EHS Water Filter Straw Portable Personal Emergency Filtration Purifier
When you are planning to drink water on your hiking or camping days, this EHS water filter is one of the best solutions. The device is tailored to reduce over 99 percent of water contaminants. Besides, no chemicals have been used with the purification system, which ensures health safety.
Moreover, the product is durable too. If you use the water filter in a single hand, it will last over one year. And if you use the filter occasionally, it may last around five years as well. The capacity of the filter is around 264 gallons. In fact, this is a reliable source of purified water.
If you are seeking a quick and efficient water purification system within your budget, check out this one. Due to its compact size and shape, you can store it easily. Customer reviews for this product are higher too. It comes with free tubing, which cuts the cost of getting additional tubes.
Pros
- Provides emergency support
- Free of chemicals
- No water odor
- Easy cleaning features
- Comes with a hydration bladder
- Fits with water bottles
Cons
- No visible cons found
Katadyn Hiker Microfilter Water Filter
The mainstream portable water filters are almost the same in terms of design and style. But if you need something exceptional, you can try the Katadyn Hiker Microfilter Water Filter. The pump-action water filter will take your breath away. You can collect your water from any water body or source. The rest is on the filter.
It provides high output with its 0.2-micron glass-fiber filter. Linking the device with the water bottle is simple too using the drinking tubes. The size is compact while the weight is ultra-light. Therefore, carrying the device anywhere is too simple.
On the other part, the activated carbon reduces water odor and raises the taste. It can also clear the chemicals from water. The filter is also compatible with hydration bladders. The rating is higher for this product because of filtering sediment, microorganisms, and others. This portable filter from Katadyn can clean around 200 gallons of water.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Can clean 750 liters of water
- Easy cartridge replacement
- Several filtering systems
- Several filtering systems
- Can filter even muddy water
Cons
- Filter replacement is costly
- Pumping water turns hard after a couple of use
Sawyer Products Micro Squeeze Water Filtration System
For a versatile application, Sawyer is a renowned brand. This particular product comes with superior quality and versatility. The device can ensure safe drinking water for the outdoor environment. The design is attractive while the size is compact as well. Carrying the device is not an issue at all.
It comes with a drinking pouch with a disposable water bottle. So, in case of emergencies, you can have instant access to water from any source. The filter will purify the water immediately. Even using the hydration pack, you can directly drink water from the source.
This portable water filter can remove over 99 percent of bacteria and other water contaminants. Besides, the filter is durable and can filter up to 100,000 gallons. The filter manufacturer also tests the filter a couple of times before sending those to market.
Pros
- Filters up to 100,000 gallons
- Instant pure water deliver
- Less weight (only two ounces)
- Durable portable filter
- Filters water anywhere
- Simple drinking process
Cons
- Quality not up to the mark as advertised
- The bag may rip
Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter
Really, this is hesitating to select the best portable water filter when you have ample options. But if you need on-demand water and of course purified to drink, this Katadyn BeFree water filter is the right option. First of all, this is convenient to fill the flask, and you can preserve it in a tight space too.
Less maintenance is another advantage of this water filter. To extend the life of the filter, you will need infrequent maintenance. Even, you can clean it on your way to camping or hiking. A drinking nozzle is a convenient option that will help you to drink water smoothly.
When you are in an outdoor environment, you have less time to focus on the water filter. Only a self-sufficient filter can ensure a worry-free adventure. Durability is also an issue while camping, fishing, or sailing. You will get all the features in the same place.
Pros
- Reliable product
- Removes harmful organisms
- Simple cleaning process
- Filters around 1,000 liters of waters
- Compact size
- Filters water in 30 seconds
Cons
- Weight is too low
- Chemical smell from the bladder
SurviMate Filtered Water Bottle
People who are adventurous need a rugged portable water filter for them. Not all filters can cope with the outdoor climate and environments. Water filtering in several stages is the other feature that you need to consider. This particular device comes with four-stage filtering that ensures pure drinking water.
On the other part, this portable water filter comes with environment-friendly elements. So, even if you throw away the filter, it will not damage the environment. The flow rate is 550ml in a single minute while it can filter around 1500 liters. The manufacturer also provides a five-year warranty for this product.
With the ergonomic design, you can carry and hold the filter smoothly and smartly. Slipping the filter into your bag is simple, or you can attach it with the belt too. Moreover, you can use the filter for several events and ways.
Pros
- Provides clean and safe water instantly
- Easy cleaning
- Provides up to 1500 liters of water
- Suitable for regular use
- Durable structure with a sleek design
- Affordable price
Cons
- Water tastes like plastic
- Not durable as advertised
Seychelle Extreme Water Filter Bottle
Drinking water out of the home can cause significant health hazards. But when you are carrying a trusted portable water filter, you can be free of such risks. Using this Seychelle water filter, you will get some specific benefits. The filter removes water contaminants to a great extent. Besides, the taste of water gets an increase after the purification.
User reviews for this product are higher because of several stages of water filtering and removal of almost all types of chemical and biological contaminants. In fact, the design is customized to ensure a cent percent pure water. And it removes over 99 percent of all types of contaminants.
In most cases, you have to wait for a few moments to get the fresh water. But you can instantly drink water with this filter during your trip. Moreover, the filter is designed to serve during disasters, floods or for other survival issues.
Pros
- Thoroughly tested to ensure perfect water purification
- Versatile application
- Approved in different countries
- Compact size fits everywhere
- Increases water taste
- Less maintenance
Cons
- Water may leak
- Lead laterals may contaminate water
How to get the best portable water filter?
Access to pure drinking water is the basic need of every human being. To remain healthy and free of diseases, you must get clean and pure drinking water. But when you are out of home, the options are limited. Hence, you need a portable water filter that will deal with emergencies.
How to get the perfect portable filter – this is the most common question.
Here, I have compiled some of the basic techniques that will help you make the right decision. Based on my personal camping and hiking experience and discussion with others, I’ve made the buying guide.
Go through it and grab your portable water filter smartly.
Size and weight
Remember, you are using a portable water filter as a temporary solution to getting pure water. When you are planning for your home that could be a different one. But when you are on the go, or hiking, or an adventurous trip, the filter size needs to be compact with less weight.
As you need to take care of many other elements at a time, this is not possible to focus on the water filter. Therefore, if the filter size is compact, with less weight, you can slip it into your bag. You can also carry it in your hand or hang it on the belt. Therefore, always seek for the compact portable water filter.
Speed of water filtration
Also, remember that you are always in a rush when out of the home. So, the water filtration speed needs to be quick. Many of the portable water filters are slower in water filtering. Experts recommend that the water filter should purify at least 15 – 20 ounces of water in a minute.
Filtering capacity
On the other part, you also need to check the water filtering capacity of your filter. There are some filters that can purify only 100 gallons of water. At the same time, there are some other water filters that can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water with a single cartridge.
So, if you need to use the filter regularly or occasionally, that is not a concern. Make sure the filter comes with the capacity of the maximum water filtering.
East maintenance
Maintenance of the portable water filter is another issue that you must focus on. Remember, when you are on a trip, you lack time. You have to do lots of things and even participate in events. So, spending some additional time on the water filter is often irritating. Therefore, you need a portable filter that requires less maintenance.
Many of the water filters need infrequent maintenance. So, if you opt for them, you can save your time. You need not clean the filter, change the cartridge, or follow any other activities related to maintenance.
Budget
Fixing a budget is another important part of getting a portable water filter. Most of the people follow the wrong way to set their budget. They select the budget after checking the product, which often becomes inconvenient.
However, if they conduct some online research, they can have some general idea about the filters and their features. They can accordingly set the budget and get the product. Unluckily, many of the people are unaware of the process. So, they are deprived of the best product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are water contaminants?
A: Well, a large number of biological, physical, radiological, and chemical elements contaminate water, and they are known as water contaminants. They include lead, irons, bacteria, metals, human wastes, dust, dirt, animal waste, and parasites, among others.
Q: When to change a water filter cartridge?
A: Basically, it depends on the type and quality of the water filter. There are some filters that need to replace the cartridge after filtering 100,000 gallons of water. But you may also find some filters that need cartridge replacement after filtering 1,000 gallons. You can get clear instructions from the user manual.
Q: What is water odor?
A: Water odor is a type of smell that is found in the water. When the water is heavily contaminated, it may smell bad. Using a water filter, you can remove the odor. However, not all the filters can reduce odor.
Last words
Nothing in the world is as important as water. You need pure and clean water for life. So, you must have the best portable water filter when you are outdoors.
This is all I had to share about the best portable water filter. You are now aware of the features, advantages, and disadvantages. Get the right one that suits your criteria.
Happy adventures!