Top Portable Water Filters for Camping: A Comprehensive Guide
Camping can be a wonderful experience, but ensuring you have access to clean and safe drinking water is crucial. Not all water is safe to drink, and in nature, your only option might be to rely on water from local waterways. This is why portable water filters are a must-have for any camping trip. Let's explore the different types of portable water filters available and which ones are best suited for your needs.
What Are the Best Portable Water Filters for Camping?
There are at least 12 categories of water filters or methods that have unique features and capabilities, some of which are more portable than others. Depending on your specific needs, whether you're camping, backpacking, or in an emergency situation, different types of portable water filters will suit your needs. Here's a rundown of the various types of water filters you can consider:
Inline Water Filters
Inline water filters are perhaps the most portable and easy to use. They are typically attached to a water hose or water source, allowing water to pass through a filter as you drink. One of our favorite inline water filters is the HydroBlu Versa Flow.
Bottle Water Filters
For those who prefer to filter water in a bottle, bottle water filters are a great option. They can be attached to a standard water bottle and will filter the water as you drink. Bottles such as Nalgene Specialized Primer Flask with a Built-in Filter are highly recommended.
Water Gravity Kits
Water gravity kits involve using a bag to collect dirty water and allowing gravity to pull the water through a filter. One of our favorite gravity kits is the HydroBlu Go Flow 10L Water Gravity Bag. It allows you to collect dirty water from a stream, lake, or other source, attach a filter, and let gravity do the work of filtering your water.
Pump Water Filters
If you prefer a more active filter, a pump water filter might be the best choice. They filter the water as you suck on a tube, and a pump forces the water through the filter. The Berloc Trek 1000 is highly rated and compact, making it ideal for backpackers.
Water Purification Tablets and Drops
Water purification tablets or drops are a convenient and easy way to purify small amounts of water. They work by chemically treating the water to kill harmful bacteria and parasites. It’s important to note that while they are effective, they do not remove physical contaminants such as sediment or dirt from the water. Nalgene Universal Water Purification Tablets are a good example.
UV Lights
UV lights are a popular method for purifying water by using ultraviolet light to kill harmful microorganisms. The Coghlan UV-TAT-I-200 Ultimate UV Portable Water Purifier is one of the best UV lights available for camping. It’s small, lightweight, and highly effective.
Straw Water Filters
Straw water filters are a simple and effective way to purify water on the go. They work by drawing water through a filter straw, and they’re ideal for quick and easy water purification. The HydroBlu Aluminum Replacement Straw is a popular choice for campers and hikers.
Counter Top Water Purification Systems
While these are not portable, they are worth mentioning as they can provide clean water for home or emergency situations. They are effective in removing contaminants from your tap water. The AcuRite Advanced Water Purification System is a highly rated option.
Water Distillers
Water distillers are another option, but they require electricity and are not as portable as the other options. They work by boiling water and then collecting the distilled water. The Firstgear TAKESHAPE Travel Distiller for Bottle is a popular choice for those who want a distiller that is easy to use.
Boiling Water
If you are in a situation where you can find a heat source, boiling water is one of the most reliable methods to ensure it is safe to drink. All pathogens are killed by heating the water to a minimum of 100 degrees Celsius, but it is essential to continue to boil for at least one minute to ensure safety.
Water Filter Pitchers
Water filter pitchers are a great way to purify water if you need to purify a larger volume of water. They usually have a filter that is placed inside a pitcher and are designed to filter tap water. The Hydro Flask Clearwater Filtration System is one of the most popular options.
Which Filter is Best for Camping?
For camping, our favorite portable water filter is the inline water filter combined with a gravity bag. You can collect dirty water from a lake or stream and attach the filter to the bag. Gravity will then pull the water through the filter, allowing clean and drinkable water to flow into your containers. The HydroBlu Versa Flow is a highly effective inline filter, and the HydroBlu Go Flow 10L Water Gravity Bag is also an excellent choice. For smaller gravity bags, the CNOC bag is also highly rated.
Where Can I Find These Filters?
When shopping for portable water filters, you have several options. Some of the leading retailers include Camping World which offers a wide selection of filters for RVs, and REI which is popular for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. Shop around to find the best deals and the filters that best suit your needs.