Get to Know Hiking Water Filters
One of the scariest hikes I ever went on was when I ran out of water. It was a hot day but I brought 3 liters of water with me. I ran out on the last 2 miles of a 14 mile hike. I could see the car down the hill and was concerned I wouldn’t make it that far. Back then, I was new and I didn’t know to bring a filter to collect water on the trail. That was a mistake I don’t want to make again and I don’t want anyone else to either. I put this post together to let others get to know the hiking water filters that I have used in the past.
I am not a scientist so I did not test out the effectiveness of the individual water filters. All filter information comes from the brands. However, I wanted to let people know what was available out there so they could make decisions on what filters would work well on their adventures. Hopefully, everyone will find something that works for them and they can avoid making that dangerous mistake I made of running out of clean water.
Before we begin
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The Fatty Awards
Any brand that is worth its wait has created an award system. Think of the Emmy’s or the Dundee’s. So I would like to introduce my new awards, the Fatty Awards. I’m sure these awards will be extremely influential and I have a feeling that all brands will be coveting them before too long. The Fatty Awards could become bigger than JD Power (Who is this JD person?) or Micheline Stars (what does a tire company know about food anyway?)
These Fatty’s have been hand picked by myself based on my experience with the products that I tested. Congratulations to all of the award recipients!
The Fatty Award Goes To…
| Category | Winner | Explainer |
| Easiest to Use | LifeStraw Sip | Most people know how to use a straw and that is all you need to use the Sip. |
| Most Versatile | Grayl GeoPress TI | Not only can you filter 5 liters of water per minute but you can use the outer shell to cook with. |
| Best for Everyday Use | Platypus DayCap | With the ability to attach to most water bottles, you can take it anywhere. |
| Best Philanthropy | Sawyer | Sawyer has and continues to do amazing work in bringing clean water to people in need. |
| Best for Shorter Trips | LifeStraw Peak Collapsible | Doesn’t take up much room in the pack and can expand to collect and carry water. |
| Best for an Overnight | Platypus QuickDraw | Lightweight and available in 1, 2 , 3 liter versions. |
Get to Know Hiking Water Filters
Well now that we have the winners announced, let’s check out the whole field. I didn’t test every option out there but I did get an assortment of available options to give you a feel for what Hiking Water Filters are available and a little bit about how they work. Just a note, I DID NOT test the effectiveness of the filters. I am not a scientist and wouldn’t know where to start. This post is just about usability. The filter results listed are provided by the companies that make the filters.
Life Straw – Sip
Cost: $34.95
Filter Information:
- Membrane microfilter protects against 99.999999% of bacteria, 99.999% of parasites, 99.999% of microplastics, silt, sand, and cloudiness
- Meets US EPA & NSF P231 drinking water standards for the removal of bacteria and parasites
- Membrane microfilter lasts up to 1,000 L | pore size: 0.2 micron
- Info courtesy: LifeStraw
My Thoughts on the LifeStraw Sip
The LifeStraw Sip is a great multi-purpose water filter that fits on a trail and as a reusable metal straw. I loved that the Sip is small and easy to store to be ready at any time. I have seen people who lay down and drink directly from a stream with their Sip. That is about as easy as it comes when it comes to always having a filter with you.
Some more Pros:
- Lightweight (less than 3 ounces)
- Removes Microplastics, Bacteria and Parasites
- Simple to use, no construction or steps, just drink
- Your Purchase Has Impact: for every LifeStraw product purchased, a child in need receives safe drinking water for a year
Some Cons:
- No vessel, must be at a water source to use.
Platypus DayCap In Bottle Filter
Cost: $44.95
Filter Information:
- Each filter is individually tested to ensure it meets all EPA & NSF guidelines for the removal of 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa.
- Includes Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Salmonella and Cholera.
- Info Courtesy: Platypus
My Thoughts on the Platypus DayCap
The Platypus DayCap is one of the filters that I have in my pack for all of my day hikes. It is small and lightweight and doesn’t take up much space in my pack. I always have a water bottle with me and the DayCap fits most bottles so it is a no brainer. Plus, I find that I can get to the water a bit quicker with the DayCap instead of having to take extra steps to filter the water. You do have to be a little careful to make sure that the filter section doesn’t get damaged inside of a pack though.
Some More Pros:
- Easy to use, attaches to most standard water bottles
- Can filter 1 liter per minute
- Easy to Clean
- Lightweight (2.6 ounces)
Some Cons:
- Need to be careful not to the damage filter in a pack.
Sawyer Squeeze
Cost: $40.95
Filter Information:
- Rated to 0.1 micron absolute filtration, the Squeeze Filter removes 99.99999% of bacteria such as salmonella, cholera, leptospirosis, and e. Coli, and removes 99. 9999% of protozoa such as giardia and cryptosporidium (independent testing laboratory Hydration, LLC.; microbiological report S05-03). The Squeeze Filter also filters out 100% of microplastics.
- Info Courtesy of Sawyer.com
My Thoughts on the Sawyer Squeeze
The Sawyer Squeeze is a nice product for longer day hikes where there may be sporadic water. The package comes with 2-1 liter dirty water pouches that you can fill and filter when needed. I found attaching the filter cartridge to the pouches was really easy. Plus, the squeeze and wring of the pouch really moves the water through the filter well. This is a really nice option for those longer hikes or even some overnights.
Another thing to mention is Sawyers Clean Water For All program. With this program, Sawyer brings clean water to countries and locations. Sawyer has provided clean water to countries like Liberia, Honduras, the Marshall Islands, and more. They also help to support natural disaster relief by providing clean water and filtering in areas affected. The more I read or hear about the program, the more impressed I am.
Some More Pros:
- Rated to 0.1 micron absolute filtration.
- Removes Bacteria, protozoa, E. Coli, giardia, vibrio cholerea, Salmonella typhi, and microplastics.
- Drink Directly from the Filter or Squeeze into a bottle
- Mesh bag included with some models to keep all the parts together for easy packing
- Sawyer Clean Water for All Program.
Some Cons:
- The bags and filter can take up some space.
Platypus QuickDraw
Cost: $54.95
Filter Information:
- Each microfilter is individually tested to ensure it meets all EPA & NSF guidelines for the removal of 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa*.
- Info courtesy Platypus.com
My Thoughts on the Platypus QuickDraw
The Platypus QuickDraw is another one of the squeeze filters that is great for a hike or an overnight. The one that I sampled is the 1 liter version but it is also available in a 2 and 3 liter option with the 3L working as a gravity filter instead of a squeeze.
I really liked how the Platypus labels the filter. They have a dirty and clean label on the filter so you know which side to connect. This seems like a simple thing but after a long hike, or in the evening while setting up camp when it is dark, it’s nice to have that little extra help getting set up. I also really like that the QuickDraw works with regular bottles like Smart Water bottles.
Some More Pros:
- Weighs 3.3 ounces
- Water Bottle Adapter
- 1000 Liter Lifespan
- Shake to Clean System
Some Cons:
- The plastic can handle on the dirty water pouch can get in the way
LifeStraw Peak Collapsible Squeeze
Cost: $37.95
- Meets US EPA & NSF P231 drinking water standards for the removal of bacteria and parasites
- BPA Free, FDA approved, premium materials
- Includes: LifeStraw Peak Series 1L collapsible squeeze bottle with screw-top cap and tether, backwash accessory, user manual
- Info Courtesy LifeStraw.com
My Thoughts on the LifeStraw Peak Collapsible Squeeze
The LifeStraw Peak Collapsible Squeeze is kind of the best of both worlds. It is a cap and a squeeze without having to assemble them. When you don’t need it, the Peak collapses down and can fit into a pocket. When you find your water source, you can fill up to 650ml and take it with you. The filter is in the screw top so it is always with the bottle which is super convenient. This is a great option to always have with you, tucked into a side pocket for emergencies.
Some More Pros:
- Connect with a carabiner
- Only 3.2 ounces
- Microfilter lasts 2000 liters
- 2x thicker, premium materials make it tougher and ultra leak-proof
Some Cons:
- Only 650ml might not be great for longer treks where water is scarce
LifeStraw Go Stainless Steel bottle
Cost: $59.95
Filter Information:
- Membrane microfilter protects against 99.999999% of bacteria, 99.999% of parasites, 99.999% of microplastics, silt, sand and cloudiness.
- Activated carbon filter protects against chlorine, organic chemical matter, and removes odors for improved taste
- Meets NSF 42 standard for chlorine reduction
- Meets US EPA & NSF P231 drinking water standards for the removal of bacteria and parasites
- Membrane microfilter lasts up to 1,000 gal | 4,000 L, pore size: 0.2 micron
- Activated carbon filter lasts up to 26 gal | 100 L
- Info Courtesy of LifeStraw
My Thoughts on the LifeStraw Go Stainless Steel Bottle
Everyone needs or has a good stainless steel bottle these days. However, not everyone has a stainless steel bottle with a filter included. That is where the LifeStraw Go line comes in. The Go has all of the advantages of the steel bottle but also has a two step filter process. A membrane filter that removes microplastics, bacteria, parasites, sand, silt, and cloudiness. Plus, an activated carbon filter that protects against chlorine, organic chemical matter, and removes odors for improved taste.
Some More Pros:
- Replaceable filters and parts
- Double wall vacuum insulation keeps your water cool all day. (not designed for hot liquids)
- Long Lasting Filters
Some Cons:
- A little heavy for long hikes or overnights.
Grayl GeoPress
Cost: $219.95
Filter Information:
- Removes: waterborne pathogens (99.99% of viruses, 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.9% of protozoan cysts), including Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Norovirus, Giardiasis, Cryptosporidium, E. Coli, Cholera, Salmonella, Dysentery and more.
- Filters: particulates (i.e. silt, microplastics, etc.); ultra-powdered activated carbon effectively adsorbs chemicals (including PFAS & VOCs), pesticides, heavy metals, flavors, and odors.
Info Courtesy Grayl.com
My Thoughts on the Grayl GeoPress TI
The Grayl GeoPress TI is one of the more unique filters on my list. The filter uses the user’s body weight to press the water through a filter. This allows for the filter to clean 5 liters of water per minute! There is an inner and outer cup that achieves this filtration system. The outer cup is really cool and has an ornate design on the side. The outer cup can also be used to cook in allowing you to bring one item that covers the water filter and cooking pot. Plus, you can get a bit of an arm and core workout while doing the press! This is a really cool product and I like how versatile it is, especially on camping trips.
Some More Pros:
- Durable: Can withstand 10 foot fall onto concrete.
- One Way Filter: Allows you to mix electrolytes without any backflow into the filter.
- Cartridge rated for 350 cycles
- BPA-Free Materials
Some Cons:
- A bit large and heavy for those looking to keep their weight down.
Video Review: Get to Know Hiking Water Filters
I have put together a quick video review about Getting to Know Hiking Water Filters for those of you who like to videos. If you enjoy the video make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel. It is free and you will get updated for all of my outdoor content.
Final thoughts on Hiking Water Filters
Having the ability to find and clean water is essential on an outdoor adventure. You can carry water in, but you never know when an emergency might happen and you will need extra water. There are a ton of different options and everyone has their favorites. Or the trip or destination may determine what you want to bring. If there is plenty of water, something like the Sip might be perfect. If it is scarce and you have to carry it from place to place, you may opt for something like the QuickDraw. My intention isn’t to make the choice for you but to show you the options that are available. And hopefully, to keep some sort of water filter in your pack at all times. Stay safe out there and happy hiking!
More from the Fatman
For a list of other products that I have reviewed you can check my Product Review page here. If you have any products you would like me to review or any comments you can email me at fatmanlittletrails@gmail.com or you can follow me on any of the below social media platforms. Happy Hiking!