Portable water filters have become increasingly popular among preppers, hikers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts as a way to ensure clean and safe drinking water on-the-go.
There are several different types of portable water filters available, each with its own specific use cases, advantages and drawbacks.
Let’s take a look at the different types of portable water filters, their upsides and downsides, as well as some of the best portable water filters available.
Personal Water Filters
One common type of portable water filter is the straw or personal water filter. These filters are small and lightweight, and can be used to filter water directly from a stream or even a puddle.
They typically use a membrane or activated carbon filter to remove bacteria, protozoa and other impurities.
Personal water filters are a popular choice among campers, hikers, and travelers because they are convenient, small, light, and easy to use. However, they tend to have smaller capacities, usually not much more than 1 liter of water.
Compared to other types of portable water filters, they have certain advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry in a backpack or travel bag
- Do not require chemicals or electricity to operate
- Can filter out a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, protozoa, and some viruses
- Can be used for both freshwater and saltwater sources
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Limited capacity (usually not much more than 1 liter), which means they may not be suitable for long trips or groups of people
- Cannot remove certain contaminants, such as heavy metals or chemicals
- Can be slower to filter water compared to other types of portable filters
- Require frequent cleaning and maintenance to avoid clogging or contamination
Overall, personal water filters are a good choice for solo travelers or short trips, but may not be the best option for larger groups or longer journeys where a larger capacity filter may be needed.
Our Favorite Personal Water Filter of All Time
- Each straw can filter up to 1,100 gallons in its lifetime
- Great value
- Removes > 99.99% of waterborne bacteria & parasites
Gravity-Fed Water Filters
Another type of portable water filter is the gravity-fed filter. These filters use gravity to pull water through a filter cartridge, and are bigger than personal water filters. Gravity-fed filters are ideal for group camping or remote base camps.
They typically have a higher filtering capacity than personal water filters, but can be bulkier and heavier to carry.
Pros:
- Gravity-fed water filters are easy to use, with no need for electricity or pumping.
- They are portable and can be used in a variety of settings including camping, outdoor events and emergency situations.
- Gravity-fed filters remove a wide range of contaminants including viruses, bacteria, and chemicals.
- They generally have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance.
- They are affordable compared to other water filtration systems.
Cons:
- Gravity-fed filters require time to let gravity do its job and may take longer to filter water compared to other systems.
- They still usually have limited capacity, although there are gravity fed water filters with a capacity of up to 6 gallons of water.
- They are not as effective at removing smaller particles and minerals compared to other, more sophisticated filtration systems.
- They may not work well with murky or highly sedimented water and may require pre-treatment.
- Replacement filters can be expensive and difficult to find in certain locations.
Our Favorite Gravity-Fed Water Filters of All Time
- 1.5 gallon bag
- Can provide up to 1,400 gallons of clean drinking water
- Can be conveniently hung in many places
- 2.25 gallons capacity of drinking water
- Can filter up to 6,000 gallons of water in its lifespan
- Can reduce chlorine, heavy metals, sediment, and other impurities by up to 99%.
- 6 gallons capacity of drinking water
- Each pair of Black Berkey Elements filters up to 6,000 gallons before replacement is recommended.
Pump Water Filters
Pump filters are another popular option for outdoor enthusiasts. These filters use a hand pump to pull water through a filter cartridge and into a separate container, making them a versatile option for small groups or individuals.
Capacity is calculated differently for pump filters, because they are not meant to store any water, but instead filter and pass the water into a different storage container.
They are typically more durable than other types of portable water filters, but can sometimes be more complex to use.
Pros:
- They can remove bacteria, protozoa, and some viruses from water sources.
- They are lightweight and portable, making them great for outdoor activities.
- They are fairly low maintenance and easy to clean.
- They do not require any electricity.
- They typically have a long lifespan and can filter a large amount of water.
Cons:
- They can be more expensive upfront.
- They require some physical effort to operate.
- They can clog more easily, especially with heavy sediment in the water source.
- They may not be effective against certain contaminants, such as chemicals or heavy metals.
Our Favorite Pump Water Filters of All Time
- Lightweight, compact design
- Proven protection against bacteria and protozoan cysts
- Capacity of up to 100,000 liters
- USA Tested to remove 99.999% of tested Virus, Staph, Bacteria & Protozoa
- Reduces heavy metals according to NSF/ANSI Standards
Bottle Water Filters
Finally, there are bottle filters that allow you to filter water as you drink it. These are often less effective at removing impurities than other types of water filters, but are convenient for day hikes or travel.
Pros:
- Convenient and easily accessible source of clean water
- Filters out impurities and contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and bacteria
- Cost-effective compared to continuously purchasing bottled water
- Reduces plastic waste from single-use water bottles
Cons:
- Filter cartridges need to be replaced regularly, adding to the cost
- Filtering can reduce water pressure, making it more difficult to drink
- Limited capacity (usually not much more than 1 liter), will need to be refilled frequently
- Some filters are not effective against certain contaminants, such as fluoride or viruses.
Overall, bottle water filters can provide a cost-effective and convenient solution for clean drinking water on-the-go, but their effectiveness can depend on the specific filter and may not be suitable for all water sources.
Our Favorite Bottle Water Filters of All Time
- Can filter up to 40 gallons of drinking water
- Car cup holder friendly
- Top rack dishwasher safe
- Can filter up to 40 gallons of drinking water
- Car cup holder friendly
- Top rack dishwasher safe
Time to Pick Out The Perfect Portable Water Filter for You
When choosing a portable water filter, it’s important to consider your specific needs and use case. Personal water filters are great for solo trips or emergencies, while gravity-fed and pump filters are better suited for groups or extended trips. Bottle filters are a convenient option for short hikes or travel, but may not provide the same level of filtration as other types of filters.
When choosing a water filter, consider your specific needs, including group size, trip length and filtration needs, to ensure you select the best option for you.
