Back packing water filters (advice needed)

Billy

Billy

Big poppa
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This will be my first year hunting idaho in September for deer and elk and I'm looking for an easy system to top off my water on hikes when I come across it.

Will be first heading up to scout here in a few weeks with my son and figure he will get a kick out of the process. How is the Sawyer system?

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Is there a better product/way?
Billy
 
www.outdoorgearlab.com

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026

We tested 25 backpacking water filters and treatment systems from Platypus, Sawyer, Katadyn, LifeStraw, and others to find the best option for your...
www.outdoorgearlab.com www.outdoorgearlab.com

I tend to favor durability and convenience over (ultralight) weight.
Adding - I also like multifunction if possible and reasonable.

That said, I like Sawyer products.
 
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I carry the Katadyn pump filter in my drift boat for extended trips as backup. It has been used on backpacking trips as well. Been carrying it for years, but am sure there are better options available now as Brian points out.
 
 
No experience w/ the Sawyer, but have and love this one:
outandbackoutdoor.com

MSR Trail Base Water Filter 2L

FEATURES of the MSR Trail Base Water Filter Kit Pocket-sized filter for on-the-trail hydration; gravity filtration at camp fast-and-light reservoir for clean water anywhere on-demand No other microfilter solution offers such flexibility and options, making this the only filter that truly adapts...
outandbackoutdoor.com outandbackoutdoor.com

It can be hung at camp and gravity, or it has a small pump you can use to filter more quickly.

I carry a grayl too, but it's a bit of a pain to use - you really need a good spot to push down hard. With how expensive they are now, I don't think I'd get another one if mine broke. The MSR filter is pretty much all I need.
 
Have had Sawyer filters for years. They are light, pack small, and they work. I hacked mine to make the reservoir easier to fill and able to be used as a gravity system, but I guess that is all standard issue now.
 
I've used a Katadyn BeFree for about 8-9 years now and the only issue I've ever had with it is the filter drying out if unused for 5-6 months and not passing water for a bit. Now that I know that is a potential issue, I run tapwater through it before each season and its all good. I like that it takes up so little room in my pack and weighs next to nothing.
 
Here is another vote for a Katadyn BeFree. Similar to GSmolt I've noticed the filter sucks when dry so make an effort to pre wet it. I've drank out of some scuzzy water with it and have been pretty happy without much of a loss of preformance. I've heard some concerns about holes in the water bag so bring a CNOC soft bottle as a second water container just in case.
 
I’ve settled with the platypus gravity. Works fast and easy. Msr is the same company and just has different fittings.
For on the stream I carry a lifestraw and a water bottle that fits the straw in it with lid closed. Fill with water when needed
 
Backpacking and
River camping I use:

Sawyer Gallon Gravity Feed Light and Durable. I dig no mechanical parts to go wrong, no pumping, just gravity used to fill the gallon bag. Been using one for about 9 years now. Still using the original.

I also bring a Katahdin Dip and Sip Orinco model. Discontinued but if I need a replacement going to get the Sawyer Dip and Sip model. Bonus points is the gravity feed model and the dip and sip use the same filter system.
 
One more data point for the Sawyer.
I've brought a couple on our fly-in Ontario trips for many years. The outpost cabins all have water pumped straight from the lake. We've all been drinking 100% Sawyer-filtered water for a solid week, no illnesses
 
I have several, and they all work great. The Katadyn camp filter is nice in a group camp since the bag holds 6 liters. I also have the Katadyn Be Free in a smaller, 3 liter size. For mini filters for backpacking I have used a Sawyer mini the most, and most recently a Lifestraw, which is even slightly lighter. (I'm a weight weenie when it comes to my backpacking gear.) Add a Cnoc 2-liter bag that connects to either the Sawyer or Life Straw and give yourself the option of squeezing or gravity to get the source water through your filter. The Sawyer mini is now available with a Vecto (Cnoc) water bag as shown in the picture you posted above.

All of these hollow membrane filters can clog when left unused for months, so it's important, if not vital, to soak them in a bowl of water and back flush before a trip. Nothing worse than a water filter that doesn't work - unless you also have some Aqua Mira in your pack. And I do, because sometimes a water source is too funky to filter, with no better source within a reasonable walk, so treatment is the only option.
 
Here is how I carry the lifestraw for fishing or backpacking when water is around. The kleen canteen fits the straw empty and weighs very little. I fill it when I need a drink and the water is usually cold out of the river. Can fill it for a long hike in or out as well.
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Grayl gives you the cleanest water, short of a reverse osmosis system. I’m somewhat paranoid about this sort of thing, so I want the best.
 
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