Clean & Natural Water! Get The Best Camping Water Filter
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The human body is made up of approximately 60% water, and on a camping trip you'll need plenty of safe water to drink.
If you’re going on a camping trip, you’ll want to make sure that you’re drinking clean, bacteria free water. If there are animals or humans living near a water source, no matter how clear and clean it looks, there’s a chance that drinking it could make you sick.
Know what a filter can and can't do. The CDC says a filter with an absolute pore size of 0.3 micron or smaller removes bacteria and parasites, but most filters don't remove viruses. Most portable filters also aren't designed to remove chemicals like pesticides or fuel.
To kill viruses too, boil water at a rolling boil for 1 minute (3 minutes above 6,500 feet), or filter it and then disinfect it with chlorine dioxide or another approved product. If you’re looking for the best camping water filter, here are some popular options.
Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System
Perhaps one of the most popular and best camping water filter for novice and advanced campers alike.
The Sawyer Mini is a small, handheld filter. The maker says its 0.1 micron hollow-fiber filter removes 99.99999% of bacteria, and it is also rated for protozoa such as Giardia.
It comes with a reusable pouch, a drinking straw and a cleaning plunger. Backflush it as directed, and don't let a used filter freeze, since ice can damage the fibers.
The Sawyer Mini can attach to the reusable pouch to allow for clean water on the go. You can also use the straw and drink directly from an alternative water source. It also fits most standard sized water bottles.
This is one of the most versatile filters on the list. Like other filters, it does not remove viruses, so add disinfection if you're worried about them.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Often when you’re camping you won’t be able to carry all the water you need, and this is where the LifeStraw Filter comes in.
Just like the name suggests, this is a straw filter. The maker says it removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, along with protozoa, and rates it for about 1,000 liters.
It lets you drink straight from streams and lakes. It doesn't remove viruses or chemicals, so avoid water near farms, mines or sewage outflows.
There's no chemical aftertaste, and its compact size makes it a handy backup for any camper.
LifeStraw Go Water Bottle Filter
The Lifestraw Go Bottle contains a filter similar to the LifeStraw Personal Water filter, with the addition of a 23 ounce water bottle encasing it.
It's a convenient way to carry and filter water on the go.
Refill the bottle from a stream and the water is filtered as you drink. The filter is replaceable. As with the personal straw, it doesn't remove viruses.
LifeStraw 1.0 Family Water Purifier
If you’re planning a family trip, the Family Water Purifier by LifeStraw is a great water filtration system for camping to supply everyone with clean water.
It uses a finer membrane than the personal straw. The maker says it removes at least 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.99% of viruses, and rates it for about 18,000 liters.
It has been used in humanitarian programs to provide drinking water.
It's a good fit for a group campsite. Follow the maker's cleaning steps, since a clogged or damaged filter won't protect you.
Camco TastePURE Water Filter
Going camping and bringing an RV? Camco has got you covered! If you’re staying at a campground that supplies water, you may still be interested in filtering any impurities.
This is a carbon and sediment filter for already-treated campground water. It mainly improves taste and odor and catches sediment. It is not designed to make untreated lake or stream water safe.
The filter attaches to a standard water or garden hose connection. Run water through it for a few minutes after installing and replace it on the maker's schedule.
Any option you choose works best when you match it to your water source. Start with the clearest water you can find, and let muddy water settle before filtering.
You might use the TastePURE for treated water at an RV park, the Family Purifier for a group campsite, and a Sawyer Mini or LifeStraw for hikes.
When in doubt, boiling for 1 minute kills bacteria, viruses and parasites. Pack a backup method, such as disinfection tablets, in case your filter clogs or breaks.
