• Gear
    • Gadgets
    • Knives
    • Pens
    • Tools
  • Health
    • Fitness & Exercise
    • Physical Health
    • Grooming
    • Face & Body
  • Home
    • Kitchen
    • Coffee
    • Food & Drinks
    • Furniture
    • Office
    • Books
    • Lawn & Garden
    • Pets
  • Outdoors
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Sports
    • Survival
    • Travel
  • Style
    • Apparel
    • Footwear
    • Watches
    • Bags
    • Wallets
    • Cologne
  • Tech
    • Audio
    • Displays
    • Drones
    • Gaming
    • Phones
    • Photography
    • Smart Home
    • Wearables
  • Gifts
  • Blog
    • Health & Body
    • Fitness
    • Grooming
    • Lifestyle
    • Life Hacks
    • Outdoor & Sports
    • Self Improvement
    • Style
    • Travel
  • Home
  • Outdoors
Last updated: 10 Feb 2020

10 Best Portable Water Filters (Review) In 2021

lifestaw personal water filter

LifeStaw Personal Portable Water Filter

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
sawyer products mini water filtration system

Sawyer Products Mini Portable Water Filter

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
grayl ultralight water purifier with filter bottle

Grayl Ultralight Portable Water Filter With Filter Bottle

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
Show contents
By Instash
Published 08:28 am
Contents
  • The Best Portable Water Filter
  • 1 LifeStaw Personal Portable Water Filter
  • 2 Sawyer Products Mini Portable Water Filter
  • 3 Grayl Ultralight Portable Water Filter With Filter Bottle
  • 4 Katadyn Vario Dual Technology MicroFilter
  • 5 Survivor Filter Pro
  • 6 Etekcity Water Filter Straw
  • 7 Sawyer Products Squeeze Water Filter System
  • 8 Sawyer Products One-Gallo Gravity Water Filtration System
  • 9 GOpure Personal Water Purifier
  • 10 MSR Miniworks Ex

The best portable water filters will dramatically improve your next camping or outdoor adventure. Firstly, by carrying a portable water filter, you remove the necessity to pack liters upon liters of bottled water with you, which can be a burden to transport. Instead, simply use the lightweight and convenient filter to refill your water receptacle on the go, saving both money and energy so you can focus on enjoying your trip while remaining hydrated. The best thing about having access to a portable water filtration system is that you can turn almost any source go fresh water you discover en route into something safe and drinkable.

If you’re planning any form of survival style outing, pitting your wits against nature, and trying to survive on only the bare essential and minimum provisions, then a travel water filter is a must-purchase accessory. Even if you’re not into extreme style camping conditions, the one thing that you can never manage without is a supply of fresh water. It could end up being nothing short of a lifesaver. So let’s take a look at some of our top recommendations when it comes to the best portable water purifiers for travel.

The Best Portable Water Filter

1
LifeStaw Personal Portable Water Filter

See More Reviews
lifestaw personal water filter
See More Reviews
lifestaw personal water filter
lifestaw personal water filter
lifestaw personal water filter
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Let’s get this review started with our Best Choice product recommendation, which is the award-winning and incredibly popular LifeStraw. No emergency camping or disaster recovery kit is complete without this genius invention. Not only is it compact and easy to carry, but it’s also highly practical and straightforward to use too. With its intelligent design and styling, this smart device can filter up to 1000 liters of contaminated water without the need for any batteries or moving parts. It truly is ideal for any lovers of camping, hiking, and outdoor adventuring. Not only that, but it safely removes a minimum of 99.9999% of all waterborne bacteria as well as protozoan parasites. An excellent choice, it comes in its own sealed bag which is ideal for sorting in a backpacking backpack or for having in your emergency survival kit bag. Another excellent benefit is that because it doesn’t require the use of any other chemicals to purify your source of drinking water, there is no shelf life to this product to be concerned about. It also enjoys a high flow rate for drinking directly from the source.

Key Features:

Award-winning product; portable, lightweight and compact design

1000 liters water filtering capacity

Filters to 0.2 microns, exceeding recommended safety standards

Destroys 99.9999% of all waterborne bacteria and 99.9% parasites

Specification:
  • BrandLifeStraw
  • ModelLSPHF017
  • Weight2.08 ounces

2
Sawyer Products Mini Portable Water Filter

See More Reviews
sawyer products mini water filtration system
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Up next, we’re taking a look at the first water filtration system which popular brand Sawyer Products has on offer. We’ve picked out their mini filtration system as our best choice because it’s a compact water filtering solution that’s highly practical and hugely convenient. It’s small in size but highly efficient and can remove up to 99.99% of bacteria, parasites, and viruses from a water source. The filter is incredibly durable, and just the one single filter cartridge has an impressive filtering capacity, capable of cleaning 100,000 gallons of water before needing a replacement. Weighing only 2 ounces, it’s super lightweight and easy to pack for your travels, taking up limited space. Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System also comes with a fantastic, versatile adapter that enables you to attach this filter directly to water bottles, pouches, and even faucets so that you can improve the overall quality of any water source you are accessing. For more valuable survival gear like this, check out our selection of the best compasses.

Key Features:

Compact, lightweight and highly portable backpack design

Capable of filtering up to 100,000 gallons of water

High-performance 0.1-micron filter

Removes 99.9999% of all waterborne bacteria and 99.9999% parasites

Specification:
  • BrandSawyer Products
  • ModelSP128
  • Weight3.52 ounces

3
Grayl Ultralight Portable Water Filter With Filter Bottle

See More Reviews
grayl ultralight water purifier with filter bottle
See More Reviews
grayl ultralight water purifier with filter bottle
grayl ultralight water purifier with filter bottle
grayl ultralight water purifier with filter bottle
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Fast, efficient, and super easy to use, our Premium Pick is from Grayl and is an excellent portable water purifier for any travelers out there. Simply fill the integrated filter water bottle with a source of water, press, and you’re ready to drink. There’s no waiting, no inconvenient sucking or squeezing, and no batteries or ultraviolet bulbs required. The award-winning one press design can create a clean source of drinking water in less than 15 seconds from pretty much any fresh water source anywhere in the world. It removes 99.999% of all waterborne viruses, 99.9999% of disease-causing bacteria and parasites as well as 99.999% of protozoan cysts. It’s also able to filter out many chemicals and heavy metals for water that tastes cleaner and fresher with less of a bitter after taste. Just one purifier cartridge displaces 300 single-use water bottles, so it’s not only good for you but also better for the planet. Whether you’re backpacking around the globe, adventuring outdoors closer to home, or preparing for an emergency, never be without clean water thanks to this Grayl ultralight one press purification and filtration system.

Key Features:

Award-winning fill, press, and drink design

Simple one press purification and filtration system

Removes 99.9999% of all waterborne bacteria and 99.9999% parasites

One purifier cartridge replaces 300 single-use plastic bottles

Specification:
  • BrandGRAYL
  • ModelGRAYL Ultralight Compact Purifier*
  • Weight15.5 ounces

4
Katadyn Vario Dual Technology MicroFilter

See More Reviews
katadyn vario dual technology microfilter
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

We have another excellent portable water filter for you up next from Katadyn. This unit is compact and portable enough to comfortably fit into a travel backpack without weighing you down. It also provides a highly efficient filtering medium that is capable of handling up to 2 quarts of water per minute. You have the option to operate either in fast flow mode or a slower 1 quart longer life mode. The intuitive and intelligent design has been well conceived, featuring both an inlet and outlet hose which attach to a water bottle. The filter works quickly and efficiently, meaning you don’t have to put too much physical exertion into pumping manually. Fitted with charcoal filters, this Katadyn Vario filter also removes further unpleasant tastes and odors, not just water-based parasites and bacteria, to deliver drinking water that’s safe, drinkable, and more palatable.

Key Features:

Supplied with pre-filter, deluxe carry bag and cleaning pad

Provides two different modes of water delivery; fast and slow

Uses activated charcoal discs to remove bad tastes and odors

Dual piston technology ensures maximum water output with minimal physical effort

Specification:
  • BrandKatadyn
  • Model8014931
  • Weight1 pounds

5
Survivor Filter Pro

See More Reviews
survivor filter pro
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Up next, we have something that’s a little more involved in the shape of a three-stage filtration system from Survivor Filters. It’s rigorously tested and backed by a lifetime warranty and is currently rated as one of the best emergency portable water filters out there. It’s capable of filtering up to 100,000 liters of water and, given the right conditions, can filter up to an impressive 17 ounces of water every minute. It comes with a 0.1-micron filtration rating, which ensures that you get a source of drinking water that’s as clean as possible. The triple filtration process removes viruses, bacteria, parasites as well as most heavy metal and chemicals for water that tastes better too. It’s built from sturdy and robust ABS materials. It comes with all the internal filters and tubing you need as well as a detachable drinking cup and a useful travel bag for storing and carrying your water filtration system. Our guide to the best survival food kits features more must-have products for your adventures.

Key Features:

Filters up to 100,000 liters of drinking water

Impressive triple filtration system filters to 0.01 microns

Features a pre-filter, carbon filter and ultrafilter process

Removes 99.9999% of all waterborne bacteria and viruses

Specification:
  • BrandSurvivor Filter
  • Weight8.2 ounces

6
Etekcity Water Filter Straw

See More Reviews
etekcity water filter straw
See More Reviews
etekcity water filter straw
etekcity water filter straw
etekcity water filter straw
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

If you are looking for something that is seriously compact and portable, then take a look at the Etekcity straw style water filter. It also comes with a separate water pouch so you can grab an additional source of water to be filtered at a later stage as needed. It’s capable of filtering up to 1500 liters of water utilizing an efficient and safe three-stage filtration process, but take note; it does take a bit of time and patience to get the water source flowing and will require a fair bit of suction. That said, it’s budget and backpack friendly and does the job, removing 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria. On account of how lightweight and portable it is, this filtration straw is perfect for scouting and shorter length backpacking trips to have as an emergency backup. You may also be interested in some of the best emergency radios from our list, so check them out.

Key Features:

Fully safety certificated with advanced filtration design

Activated carbon filter helps eliminate unpleasant odors

Comes with a 70 cm extension tube for easy connection

Provides up to 1500 liters of safe drinking water

Specification:
  • BrandEtekcity
  • Model679113376793
  • Weight2.08 ounces

7
Sawyer Products Squeeze Water Filter System

See More Reviews
sawyer products squeeze water filter system
See More Reviews
sawyer products squeeze water filter system
sawyer products squeeze water filter system
sawyer products squeeze water filter system
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

We’re back looking at a further product from the Sawyer filtration range, and this time we’ve picked out there lightweight and portable Squeeze Water Filter System. It’s a complete water filtration system that’s ideal for all lover out outdoor adventuring or for anyone looking to invest in a valuable emergency backup solution. This particular model is capable of removing up to 99.9% of bacteria as well as protozoa living in water, allowing you to drink safely from any fresh water supply you discover en route. It has a genius littler adapter which enables you to further attached to a 32-ounce or 16-ounce pouch so that you can conveniently transfer freshly filtered water from the pouch and on to a water bottle. It can also be attached to a faucet in an emergency to filter a contaminated domestic water supply. It’s high performing and can filter up to 0.1 microns plus it comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime limited warranty. Our guide to the best mess kits features more useful items for your outdoor trips, so check them out.

Key Features:

Suitable for use with pouches, a faucet or water bottles

Lightweight and portable, compact design

Built-in removable push/pull cap

Supplied with three BAP-free collapsible pouches

Specification:
  • BrandSawyer Products
  • ModelSP131
  • Weight3.2 ounces

8
Sawyer Products One-Gallo Gravity Water Filtration System

See More Reviews
sawyer products one-gallo gravity water filtration system
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

We’re sticking with Sawyer Products for a minute as we take a look at another best portable water purifier for travel. Easily create your own gravity-based water filtering system with this mini setup from Sawyer. With it’s high-performing 0.1-micron absolute filter, you can be assured of a clean and safe supply of drinking water. The dual threaded MINI filter allows you to quickly and easily push and pull the cap onto the filter for fuss-free functionality on the go. Complete with a 1-gallon bladder plus and gravity hose, this is a versatile and practical solution that is ideal for use as a camping water filter or as part of a backup emergency disaster kit. Clean and reuse your filter almost indefinitely without ever having to replace it with expensive cartridges. It safely removes 99.999% of bacteria as well as protozoa. Each Sawyer Products filter is triple-tested for performance and safety before the product is released for sale. Perfect to always have in your waterproof backpack wherever you go.

Key Features:

0.1-micron squeeze filter

Removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and protozoa

Features a Dual-Threaded MINI that can be used and reused when cleaned

Create your own gravity-based water filtering system

Specification:
  • BrandSawyer Products
  • ModelSP160
  • Weight8.8 ounces

9
GOpure Personal Water Purifier

See More Reviews
gopure personal water purifier
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

If you are on the search for a portable water filter that will allow you to enjoy purified water anywhere you go, then take a look at this next recommendation from GOpure. It’s small and super convenient and enables you to say goodbye to single-use disposable plastic bottles. Fill up with a fresh source of water anywhere and purify on the go. Whether you’re at the gas station, a shopping mall, or pretty much any indoor or outdoor source of water. If you want to be assured that the water you’re drinking is safe, then you need to use the Gopher personal water purifier. Featuring an advanced ceramic core, the pod inside this water purifier attracts, binds, and absorbs unwanted heavy metals, bacteria, and chemicals for safer, cleaner, and better-tasting water. For more useful survival gear, check out our selection of the best paracord survival bracelets.

Key Features:

Portable and convenient capsule design can be taken anywhere

Each PuriBloc capsule can purify up to 264 gallons of water

Simple and easy to use – simply drop the tablet into any water container

Ceramic pods inside the capsule work to attached impurities

Specification:
  • BrandPURIBLOC GO PURE
  • Weight2.4 ounces

10
MSR Miniworks Ex

See More Reviews
msr miniworks ex
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Last but by no means least, our final recommendation when it comes to the category of best portable water filters is this impressively powerful product from MSR. The MSR Miniworks Ex might be a little pricier than some of the other portable water filters we’ve reviewed. Still, it’s designed for high volume water cleaning, making it an ideal investment for group hiking or camping trips. It’s capable of cleaning one liter of water every minute and does an excellent job of removing up to 99.9999% of bacteria from water. It meets all the usual safety protocols you’d expect and comes with one replaceable filter cartridge, which can treat up to 2000 liters of water. Measuring just 7.5-inches high b 2.75-inches side and weighing just 1-pound, it’s compact and portable and is even supplied with its own storage bag.

Key Features:

Replaceable cartridge with 2000 liter lifetime

Effectively removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria

Pumps at a rate of one liter per minute

Supplied with storage back for easy transportation

Specification:
  • BrandMSR
  • Model040818564257
  • Weight1.01 pounds
Related Reads
10 best filtered water bottles
share icon
Read more
#Outdoors

10 Best Filtered Water Bottles (Review) In 2021

see more→
best mess kits in 2019
share icon
Read more
#Camping

8 Best Mess Kits (Review) In 2021

see more→
10 best survival food kits in 2019
share icon
Read more
#Survival

10 Best Survival Food Kits (Review) In 2021

see more→
You May Also Like
  • Hand Warmers
  • Trekking Poles
  • Stand Up Paddleboards
  • Mosquito Nets
  • Hunting GPS
  • Beach Umbrellas
  • Filtered Water Bottles
  • Emergency Blankets
  • Beach Chairs
  • RV Generators
  • Home
  • All Categories
  • About Us
  • Contact
Instash ©2025 Privacy Policy Affiliate Disclosure
DMCA.com Protection Status
Please Rate This Article
Rate this post, please!
Send