Looking for the best filtering water bottle for backpacking? Switching to filtering water bottles from a standard water bladder for backpacking is one of my favorite recommendations for backpackers looking to upgrade their gear game. Filtering water bottles are also great for international travel, so you can cut down on plastic waste from single-use plastic bottles.

Clean drinking water is a must, whether you’re in the backcountry drinking river water or in a developing country drinking municipal water. My favorite way to have safe drinking water in the great outdoors and abroad? A filtering water bottle.

In this post, I will share my top recommendations for on-the-go water filtration systems!

Why this blog? Oh Hey! My name is Sarah. I am a full-time science educator and part-time adventurer who knows the value of a dollar. I’ve been backpacking in Washington since 2018, but started my backpacking journey in 2016. I love chatting gear and understanding the science behind what makes a piece of gear worth the cost.

Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links, which means I could make a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Amazing Filtering Water Bottles for Backpackers + Travelers

Woman drinking from a HydraPak Flux Filtering Water Bottles

When it comes to picking a filtering water bottle, there are a few things to consider. The filtration technology, pathogen coverages, flow rate, maintenance, cost per gallon, and weight/portability.

  1. Filtration Technology: What is used to filter pathogens out of the water? Is it a membrane, activated carbon, or UV?
  2. Pathogen Coverages: Does the water bottle filter out harmful contaminants, such as bacteria, protozoa, and viruses? Two of the primary pathogens I ensure my filtering water bottle takes care of are Cryptosporidium and e. Coli.
  3. Flow Rate: A minor consideration, but how quickly does water flow through the filter? How much water can move through the filter safely?
  4. Maintenance: Is it easy to clean the filter? Dirty water can clog up the filter and decrease the flow rate.
  5. Cost per Gallon: What is the lifetime of the filtering water bottle? Are replacement filters readily available, and how much does a filter cartridge cost compared to the initial cost of the bottle?
  6. Weight/Portability: Is the value of the filtering water bottle worth the weight of the bottle? Some filtering water bottles are heavy, which I would not recommend for backpacking.

With that being said, here are my top picks for Filtering Water Bottles for backpackers and travelers:

HydraPak Flux 1.5 L

I have been using the HydraPak Flux 1.5 L Collapsible Water Bottle since 2023, when I first hiked with it on the Enchanted Valley Trail in Olympic National Park. It utilizes the same filter as my Katadyn Gravity Filter, but in a compact, handheld design. After its first use, I was hooked and believe it to be one of the best water filters for natural sources.

The Flux is 500 mL larger than most filtering water bottles, which means it will last you longer on the trail between water sources. While I typically pack my gravity filter in addition to the HydraPak Flux, I often only use this water filter on the trail.

It has a high flow rate, above 1 liter per minute, weighs only 5 ounces, and is exceptionally durable. It is sturdy enough to be easy to drink from while remaining collapsible to fit into side pockets when empty.

This is my number one pick for a filtering water bottle for backpacking.

Katadyn BeFree AC 1.0 L

The Katadyn BeFree Filtering Water Bottle is an exceptional option for those seeking a lightweight and compact water bottle. This was the first filtering water bottle I ever owned, and there’s a lot to love about it.

At only 2.7 ounces, it is the lightest filtering water bottle option. For people looking to save as much weight as possible on the trail, the BeFree bottle is the way to go. They recently released a double-walled bottle of the same design that is more durable than the original.

This filter is also faster than the HydraPak Flux with a flow rate of 2 liters per minute. However, due to the size, you’ll want to carry an additional bladder if you’re going to be hiking in areas with sparse water access.

Katadyn makes incredible outdoor products, but if you’re looking for the lightest and most compactable filtering water bottle, the BeFree is the right pick for you.

Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle

Probably the most iconic and renowned purifying and filtering water bottle on the market for travelers is the Grayl GeoPress. While most filtering water bottles remove protozoa, particulates, and bacteria, the Grayl GeoPress takes things a step further by removing chemicals and heavy metals from the water.

Making it the best option for people traveling to developing countries. Several countries recommend drinking only bottled water, but you can get around this by bringing a combo filtering AND purifying water bottle. I was happy to bring this bottle with me on my Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru, South America.

While the carrying capacity of the Grayl GeoPress is less than that of some of the filtering water bottles, it is the only recommended bottle for use with questionable water while traveling.

It is extremely durable and easy to use. One of the drawbacks to this product is the frequency at which the activated carbon filter needs to be changed.

The Grayl is the best option for international travel where weight is not a consideration.

LifeStraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle

I have been carrying a LifeStraw in my hiking pack for emergencies since 2018. The straw remains in my hiking backpack at all times, so it is with me whenever I need it. But since then, LifeStraw has released a new product line called the “Go Series.” The Go Series is a collection of different water bottles with an activated carbon filter so you can drink water on the go.

For backpacking purposes, the Go Series 22 fl. oz. bottle or the 33.8 fl. oz. bottle is the way to go for size and weight. The 22 fl. oz. bottle comes out to 9 ounces, so it is on the heavier side when it comes to filtering water bottles just for backpacking.

The bottle is BPA-free hard plastic, so if you’re looking for something with more structure than the Flux or BeFree bottle, this is a great option.

Additionally, the bottle’s microfilter removes bacteria and parasites, including cryptosporidium.

LifeStraw Go Series Stainless Steel

From the Go Series, there is also the stainless steel version of the bottle which was designed for everyday use. This reusable water bottle is best used with tap water.

I would not recommend this bottle for outdoor activities since it weighs in at 1 lb. 1.6 oz. If you want a filter bottle that can be used on the trail and in the city, the BPA-free plastic bottle is a better option.

Sawyer Squeeze Premium 1-Liter Bottle

Sawyer Squeeze and Sawyer Mini are arguably the most popular water filtration systems for backpacking. Because the Sawyer Squeeze can attach to some water bottles like the infamous Smartwater Bottle, it is one of the lightest and widely used systems by thru-hikers. They just released a combo Cnoc Water Bottle with a Sawyer Squeeze attachment.

What I love about this Sawyer Squeeze water filter is that it attaches to a 1-Liter Cnoc Bottle. Cnoc Outdoors creates a water container that connects to the Sawyer squeeze, but in this setup, it is actually a bottle shape.

You can use the Sawyer Cnoc Bottle with water from rivers, streams, faucets, etc., and attach the Sawyer Squeeze to the top. Then you drink right from the Sawyer Squeeze.

The draw to this system is the packability and weight (4.8 oz). Its ease of use is highly rated, but like any flexible bottle water filtration system, filtering the final couple of ounces is challenging. You can check out this set up here!

Looking for the best hiking sandals? Check out this guide!

Other Popular Water Filters for Backpacking

Filtering water bottles are great when you’re on the go. However, many of the max out at 1.5 liters, which is sometimes not enough. In addition to bringing my Hydrapak Flux+, I also have a gravity filter to keep around at camp.

Some other recommended water filter systems are:

  1. Katadyn Gravity BeFree Water Filtration System – 3 Liter Capacity, Easy to use, Great for hanging at a campsite.
  2. MSR MiniWorks EX Water Filter or MSR Guardian Purifier – Hand pump water from the source into your clean water container, easy to use, and works in low-flow water sources.
  3. HydraPak Seeker + 6L Gravity Filter – Large capacity for water, has an attachable tap, and is lightweight (8.5 ounces).
  4. Katadyn Steripen Ultra UV Water Purifier – Uses UV light to purify natural water sources, a simple water purification method, high reusability, and an excellent choice for clear water.
  5. LifeStraw Water Filter Straw – Drink directly from the straw filter, great for unfiltered tap water, and has a packable design.

Have questions about water filter systems? I’d love to answer them! Leave your question in the comments, and I’m happy to help!

Find all of my favorite gear here!

Pack it Up

When it comes to drinking safe water on the trail and in cities, filter bottles are one of the most effective tools at your disposal.

Filtering water bottles are great for on-the-go travelers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to carry less water weight.

This blog post reviewed the best filtered water bottles for backpacking and travel. There are other methods of purifying water such as chemical treatments with Chlorine dioxide in the form of Water Purification Tablets.

Whatever water filter you decide on, you will be cutting down on single-use plastic and making filtering water easier while on the go.