How to Buy a Backcountry Water Filter

The water filter is a crucial part of any backpacking trip. A good filter will allow you to drink safely in the backcountry with only a bit of extra work.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Backcountry Water Filters
• Backpacking Cookware
• Backpacking Stoves
• Hydration Packs
• Water Bottles

1. Decide what level of protection you want. At the very least, the filter should be fine enough to remove Giardia cysts; fancier filters called purifiers also remove viruses.
2. Check the pumping rate: 1 liter per minute is reasonably fast.
3. See how often you'll have to replace the filter in the pump, and how much replacement filters cost. If you plan to use your pump quite a bit it could be an important factor.
4. Compare several filters to find the best combination of these features.

Tips & Warnings

• Unless traveling abroad, you probably won't need a virus-removing purifier.
• Be ready to spend $50 or more. It's worth every penny.
• Virus-removing purifiers are likely to introduce iodine into the water. Beware if you or one of your companions is allergic to iodine.