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A girl hiking with her portable water filter. Credit: LifeStraw

The Best Portable Water Filters of 2024

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A girl hiking with her portable water filter. Credit: LifeStraw

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Product image of pH On-the-Go Portable Water Filter

pH On-the-Go Portable Water Filter

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These pouch filters simply drop into a glass or bottle of water and immediately filter out any contaminants you don’t want in your system. Read More

Pros

  • Quick filtration option
  • Adds trace minerals and elements

Cons

  • Some complained that they should come in larger quantities
Product image of Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System

Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System

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This water filter attaches easily to a hydration pack, drinking pouch, or regular water bottle for simple usage. Read More

Pros

  • Easy attachment
  • Simple instructions make using the filter a snap
  • Small and lightweight

Cons

  • Fill bag may not last long
Product image of Outback Water 5-Gallon Emergency Water Filtration System

Outback Water 5-Gallon Emergency Water Filtration System

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This is a great portable water filter if you’re in a natural disaster area and need to provide fresh clean water for many people. Read More

Pros

  • Large volume capability
  • No electricity needed

Cons

  • Some users claim it’s slower than advertised
Product image of BKLES Portable Electric Water Filter System for Camping

BKLES Portable Electric Water Filter System for Camping

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This filter uses an ultrafiltration membrane, KDF, PP cotton, and activated carbon in a five-stage filtration process to ensure you have pure water. Read More

Pros

  • 5-stage filtration
  • Easy to transport

Cons

  • Virtually useless if you don’t have regular access to an electricity source
Product image of LifeStraw Personal Portable Water Filter

LifeStraw Personal Portable Water Filter

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LifeStraw is one of the most basic portable water filters you can buy, which also makes it one of the best. Read More

Pros

  • Simple design
  • Small and convenient
  • Uncomplicated to use

Cons

  • Intended for smaller quantities
  • pH On-the-Go Portable Water Filter
  • Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System
  • Outback Water 5-Gallon Emergency Water Filtration System
  • BKLES Portable Electric Water Filter System for Camping
  • LifeStraw Personal Portable Water Filter
  • More Articles You Might Enjoy

A portable water filter is a great thing to have on-hand when you’re backpacking, camping, or anywhere else where you may need to access a clean river or tap water. Ensuring proper water treatment is important to prevent drinking bacteria that may cause diseases and parasites, such as giardia and cryptosporidium, and/or upset stomach issues. For good water purification, you should invest in a high-quality portable water filter.

Before deciding which portable water filter you want to buy, think about your specific needs, and that will make your choice even easier. The amount of water you need filtered, other materials you have at your disposal, and what you plan to use the purified water for will all help determine which option is right for you.

Here are some of the best portable water filters you can get on Amazon now.

Editor's Note:

The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.

Product image of pH On-the-Go Portable Water Filter
pH On-the-Go Portable Water Filter

The pH On-the-Go is one of the most convenient options for folks in a hurry. These pouch filters simply drop into a glass or bottle of water and immediately filter out any contaminants you don’t want in your system. Every pouch can filter as many as 416 cups of water. Not only do the filter beads in each pouch increase the alkalinity of the water, but they even add trace minerals and elements to be sure you get the most out of each sip.

Pros

  • Quick filtration option

  • Adds trace minerals and elements

Cons

  • Some complained that they should come in larger quantities

Buy now at Amazon
Product image of Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System
Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System

This small and easy-to-use Sawyer mini filtration system will make outdoor activities even more enjoyable. It attaches easily to a hydration bladder, drinking pouch, or regular water bottle for simple usage. It’s effective at removing over 99.9% of all dangerous bacteria and protozoa. It’s rated for up to 100,000 gallons of water, is easy to clean after every use, and comes with a reusable Sawyer squeeze pouch for easy drinking..

Pros

  • Easy attachment

  • Simple instructions make using the filter a snap

  • Small and lightweight

Cons

  • Fill bag may not last long

$29.97 from Amazon
Product image of Outback Water 5-Gallon Emergency Water Filtration System
Outback Water 5-Gallon Emergency Water Filtration System

This is a great portable water filter if you’re in a natural disaster area and need to provide several liters of water for large or small groups of people. Based on a five-gallon bucket, this gravity filter removes waterborne pathogens by using gravity to pull the water through the filtration system. It can filter up to 1,800 gallons per use, so it’s great for large-quantity filtration in an emergency.

Pros

  • Large volume capability

  • No electricity needed

Cons

  • Some users claim it’s slower than advertised

Buy now at Amazon
Product image of BKLES Portable Electric Water Filter System for Camping
BKLES Portable Electric Water Filter System for Camping

This handy little filter uses an ultrafiltration membrane, KDF, PP cotton, and activated carbon in a five-stage filtration process to ensure you have the purest filtered water available on the go. At just 350 grams, it’s lightweight and easy to transport. It’s rechargeable and works all day on a single charge, so you’ll be good to go on an all-day hike.

Pros

  • 5-stage filtration

  • Easy to transport

Cons

  • Virtually useless if you don’t have regular access to an electricity source

Buy now at Amazon
Product image of LifeStraw Personal Portable Water Filter
LifeStraw Personal Portable Water Filter

LifeStraw is one of the most basic portable water filters you can buy, which also makes it one of the top picks. Simply place one end of the filter in almost any natural water source, and drink from the other side. The interior filter will sift out silt, sand, bacteria, and other contaminants to keep you safe and moving. This is the perfect accessory to bring with you on any hike or camping trip, and you won’t even notice it because it’s so small.

Pros

  • Simple design

  • Small and convenient

  • Uncomplicated to use

Cons

  • Intended for smaller quantities

$15.62 from Amazon

Meet the tester

Adam Reeder

Adam Reeder

Freelance writer

Adam Reeder is a freelance writer, consumer advocate, and unapologetic watch geek.

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