The Best Backpacking Gravity Water Filter Of 2024: Best Picks & Buying Guides

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Best backpacking gravity water filter
Best backpacking gravity water filter

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Sawyer Products SP160 One Gallon Gravity Water Filtration System

The Sawyer SP160 One Gallon Gravity Water Filtration System is compact, convenient, and ready for any adventure. With it's ability to filter 1-gallon of water at a time and wide range of adapters, this system is perfect for camping, backpacking or emergency prepping. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Platypus GravityWorks Group Camping Water Filter System, 4-Liter

Take your time for a good time with the GravityWorks Group Camping Water Filter. This water filter system includes an easy to use dirty water reservoir and a clean water reservoir, as well as a hollow-fiber microfilter and hoses. A shut-off clamp is also included in this kit, so you don't have to worry about having to pump your own water after use. Read Review

3. Best Capacity: Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw, Camping Water Filtration System

Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw with Gravity-Fed Water Bag is an exclusive water purification combination created for outdoor activities and first aid survival. The large-capacity water bag can hold up to 1.5 Gallons of water at a time, which is about 11 bottles of 500 ml bottled purified water and can meet the all-day demand for outdoor water drinking. Read Review

4. Best Easy Setup: Waterdrop Gravity Water Bag

Get the best water filtration with the Waterdrop Gravity Water Bag. This gravity-based water purification system has a filter straw and easy to use valve for quick, easy filtering. The included bags and filter straws are all made from BPA-free materials, so you can enjoy safe water wherever you go. Read Review

If you’ve ever backpacked or camped and had to collect water from a stream, lake, river, or other body of running water, you know how important it is to have access to clean drinking water. You don’t want to rely on whatever source is available, so having the right equipment makes it easier to get safe drinking water. One of the best backpacking gravity water filters is a small sack that attaches to your bottle-filter system until you reach your destination.

This type of filter removes bacteria, protozoa, and other pathogens from your drinking water. The chemicals used in some filters can leach into the surrounding soil and become harmful to wildlife and plants over time. Fortunately, there are also purifier bags that treat the polluted soil without harming anything else. Let’s explore more about using one of these amazing filters.

You'll have an easier time deciding with our Sawyer Products SP160 One Gallon Gravity Water Filtration System recommendations. However, in order to provide the reader with a wider variety of alternatives, we recommend adding Platypus GravityWorks Group Camping Water Filter System, 4-Liter if you are interested in purchasing another appealing one.

Here are the buying guides that we specially made for you guys. Follow all the words below for successful shopping!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Sawyer Products SP160 One Gallon Gravity Water Filtration System
Our Score:
9.9
Sawyer Products
  • Includes MINI Water Filter, 1-gallon bladder, cleaning plunger, cleaning coupling, and gravity hose with adapters
  • Dual-threaded MINI allows you to use the flip top sports cap on the filter for easy on/off functionality; lightweight wide-mouth bladder for fast, easy filling; convenient carry handle
  • Easily create gravity-based water filtering system with 0.1 micron absolute dual-threaded Sawyer MINI water filter and 1-gallon reservoir
  • Versatile camping water filter system is great for travel, backcountry treks, emergency prepping, and disaster kits
  • High-performance 0.1 Micron absolute inline filter fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just 2 ounces; 100% of MINI units individually tested three times to performance standards by Sawyer
TOP Choice #2 Platypus GravityWorks Group Camping Water Filter System, 4-Liter
Our Score:
9.7
Platypus
  • No pumping required; reservoir fills easily and hangs from a tree to deliver four liters of filtered water for cooking and washing in 2.5 minutes
  • Replaceable cartridge filters up to 1,500 gallons; produces flow rate of 1.75 liters/minute; kit weights 11.5 ounces; made in the USA
  • Includes 4-liter dirty water reservoir, 4-liter clean water reservoir, hollow-fiber microfilter, hoses, shutoff clamp, and storage sack
  • High-capacity, gravity-fed, hollow-fiber water filter system is ideal for group and family camping, outdoor adventures, and emergency preparedness
  • Meets all EPA/NSF guidelines for removal of 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa, including giardia, cryptosporidium, E. coli, salmonella, cholera
  • 💧 【Longer Lifespan with Recyclable Straw】With innovative back-flush design, the inside of the Water Filter Straw can be kept clean at all times and it is recyclable, safe and pollution-free; the Waterdrop Filter straw can provide safe drinking water up to 100,000 gallonsand ensures the maximum water flow rate of up to 700 ml/min to provide more relaxed outdoor water drinking experience.
  • 💧 【Versatile uses】: The Water Filter Straw can be connected with water bags or water bottles to filter water for drinking. Both ends of it can be disassembled and connected with the water bags and the water bottles to offer you clean drinking water anytime anywhere.
  • 💧 【5-Stage Efficient Filtration】With adoption of premium-quality coconut shell activated carbon, 0.1 um ultrafiltration membrane and other raw materials, the Water Filter Straw can effectively reduce harmful substances like chlorine, particulates, sediment, stones, sand, dirt, bad taste &odor in water to ensure the water safety and deliver better drinking experience.
  • 💧 【Multi-scene Application】As a necessity for outdoor water purification, the Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw is applicable to hiking, camping, domestic and international travel, emergency preparedness (tornadoes, rainstorms, earthquakes, floods, etc.) to meet the emergency water demand in a variety of situations.
  • 💧 【Professional Combination】Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw with 1.5 gal Gravity-Fed Water Bag is an exclusive water purification combination created for outdoor activities and first aid survival. The large-capacity water bag can hold up to 1.5 Gallons of water at a time, which is about 11 bottles of 500 ml bottled purified water, and can meet the all-day demand for outdoor water drinking.
4 Waterdrop Gravity Water Bag
Our Score:
9.4
Waterdrop
  • 【Ultra Safe Materials】: The gravity water bag is built out of strong food-grade plastic. Manufactured with BPA free, ultra-safe and ultra-durable TPU material to ensure you can enjoy clean and safe water all the time.
  • 【Large Capacity】: With 1.5 gallons of large capacity, the gravity bag will keep you hydrated during your favorite outdoor activities. Share the freshness with the crew.
  • 【Professional Filter Brand】: Top quality has always been our approach to water purification. We source our materials in accordance with the highest standards of the industry. Our professional team members vet every piece of the materials to ensure it meets those standards by researching ingredients, auditing sourcing practices, and testing products—all to make your shopping secured.
  • 【Outdoor Water Needs】: Fulfill all your outdoor water demands: hiking, camping, domestic and international travel, emergency preparedness (tornadoes, rainstorms, earthquakes, floods, etc.) to meet the emergency water demand in a variety of situations. Each bag only weights 0.29 pounds.
  • 【Versatile Uses】: Easily create a gravity-based water filtering system with the Waterdrop Filterstraw, SAWYER MINI Series, ect. Provide you enough reliable pure water anywhere, anytime.
  • BACKFLUSHING WITH EASE: Threads on filter both side. A handy 28mm threads bottle can be screwed on water filter outlet for backwashing.
  • RELIABLE FILTERING RESULT: 0.1micron membrane. TUV and SGS testing reports.
  • FILTER MORE: Filters up to 2000 liters of natural fresh water without using any chemicals. 2000L clean and drinkable water in backpack on the go.
  • SUPERIOR MATERIAL: WE have SGS testing reports. Impact resistance and ultra-light L630 fits in the palm of your hand. Lifespan can be extended by backwash. BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: lifetime Warranty and 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
  • VERSATILE DESIGN: Easily setup a DIY filtration system by soda bottle like Cola bottle, plastic bag, collapsible bottle or bucket. Or drink directly from water source like a straw.
  • Ez-clean Membrane is simple and easy to clean by simply shaking or swishing the filter to clean debris, no backflushing or extra tools required
  • Made from durable BPA-free Thermoplastic Polyurethane
  • Filters up to 1, 000 liters of contaminated water without using chemicals or other devices and hydrate quickly and easily with the free flow channels fast flow rate
  • 0.1 micron water filter removes harmful organisms like bacteria 99.9999% and protozoa like Giardia & Cryptosporidium 99.9%, surpassing EPA standards
  • Collapsible 3.0L hydrapak soft bottle flask packs down small
  • 💧 【Innovative super-wash design】: No need for the extra syringe to backwash. It eliminates cumbersome fittings and saves space, brings you pure water with the greatest convenience and comfort.
  • 💧 【Versatile uses】: Use with water bags or connect to water bottles to filtrate water for drinking. Both ends of it can be disassembled and connected with water bags and water bottles to offer you clean drinking water anywhere, anytime.
  • 💧 【Smaller frame】: Smaller frame but bigger capacity, Waterdrop Filterstraw can provide safe drinking water up to 100,000 gallons. It is easy to absorb water and can quench your thirst instantly. Match with water bags or bottles for the ultimate drinking experience.
  • 💧 【Outdoor water needs】: Fulfill all your outdoor water demands: hiking, camping, domestic and international travel, emergency preparedness (tornadoes, rainstorms, earthquakes, floods, etc.) to meet the emergency water demand in a variety of situations. Each bag only weights 0.29 pounds.
  • 💧 【Premium materials】: 0.1 microns filter pore size, effectively reduces harmful substances. The adoption of high-grade coconut shell activated carbon fiber improves odor and taste, ensures the water safety and delivers better drinking experience.
  • 💧 【Premium materials】: 0.1 microns filter pore size, effectively reduces harmful substances. The adoption of high-grade coconut shell activated carbon fiber improves odor and taste, ensures the water safety and delivers better drinking experience.
  • 💧 【Outdoor water needs】: Fulfill all your outdoor water demands: hiking, camping, domestic and international travel, emergency preparedness (tornadoes, rainstorms, earthquakes, floods, etc.) to meet the emergency water demand in a variety of situations.Each straw only weights 0.19 pounds, and each bag only weights 0.29 pounds.
  • 💧 【Smaller frame】: Smaller frame but bigger capacity, Waterdrop Filterstraw can provide safe drinking water up to 100,000 gallons. It is easy to absorb water and can quench your thirst instantly. Match with water bags or bottles for the ultimate drinking experience.
  • 💧 【Versatile uses】: Use with water bags or connect to water bottles to filtrate water for drinking. Both ends of it can be disassembled and connected with water bags and water bottles to offer you clean drinking water anywhere, anytime.
  • 💧 【Innovative super-wash design】: No need for the extra syringe to backwash. It eliminates cumbersome fittings and saves space, brings you pure water with the greatest convenience and comfort.
  • 💧 【Premium materials】: This product includes a 1.5-gallon gravity bag, 2 filterstraws and 2 collapsable pouches. Effectively Reduces harmful substances. The adoption of high-grade coconut shell activated carbon fiber improves odor and taste, ensures the water safety and delivers better drinking experience.
  • 💧 【Innovative super-wash design】: No need for the extra syringe to backwash. It eliminates cumbersome fittings and saves space, brings you pure water with the greatest convenience and comfort.
  • 💧 【Smaller frame】: Smaller frame but bigger capacity, Waterdrop Filterstraw can provide safe drinking water up to 100,000 gallons. It is easy to absorb water and can quench your thirst instantly. Match with water bags or bottles for the ultimate drinking experience.
  • 💧 【Versatile uses】: Use with water bags or connect to water bottles to filtrate water for drinking. Both ends of it can be disassembled and connected with water bags and water bottles to offer you clean drinking water anywhere, anytime.
  • 💧 【Outdoor water needs】: Fulfill all your outdoor water demands: hiking, camping, domestic and international travel, emergency preparedness (tornadoes, rainstorms, earthquakes, floods, etc.) to meet the emergency water demand in a variety of situations. Each straw only weights 0.19 pounds, and each bag only weights 0.29 pounds.
10 VF100 Portable Water Filtration System
Our Score:
8.6
Village Water Filters
  • Uses no chemicals to deliver clean and safe drinking water. The VF100 uses hollow fiber membranes comprised of high-performance 0.1 micron absolute, tiny micro pores to make your water clean.
  • Will last for years of regular use with proper maintenance, needing no replacement parts. The VF100 survival water filter requires no filter replacement. Instead it comes with a backflushing accessory so you can clean the filter after every use, maximizing its longevity.
  • Safe, clean drinking water for survival. The VF100 is a portable water filter that you can take anywhere and access quickly. This small, lightweight travel water filter that is WHO certified.
  • Connects to almost anything. The VF100 is a universal kit and comes with connection accessories which allow you to connect to water bottles, water bags, buckets, barrels, hoses, faucets, and more for any emergency situation.
  • A high flow rate, superior to similar filters, that will get you clean water faster. Avoid painfully slow drip filters. The VF100 can deliver up to 1 liter of water in 1 minute, saving you valuable time in any situation.

What to Look for When Selecting best backpacking gravity water filter?

There are numerous factors for customers to consider whenever they decide to buy a best backpacking gravity water filter. Simultaneously, it comes with many product types and brands, which makes it difficult for you to choose yourself. Thus, we are here to give you support, guidance, and solutions to these problems. Our buying guide will highlight some most outstanding features related to the best backpacking gravity water filter of 2024.

Nowadays, the number of technology sale networks, especially websites, sale forums, or even the online space for customers’ comments, has been dramatically increased. So, you can quickly obtain information on best backpacking gravity water filter available on these sources. 

Along with reading the update of best backpacking gravity water filter on famous websites, you are also expected to go through some needed things below to make a great decision.

Weight

It is important to weigh your gear, including backpacking equipment. Water filters should also be considered when planning a long-distance journey.
Although this is not the norm, it tends to make a compromise between speed and weight. Filtration times are generally longer if the filters are smaller or lighter.

Filtration Or Purification Speed

Are you patient? While some filters can be done quickly, others require a lot of patience. You should also consider the number of people for whom you are filtering water. More people mean more water, and therefore more work.
Purifying water with chemicals like chlorine and iodine can take as long as 4 hours, while some filters are quick and easy. You should be on a backpacking trip of any length, no matter how short or long.

Type Of Backpacking Water Filter

Some filters are simple to set up and allow you relax as your water is being filtered. Gravity filters, for example, use gravity to filter water.
Other filters require active participation-meaning you have to physically filter the water usually by either squeezing or pumping it through the filter.
You should also remember that backpacking water filters can crack if they are exposed to extreme cold temperatures.

Cleanliness Of Water Source

Water can be murked up in different ways by various elements, such as leaf debris and glacial sediment. You will need something to serve as a filter if you intend to purify water with tablets.
A simple bandana, depending on the condition of your water, can be used as a prefilter.

Purification Vs. Filtration

It's important to understand the differences. What is the difference between a water filter or a purifier? It's the amount of microorganisms each removes.
While purification kills viruses, filtration eliminates bacteria, protozoa and sediment.
In the USA, bacteria in drinking water is an issue. International travel is safer because of waterborne viruses.
The water is also more enjoyable to drink if it's filtered.

Durability And Longevity

A filter's life expectancy greatly depends upon its method of filtering (cartridges, hollow membranes, chemical or ultraviolet light). Water filters for backpacking can be used up to 250 L.
The cartridges used by one-piece filters can last between 200 and 500 L without the need for replacement. You may have to replace your entire unit if you use filters that last longer.
They will last forever if you continue charging them or replacing the batteries as needed.

FAQs

What Is The Best Way To Purify Water When Backpacking?

It is best to find clean water sources when backpacking to purify your water. Clear, flowing water is what you want -- anywhere between a running stream and a babbling creek.
Avoid areas with stagnant ponds and runoff from livestock or urban areas. or debris. Also, you will need to locate a secure place where gravity filters can be refilled, pumped, and hung.
Some filtering options, such as chemical filters or tablets, require you to wait longer for water to be clean.

Do I Need To Boil My Water If I’m Using A Backpacking Water Filter?

It is a common practice to boil water in backcountry areas. This is because backpacking water filters don't remove viruses and chemical treatments aren't effective in neutralizing protozoa such as giardia or cryptosporidium. Boiling water does the trick. Boiling water can be time-consuming and may require extra fuel, or even a backpacking stove, if you don't have any options. A lightweight filter can be useful in case your fuel supplies run dry.

Can Viruses Be Filtered Out Of Water?

Yes! Yes! Purifiers were designed to protect and filter everything that you might encounter in the backcountry, or in developing countries.
You can protect your filter and purifier against any microorganisms or bacteria as long as you follow the directions.

What's The Difference Between Filtration And Purification?

Most filters use either a pump or a tube to filter the water. To combat viruses, purifiers combine a chamber or tube with activated carbon and another chemical component.

Each of these options protects against bacteria or protozoa. Many also provide protection against toxins, chemicals and viruses. Based on your budget and preferences, we recommend that you choose the best one.

How To Maintain Your Water Filter?

It is important to maintain your filter on the trail and at home. Backflushing is a common cleaning method for hollow fiber filters. This involves running filtered water in reverse through a filter that pushes larger particles out of the cartridge back to its source. When filtering water that is sediment-filled, backflushing can be especially useful. Backflushing ceramic filters is also beneficial. However, they can still be used to clean any blockages manually without risk. Avoid freezing your filter by not flushing it regularly. Remove the cartridge from the tank and store in your sleeping bag or chest pocket to prevent water from freezing, causing damage.
To kill any bacteria, wash any other tubes and reservoirs with soap. Then, flush the cartridge with one capful of bleach and one quart of water. Rinse the cartridge with warm water, and dry it completely.

How Long Does A Backpacking Water Filter Last?

The filter type determines the filter's life expectancy. Hollow fiber and activated charcoal cartridges need to be changed every few hundred times or after filtering has been completed. While some filters may last years, others will need to be replaced once they are worn out.
Some filters and purifiers only require new batteries, or they can be recharged.

As mentioned above, all of our information is drawn from actual research, so the accuracy level is reliable. Furthermore, best backpacking gravity water filter of 2024 will be updated regularly to add new data. You should keep a close eye on our websites for any updates or additions.

After all, we are always available to support and assist you with any problems related to best backpacking gravity water filter. Please feel free to contact us as soon as possible. Thank you!


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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