9 Best Portable Water Filters in 2021 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle is a top-rated filtered travel bottle across the globe. This water filter is equipped with two-stage filtration technology which is capable of purifying water from virtually any source. For durability, this water bottle comes with a replaceable filter. However, you don’t need to worry about the filter replacement, as a single filter can purify up to 4,000 liters of water.

Filtration System

LifeStraw Go Filter Water Bottle is powered by an award-winning high tech filtration system. The filter includes an activated carbon that uses two-stage advanced technology. The 0.2-micron filter removes waterborne bacteria and the hollow-fiber filter membrane delivers a high flow rate> of the water. This microbiological filter serves for a long time, lasting for almost five years.

Design

With sleek and innovative design, this futuristic bottle lets the sediments remains at the bottom while purifying the water in an instant. LifeStraw Go Filter Water Bottle is designed to withstand the most extreme conditions, making it one of the most preferred travel bottles around the world. This bottle is also equipped with a detachable food-grade silicone mouthpiece for easy cleaning and holds a leak-proof lead.

Material and Durability>

LifeStraw Go Filter Water Bottle is made out of impact-resistant Tritan plastic. The material is 100% BPA-free and sturdily constructed to survive the harshest conditions. The bottle also includes a fixed carabiner that is attachable to your backpack.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is hands down one of the most reliable outdoor companions to purify contaminated water and keep you hydrated in the wilderness. This award-winning ultralight water filter is powered by a game-changing 0.2 Micron Hollow-Fiber Membrane filter. This advanced filtration system not only removes 99.99% of waterborne pollutants but also reduces muddiness or turbidity from the water. It features a 9-inches straw-like cylinder that does not require any batteries or electricity to operate and can purify about 264 gallons of water.

High Performance

This ultralight water filter exceeds the filtration requirements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for removing bacteria and water contaminants. Equipped with a hollow-fiber filter membrane, LifeStaw Personal Water Filter is capable of removing at least 99.99% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoans that are found in the water.

It also effectively reduces the cloudiness and turbidity of the water by filtering out particles of up to 0.2 microns. However, the filter of this product does not contain any carbon elements. This means it does not remove the bad taste of water.

Quality Construction

Although this water filter weighs less than a pound, it has a substantial and sturdy construction. It is made out of durable Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene plastic material. The best part about this water filter is that it is 100% chemical-free and does not require batteries or electricity. 

It is entirely powered by user-generated suction. While this compact filter may survive regular drops, losing the grip of it on hard surfaces may damage the filter.

Easy to Use

This water filter has an extremely straightforward mechanism. Simply remove the filter cap from both ends and put the larger opening in the unfiltered water. Keep it there for about 30 seconds to allow water to pass to the membrane, then suck the water from the mouthpiece.

Make sure to blow the air back through the straw after drinking to flush and clear it.

Emergency Preparedness

This water filter is designed for extreme situations and emergency preparedness. Lightweight, compact, and durable, this model makes a perfect fit for almost any emergency kits. It is incredibly light to carry and can fit literally anywhere. This handy device can filter water from any freshwater sources and ensure safe and hygienic water.

Sawyer MINI is a beast when it comes to water filtering. With a weight of less than a pound, this high-performance system fits perfectly in the palm of your hand and makes a great companion for outdoor adventures.

The 0.1-micron filtration system eliminates up to 99.99% of bacteria and removes 100% of microplastics. It comes with a drinking pouch and a drinking straw to attach it to hydration pack tubing for easy drinking.

Filtration System

This water filter holds an excessive amount of hollow fiber microtubules that trap water contaminants and guarantees fresh and clean water. With a 0.1-micron filtration, this product makes it impossible for harmful contaminants to pass through the filter. The high performing filter of Sawyer MINI exceeds the safety standards and removal rate of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Durability and Maintenance

Sawyer MINI Water Filter is capable of treating up to a hundred thousand gallons of water, which is a lifetime’s worth of clean water. The filter is sturdy and well-built but requires a little diligence to use. While the squeeze pouch may not be quite durable, it can also be attached to standard water bottles for durability. For optimum performance, it is advised to backwash and sanitize the filter after every outing.

Maximum Versatility

This water filter is versatile and is pretty straightforward to use. You can either use this filter on its own or attach a hydration pouch for additional storage. Although it feels slightly heavier compared to other portable water filters, it offers a much better flow rate and requires less effort to drink.

Instant Filtration

If you choose to drink right through the filter, the time it takes to treat water is almost instantaneous. However, if you attach the in-line systems like squeezable pouch and hydration bladder, it may take two to three minutes to squeeze one liter of water through the filtration unit.

LifeStraw Family 1.0 Portable Gravity is an ultralight and portable filter that purifies contaminated water, making it safe to drink. Equipped with an advanced hollow fiber filtration system, this device is used by over 13 million households across the globe to purify water. It effectively removes waterborne parasites, bacteria, virus, microplastics, and also reduces cloudiness up to 0.02 micron. Throughout its lifespan, it is capable of purifying approximately 4,755 gallons of contaminated water, which is enough for a family for three years.

High Performance

LifeStraw Family Portable Gravity is powered by 0.1-micron advanced hollow fiber filtration technology. It is one of the most effective filtration systems to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. The micron filter also reduces turbidity and cloudiness from the water. This filter meets the protective category set by the World Health Organization and safety standards of United States EPA.

Easy to Use

This handy water filter is ridiculously easy to operate and requires no additional batteries or electrical power. The purification cartridge and pre-filter of this water filter are easy to clean and maintain. It requires no piped water supply or running water for a fill-up.

Material and Safety

Built with BPA Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene plastic, this water filter is durable and sturdy. With high-quality construction, the material used in this product meets the safety and regulation standards of theUS Food and Drug Administration.

Survivor Filter Pro serves as one of the best water filters of its kind in the market. With a filtration system that purifies water to an unbelievable 0.01 microns, this appliance is highly efficient in producing safe drinking water. Powered by triple filtration technology, Survivor Filter Pro is an excellent choice for outdoor purposes and emergency preparedness. Additionally, this filter proves its standard and reliability with a lifetime warranty, something you’d rarely find for a water filter.

Lab-Tested Filters

The world-renowned Survivor Filter PRO is powered by advanced triple filters to deliver the safest and cleanest drinking water. This filter is tested independently at multiple labs in the United States, which indicates 99.99% removal for tested viruses. 

The unfiltered water passes through three stages — UF Pre-Filter Membrane, Food Grade Activated Carbon, and Ultra Filter Membrane, during the purification process. All three filters are sturdily built and replaceable for long-term use of the product.

High-Quality Materials

The Survivor Filter PRO is built with top-quality ABS Plastic. It is the same material that is used on the bumpers of cars and is highly durable and long-lasting. It also contains sturdy polysulfone medical-grade ultrafilters and food-grade activated carbon. The inner section of the handle comprises a steel bar for extra support.

Backwashing Syringe System

This model features the backwashing syringe system for easy cleaning of the membrane filters. With this technology, you can virtually clean the filter anywhere in the wild and use it for up to 100,000 liters of water. Additionally, this product is BPA-free and comes with internal tubing, filters, detachable drinking cup, and detailed instructions.

Lifetime Warranty

With Survivor Filter PRO, you no longer have to worry about running into any issues. This high-end water filter covers all manufacturing defects with> a lifetime warranty. This is one of the few filters on the list that provides a lifetime warranty to ensure quality and reliability.

Sawyer Products PointOne Squeeze Water Filter System provides the highest level of filtration available in the market today. The hollow fiber membrane filters contain U-shaped microtubules that allow water to pass along their core through micropores and traps the pollutants on the outside.

These tubes work on a high volume resulting in an extremely high flow rate and less maintenance. The build quality of this product is sturdy and durable. However, they are not indestructible. So, it is advised to avoid extreme pressure while using the filter.

High-Performance Water Filtration

The advanced filtration system of Sawyer PointOne Squeeze consists of several hollow fiber membranes that allow water to flow into their core through micropores. The small inner diameter combines with fiber walls, which make this filter 75% stronger than standard hollow fiber membranes. This offers a higher flow rate and enables the filter to be back washed continually to restore almost 98% of the original flow rate.

The filter membranes of this device are fully sealed and encased to keep them protected from any physical damage. 

Versatile Hydration

This versatile all-in-one filter allows you to set up the gravity system for a large group. It is capable of filtering up to 540 gallons of water per day using a bucket adapter. This appliance can be an ideal addition to your preparedness kit to ensure safe and clean water during emergencies.

Squeeze All-in-One Kit

The squeeze all-in-one kit set is loaded with a 32-ounce pouch, filter adapter, and faucet adapter. This comprehensive package serves a versatile purpose of purifying water from any fresh water source. It is useful for overseas mission trips, backcountry excursions, and emergency preparedness.

Lifetime of Clean Water

This water filter is capable of producing clean and safe water from almost any freshwater source. The 0.1 absolute micron filter is easy to clean and can be reused indefinitely. In addition to that, the extra cartridges are cheap and inexpensive.

Etekcity Water Filter is a straw-type filtration technology that is designed for durability and compatibility. With only 0.13 pounds weight, this is suitable for outdoor use and extreme situations. It features a 3-stage filtration system with pre-filter, advanced filter, and hollow fiber filter that offers the filtration of the highest level. 

With a compact design, this filter fits perfectly in any medical bags and survival kits. It is also equipped with backwash devices that allow you to clean the straw on the go without much effort.

3-Stage Advanced Filtration

Etekcity Water Filter Straw is powered by a three-stage water filtration system. The first stage pre-filter attachment eliminates rust, debris, and other large contaminants from water. Further, the activated carbon removes contaminants such as heavy metal ions, chlorine, and THMs. Finally, the hollow fiber membrane filters out particles up to 0.01 microns. It also removes waterborne bacteria and protozoan particles to ensure crystal-clear drinking water.

Safety Standards

This filter has been tested by TüV SüD Institute, a professional testing company, and meets all the safety standards for a water filter. It also meets the water quality standards of the US EPA Finally, the Food Contact Test of FDA has also granted its seal of approval to this product.

Not only that, many hikers who have used this product have highly recommended it for its performance and efficiency.

Durable and Lightweight

This portable water filter is made out of ABS Plasticand is built to last for years. It can easily survive occasional falls and withstand extreme conditions. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or a hunter, this water filter makes a great companion for outdoor adventures. This super-light filter is also ideal for emergencies.

Accessories

While buying the Etekcity Water Filter Straw, you’ll also receive some handy accessories that comes in use with the filter. You’ll receive a foldable water pouch that comes useful to carry around the water. It also includes an extension tube> that is directly attachable to the straw. Finally, the set also includes pre-filter and backwash syringe to keep your filter clean and clog-free.

Katadyn Vario Dual Technology MicroFilter uses a game-changing triple-stage pleated glass fiber filter. This technology is highly effective in removing waterborne bacteria and it ensures safe drinking water, regardless of the source. The dual-piston pump works smoothly and effortlessly. It also features a ‘Fast Flow Mode’ that is capable of pumping out up to 0.5 gallons of water every minute.

Multi-Stage Filtration System

The three-stage advanced filtration system of Katadyn Vario effectively filters out bacteria and protozoa to produce safe drinking water. The initial ceramic filter removes big particles, the pleated glass fiber performs as the main filtration system, and the activated carbon reduces chemicals and unpleasant odor from the water.

Easy to Use

This device, by far, has the most efficient and convenient design when it comes to the water filters. The dual-piston technology of the Katadyn Vario makes pumping easy and swift. As the pump holds a lot of components, it might take some time to configure the initial set up. However, once you’ve finished setting it up, using it is pretty straightforward.

Speed

This filter has one of the fastest pumps that purify water. It features two-speed settings — a slower option for ‘lifespan-extending’ and a fast flow mode that does not use the pre-filter and allows the glass fiber filter to get clogged faster to produce a higher flow rate.

Treatment Capacity

This filter can effectively treat up to 2,000 liters of water in its lifespan, which is quite large compared to other similar pumps. As it can produce safe water at quite a pace, this pump can be a decent choice for a large group traveling in the backcountry.

MiniWorks EX Microfilter from MSR is one of the best-selling microfilters worldwide. Engineered to be long-lasting and field-maintainable, this product uses workhorse filtration with Marathon Ex Ceramic Plus Carbon Core element that ensures safe and odor-free water. The innovative AirSpring Accumulator enhances its potential with the filtration capacity of one liter per minute. This product is compact, lightweight, and most importantly, reliable for extreme situations.

Filtration System

MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter is powered by a workhorse purification system. The ceramic filter, along with a carbon core, works extremely well to remove bacteria, cysts, and protozoa. It is capable of filtering approximately 2,000 liters of water, making it reliable and dependable for a long time.

Additionally, the ceramic filter lasts longer than any other filter media. While they may require frequent maintenance and cleaning, they are much more durable and perform exceptionally well.

Easy to Use

This filter is ridiculously easy and intuitive to put together and take apart for maintenance. This model is field-cleanable and includes scrubby for cleaning and a gauge to measure the lifespan of the filter. It has a thick and beefy handle, which is excellent for pumping. However, it requires more effort to pump the water.

Treatment Capacity

This high performing filter can last for a long time and can treat up to 2,000 liters of water in its lifetime. Like most of the traditional pumps, MiniWorks EX Microfilter can only pump so fast. If you’re buying a portable water filter for a large group, this product may not be the best choice, as it takes about two minutes to pump a liter of water.