When you’re out for a day hike, backpacking, fishing, or camping, you may experience a stomach parasite that’s so scary; firsthand. You should filter the water. You must be aware of the potential health risks of drinking contaminated water. Therefore, gravity water filters are essential to a backpacker’s gear.
Gravity water filters are a better choice than any direct-to-tap purifier. They don’t require installation, are super-easy to maintain, and have budget-friendly options. They use gravity to pull down the pollutants, so you get filtered water in minutes, effectively filtering out protozoa, giardia, and cryptosporidium.
Although the gravity filter is the best companion, how and what to buy it? I checked out and tested the best gravity filters for hiking, camping, or backpacking with incredible features. I found a Sawyer, MSR mini, and others perfect for camping & traveling, hiking, and natural disaster preparedness.
Read out the article to know!
- What are the Best Gravity Water Filter For Backpacking
- Buyer Guide on How to Buy Gravity Filters
- List of Best Gravity Water Filters for Backpacking For 2023
- Comparison Table of Best Gravity-Fed Water Filter Systems for Backpacking from our List
- Top 10 Best Gravity Water Filter For Backpacking Reviews
- 1. SimPure Gravity Water Filter
- 2. Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw
- 3. LifeStraw Flex Advanced Filter Water Purifier
- 4. Platypus GravityWorks Outdoor Water Filtration System
- 5. MSR MiniWorks EX Backpacking Gravity Water Filter
- 6. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
- 7. Katadyn Gravity BeFree Backpacking Water Filter
- 8. Membrane Solutions Gravity Water Filter
- 9. Sawyer Products One Gallon Gravity Water Filtration System
- 10. LifeStraw Family 1.0 Portable Gravity-Powered Water Purifier
- Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider Before Choosing the Best Gravity Filter for Backpacking, Camping, and Hiking
- Information You Need To Know: What is Gravity Water Filter?
- How Does Gravity Water Filter Work?
- Why Gravity Water Filter is Ideal For Hiking, Camping, or Backpacking?
- Advantages of Gravity Water Filter
- Disadvantages of Gravity Water Filter
List of Best Gravity Water Filters for Backpacking For 2023
| Image | Products Remark | Rating | Price |
Our Pick  | 9.5 | ||
Best One  | 9.5 | ||
Best One  | 9.5 | ||
Runner Up  | 9 | ||
Runner Up  | 9.5 | ||
Runner Up  | 9 | ||
 | 9 | ||
 | 9.5 | ||
 | 8.5 | ||
 | 8.5 |
Comparison Table of Best Gravity-Fed Water Filter Systems for Backpacking from our List
| Water Filter | Water Flow Rate | Power Source | Filtration Method | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SimPure Gravity Water Filter | 27 Liters Per Hour | Gravity Powered / Non-Electric | PP Fiber Filter, Granular Activated Carbon | 3.2 oz | 0.2 lb |
| Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw | 0.7 Liter Per Minute | Gravity Powered / Non-Electric | Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration Membrane, Activated Carbon | 4.64 | 0.29 lb |
| LifeStraw Flex Advanced | 0.5 Liters Per Minute | Gravity Powered / Non-Electric | Hollow Fiber Membrane | 6.9 oz | 0.43 lb |
| Platypus Gravityworks 4.0 | 1.75 Liters Per Minute | Gravity Powered / Non-Electric | Microfilter gravity filter | 11.5 oz | 0.71 lb |
| MSR MiniWorks EX Backcountry | 1 Liters Per Minute | Gravity Powered / Non-Electric | Microfilter water filter | 20.8 oz | 1.3 lb |
| Sawyer Products Squeeze | 1.9 Liters Per Minute | Gravity Powered / Non-Electric | Hollow Fiber Membrane | 3.2 oz | 0.2 lb |
| Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3.0L | 2 Liters Per Minute | Gravity Powered / Non-Electric | Pleated Glass-Fiber | 6.4 oz | 0.4 lb |
| Membrane Solutions Gravity Water | 0.5 Litre Per Minute | Gravity Powered / Non-Electric | PP Fiber Filter, Granular Activated Carbon | 11.6 oz | 0.72 lb |
| Sawyer Products SP160 | 1.4 Liters Per Minute | Gravity Powered / Non-Electric | Hollow Fiber Membrane | 8.8 oz | 0.55 lb |
| LifeStraw Family 1.0 | 9-12 Liters Per Hour | Gravity Powered / Non-Electric | Gravity Water Purifier | 24 oz | 1.5 lb |
Top 10 Best Gravity Water Filter For Backpacking Reviews
The following ten are the best ultralight backpacking water filter reviews I have ever tested. I’m going to take a quick look at them. It will help you to access clean drinking water for your trip.
Simpure always tries to devote energy to designing water filters for outdoor and indoor trips. Thus, Simpure gravity water is one of them that inspired me for its magnificent features. It has four stages; a coarse filter for removing leaves and stones; a 0.2-micron membrane for protection from the particulate; 5- micron activated carbon to eliminate VOCs and foul odor; and a 0.1-micron hollow fibre for microplastics and other harmful substances.
Why Choose Simpure Gravity Filter? You can use it for multiple purposes; personally; by adding a 29.5-inch extension tube for long-distance drinking; or you can connect it to a bottle. It is an effort-free installation with a very lightweight that you can roll to save space in your backpack. It is worth buying this product as it offers 7 gallons of water per hour, more than any of the competitor devices.
Simpure gravity filter worked to Amazon users’ needs and expectations. They mostly rated 4.5 stars for their friendly budget, use, and lightweight.
PROS:
- Effort-free Installation
- Portable and Easy-to-Use
- Double Micron Membrane Give Ultrafiltration
- Can be Used as a Multi-Purpose
CONS:
- Filter May Clog
- Small Leak Issues Detected
WaterDrop is one of the world’s leading water purifier manufacturers that has been working since 2015. One of its incredible devices for camping, emergency preparedness, backpacking, and travel, a WaterDrop gravity filter is ideally used. I enlisted this for its multi-filtration consisting of a fabric filter, hollow fiber membrane, non-woven fabric, activated carbon fiber, and polyester membrane.
Get your water free from particulates; its high-quality 0.1-micron membrane makes your camping pure. WaterDrop gravity filter also has a recyclable straw that offers a flow rate of 700 ml/min. You can connect the straw to the bag or bottle to use it for tornadoes, rainstorms, earthquakes, floods, etc. Not only this, all these incredible features make it ideal for hiking, backpacking, and domestic or international tours.
What do users say? Users found it super long-lasting, budget-friendly, and portable for excursions. During my experimental outdoor tours, I also found this product lightweight and an excellent water filter for backcountry camping. I suggest you consider: as it keeps you hydrated and fresh!
PROS:
- Large Capacity Water Bag that Can Hold 1.5 Gallons of Water
- Portable and Easy to Use
- Fast Flow Rate
- Pollution-Free Straw
CONS:
- Customers Reported Leakage Issues
- Rubber Material is Not Strong
Meet LifeStraw Flex can work in five ways; As a personal straw filter; with the included soft bottle; an inline filter with most hydration packs and gravity system; or attached to most disposable water bottles. This all-in-one gravity-fed water filter for backpacking, hiking, and other trips is ideal. It is an expert in giving crystal clear water whether your water source is the river, stream, pond, or faucet water.
Why is It My Best Choice? LifeStraw Flex has a 2-Stages of filtration; activated carbon filter to end odor, impurities, and sediments from the dusty water that lasts three months to produce 25 gallons of water. Secondly, a 0.2-micron hollow fiber membrane effectively removes bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics that last for more than 1. 5 years off drinking water. In comparison with other models, LifeStraw Flex removes heavy metals.
What do the customers say? According to my research, it is the top leading filter that meets EPA and NSF 53 standards reducing heavy metals and leads (Pb) from your drinking water. Customers found it a powerful, multi-use, portable, lightweight, and best companion in emergencies. Hence, I suggest you buy and enjoy every sip of water for a lifetime!
PROS:
- You Can Use it in Five Different Ways.
- Meets EPA and NSF 53 Standards.
- 2-Stage Filtration Technology.
- 0. 2-Micrometers Hollow Fiber for Removing Bacteria, Parasites, and Cysts
CONS:
- After Three Months, We Need to Change the Carbon Filter.
- The Filtering Speed is Slow.
Platypus ultralight backpacking water filter is ideal for basecamps, group and family, and emergency preparedness. You don’t need batteries, moving parts, or a backpacking water filter pump to install.
GravityWork filter meets all the EPA/NSF certification levels to remove 99. 99% of bacteria, protozoa, giardia, cryptosporidium, E. coli, salmonella, and cholera. Consider this best backpacker filter if a river, stream, or pond is your water source. Its high flow rate of 1. 75 liters per minute saves you time.
GravityWorkForce 4L is slightly heavier than the Platypus 2L water filter. The life span of the 4L filter is 1500L, more than its higher model QuickDraw Microfilter System lasts for only 1000L. Gravity WorkForce has a cleanable field similar to all the siblings, But it has got covered. Due to its hollow fibers, it is 18 times more efficient than traditional filter media.
Why consider? The kit includes a clean and dirty water reservoir, a hollow fiber microfilter, a shutoff clamp, and a storage sack, making it reliable. Additionally, Amazon users have given it five stars for its performance. I suggest Platypus as its best gravity water filter for hiking or backpacking that gives purified water within a minute.
PROS:
- It is Made in the USA.
- EPA/NSF Certification.
- Fast Filtration
- Hollow Fiber Technology
- Water Storage Capacity
- Treatment For All Water Sources
CONS:
- A prolonged Incubation Period is Required for the Removal of Cysts
- The Use of An Extra Carbon Filter Slows Down the Flow Rate.
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MSR water filter is suitable for ultimate hiking, backpacking, survival, and emergency preparedness. Water is directly pumped into the hydration reservoir drinking tube. This mini pump delivers safe, clean water and is ready to go in seconds.
This way, the filter meets NSF protocol P231; The replaceable carbon/ceramic cartridge can remove 99% bacteria, protozoa, and odor and improves the taste to make your water crispy. These filters have a 2000L filtering capacity that makes them ideal for backpacking. Its AireSpring accumulator increases the water flow rate to 1L/minute.
Is it worth it? It is worth buying this product over other competitors because the device is super-easy. Users love this MSR EX device for its non-damaging features. If you drop or freeze your device, it works safely without damaging its fiber. With its life indicator, it determines when to change the filter.
Overall, I tested this product in my lab and found it the most convenient, washable, and portable device for hikers, backpackers, or even natural disasters.
PROS:
- Made in the U. S. A.
- NSF P231
- Includes storage bags.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Indicator for replacement filters
CONS:
- It is hard to clean.
- Not effective against viruses.
If you desire superior filtration and remarkable memory, I found the Sawyer water filter stands at the top for backpackers or campers. It is a reusable device with a 3-ounce weight, a super versatile, award-winning filter you can take anywhere. It gets rolled after emptying; you need no space to keep it.
The hollow fiber membrane removes 99. 99% of harmful bacteria, protozoa, and other particles pass through. The tiny fibre wall makes the filter 75% stronger than other filters and keeps 98% of the original water flow rate. Not only this, The filter’s capacity is 100,000 gallons, and you can use it for Upton 10 years.
Sawyer is the upgraded version of its mini model with the advancement of removing 99.9% microplastics. Inline hydration, bucket, and faucet kit options are available in this upgrading model, but the Mini version has only a drinking straw. Rather than this, Like sibling models, squeeze contains a 0.5-micron filter; But the gravity filter is the winning edge.
Why go for it? This filter is ideal for several water sources, including lakes, ponds, streams, and river water. You don’t need a long method to clean it; just run through a regular shower. It is the best eco-friendly and reusable filter for backpacking. For peace of mind, the company awards you with a lifetime warranty!
PROS:
- BPA-Free
- Eco-Friendly
- 0.1-Micron Filter Size
- A Mesh Storage Bag, Hanging Loop, Inline Hydration Pack Accessories, Cleaning Coupling, Gravity Tubing, and a Cleaning Plunger are Included.
CONS:
- Does Not Remove Fluoride and TDS.
- After Long-Term Use, the Bag May Have Mold.
The primary function of Gravity BeFree is to filter polluted water and remove 99. 99% of harmful bacteria, including many protozoa. It has an easy-to-use interface with a display screen that allows the user to check the filter status. Katadyn water filter has a unique design for various applications, such as in the backcountry and on international trips.
Gravity BeFree can filter out 1000L of water depending on your water quality. An ideal filter for individuals as well as groups of people. Its 0.1-micron hollow fiber technology makes it remarkable for cloudy water. This outstanding filter can filter out the river, pond, stream, or even your faucet water.
It is easy to install and replace. Just fill the flask and let the gravity work with an EZ-clean membrane. You don’t need any plumbing tools to clean it. The filter is safe to use as it is BPA-free. Gravity BeFree comes in a kit with a microfilter, an instruction manual, and a carrying case.
PROS:
- The Plastic of the Filter is BPA-free.
- Gravity BeFree Filter Meets All the Standards of the EPA.
- An Easy-to-Handle Device
- It is Portable.
CONS:
- The Filter’s Flow is Down When You Don’t Keep it Upright.
- It Could Be Better to Remove TDS.
I found Membrane Solutions, a Pro version that has incredible features. It is a supergravity filter production with four ultrafiltration stages: 0.1-micron hollow fiber, coconut shell GAC filter, and double PP fiber filter. They all effectively work to remove microplastics, turbidity, and heavy metals and improve odor.
I found this filter super professional for the large group of camping, hiking, and international tours. It offers an extra-large capacity of up to 5000 liters. It’s a versatile product; you can suck through a straw directly, use an extension tube, or connect it to a jug or bottle. So I love this product as I can access safe drinking while biking, backpacking, or hiking.
According to the users, they can use it without adding an extra syringe. Its storage bag is enough for large groups to hang on a tree. Hence, it is a superior solution for coffee making, cooking, and dinner!
PROS:
- A Big Storage Bag for the Hanging
- Great Storage Capacity
- BPA-Free
- Multi-Purpose Use
- Deep Ultrafiltration
CONS:
- It May Leak
- Flow Rate May Get Low
Cook and Drink your best with Sawyer’s Single Bladder Gravity Filter on outdoor trips. Its 0.1-micron membrane filters out microplastics, bacteria, protozoa, or cysts like E. coli, Giardia, Vibrio cholera, and Salmonella typhi. Its hollow fiber membrane makes it 75% stronger than other typical filters offering fast flow backwashed to restore the original flow rate up to 98%.
It’s the best gravity water filter for backpacking and travel. I also found it more reliable and portable than other sawyer models for emergencies. The laboratories have tested this filter three times to protect the customer. It offers 100,000 gallons of water, enough for a large family trip.
Is it worth it? Yes, It also has a Dual-Threaded MINI 0.1 micron by which you can directly fill soda bottles, water bottles, hydration packs, and more that are worth it. I found it effort free to use as it can be hung on a tree or held in hand to get safe drinking. It is an easy-to-carry, lightweight, and versatile product for its users that they can use for travel, backcountry treks, emergency, and disaster preparedness.
PROS:
- Easy to Fill and Use
- Lightweight
- Take Minimum Time to Fill
- Effective Against Salmonella, E-Coli, and Vibrio Cholera
- Perfect for Personal Use
- No Exposed Fibers
CONS:
- Don’t Work for Viruses
- Melted Tube Reported
Cook and Drink your best with Sawyer’s Single Bladder Gravity Filter on outdoor trips. Its 0.1-micron membrane filters out microplastics, bacteria, protozoa, or cysts like E. coli, Giardia, Vibrio cholera, and Salmonella typhi. Its hollow fiber membrane makes it 75% stronger than other typical filters offering fast flow backwashed to restore the original flow rate up to 98%.
I found it the best water purifier for camping which is more reliable and portable than other sawyer models for emergencies. The laboratories have tested this filter three times to protect the customer. It offers 100,000 gallons of water, enough for a large family trip.
Is it worth it? Yes, It also has a Dual-Threaded MINI 0.1 micron by which you can directly fill soda bottles, water bottles, hydration packs, and more that are worth it. I found it effort free to use as it can be hung on a tree or held in hand to get safe drinking. It is an easy-to-carry, lightweight, and versatile product for its users that they can use for travel, backcountry treks, emergency, and disaster preparedness.
PROS:
- Easy to Fill and Use
- Lightweight
- Take Minimum Time to Fill
- Offering a High Flow Rate of 9 -12 Litres Per Hour
- Effective Against Salmonella, E-Coli, and Vibrio Cholera
- Perfect for Personal Use
- No Exposed Fibers
CONS:
- Don’t Work for Viruses
- Melted Tube Reported
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Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider Before Choosing the Best Gravity Filter for Backpacking, Camping, and Hiking
Following are some guidelines before buying gravity water filters for backpacking to make a better investment.
Durability
How long will the water filter last? It is the most critical question you should raise while purchasing any filter. Yet, the durability of the filter is something you can only measure by the length of time it lasts. It is more about the quality of the filter and the materials used in its construction. The best filter lasts for years, but the best one contains the best materials and is of the best quality. The quality of the materials used in constructing the filter will determine its durability.
Treatment Time
The faster the flow rate, the less contact time dirty water has with the filter media and the less effective the filter. Water must have adequate contact time with the press. So it can remove impurities while it passes through.
Weight
For backpacking and country trips, weight matters a lot. First of all, check the size and weight of the filter. It is convenient for your trip to buy a lighter than a heavy one. If you are going on a mountain trip, I suggest you go for a lighter one.
I have tested many lightweight water filters, including sawyer, Katadyn, Lifestraw, and Befree. But if you can manage the weight, I recommend a Befree water filter. It is as unique as your trip.
Ease of Setup
The most crucial part you should check is the use of the filter. We daily filter out water in our home with a setup of filtration. But while going on a trip, it becomes difficult to filter a single glass of water if you have chosen a challenging layout.
If you want an easy filtration setup, I suggest a Lifestraw filter. You can use it in five different ways as per your wish. At the same time, the rest of the filters mentioned above are also adequate for this purpose.
Ease of Filtration
If you are a US citizen going on a country trip, then the water filters, as mentioned earlier, is the best for you. But go for an international trip where your water requires exceptional filtration from chemicals. You should buy an NSF-certified water filter that removes and purifies impurities from your water.
You can also consider NSF-certified LifeStraw water filters.
Price
The price of the filter depends on the brand you are purchasing. You should buy a filter that meets your budget. The filters that use UV technology tend to be expensive. Still, most gravity filters are less pricey as they sometimes use carbon filters to remove bacteria and harmful chemicals.
The best budget packing filters are Sawyer, Katadyn, and Lifestraw.
Information You Need To Know: What is Gravity Water Filter?
When you are on a hike, your water source may have typhoid, salmonella, dysentery, cholera, E-coli, cryptosporidium, giardia, etc.; It seems so ominous, right? Thus, a gravity filter is your best companion in your journey.
A device that works on the principle of “Gravitational Force” to produce water through it is known as Gravity Water Filter. It would only help if you connected it electrically or installed it. You can get a large amount of water without any effort. You must pour the unfiltered water from the upper side, and the filtered water comes through the bottom.
Gravity filters are superior to bottled water because of their effective water filtration capabilities. They can remove many typical contaminants from outdoor water sources such as rivers, lakes, streams, rains, etc.
How Does Gravity Water Filter Work?
A gravity filter uses a force of gravity to enable the contaminated water to move through a chamber and filter out the water from the bottom of the reservoir.
This filter has different compartments and a mediator; You need to fill the upper compartment with a membrane to trap sand, slits, and stones; The mediator works as a filtering device while leaving all impurities as the water moves to the bottom chamber; the lower compartment has microscopic pores or a micron membrane that traps all the harmful bacteria and particulate from the drinking water left behind. Now, your filtered water is ready to drink!
Why Gravity Water Filter is Ideal For Hiking, Camping, or Backpacking?
When you plan an extended outdoor trip, you may need something else to meet your drinking needs. In such places, lakes, streams, or ponds are excellent drinking water sources. You can only drink once you purify it. Hence, gravity-fed water filters are the best water filters for backpacking.
Due to the force of gravity, you need to fill the filter from the upper part, and the clean water through the lower chamber is the result.
No hassle, no installation! Its lightweight, electricity-free, portable, and cost-effective features make it stand out best for outdoor activities.
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Advantages of Gravity Water Filter
Here are the advantages of getting this filter for your backpacking.
No Maintainance, No Hassle!
This water system only requires a little work or maintenance; hang it with the tree, hold it in your hand, and fill the glass with water.
No Electricity Expenses!
When I go for a hike, my first and last choice is the gravity filter. One of the biggest advantages is no electricity requirement. It means you are safe from paying high electricity bills or do not need to find the switches to turn on. They work best for you in all cases!
Offer Large Amounts of Water Without Any Effort!
It’s your best companion during the outdoor journey. It offers a large amount of water without installation or plumbing tools. Plus, you can take it anywhere you want.
Best-Budget Option
Is there someone who likes to spend a lot of money? Not really. Of course, you are not even so crazy to carry heavy gallons of bottled water. So viewers benefit from the most advanced gravity filters, which is a very profitable investment.
Disadvantages of Gravity Water Filter
Everything in this world is not perfect! I have written some of the cons of gravity filters; if your concern is related to the mentioned issue, I will not suggest going for them.
Heavy Metals Left Behind
Yes, your gravity filters remove most metals. Still, they can’t remove heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, chromium, and fluoride. For this purpose, reverse osmosis-type filters are best.
Viruses Are Not Removed
The gravity filters are not as strong as UV filters, so they can’t remove viruses.
A low Flow Rate
Air locking is the most common issue you may face using the gravity filter. When a gravity filter works, the water column typically generates about 0.4 psi of pressure at first. As filtering progresses, the pressure may decrease below 0.1 psi due to a falling head.
Due to the reduced pressure, the water climbs to the area with the highest elevation and settles there, restricting the water’s flow.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Some other questions and answers for our readers might be helpful for reading.
Best Gravity Water Filter For Backpacking
Backpacking is fun when you find pure, clean water for your trip. For this purpose, you can choose a Gravity Water Filter. These filters are a great way to ensure clean water on your hiking or backpacking trip. They use a physical process to filter the water and are easy to use.
How Long Does a Backpacking Water Filter Last?
The durability of the filter depends on the water quality, the filter brand, usage, and you’re dealing with the filter. However, the backpacking water filter life is between 300 and 10,000 gallons.
What Kind of Water Filter Do I Need for Backpacking?
What Kind of Water Filter Do I Need for Backpacking?
For backpacking, filters with UV technology are best for several reasons. Their ultraviolet radiation kills harmful bacteria and viruses. Apart from this, the gravity filters that contain hollow micron membranes are also very helpful. They easily trap the little as possible particulate from the water source and give access to healthy drinking.
In addition, the filter with lightweight, portable, easy-to-use, and a long lifetime is worth it.
How Much Water Do I Need For a 3-Day Hike?
According to the recommendation, the rule of thumb that applies to any backpacker, including me, is 1 liter of water for every 2 hours of hiking.
