A water purifier is a device that removes contaminants from water. A portable water purifier can be carried around and set up at any location, making it ideal for camping trips or disasters. The main goal of a portable water purifier is to remove things like bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants from the water. This can be accomplished in several ways.
A portable water purifier is an important item to have in your emergency preparedness kit. When emergencies such as hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes occur, the tap water supply may become contaminated and unsafe to drink. Many natural disasters involve flooding, which can contaminate the water supply with bacteria, viruses and other parasites that can cause serious illness or death.

When traveling, there are many things to take into consideration. One of the most important is having access to safe drinking water. While most places have potable water available, it is always a good idea to be prepared and have a portable water purifier with you just in case. There are many different types of portable water purifiers on the market, so it can be tricky to know which one is right for you.
In this article, we are going to review the best portable and top of the charts water purifiers in which you can invest and experience a better life by accessing clean drinking, pure, fresh and taste-free water without any issue. If you want one, you can buy them after reading the review. Let’s get started.
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Katadyn vario water filter provides a good water system for every need whether traveling, packing, camping, shifting, fishing, biking, sailing or padding. It is very simple to handle but also offers high quality, long lasting and efficient performance.
It can be used to remove bacteria, protozoa and virus from any drinking water source. It features an advanced ceramic cartridge filter with hollow fiber technology.
Its technology includes three levels of filters and has dual-piston technology which provides maximum output with minimal effort. It can filter both chemicals, pesticides, bad taste, odor, and removes waterborne bacteria.
Highlights of Product:
Brand | Katadyn |
Country of origin | China |
color | Black |
Material | Glass |
Dimensions | 16x12x4 inches |
Power source | Ac / dc |
Capacity | 2.5 liters |
Item weight | 1.66 pounds |
Maximum flow rate | 2 liters per minute |
Output | Upto 2 quarts per minute |
Hose length | 36 inches |
Height | 6.5 inches |
Included components | Water filter. Storage bag, cleaning pad |
Key Features of Katadyn Vario Water Filter
This variant water filter which is ideal for personal or small group camping, backpacking, traveling and any emergency preparedness. Let’s have a look at the key features of this portable water purifier.
Better Efficiency With Easy Operation
This durable and innovative water filter is adjustable for different conditions and it combines two technologies for better efficiency with easy operation into one higher-performance pump: ceramic filter which longer the life in dirty water and pleated glass fiber for easy use in normal conditions.
Filtration Level
It has three levels of filters which includes a glass fiber filter for higher performance, a ceramic pre filter that is adjustable to the cloudiness of the water and active charcoal for removing the odors from water.
Dual-Piston Technology
The dual-piston technology provides the maximum output of 2 quarts (liters) per minute while one quarter per minute in longer life mode with minimal effort.
Adapter and Hose Attachment
This water filter also has an adapter base for direct attachment with water bottles or you can use an output hose (included) for filling the hydration system and larger containers.
Replaceable Carbon-Core
It also has a katadyn carbon core which is replaceable and keeps the water taste refresh and pure by reducing chemicals, odors, bad taste, pesticides, and toxins through the life of the cartridge.
Pleated Glass Micro Filter
The high surface area pleated glass micro filter which is 0.2 micron removes waterborne bacteria efficiently.
Here are the pros and cons of his product which is based upon the genuine reviews of customers from worldwide. It’s a verdict to make you clear whether it will work for you or not.
- Due to its 3-stage filtration system, you can separately replace parts.
- It has a speed mode that gives you 2 quarts per minute.
- It has adapters to be attached with bottles and longer hose for containers.
- It is not the light weightiest water filter out in the market.
- Its capacity isn’t enough for large adventures.
Carrying gallons of water is not necessary and smart move while camping, traveling and hiking when you can have a reliable water source by carrying a portable, durable and lightweight Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filter. You can enjoy fresh and clean water at a quick stop on a river or stream with this easy pump action and continue your trek. It’s field-cleanable and filter protector screen extends the life of the cartridge even in challenging and wild conditions.
The Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filter is a water filter designed to be used by hikers and backpackers. The filter is small and lightweight, and it can be easily attached to a water bottle or hydration system. The Hiker Pro removes bacteria, protozoa, and cysts from water, making it safe to drink. The filter also has a built-in carbon filter that removes chlorine and other chemicals from water.
Highlights of Product!!!
Brand | Katadyn |
Item model no | 8019857 |
Country of origin | Switzerland |
color | Transparent |
Material | Synthetic |
Dimensions | 3 x 3 x 6 inches |
Purification method | Activated carbon |
Capacity | 325 milliliters |
Item weight | 0.7 pounds |
Maximum flow rate | 1 liters per minute |
Included components | Prefilter, deluxe carrying bag |
Key Features of Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filter
The moment when you get to use this water filter you can see its higher performance because it provides you with free, clean and pure tasting water very conveniently. Here are the key features of this long lasting and best quality water filter.
Durable and Easy to Use – Design
This water filter is very durable and easy to use. You can conveniently carry it anywhere you want to while quick backpacking, traveling, hiking and many more. Due to its ultra-lightweight design and compact size, it is an ideal and excellent option for backpackers.
Quick Connect Fittings – Stay Hydrated
Katadyn hiker pro transparent water filters can directly connect to your hydration pack with 1/4” drink tubes and water bottles with quick connection fittings (camelback, platypus, etc.) And fills up water fast. So it always keeps you well hydrated.
Activated Carbon Core – Fresh Taste
Drinking clean and pure water is necessary in order to keep your body healthy and well hydrated. The filter cartridge of this water purifier has activated carbon in the core which eliminates chemicals, odors, pesticides, and toxins from your drinking water to provide you the water taste that it should.
Efficient Filter – Less Worry
The filters of this hiker pro transparent water filter is 0.2 micron so they can easily remove harmful organisms like bacteria’s and protozoa ( giardia, cryptosporidium) from the water.
- This water filter can reach shallow water resources.
- It is lightweight and reliable.
- It has an affordable price.
- It gets clogged easily with sediments and dirt.
- It requires energy to filter water.
The gravity water filtration system is a low-cost, easy-to-use option for filtering your water. This system works by suspending a filter above the container that you will be filling with water. The filter hangs down into the container and the water is then poured over the filter. Gravity does all of the work, pulling the dirty water through the filter and leaving you with clean, fresh drinking water.
This water filtration system enables you to access clean water anywhere. So getting fresh water while group camping, backcountry, and treks is no longer a big deal because this water purifier doesn’t require any squeezing, pumping, back flushing and squeezing.
How Does This Water-Purifier Work??
You just need to open the wide mouth cap and fill in water from any source either river, stream, faucets and other then connect the tube between bladder and dual threaded-mini. After filling, hold it up by your hand or hang the reservoir with a mini below. Finally water will flow through the MINI to give you fresh, clean and pure water.
The dual threaded-mini is also reusable and easily cleanable in this filter. So definitely no cost to replace expensive cartridges. You can easily attach this filter with disposable water and soda bottles.
Highlights of Product!!!
Brand | Sawyer Products |
Item Model no | SP160 |
Country of origin | USA |
Color | Blue / white / clear |
Capacity | 1 gallons |
Material | Plastic |
Item weight | 8.8 ounces |
Item dimensions | 5.75 x 2.75 x 13.75 |
Purification method | Hollow fiber membrane |
Filtration | 0.1 micron squeeze / gravity filter |
Bacteria removed | 99.9999% |
Protozoa removed | 99.9999% |
Included accessories | Gravity hose with adapters |
Included components | 1 gallon water bladder, dual thread-mini filter, cleaning plunger and coupling |
Key Features of Gravity Water Filtration System
Every sawyer filter’s performance is tested about three times during the manufacturing process just to ensure high quality and safety for you. Here are some other main features about this filtration system that will urge you to buy them.
Purification Method – Hollow Fiber Membrane
The filters of this water purifier consist of tiny hollow membranes that allow the water to pass through tiny micro pores to enter the core of the filtration system. This hollow fiber membrane is 75% stronger than typical because they combine thicker fiber walls with smaller inner diameters which continually enables the water filter to be backwashed forcefully. In this way, 98% of maximum flow rate is restored.
Absolute Micron Filtering
This water filtration system features filters that are of 0.1 micron. It means there are no pores larger than 0.1 micron in size. So it’s nearly impossible for organisms like protozoa, bacteria, cysts or other microorganisms to pass through it. So, E. coli, Giardia, Vibrio cholera, and Salmonella typhi can’t pass through which may cause water diseases like typhoid and cholera.
Protected Fibers
The swayers hollow membranes are completely sealed and encased, so this water purifier is completely safe and protected. If fibers are not enclosed as in some typical purifiers, physically damaged and exposed fibers will let pathogens pass through them that are harmful for you.
Superior Filtration System With Maximum Versatility
This gravity filtration system offers superior performance with maximum versatility. It is really portable and helps you to access fresh and clean water wherever you roam.
- It can remove 99.9999% of all bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella typhi that can cause typhoid and cholera.
- It removes all protozoa up to 99.99% like giardia and cryptosporidium.
- It removes 100% of micro plastics.
- It can restore 98% original flow rate by restoring continually.
- Its filtered rate is up to 100,000 gallons.
- It can store 1 gallon of water which is enough for backpacking.
- Due to its big opening, it is easy to fill.
- With a flip top cap, it is easy to stop the flow of water.
- Tubing can be longer.
- Some people find it tricky to pack.
The SteriPEN Ultra is a small, hand-held device that uses ultraviolet light to purify water. It is the latest model in the SteriPEN line of water purifiers, and it is claimed to be the fastest and most effective purifier currently on the market. The Ultra has a built-in LCD screen that displays information about the water being purified, including the amount of time remaining until the water is safe to drink.
This water purifier is very easy to use, portable, works efficiently and purifies water by eliminating all kinds of bacteria’s, protozoan and organisms from water of a resource. It’s an excellent option for purifying water in the backcountry, camping, and traveling.
How Does This Water-Purifier Work??
The power source for this water purifier are batteries. You need to press the power button once for one liter of water and twice for ½ liters of water. Insert the Ultra UV into a small-mouth water bottle and flip upside down. Its rubber seal will prevent water leakage. The countdown will start on the screen when purification starts. It takes 90 seconds to purify the 1 Liter water. When time is up, the water will be ready to drink.
Highlights of Product:
Brand | SteriPen |
Item model no | ULT-MP-EF |
Country of origin | China |
Color | Blue |
Power source | Batteries |
Battery type | Lithium polymer |
Material | Plastic |
Capacity | 500 milliliters |
Ite dimensions | 7.3 x 1.3 x 1.6 inches |
Item weight | 0.3 pounds |
Purification method | Ultraviolet |
Included components | Case, water purifier, USB charging cord |
Key Features of Steripen Ultra Uv Water Purifier
It provides very convenient, easy and quick water purification. It is so lightweight and portable that you can carry it with you on any backcountry trip, thru-hikes, treks, and camping, traveling and emergency prep. Here are some detailed main features of this purifier.
Purification Method – Uv Rays
It uses ultraviolet rays to safely purify the water for your needs. The UV rays kill nearly all the bacteria’s, protozoans, germs and even viruses up to 99.9% that have the ability to reproduce in your body to make you sick.
Battery Type and Battery Life
This water purifier has a lithium polymer battery which can store energy faster and holds for longer. The battery is rechargeable from a computer, solar panel, or wall via USB charging cord. So you don’t need to replace the heavy and expensive batteries.
The battery of this water purifier is quite good and can purify 50 liters on a full charge. So it can supply 10 day water for one person and 5 day of water to two people, almost 4-6 liters per day depending on conditions.
Oled Display and Durability
It has an OLED display that shows you the countdown while purifying your water. When the water becomes purified a smiley face will be shown on display by steripen ultra UV water purifier to tell your water is ready to drink. It also displays the battery level.
The case of this water purifier is hard which protects the entire unit and makes it highly durable even in toughest conditions. So with little care it will last long.
- It is fast as it takes only 90 seconds to purify 1 Liter water.
- It works effectively as it removes all bacteria’s, protozoans, and germs.
- It is very lightweight and durable due to its compact design.
- It can’t work well in murky and sediment-laden water.
- The bulb will break if exposed when not well protected.
The MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter water filter is a lightweight and compact water filter that is perfect for backpacking, camping, or any other outdoor activity. This filter can easily be attached to any water bottle or hydration system, and it can quickly and easily remove contaminants from water. The MiniWorks EX also has an automatic shut-off feature that helps conserve battery life, and it comes with a handy carry case for easy transport.
MSR micro filter water filter uses the latest technology and rigorous testing to ensure the safe water supply to you when you are roaming or on any adventure. It is the most reliable, potable and highly purity taste-free water.
Highlights of Product:
Brand | MSR |
Item model no | 040818564257 |
Country of origin | USA |
Color | Gray / Red |
Material | Plastic |
Capacity | 2000 liters |
Item dimensions | 10 x 4 x 7inches |
Item weight | 16 oz |
Flow rate | 1 liter / minute |
Filter pore size | 0.2 micron |
Included components | Water bottle adapter |
Warranty | Lifetime |
Key features of MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter Water Filter
As this micro filter water filter is long-lasing and offers you a field-maintainable water filtration system in demanding conditions. Let’s have a deep insight at the main features of this water filter.
Ceramic and Carbon Filter
This water filter uses a ceramic and carbon filter in core which can treat water up to 2000 gallons. It can remove protozoa (giardia and cryptosporidium), bacteria (salmonella, E.coli and cholera), viruses (hepatitis A, rotavirus and Norwalk), and even particulates, dust and micro plastics.
The carbon filter can remove bad taste and odor by eliminating organic compounds such as chlorine, iodine and pesticides from your drinking water to provide pure, clean and refreshing tasting water.
Fast Flow
This micro filter water filter uses an air spring accumulator which increases the speed of filtration up to greater extent. It can filter 1-liter per minute. So you don’t need to wait longer while filtering the water.
NSF Certified
This MSR filter is NSF certified and passes the P231 test through the filter’s life. This test confirms the microbiological threat of removal from the variety of water from any resource weather river, straea, faucet and other.
- It can fit all kinds of bottles.
- The flow speed is fast and quick.
- It is one of the best lightweight water filters and has a compact design.
- You need to clean it frequently because it clogs easily.
- The plastic parts may get broken if you drop this water filter.
The Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System is perfect for anyone looking for an easy and reliable way to purify their water. The system is simple to use, and it can be set up in just a few minutes. It comes with everything you need to get started, including a filter, a pouch, and a straw. The filter can remove 99.9% of all contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It also removes metals, chemicals, and pesticides.
The survivor filter pro water filtration system gives access to clean and drinkable water in any condition with high-quality and unmatched filtration capability. This purification system gives their consumers a lifetime policy that puts this purifier above and beyond other competitors.
Highlights of Products:
Brand | Survivor filter |
ASIN | B00QFXGS IY |
Country of origin | USA |
Color | Black |
Purification method | Hollow fiber membrane, activated carbon |
Capacity | 100000 liters |
Item dimensions | 3.15 x 1.7 x 6.5 inches |
Item weight | 0.51 pounds |
Flow rate | 500 milliliters / minute |
Micron level | 0.01 microns |
Replaceable filters | Yes |
Level of filtration | 3 |
Warranty | Lifetime |
Key Features of Survivor Water Purification System
Let’s dive deep into the detailed key features of the purification system to know either it will meet your requirements or not.
Levels of Filtration
This purification system has 3-stages for filtration to provide you with refreshing and clean drinking water for your health and safety.
Ultra-filter Pre Filter
This pre-filter is of 0.1 micron which acts like a barrier to eliminate algae, bacteria’s, protozoan, giardia, E.coli, cryptosporidium and cholera. It can be reused up to 10,000 liters.
Carbon Filter
This carbon filter is located in the core of the device and used to remove heavy metals, chemicals, pollutants, bad taste and odors from the water to improve water quality. It is usable up to 2,000 liters.
Internal Ultra-Filter
This filter is of 0.01 micron and can remove 99.9999% of tested virus and staph. It can easily be reused up to 100,000 liters.
Super-fast Flow Rate
This purification system has a super-fast flow rate and filters 500 milliliters (17 ounces) per minute. It is very ideal for filtering large jugs or containers of water for the whole family. You can use it directly on fresh water sources, and can be pumped into an attached cup or into any portable hydration pack for purification of water.
- The flow rate is super-fast and filters last longer.
- It is very simple and easy to use.
- The filtration system is highly efficient and even removes viruses from water.
- It has no straw.
- It seems large for solo backpacking.
- This water filter can’t be frozen and the hand pump should be stronger.
The LifeStraw Mission Water Purification System is the latest innovation in water purification technology. It is designed for use in emergencies and remote locations, where access to clean water is limited. The Mission system can purify up to 1,000 liters of water per day, making it ideal for large groups or communities. It features a simple design that is easy to operate and requires no electricity or batteries.
The life straw mission water purification system is designed on an award-winning technology that uses no tools and equipment like batteries, moving parts or chemicals instead only gravity for purification of water. This large capacity water purifier is ideal for fulfilling needs of clean water during camping, backcountry trips, other family activities and emergency conditions.
Highlights of Product:
Brand | Lifestraw |
Item model no | LSM5 |
Country of origin | Korea, republic of |
Color | Blue |
Material | Neon, Tpu |
Capacity | 5 liters |
Item dimensions | 12 x 5 x 4 inches |
Item weight | 0.81 pounds |
Flow rate | 12 liters / hour |
Ideal for camping and outdoor activities | Yes |
Included components | 5 filter gravity bag with quick connect hose and water purification cartridge |
Warranty | Lifetime |
Key Features of Lifestraw Mission Water Purification System
As this purification system is aimed to give people access to clean water, for each purchase of this system one child in a developing community will receive clean and safe drinking water for an entire school year. Here are some other prominent features of this purification system.
Compact Roll-Bag Reservoir
This lifestraw water purifier has a compact roll-bag reservoir available in the capacity of 5-liter (1.3 gallons) or 12 liters (3.1 gallon). This reservoir is fillable from any water resource such as pond, lake, river, streams and faucets. It requires to be suspended from a tree, heighted or other sturdy support. When gravity moves the water downward it will pass through the advanced ultrafiltration membrane. The clean water will exit the 0.02 micron pore of the hollow fibers while bacteria, viruses, sediments, pollutants, protozoans and other contaminants will be trapped in it. They will be flushed out by backwashing.
This durable and compact bag-roll is made of Tpu laminated nylon and BPA free.
Filtration Capacity and Flow Rate
It has ultimate lifetime filtration capacity of 18,000 liters (4,755 gallons).the flow rate for producing clean and pure water is fast. It can produce 9-12 liters of purified water in just one hour. So, it will give you access to clean water for every need.
Simple to Use and Easy Maintenance
This water purification system is very simple to use. You just need to fill in the reservoir and suspend it to the sturdy support and it will give you the fresh and clean water. It requires a power source as batteries, chemicals and moving parts or any other equipment for process just use the gravity-fed to work. You can carry it on your shoulder by wearing its strap.
- It includes a stuffed sack for easy storage and probability.
- The lifespan is longer and has a good capacity of 18,000 liters.
- It come with a lifetime warranty.
- The flow rate is slower than other efficient filters in the market.
- It is a little bit heavy and bulky.
This lifestraw personal water filter deserves a place in any emergency kit or bug out bag. It is extremely lightweight and inexpensive that everyone can afford it. It gives you pure, clean and fresh taste water without any chemicals, equipment and moving parts in any wild, emergency conditions. With the help of this water filter, you can purify water from any source such as lakes, ponds, streams, etc.
Highlights of Product:
Brand | Lifestraw |
Item model no | LSPHF017 |
Country of origin | Korea, republic of |
Color | Blue |
Material | Plastic |
Purification method | Membrane microfilter |
Capacity | 100000 liters |
Item dimensions | 8.66 x 0.98 x 0.98 inches |
Item weight | 0.1 pounds |
Power source | No electricity and batteries required |
Lower temperature rating | 1 degree celsius |
Included components | 1 lifestraw water filter, sealed bag, instruction manual |
Life span | 1000 gallons |
Key Features of Lifestraw Personal Water Filter
As the life straw water filters are being used worldwide in emergency preparedness and conditions and aimed for providing clean drinking water to developing communities let’s have a look towards the main features of this water filter.
Comact, Portable and Lightweight
The design of this water filter is very compact and is just an inch. It is about 9 inches long and is small enough to fit easily into your side pocket or bag or any small space.
As it is one of the most lightweight water filters in the market today which weighs up to 0.1 pounds. Due to its lightweight it is very portable and you can easily carry it anywhere for backcountry trips, traveling, hiking, hunting, emergency prep and in wild conditions.
Longer Lifespan
It has no replaceable cartridge but instead got longer lifespan. The lifespan of this water filter is longer enough because it has capacity for 10,000 gallons if you use them properly with maintenance. This capacity is longer than even if you purify water regularly this water filter will last quite longer. Cartridges are very cheap to buy so they are not a big deal.
Microfiltration Membrane
It has microfiltration membrane of 0.2 micron that are highly effective against purifying 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria’s like E.coli and salmonella and 99.9999% waterborne parasites like giardia and cryptosporidium. This water filter also removes micro plastics from your drinking water that are found in it due to the environment.
Here are some pros and cons of this water filter that will let you know either it will be the right pick for you or not.
- It has a compact design and is durable.
- The price is very affordable.
- There are no moving parts in it that may break.
- It lacks versatility because it is only usable as a straw.
- It has no real way of backflush for easy cleaning.
It is a very ideal water filtration system for hikers, hunters, campers and backpackers because it is extremely lightweight and can fit your bag’s pocket and any small storage device easily. Beside the lightweight feature its performance is extremely powerful.
The system is easy to use and can be quickly attached to almost any container to provide clean, safe drinking water. The MINI filters out 99.99% of all bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella, and removes all traces of chlorine and other chemicals. It also filters out particles as small as 0.
Highlights of Products:
Brand | Sawyer Products |
ASIN | B08HWP19XK |
Country of origin | USA |
Color | Orange |
Capacity | 2 liters |
Material | Plastic |
Filtration | 0.1 micron squeeze filter |
Container | 32 ounce pouch |
Item dimensions | 5.9 x 1.57 x 1.57 inches |
Item weight | 45 grams |
Purification method | Hollow fiber membrane |
Filter rate | Upto 100,000 gallons |
Included components | Sawyer MINI filter, reusable squeeze pouch, a drinking straw, cleaning plunger |
Key Features of Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System
Let’s have a look towards the main features of the sawyer mini water filtration system which can easily fit in the palm of your hand and filters water efficiently.
Versatile Filter – Many Uses
This is a versatile filter which has many uses. It is attachable with a hydration pack and can fit into in-line. The line from your hydration bladder can fit right into the nipple on the mii and either you can use it as a straw which reaches your mouth. You can also go directly to the mini and drink water directly from the source.
You can use it between two bags for a gravity-fed system. Water can also be squeezed through the squeezable bag by hand. If you find none of the methods appropriate for you, simply screw it into a water bottle and even dirty water will be filtered by the time it reaches your mouth.
Durable and Reliable
It will prove practically bulletproof to you because it has no moving parts that will break after you drop this water filtration system on the floor. It is ideal for backpackers, hunters, roamers, domestic and international travelers, campers, scouters and many more. So if you want a filtration system that provides you mind relaxation which you can carry everywhere you want, then it will be a right pick for you.
- It is versatile and can be used in different ways.
- It has an impressive lifespan of 10,000 gallons.
- It is an ultra-compact and lightweight water filtration system.
- The water flow rate is very slow in this filter.
- O-ring can fall out easily then the filter will break out.
Conclusion – Where to Buy These Water Purifiers and Filtration Systems?
The above reviewed water purifiers are top of charts and famous worldwide among customers. They are easily available at different online stores but amazon offers you discounted prices and free prime shipping to your door-step. But always ensure to order genuine products from online sites. You can also buy them from Walmart and the official website of the product too. You can pick any mentioned water purifier from the list because they are highly recommended and buy them by just clicking through the given links. Go grab yours now.
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