The Best Backpacking Water Bottles For 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Backpacking Water Bottles
Best Backpacking Water Bottles

Our Top Picks

1. Best Of The Best: LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle

It filters waterborne bacteria and protozoa, making it safe to drink even from potentially contaminated sources such as rivers or lakes. The LifeStraw has been designed with sustainability in mind and made from durable, high-quality materials that can be recycled and reused again and again. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Cactaki 32 oz Water Bottle

The Cactaki Water Bottle is an innovative timer marker that reminds you when it's time for your next sip. Made of leakproof Tritan co-polyester plastic, this product is 100% BPA and toxin free to ensure that water is clear of harmful chemicals, plastic taste or weird odors. Just one-click push button on the top to open easily. Read Review

3. Best Performance: LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottles

The LifeStraw Go is a simple yet effective solution to purify your water. It is lightweight, convenient and can be stored almost anywhere. Because it's reusable, you can use the LifeStraw Go in any water source: lakes, rivers, streams or the ocean. Read Review

4. Best Style: GRAYL UltraPress 16.9 oz Water Purifier & Filter Bottle

The GRAYL ultra-filter bottle is a compact, portable water purifier that removes all pathogens so you can enjoy your drink with confidence. The GRAYL filter is perfect for outdoor adventures and travel. Read Review

5. Best Foldable: Nomader BPA Free Collapsible Sports Water Bottle

The Nomader BPA-free Collapsible Sports Water Bottle is a sturdy and comfortable to drink from. It rolls up for compact travel, loops around your wrist for easy carry and attaches to your bag for quick access. The tough enough to survive drops with a flexible, shatter-proof silicone body eliminates leaks and spills with our patented, sealing twist cap. Read Review

When you’re out backpacking, you don’t always have access to reliable potable water. This can make staying hydrated a challenge. That’s why you need a reliable water bottle. Thankfully, backpacking has given rise to the best backpacking water bottles. These are lightweight bottles that are leak-proof and free of chemical additives that can be harmful if ingested.

They are also built for durability, which makes them ideal for long treks where they might be subjected to rough conditions and falls from your pack or terrain. Check out our reviews of the best backpacking water bottles in this article so that you know what to look for when buying one.

Our team had to focus on researching and sifting through 18 hours to get such results for readers. These studies are based on customer star reviews and interviews about their feelings when using the product. As result, We believe the best backpacking water bottles is LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle. Designed with a 2-stage integrated filter, this bottle filters out bacteria and protozoa so you can drink worry free. It has a 22 oz capacity, making it easy to take along wherever you go. If you're looking for additional options and more in-depth advice, you may check out the following buying guide & FAQs.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
Our Score:
9.8
LifeStraw

ADVANCED WATER FILTRATION. Protects against, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter and sand, dirt, cloudiness and more; improves taste

RIGOROUSLY TESTED. Reusable, durable and BPA-free, independently lab tested to meet protocols established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and NSF International/ANSI

MADE TO LAST. Long-lasting membrane microfilter lasts up to 4,000 liters and the activated carbon filter lasts up to 100 liters of water with proper use and maintenance

THOUGHTFUL AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN. 22 oz capacity. Every fill avoids single use plastic bottled water! Easy to use, easy to clean bottle and cap are dishwasher safe once the filter is removed.

YOUR PURCHASE HAS IMPACT. One purchase, one child, one year of safe water

TOP Choice #2 Cactaki 32 oz Water Bottle
Our Score:
9.7
Cactaki

✅ BPA FREE WATER BOTTLE - These water bottles are made of leak proof Tritan co-polyester plastic that is 100% BPA and toxin free to ensure that water is clear of harmful chemicals, plastic taste or weird odors!

✅ INNOVATIVE WATER BOTTLES WITH TIMES TO DRINK - Now you can drink the precise amount of water your body needs every day, thanks to innovative timer marker in Cactaki 32 oz water bottle that reminds you when it's time for your next sip!

✅ IDEAL GIFT FOR FITNESS LOVERS - Whether your best friend loves camping, cycling or outdoor activities, or your fitness conscious spouse hits the gym regularly, this excellent bottle is the best present idea you can think of!

✅ FREE INFUSED WATER RECIPES EBOOK - Buy now and receive free ebook of 10 delicious, thirst-quenching infused water recipes for you to enjoy benefits of proper hydration. Ebook will be delivered via Amazon message.

✅ PRACTICAL & EFFECTIVE DESIGN - Features like a one-click push button to open easily, unique mouth opening for fast water flow and a strap for outdoor travel will make this spill proof water bottle with times your favorite fitness companion!

TOP Choice #3 LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottles
Our Score:
9.5
LifeStraw

MADE TO LAST. Long-lasting membrane microfilter lasts up to 4,000 liters and the activated carbon filter lasts up to 100 liters of water with proper use and maintenance

ADVANCED WATER FILTRATION. Protects against, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter and sand, dirt, cloudiness and more; improves taste

YOUR PURCHASE HAS IMPACT. Your purchase has impact: one purchase, one child, one year of safe water

RIGOROUSLY TESTED. Reusable, durable and BPA-free, independently lab tested to meet protocols established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and NSF International/ANSI

THOUGHTFUL AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN. 1 liter capacity. Every fill avoids 2 single use plastic bottles of water! Easy to use, easy to clean bottle and cap are dishwasher safe once the filter is removed.

UNRIVALED EASE & SPEED. Effortlessly purifies 16.9 oz (500ml) of water in as quick as 10 seconds. Requires no setup time, pumps, hoses, sucking straws, batteries, chemicals, or prolonged waiting

FILTERS particulates (e.g. sediment, microplastics) and adsorbs volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PFAS, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, flavors and odors

REMOVES ALL PATHOGENS. 99.9% of viruses (e.g. rotavirus, norovirus, hepatitis A), 99.9999% of bacteria (e.g. E. Coli, salmonella, dysentery), and 99.9% of protozoan cysts (e.g. giardia, cryptosporidium, amoebae)

MAKES WATER TREATMENT EASY. Simply – Fill. Press. Drink! 'Fill' water filter bottle from any river, faucet or fountain, 'press' on a low surface (e.g. ground), then 'drink' clean water anywhere in the world

ONEPRESS GLOBAL PROTECTION. Empowers international travelers and outdoor adventurers to make the world’s sketchiest water sources clean to drink. Ideal for global travel and outdoor adventures (hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, hunting) and survival

PORTABLE - sturdy and comfortable to drink from; rolls up for compact travel; loops around your wrist for easy carry; attaches to your bag for quick access

VERSATILE - dishwasher safe; handles hot or cold drinks; freezable; collapsible; easy to refill and add ice cubes or fruit through wide mouth

DURABLE - tough enough to survive drops with its flexible, shatter-proof silicone body, ensuring you stay hydrated NOMADer the journey or activity

HEALTHY - made of 100% food-grade materials; free of BPA, BPS, PVC, phthalates, lead, and latex

LEAKPROOF - eliminates leaks and spills with patented, sealing twist cap, doubling as a spout cover to protect the mouthpiece

6 LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
Our Score:
9.1
LifeStraw

YOUR PURCHASE HAS IMPACT. One purchase, one child, one year of safe water

THOUGHTFUL AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN. 22 oz capacity. Every fill avoids single use plastic bottled water! Easy to use, easy to clean bottle and cap are dishwasher safe once the filter is removed.

MADE TO LAST. Long-lasting membrane microfilter lasts up to 4,000 liters and the activated carbon filter lasts up to 100 liters of water with proper use and maintenance

RIGOROUSLY TESTED. Reusable, durable and BPA-free, independently lab tested to meet protocols established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and NSF International/ANSI

ADVANCED WATER FILTRATION. Protects against, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter and sand, dirt, cloudiness and more; improves taste

7 SurviMate Purified Water Bottle
Our Score:
8.9
SurviMate

【Advanced Purification System 】: Survimate filtered bottles have 4 advanced high-performance filters installed, they are: Medical Grade Hollow Fiber UF Membrane, Coconut Shell Activated Carbon, Beads and Medical Grade PP Cotton.

【Safe Like Baby Bottle】:Survimate Bottles are made from Food Grade Tritan Copolyester, without any bad smell, heat resisting and extremely durable.

【Long Lifespan & Replaceable 】:No need to worry about replacing filters for up to 1500L/year of continuous usage. Replaceable filters save you money as the water bottles themselves have a very long life. (According to different water quality, the lifespan of the filter would be a little different.)

【Instant Fresh Water】:Just fill up the bottle and drink. Nothing could be simpler - no pumps or hoses, no squeezing, no batteries! Only sip 5 to 8 times to get clean water.

【Ultimate Wilderness Survival Assistant】:This versatile water bottle not only helps providing healthy, drinkable water in harsh outdoor conditions, but will help you to find direction using the built-in compass on the top.

8 Survimate Filtered Water Bottle BPA Free
Our Score:
8.7
SurviMate

【Ultimate Wilderness Survival Assistant】:This versatile water bottle not only helps providing healthy, drinkable water in harsh outdoor conditions, but will help you to find direction using the built-in compass on the top.

【Instant Fresh Water】:Just fill up the bottle and drink. Nothing could be simpler - no pumps or hoses, no squeezing, no batteries or bulbs! Only sip 5 to 8 times to get clean water.

【Long Lifespan & Replaceable 】:No need to worry about replacing filters for up to 1500L/year of continuous usage. Replaceable filters save you money as the water bottles themselves have a very long life. (According to different water quality, the lifespan of the filter would be a little different.)

【Safe Like Baby Bottle】:Survimate Bottles are made from Food Grade Tritan Copolyester, without any bad smell, it's BPA-free, heat resisting and extremely durable.

【Advanced purification System 】: Survimate purifier water bottles have 4 advanced high-performance purify installed, they are: Medical Grade Hollow Fiber Membrane, Coconut Shell Activated Carbon, Beads and Medical Grade PP Cotton.

Collapsible Filtered Water Bottle - Outdoor water purifier bottle is made of food-grade silicone material, which can be folded at will, suitable for small spaces.

Important – The correct way to use a soft water bottle is to bite the silicone nozzle with your mouth. The palm needs to be squeezed lightly (or not). Do not squeeze the soft water bottle, or even perform a violent test, which will cause the soft water bottle to be damaged.

Large Capacity & Long Lifespan - 33.8oz/1L water bottle with filter can filter up to 2000/530 gallons of water (depending on water quality). Medical grade hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes are replaceable. Water bottle filter has a long service life and can be used continuously.

Advanced 2-level Water Bottle Filter - 0.01 Micron Ultrafiltration Membrane could help you effectively filter water, anything larger than 0.01 microns in diameter cannot pass.

Wide range of applications – Water filter bottle can effectively turn lakes, rivers, streams into drinking water, ideal for outdoor hiking, camping, hunting, travel and emergency preparedness.

LEAK PROOF - Unique drink through cap with spill-proof valve for easy drinking when you're on the trail and no leak-usage.

DURABLE - Dual-layer film laminate construction adds structure and RF-welded soft walls give grip without compromising compactness. The Flux can be frozen and is dishwasher safe..100% BPA & PVC FREE - No weird taste, and no unnecessary or harmful chemicals.

BAIL HANDLE - Flexible handle for comfortable carrying, quick attachment, and filling in a lake or river. When empty you can flatten and roll up in the handle for space saving storage.

WATER FILTER COMPATIBLE - Attaches to most 42mm threaded water filters such as the Katadyn BeFree. Use as your filter squeeze bag or drink directly through.

PACKABLE - At only 97g, it packs down smaller than a deck of cards. Your new thru-hiking essential.

Several things a reader must do before selecting best backpacking water bottles

Actually, best backpacking water bottles can be discovered by following these simple steps. Individuals should first understand their needs and the requirements which will guide their decision-making procedure.

Then they must investigate all options available to decide which product satisfies those needs and meet those criteria. After that, the buyer can narrow down their options based on factors such as cost and dependability. Let’s check the tips for better purchase:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Conclusion

Before making a purchase decision, the reader should do the following. It's critical to keep these factors in mind when looking for the best backpacking water bottles since they can help to ensure that you discover what's worth the investment. If you need another option for best backpacking water bottles, you should look into Hydrapak Flux - Collapsible Backpacking Water Bottle. Hope you have a nice shopping day!


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio