These ultralight filters are convenient but have a shorter service life. One end goes in the water, the other end in the mouth, and water is sucked through the filter. These cylinders allow backpackers to quickly sip water from a clear stream or lake. The biggest difference is in how they operate and their size. There are several types of backpacking water filters available. In some backpacking water filters, such as bottle filters, the outlet has a bite valve or a cover to control access to the water. Outlet: Filtered water is pumped or poured from the filter chamber to a storage container (or drunk directly) through the outlet. After filtration, the filtered water might be stored in a second reservoir or in a backpacker’s water bottle. Reservoir: In some types of filters, untreated water is stored in a container or expandable bag. Water filter: The most important part of the backpacking water filter, this component is made of materials that filter out leaf bits and bacteria like Cryptosporidium and Giardia lamblia. Intake: The part of the backpacking filter that draws in water from the natural source.įilter chamber: The part of the device that surrounds and protects the filter. Once it’s filtered, the water is ready to drink. Water is drawn through the filter using either a pumping action or by creating suction (just like sipping through a straw). How do backpacking water filters work?īackpacking water filters are handheld devices that filter tiny debris and bacteria from natural water sources. But it’s a calculated risk that can be eliminated by filtering the water anyway.
Water sources at higher elevations, away from grazing cattle and heavy foot traffic, may be safe to drink from directly.