Buyer's Guide — Choosing Your Water Filter
How to choose your water filter?
Access to drinking water is vital outdoors. A good filter protects you from bacteria, parasites, and viruses.
💧 1. Types of filtration
| Type | Filter | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Filter straw | 0.1 micron | Individual use, ultra-light |
| Pump filter | 0.1 – 0.2 micron | Group, high flow rate |
| Gravity filter | 0.1 micron | Base camp, effortless |
| UV purifier | Viruses included | Clear water, international travel |
| Multi-stage | 0.01 micron | Highly contaminated water |
🦠 2. What the filter removes
- 0.1 micron: bacteria and parasites (giardia, cryptosporidium). Sufficient in Europe.
- 0.01 micron: viruses included. Necessary in at-risk countries.
- Activated carbon: removes chlorine, bad odors and tastes.
💨 3. Flow rate and capacity
- Flow rate: from 0.5 L/min (straw) to 2 L/min (pump). Important for groups.
- Total capacity: from 1,000 L to 5,000 L depending on models before replacement.
⚖️ 4. Weight
- Ultralight (< 100 g): filter straw, ideal for solo trekking.
- Light (100 – 300 g): compact pump filter.
- Standard (300 g+): multi-stage system, base camp.
💰 5. Budget
- Less than 30€: basic straw, occasional use.
- 30 – 80€: reliable filter for regular hiking.
- 80€+: complete system, EPA/NSF certified.