Why do we need the best survival water filters? Water is essential for our life. Sure, you can get safe drinking water from the tap or buy bottled water. And during camping or any other outdoor activities, you’re still able to boil some water. However, there may be a situation when you run out of water or can’t guarantee the quality of the water even after you boil it. Furthermore, it can be hard to get clean and safe drinking water during natural disasters. Unsafe or contaminated drinking water can have bacteria like E.coli and other pathogens. And it can cause health effects, such as vomiting, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and sometimes even death.
Thus, having reliable water filters for survival is your best way to prepare for the worst or unpredictable scenarios. Thanks to technology, survival drinking water filters are now better than ever. Besides, they’re portable. It’s great for campers, hikers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts who wish to safeguard themselves in the wild. What’s more, it’s also perfect for emergency preparedness like tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and more.
How to Choose the Best Survival Water Filters
There are plenty of survival drinking water filters out there. So, how do you choose the best one? Here are some factors you should consider to get the best ones for you.
Types
Water filters for survival come in several types depending on how the water is forced through a filter. It’s either sucked through your mouth using a straw or pushed the water via squeezing or pump. Some water filters are made for backpacking. They are usually easier to use and lighter in weight. Some others are built into water bottles. If this is something you prefer, take a look at our top picks for water filter bottles instead.
Filter replacements
Some manufacturers claim that their filters last very long. Sounds good, right? But, you also need to consider whether your chosen water filter has replaceable parts. Better you buy from brands that offer filter replacements. This way, when your filter runs out of its capacity, you only need to buy the filters instead of buying the whole thing.
Price
A simple, budget-friendly water filter can work just as well as an expensive filter. However, if the more expensive filters can filter more gallons, it can be a great long term investment.
Easy to use
During an emergency, all you need is water filters for survival that should be easy to use and be able to adapt to different conditions. You will need a water filter with a stress-free process that you can use without having to read through the step-by-step instructions. Straw-like filters may have many advantages, but they only work if you can drink them straight from the source.
How do you filter and purify water for survival?
There are several ways you can filter and purify water using water filters for survival. One of the easiest ways is using a water filtration system. It removes water contaminants like parasites, protozoa, and chemicals. You can also use tablets or drops like iodine, chlorine, or potassium in small doses. They’re efficient in removing harmful substances from your drinking water. Boling water is also one of the best water purification methods. Most microorganisms and bacteria can’t survive during the heating process.
Do any water filters remove viruses?
Most water filters are designed to remove bacteria and protozoa, not viruses. Viruses have a smaller microscopic scale than protozoa and bacteria. However, some survival drinking water filters claim that their survivor ultrafiltration devices remove viruses.
How to find water in the wild?
If the worst-case scenarios happen, any survival expert will tell you to always filter or purify water in the wild. Clear, flowing water is your best source of water in the wild. You should look for streams first or spring if possible. Rainwater is another best source of water as well as the lake, pond, and rivers.
What happens if you don’t change a water filter?
The filter in your survival drinking water filters will begin to wear out in time that makes it less effective in filtering out the various microbes, chemicals, and other contaminants that the water supply may contain. If you don’t change the filter out, the contaminants may potentially harm your health.
Lixada Water Filter Straw
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If you’re planning to have an outdoor adventure and want to be prepared, add Lixada Water Filter to your list. In case you have an outdoor emergency, it can be an essential partner in the wild. Weighing only 2oz. (56.7 gr), this water filter is ideal for hiking, camping, travel, and emergency preparedness. With high performance 3 steps filtering up to 0.01-micron, it removes bacteria and parasites well. What’s more, this compact water filter can be used to filter up to 5,000 liters (1,300 gallons) of drinking water.
It also features a hollow fiber membrane that allows water and reduces turbidity. This versatile filtration system is made of durable ABS materials to ensure long service life. Another great feature is the soft cap that protects the straw from dust and stains. It also fits standard plastic water and soda bottles. It’s available in green, army green, and grey (optional).
What We Love
3 steps filtering filtration system up to 0.01-micron with a soft cap.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight, it’s very practical
- Provides up to 5,000 liters (1,300 gallons) of water
- Versatile and affordable
- Durable ABS material
Cons:
- The flow rate is relatively low.
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EHS Water Filter Straw (CU)
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Unlike other best survival water filters, both ends of the EHS Water Filter Straw are designed for tubing attachment. It allows for drinking water standing or away from the water source, which makes drinking water easy and comfortable. The ultrafilter membranes remove up to 0.01 micron pore size substance in sediment, waste, and microplastics. Besides, it filters 99.99% of harmful particles. It has a filter capacity of up to 264 gallons (1000 liters) of water.
You can attach water bottles at the inlet or outlet easily, which fits standard screw-top bottles. The plastic material is BPA free, plus no chlorine and iodine. This portable water filter weighs only 2.4oz. (68gr). We recommend you back-flush out any debris inside the water straw using clean water after your camping or hiking trip. It will keep the filters clean and last longer.
What We Love
Both ends are designed for tubing attachment.
Pros:
- BPA, chlorine, and chemicals free
- Removes 99.99% particles
- Compact and easy to carry
- Fit standard screw-top bottles
- Lightweight and versatile
- Affordable survival kit
Cons:
- You may need to flush the device multiple times before using it
- It may not be easy sucking in/expelling air manually
WakiWaki Portable Personal Water Filter (CU)
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If you’re looking for essential survival gear for the outdoors, WakiWaki Portable Personal Water Filter is a great choice. It features 3-stage filtration technology with 0.1-micron pore size and coarse filter. Both help remove 99.99% dust, sediments, bacteria, protozoa, and other harmful materials. What’s more, the filter removes micro-plastics and large particles. And the activated carbon reduces chlorine, bad taste, and odor.
Made of food-grade plastics, this compact and portable water filter is BPA free. Furthermore, its high filtration provides an excellent flow rate. And it filters up to 396 gallons (1,500 liters) of drinking water, a savior in an emergency. Weighing 6oz (170 gr), it’s very convenient and easy to store in your bag, even in your pocket. It also comes with a 12-month warranty and 30 days money back return policy.
What We Love
Personal water filter with advanced 3-stage filtration technology.
Pros:
- Removes bacteria, micro-plastics, and large particle
- BPA free
- Reduces bad taste, chlorine, and odor
- Affordable, lightweight, and compact
- 12-month warranty and 30 days money back return policy
Cons:
- Some found it hard to make the water flow.
FS-TFC Personal Water Filter
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If you’re looking for the best water filters for survival, FS-TFC Personal Water Filter can be your option. It’s perfect for your adventure and prep for an emergency, so you can get clean water anywhere there’s a source. Besides, it features high technology filtration, including 0.01-micron hollow fiber membrane and activated carbon fiber. These combinations help remove all visible solid sediments and reduce 99.99% of harmful substances, and also, improve the odor and taste of the safest water in the worst environments.
This filter works on lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, and even glaciers. You’ll get a 16-ounce squeeze-pouch, extended silicone hose, and lanyard on every purchase. The filter capacity is up to 4,000 liters (1,000 gallons). You can use this lightweight water filter in several ways, including pouch to mouth, cup to mouth, bottle to mouth, or directly groundwater to mouth. There’s both a 1 pack and 2 pack available for purchase. And each one features fits nicely on your backpack side pocket.
What We Love
A lightweight water filter with high technology filtration.
Pros:
- 0.01-micron hollow fiber membrane
- Activated carbon fiber
- Compact and portable
- Easy to use
- Pouch and silicone hose
Cons:
- The pouch is relatively small
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Etekcity Water Filter Straw
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With three advanced filtration levels, Etekcity Water Filter Straw is one of the best survival drinking water filters. The pre-filter works to defend against large contaminants, while the ion-exchange resin removes heavy metal ions and chlorine. There’s also activated carbon that eliminates odors. Furthermore, it features a 0.01Μm hollow fiber UF inline membrane that filters 99.99% of bad elements in the water. All in all, this filter provides safe, good taste, and clean drinking water.
There are a lot of other things to love about this water filter. Since it has a high filter capacity, it’s perfect for hiking, camping, kayaking. Besides, it’s even perfect for emergencies like hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. This ultralight and compact filter provides up to 1500 liters (396 gallons) of safe drinking water. Each Etekcity filter comes with a durable and foldable water pouch. It holds 480 ml (16oz) drinking water and comes with a D type hook, so you can buckle it onto your backpack easily. You’ll also get a 70cm extension tube, a syringe-back-wash device, and four additional cotton pads.
What We Love
Affordable water filter with three-level filtration levels.
Pros:
- 0.01Μm filter membrane
- Provides up to 1500 liters (396 gallons)
- Foldable pouch
- Compact and lightweight
- Additional accessories
Cons:
- The water filter and pouch are relatively small.
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LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
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Prepare for anything while you’re out adventuring. Don’t forget to bring the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter with you. It’s perfect for road trips, hiking, camping, or even for an emergency such as floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes.
The membrane microfilters are made of hollow fibers membrane. With 0.2-micron filter pore size, it removes 99.99% of bacteria including Escherichia coli (e-coli), Vibrio cholera campylobacter, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and salmonella. Besides, it removes 99.99% of protozoa, including giardia lamblia (beaver fever), entamoeba histolytica, and cryptosporidium parvum.
The filter capacity can provide 4,000 liters (1,000 gallons) of safe drinking water. It’s BPA and chemical-free, which is a reliable and genuinely safe filtration system. This lightweight water filter also filters microplastics. It’s easy to use and portable. Plus, it has a compact design, which fits in any of your bags. Before you store it, make sure it’s totally dry inside.
What We Love
Filtering 99.99 % of bacterias and parasites.
Pros:
- Compact, easy to use, and portable
- Ultra-lightweight
- 4,000 liters filter capacity
- BPA and chemical-free
Cons:
- It may require a bit of effort in suction to start and keep the water flowing.
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Membrane Solutions
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Whether you plan to go camping, hiking, or fishing, it’s nice to be able to drink water safely when you need it. It never hurts to always be prepared. So, include Membrane Solutions in your aid kit, just in case of an emergency. This reusable water filter is only 6.7 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. It’s simple and quick to use. It also fits in a bottle, glass, or cup.
This lightweight and portable water filter provides a 4-stage filtration system. These include coarse filter screen, pp cotton, hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes, and coconut shell activated carbon. Making it one of the best survival water filters.
It has 0.1-micron pores that remove 99.99% of harmful substances (odor, chlorine, pollution and organic chemicals, etc). Besides, it improves the taste of the water. You won’t notice the chemical smell or taste. It filters all the freshwater, such as from lakes, rivers, rain, tap, or even swamps. Easy to carry, it provides up to 396 gallons (1500 liters) of drinking water.
What We Love
The water filter with 0.1 microns pore sizes.
Pros:
- 4-stage filtration system
- Portable and compact
- Removes 99.99% of harmful substances
- Easy to use and carry
- Lightweight and affordable
Cons:
- It’s relatively small
- There’s no “window” to view the water flow
- Some experienced the filter clogged after a few minutes of use
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Survivor Filter
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Unlike other water filters, Survivor Filter removes bacteria, viruses, and 90% chemical contaminants. This easy and convenient to use water filter features 3 removable internal filter stages, including ultra-filter membranes. It lasts up to 26,417 gallons (100,000 liters) of water. The carbon filter can be reused up to 1,000 liters (264 gallons).
It’s made of food-grade coconut shells that reduce heavy metals and chemicals. The 0.05-micron filtration, a special flip top, and mouthpiece that snug tight with rubber remove viruses, bacterias, and staph. This top-notch filtration is durable and ultra-lightweight, and you may not even notice that you have this. It’s perfect for your future backpacking adventure.
What We Love
Water filtration removes viruses and chemical contaminants.
Pros:
- Durable, lightweight, and easy to use
- The 0.05-micron filtration
- Special flip top and mouthpiece
- 5 extra cotton pre-filters
Cons:
- The water flows slower than others
- Some found it difficult attaching it to water bottles or water bladders
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Sawyer MINI Water Filtration
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With high-performance water filtration, you can have filtered water from all sources. Sawyer MINI Water Filtration features tiny hollow fiber membranes that allow water to flow fast and enable the filter to be continually back-washed. Furthermore, it features 0.1-micron absolute filtration that blocks 99.99% of all bacteria (salmonella, cholera, and E. coli). It also removes 100% of microplastics and all protozoa (such as giardia and cryptosporidium).
One of the best survival water filters, Sawyer MINI filters up to 100,000 gallons of water. This versatile and compact water filter is perfect for hiking, camping, and emergency preparedness. A 7-inch drinking straw, a cleaning plunger, and a reusable squeeze pouch are included. And you can also screw Sawyer MINI onto soda bottles or water bottles with a standard threaded top. It’s available in three different packs of 1, 2, and 4. What’s more, there are several color options, including blue, black, pink, blue/orange, and more.
What We Love
High-performance water filtration with lots of color options.
Pros:
- 0.1-micron filtration and hollow fiber membranes
- Removes microplastics, bacteria, and protozoa
- Provides up to 100,000 gallons of water
- Offered in three different packs
- Pouch, cleaning sponger, and 7-inch drinking straw
- Ultralight and versatile
Cons:
- Some customers had a problem with the o-ring that seals the filter
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Survivor Filter PRO
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Survivor Filter Pro may be one of the most expensive products on this list, but it’s also one of the best water filters for survival. It features a 3-stage filter, including the 0.1-micron ultrafilter, which helps remove algae, e.coli, and protozoa. The filter capacity is up to 100,000 liters (26,400 gallons) of water. The second filter is a carbon filter designed to help reduce chemicals, heavy metals, and pollutants. It can be reused up to 2,000 liters. The last one, the internal ultra filter helps filter out 99.99% of virus, bacterias, and staph. Besides it can be easily cleaned up.
With a super-fast flow rate, you’ll get 500ml (17oz) of clean and good tasting water per minute. It can be used directly from the freshwater source, pumped into any portable hydration pack, or attached to a cup. This easy to use water filter is perfect for outdoor adventure or your emergency kit. It features the best quality ABS material, and it’s BPA free. You’ll get the water filter, travel bag, and detachable drinking cup on every purchase.
What We Love
Easy to use and compact water filter with BPA free.
Pros:
- 0.1-micron ultrafilter
- Lightweight
- Good ABS material
- Comes with a travel bag and drinking cup
Cons:
- Some people had low filtration and output
- The plastic material may break out easily
- A bit pricey
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Waterdrop Filter Straw
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The next one in our list of the best survival water filters is Waterdrop Filter Straw. It ensures and delivers a better drinking experience during an emergency. Featuring Japanese premium coconut shell with activated carbon fiber, it provides high-quality water in the field. This unique water filter comes in a smaller frame. However, it can provide up to 100,000 gallons (400,000 liters) of safe drinking water.
This easy to use filter features a 0.1-micron hollow fiber membrane that effectively removes 99.99% of harmful substances in water. Furthermore, it has a 4-stage filtration system.
Connect the filter to your water bottles and water bags, so you can drink clean water anywhere, anytime. What’s more, you don’t need an extra syringe for back-washing, since it eliminates extra cumbersome fittings. On top of that, it comes with a 20oz (600ml) water bag on every purchase. Always pack this compact filter as an addition to your emergency kit or for your outdoor activities.
What We Love
A versatile water filter with a compact design.
Pros:
- 4-stage filtration and 0.1-micron hollow fiber membrane
- Comes with a 20oz water bag
- Provides up to 100,000 gallons (400,000 liters)
- High-quality carbon fiber
Cons:
- It may be difficult to use for a higher volume
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Katadyn Hiker Microfilter
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Another great water filter for survival is Katadyn Hiker Water Microfilter. It lets you have a quick stop at a river or stream for clean and clear drinking water. This easy to use and the durable kit features a 0.2-micron glass-fiber filter and activated carbon. It filters all particles, sediment, and microorganisms found in freshwater resources. Besides, it improves the taste and reduces chemicals in drinking water.
This water filter is compact and very easy to pack. It’s a nice additional survival kit for the beginning camper to the experienced backpacker in any challenging conditions. Not only this water filter is affordable, but it’s also extremely lightweight. Every purchase comes with a deluxe carry bag, pre-filter, output hose with a universal bottle adaptor, and hydration system connector. You can get 1 liter of water per minute (or around 48 pump strokes).
What We Love
Ultralight and compact water microfilter.
Pros:
- Durable and easy to use
- 0.2-micron glass-fiber filter
- Activated carbon
- Comes with carrying bag
- Compatible with a wide variety of bottles and reservoirs
Cons:
- Some say it takes effort to pump
- Relatively pricey
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LifeStraw Flex Multi-Function
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On the top of our list of the best survival water filters is LifeStraw Flex Multi-Function, which comes with 2-stage carbon filtration. It features an advanced 0.2 microns hollow fiber membrane that removes 99.99% of bacteria. Besides, it removes 99.99% of protozoan parasites.
Furthermore, the microbiological filter capacity is up to 2,000 liters (500 gallons). Meanwhile, the carbon capsule lasts for 100 liters (26 gallons). Not only it exceeds EPA drinking water standards and BPA-free, but its replaceable carbon capsule also reduces chlorine. This versatile and durable water filter reduces bad taste and odor, plus organic chemicals like herbicides and pesticides.
Comes in 3.15oz of weight, it’s very compact and ultralight. Making it perfect for outdoor adventure and an emergency kit. Plus, LifeStraw Flex can be used in many different ways. Besides, you can use it with regular plastic bottles and use a hydration bladder. What’s more, a back-wash syringe is also included.
What We Love
Super compact and lightweight water filter with 0.2 microns hollow fiber membrane.
Pros:
- BPA free
- Removes bacteria and protozoa
- Versatile and durable
- 2-stages carbon filtration
- 2,000 liters (500 gallons) microbiological filter capacity
- Reduces chlorine, odor, bad taste, and organic chemicals
Cons:
- Leakage issues
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