Best Water Filters for Travel

Before we delve into which filters are best for traveling, it’s essential to know the difference between types of filters, and decide which one is right for you.

These purifiers use UV light to kill harmful bacteria found in water. These are usually more expensive than other filter types.

Pump filters are precisely as they sound - you pump the water out of a filter.

Gravity filters use two tubes connected by gravity to move the water from one bag, through the filter, to the other, clean bag.

Straw filters allow you to drink the water directly from the source or from a bottle from which you have gathered the water- the filter connects to a straw, and your suction from sipping brings the water through the filter.

Tablets go into your water and kill any damaging bacteria. Unlike filters, the effect of tablets is not immediate, you usually have to wait 4 hours or so for it to make the water safe.

Countertop filters aren’t going to come with you as you travel. However, they are a handy option for shorter excursions and when you want to filter your water at home. They typically have a well, and you filter the water as needed. These generally are the most expensive filters.

Tap filters either live under your sink and connect to your pipe or attach to your faucet, a cheaper alternative to the counter top filters.

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Super compact and easy to use, the Steripen Adventurer uses UV technology to destroy dangerous bacteria found in water. It comes with a carry case for easy transport while traveling.

This insulated water bottle has a UV light integrated into the cap that filters down into the water, killing anything harmful. It automatically turns on every two hours, making it an excellent stress-free option for anyone on the go.

This water bottle uses a 2-stage filtration with the built-in filter straw. The filter removes bad taste, odor, chlorine, and organic chemical matter from undrinkable water, making it safe, refreshing, and thirst-quenching.

Get clean drinking water in just seconds with the GeoPress Purifier. This purifier removes waterborne pathogens, filters particulates, and features a twist cap to vent the air during filtration to protect it from cross-contamination. It filters up to twenty-four ounces of water.

Use this ultra-compact filter in two different ways: either as a straw filter or as a squeeze filter. Choose whichever way you want to use it: by filling up the squeeze pouch with water, attaching the filter, and squeezing it out into your water bottle, or by attaching it to the included straw and sipping it from a cup or other container.

The Platypus Gravity Water Filter comes in several sizes to meet all of your water filtering needs on the go. Perfect for hikes and camping, a filter connects two bags and tubes, and the water travels through the tubes by gravity.  Choose the 6L bags for large groups or smaller sizes for individuals. No matter what size you choose, they roll up into a smaller size for easier transport.

The Survivor Filter PRO brings back the technology of the old water pumps you’d find in every town - put the tube connected to the reservoir into the water, and pump it out through the filter and out the top into your water bottle.

If a filter seems too much of a hassle, you can try purification tablets like these. Simply drop them into your water and let the magic happen. However, these aren’t great if you are in a hurry for whatever, as it takes four hours for them to do the job. They filter up to 4 liters at a time.

This counter system is much too big to take with you anywhere; however, it is the perfect option for purifying water you will take with you anywhere. It will purify and mineralize your water, giving you refreshing, great-tasting water to fill your jugs or bottles.

The PUR Plus Water Filtration System easily attaches to your tap, giving you crisp, good tasting water. It’s available in six colors, so you can match your kitchen or add a pop of color.

Which filter is right for you depends on your preferences and what you need it for. If you are planning on a long camping/hiking trip, a bigger portable filter like the Platypus Gravity Water Filter is going to be the better option. If you want something to carry with you at all times when you need clean water in a pinch, a straw like the LifeStraw is all you need. (be aware, it may be alarming to sip dirty water without seeing it filtered, so if you are squeamish this option may not be for you). If you are just looking for a way to get clean, safe drinking water at home to take with you, the Well by Lang is your best bet.