6 Best Water Filters for Survivalists

Good water filters are the key to having a constant supply of clean, safe drinking water. If you were to find yourself in a survival situation, the survival gear you have on hand can make the difference on whether or not you survive. And an efficient water filtration system is an absolute must when it comes to survival supplies. It can make your life a whole lot better. I have listed some recommendations here if you’re not sure what to buy. The following water filters and water filtration systems are not listed in any particular order. Somebody else’s circumstances and budget will be different than yours. So what’s best for you and your budget will be decided on your personal situation.

1. Platypus Gravityworks 4.0 Liter Water Filtration System

The Platypus Gravityworks is a highly rated, 4.0 liter high-capacity water filtration system. It is used for emergencies or group camping. The Gravityworks removes 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of giardia, E. Coli, salmonella, cholera, and other protozoa. It is a gravity filter, so no pumping is required. Operating the filter is as easy as hanging it from a tree. Gravity will force the dirty water through the filter, down a hose, and into the clean water reservoir. It’s an easy way to treat water and will produce 4 liters of clean drinking water in about 2.5 minutes.

The water filtration reservoirs are treated with an antimicrobial coating. This improves the taste of the water. Plus, it will filter up to 1,500 gallons, which is quite impressive. Replaceable cartridge filters are also available. It will run you a bit over $100. But when you consider how important clean drinking water is during survival situations, it’s still a bargain.

2. The Katadyn Hiker Microfilter

The Katadyn Hiker pump filter is lightweight, just 11 ounces, and provides one liter of clean drinking water per minute. This highly rated water filter is designed for high output with little effort. Its glass fiber filter physically removes bacteria, protozoa, and particles, such as salmonella, giardia, and cryptosporidia, down to 0.2 microns in size. It’s very easy to assemble and operate, and can even be used in shallow pools of water.

The activated carbon inside the filter reduces the amount of chemicals in the drinking water. The carbon also improves the overall taste. It is very low maintenance and there is no need for constant backflushing. You can find one for about $50.

3. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filters

The Sawyer Squeeze Filter is a lightweight filter that weighs just 3 ounces. Rated filtration is 0.1 micron, so it will remove an astounding 99.99999% of all bacteria. This includes E. Coli, cholera, and salmonella. It also removes 99.9999% of all protozoa and 100% of microplastics.

This is a squeeze filter. To treat water, fill up the pouch with contaminated water, screw the filter directly onto the pouch, and then squeeze the bag to filter the water into a bottle. One thing to keep in mind: this will only allow you to produce one bottle of water at a time. If you want to produce a larger amount of drinking water, go with one of the higher capacity water filters.

4. Katadyn Collapsable BeFree Water Bottle

The Katadyn Collapsable BeFree Water Bottle is another amazing option. It removes bacteria, sediment, and cysts down to 0.1 micron in size. It’s a squeezable flask that weighs about 2 ounces and holds 1 liter of water.

The BeFree Water Bottle is a great addition to any bug out bag. Having the ability to roll it up when not in use means it doesn’t take up much space. When you want some clean water for drinking, just unroll the flask, fill it with contaminated water. Then it’s as easy as attaching the lid and filter, and gently squeezing the flask for instant refreshment. The contaminated water is squeezed through the filter as you drink. It’s limited in the amount of water it can produce at any one time which is similar to the Sawyer Squeeze Filter.

5. Aquamira Shift Vacuum Insulated Water Filter Bottle

The Aquamira Shift Vacuum Water Bottle is a great addition to any survival backpack or bug out bag. Turn contaminated water into clear water that is free of tastes, odors, and chemicals. With its Miraguard antimicrobial technology it suppresses the growth of algae, fungus, bacteria, mold, and mildew. Aquamira is BPA free, chemical free, and iodine free. Due to its insulation it will keep your water cool. One filter can treat up to 50 gallons of water, after which it needs to be replaced.

6. Lifestraw Personal Water Filters

No disaster kit is complete without a quality water filter. And the Lifestraw Personal Water Filter is an excellent, low cost option. Drinking directly from the source is what this filter allows you to do. At just 2 ounces, it’s practically weightless and will take up very little space in a bug out bag or prepper gear supply kit. And because of its straw-style design, it can take water from a small puddle. This makes it ideal for an urban bug out bag. In an urban environment, you may only be able to find small puddles of water, and this filter is perfect in those instances.

The LifeStraw can filter up to 1,000 liters of contaminated water without chlorine, iodine, or other chemicals. And it does not require batteries. It’s a very small, highly efficient water filter that will remove 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria. And it removes 99.9% of protozoa parasites and microplastics. It’s easy to clean and store. At less than $20, it’s easy to see why it’s such a great buy for survivalists on a budget.

A Summary of Water Filters

When you find yourself in a survival situation you have to have the ability to treat water with a good water filter. The water filters I’ve listed are just a few you’ll find online.

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