Water filter for survival and outdoor: clean drinking water, no matter where you find yourself

Filter to purify water

The water filters for outdoor purposes on this page are practical and easy to take with you. Most you can use in multiple ways: immediately from the source, or with a drinking bottle. Or even connected to the drinking system in your backpack or bag. Because you can take water from rivers or creeks as you go, you significantly save on the amount of water you need to carry! These portable water filters do not need any power. If you opt for a filter that does not remove viruses from the water you can, in addition to your filter, also use chemical tablets for water purification. To know for sure your water won't contain any viruses. In Europe it, most often, won't, but outside of Europe it might. Before you start your adventure always check the water quality of the country you are travelling to.

Optical water treatment

This page contains water filters that work in different ways. Take, for instance, the UV light water filters from Katadyn. These small water filters work with batteries. They are enhanced with a UV light you put in the water. This UV light kills all bacteria, protozoa and viruses in the water. This type of filter, however, won't remove dirt (such as sand) or microplastics. As such you should always make sure the water is clean to the eye. This type of UV water filter is great for occasional use when travelling or as a personal water filter for emergency situations.

Mechanical water treatment

Except for UV water purifiers you will also find ceramic water filters from, for instance, Sawyer and Lifestraw. These are enhanced with tiny holes which bacteria and protozoa cannot pass. As the water flows through the filter, bacteria and protozoa are left behind, leaving you with clean drinking water. These portable water filters come in many shapes and sizes. Lightweight, from small to large and perfect for trekking, hiking, backpacking and bushcraft purposes. A number of these ceramic water filters are also enhanced with a carbon filter. This type of filter also removes strange flavours from the water. Delicious!