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Water Filter vs Water Purifier - The Backpacker's Dilemma

Antares | Jan 28, 2011 |

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For the backpacking enthusiast water treatment is essential. Boiling water and waiting for iodine tablets will remove most harmful bacteria and viruses, but both are time consuming and certainly less than ideal. That then leaves the water filters or purifiers as the most viable option for the backpackers among us. What then are the differences between the two items and how do you chose which item to purchase?

Water Filters

A Katadyn backpacking water filter is light and versatile. It is a great option for any backpacker who wants to treat their water. A backpacking filter works in much the same way that a home filtration system does. Water is pumped through a filter and harmful bacteria are removed. In contrast to already treated water at your home, mountain water can be full of large floating debris that the backpacking filter will remove. Unfortunately, filters do not remove viruses that might be present in dirty mountain water.

Most filters on the market operate with a small pump that pushes water through the filter itself. Over time, the filter has a tendency to become dirty and requires cleaning and eventual replacement of the inner filtration elements. Filters are made of plastic, ceramic, and metal, and all have varying levels of effectiveness and durability. No matter which type of filter you have, weight will be added to your pack over a water purifier.

Water Purifiers

The steripen water purifier emits ultraviolet light to kills viruses and bacteria from untreated water. This purifier weighs less than a typical water filter and is a great option for an ultralight backpacker who wants to shave some ounces off of their backpack. A water purifier is shaped much like a flashlight and adds very little weight to a pack. Directions vary from purifier to purifier, but unlike water filters, the end result eliminates almost all bacteria and viruses in water. One of the more recent, cutting edge purifiers on the market emits ultraviolet rays to kill bacteria and viruses.

Purifiers do not remove any debris from water--they merely eliminate any harmful effects from particles lurking in water. With that being the case, it is recommend that you fill your container from a body of moving water.

The Verdict

There is no clear winner in this debate as both the filter and purifier have their advantages. Unlike a filter, a purifier eliminates viruses, but generally, these viruses are rare depending on your location. The water filter eliminates debris from water but also weighs more than a purifier and can be more difficult to maintain. Cost wise, purifiers tend to be a little more expensive than a water filter. But, ultimately, it comes down to user preference and peace of mind when deciding how to treat water when you are in the back wilderness.