Best Backpacking Water Filters and Purifiers of 2023
The Top Water Filters for Backpacking, Camping, Hiking, and Trail Running
Published July 11th, 2023
We tested a dozen backpacking water filters and water purifiers for backpacking to find the best water filters for most outdoor adventures and international trips. After checking dozens of review sites and hundreds of customer reviews — and testing on thousands of miles of hiking, backpacking, and bikepacking — we ranked our favorites for best backpacking water filters.
If you’re hiking solo or on a trip where each person takes care of their own drinking water, we think the Platypus Quickdraw has the speed-to-weight ratio that works best for most folks. Got a group to care for? We like the Platypus GravityWorks, which can filter four liters in four minutes with minimal fuss. For removing viruses, the upgrade-pick MSR Guardian filters out viruses and cleans itself with the press of a hand-pump.
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Summary Table
| WATER FILTER | TREELINE AWARD | WEIGHT (OZ) | TYPE | SPEED | SIZE OF FILTER | REMOVES PROTOZOA? | REMOVES BACTERIA? | REMOVES VIRUSES? | REMOVES HEAVY METALS? | LIFETIME (L) | PRICE PER L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platypus QuickDraw | Best Overall Read why |
3.4 | Squeeze filter | 3 L/min | 0.2 microns | Y | Y | N | N | 1,000 | $0.05 |
| Sawyer Squeeze | Best Affordable Read why |
3 | Squeeze or gravity filter | 1.7 L/min | 0.1 microns | Y | Y | N | N | Almost indefinite | <$0.01/L |
| Platypus GravityWorks 4L | Best for Groups & Best Gravity Read why |
11.5 | Gravity filter | 1.75 L/min | 0.2 microns | Y | Y | N | N | 1,500 | $0.09 |
| MSR Guardian Purifier | Best for Removing Viruses Read why |
17.3 | Hand pump purifier | 2.5 L/min | 0.02 microns | Y | Y | Y | N | 10,000 | $0.04 |
| Katadyn BeFree | Best for Short Trips Read why |
2.3 | Squeeze filter | 2 L/min | 0.1 microns | Y | Y | N | N | 1,000 | $0.05 |
The Best Backpacking Water Filters
THE BEST OVERALL BACKPACKING WATER FILTER:
PLATYPUS QUICKDRAW
Weight: 3.4 oz
Type: Squeeze
Liters per Minute: 3
MSRP: $49.95
What we liked: speed of flow, takes a long time to clog, ease of backflushing, dual caps prevent leaking and are attached so can’t lose them, integrity test indicator tells whether it is still functioning after a freezing night
What we didn't like: doesn’t protect from viruses, squeezing can be tedious
The Platypus QuickDraw is an ultralight squeeze filtration system that is easy to use, portable, and durable. The filter lasts about 1,000 liters, making it cost $0.05 per liter. It just edged out the Sawyer Squeeze as our Best Overall Water Filter due to some design features.
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The Platypus Quickdraw water filter screws onto a Smartwater bottle and comes with a retractable lid. This makes it easier to put away your filter at night without drips. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
Like the Sawyer Squeeze, the QuickDraw has a great speed-to-weight ratio. At just 3.4 oz., or 3.6 oz. for the entire system, this product is incredibly light and portable in the backcountry.
Our testers have taken the QuickDraw on the thru-hikes of the Tahoe Rim Trail and the Grand Enchantment Trail, and noted its impressive durability, ease of use and backflushing, and thoughtful design features.
For example, the filter has end caps on both sides to prevent leaking, which allows you to sleep with it on cold nights (to prevent freezing) without worrying it may leak in your bag. (You can read more about preventing your water filter from freezing and why it is crucial in our Shoulder Season Backpacking Gear guide or How to Prepare for Hiking in a Big Snow Year article).
And if it freezes anyway, the filter has an integrity test feature so you can ensure the filter is working before using it. Additionally, the cap to the QuickDraw is connected, which makes it one less piece to potentially lose.
Backflushing the QuickDraw in the backcountry is easy–you simply attach the dirty side to a partially full bladder and shake. This is important, because like the Sawyer Squeeze, the filter will slow down over time–especially after use in silty water, glacier-melt, or other sources with more particulates.
Treeline Review tester Graham Hodge using the Quickdraw filter in notoriously silty water of the Pacific Northwest. Photo by Graham Hodge.
A simple backflush will get the QuickDraw back to proper flow. And if there’s any concern about whether the filter is working, the Platypus QuickDraw has an integrity test feature.
It’s important to note, this filtration system is ideal for individual use rather than group use. If you’re looking for something that will serve multiple people, our next category winner, the Platypus GravityWorks 4L, is a better option.
The Platypus Quickdraw filter features watertight caps on both ends, which can be handy for throwing the filter in your sleeping bag in colder temperatures to prevent the filter from freezing while keeping you from getting damp. Photo by Graham Hodge.
Platypus Quickdraw vs. Sawyer Squeeze
Since unseating our long-time overall winner is a big deal, we’ve had testers use the Platypus Quickdraw in different climates (desert, mountain, areas with glacial streams) and for different activities for the past year. We’ve had two thru-hikers and two bikepackers test the Quickdraw alongside the Sawyer Squeeze. We’re not alone in liking the Quickdraw, with Gear Junkie also writing that the Quickdraw “rivals the Sawyer Squeeze.”
Treeline Review writer Graham Hodge chose the Quickdraw as his favorite gear item of the year and it’s featured in his Bikepacking the Lower Deschutes Trail guide. He tells us, “I have used this filter for about 200 miles of Central Cascades Trails. As much as I avoid it, that area is notorious for silty water. I have certainly had to filter less than ideal water sources. I am not claiming that this filter is clog-free, but I have not needed to backflush it once since purchasing, and the flow rate is still impeccable.”
Treeline Review writer Sara Kruglinski writes. “It has a streamlined design that is well-thought out on the details. For example, the cap for the dirty bag nests in with the bottom cap of the filter so they are harder to lose.”
Treeline Review writer Sam Schild writes, “The Quickdraw held up for the entire Grand Enchantment Trail and seems to take longer to clog than the Sawyer Squeeze. I used the Sawyer Squeeze for the entire Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail (replaced multiple times). The Squeeze is easier to clean thoroughly, since you can use the included syringe. But, the Quickdraw is easier to clean in the field, since you only need a SmartWater bottle to backflush it (or just swishing it in some water works pretty well). The Quickdraw also has a better cap than the Squeeze. Overall, I think they’re very similar and would confidently rely on either filter. The Quickdraw is perhaps slightly more durable.”
MOST AFFORDABLE water filter:
SAWYER SQUEEZE
Weight: 3.0 ounces
Type: 0.1 micron filter
Liters per Minute: 1.7
MSRP: $40.95
What we liked: cost per filter of filtration cannot be beat, weight, speed, lifetime warranty, donates 90% of profits to clean water
What we didn’t like: no way to test whether it is still working, no way to easily put it away to prevent it from freezing on cold nights
The Sawyer Squeeze is a tried and tested filter that has an excellent speed-to-weight ratio and is the best affordable water filter. Over the life of the filter, its cost per liter of filtration cannot be beat. As the previous winner of our Best Overall Water Filter, we have a lot of wonderful things to say about it. The number of high-quality and high-star user reviews at Amazon, REI, and Backcountry speak to how well the Sawyer Squeeze is regarded. It also made the best-of lists on four out of the seven sites we aggregated from.
Weighing 3 ounces for the filter — 5.1 ounces total for the filter and two provided bags — the speed of this filter is great. Though you can filter from the dirty bags the Squeeze comes with into a clean filtered water bottle if you like, we prefer to drink straight through the sports top, getting our fix instantly. And with a lifetime warranty — and a promise of filtering a million gallons over the course of a lifetime — it is the most affordable filter over time that we reviewed, providing clean water at under a penny per liter. Plus, we like that it’s the only brand that has committed to donating 90% of its profits towards clean water programs with a strong commitment to social good.
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The Sawyer Squeeze can easily be screwed on to the top of a plastic water bottle to filter water as you drink. Photo by Liz Thomas
This was a contender for our Best Overall Water Filter, as it is tried and true in the backcountry. However, the Platypus QuickDraw edged out the Sawyer Squeeze due to its better design features, like the attached cap, its end caps that prevent leaking (so you can sleep with it on cold nights), and its ability to test the integrity of the filter. Still, the Quick Draw and every other filter costs more per liter to filter, which is why the Squeeze wins our award for most affordable.
The Sawyer Squeeze used “inline” with a hydration bladder. How this system works: Cut the hydration hose tube in two. Insert the filter to connect the two pieces. Put dirty water into the bladder. When you suck on the tube, dirty water travels through the tube, into the filter, and comes clean out the bite valve. In camp, you can pop off the bite valve and turn the system into a gravity filter. Photo by Liz Thomas.
Because you don’t necessarily squeeze all the water out of the filter when you’re done filtering, the Squeeze can leak dirty water if you’re not paying attention. Still, a little forethought and care — or using it as an inline filter as a part of a hydration pack or gravity filter system, as we talked about — solve both of these issues, so the Sawyer Squeeze is still the best backpacking water filter for most folks headed outside.
Using the Sawyer Squeeze as a gravity filter on the Arizona Trail. Photo by Mike Unger.
BEST FOR GROUPS:
PLATYPUS GRAVITYWORKS 4L
Weight: 11.5 ounces
Type: 0.2 micron filter
Liters per Minute: 1.75
MSRP: $134.95
What we liked: low effort, great for groups
What we didn’t like: price and heavy weight
Winning our award for Best for Groups, the Platypus GravityWorks 4L involves the least amount of work among all the water filtration systems we tested. All you do is fill the “Dirty” bag, hang it higher than the “Clean” bag, and open up the line to send a liter per minute into the “Clean” bag below. It’s that simple. The system is heavy in the pack and on the wallet – over twice the weight and price of the Sawyer Squeeze – but we believe it is worth both the cost and bulk. And with a lifetime of 1500 liters per filter, the entire system costs about $0.09 per liter.
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The Platypus GravityWorks system allows you to put very silty water into your “dirty bag.” Field maintenance is also easy. Simply flip your filter system so that clean water runs from the “Clean Bag” into the “Dirty Bag.” As it falls through the filter, things that can create clogs will dislodge from the filter into the dirty bag. Photo by Sirena Dufault.
The GravityWorks has a 0.2-micron filter, which means you’re safe from the major microscopic concerns in the US and Canada. If you’re traveling outside of the US or Canada in a place where sewage contamination is more of a concern, you’ll want a purifier like the MSR Guardian or the SteriPen Ultra, to make sure those viruses are eradicated as well.
Outdoor Gear Lab notes that the GravityWorks system is fast, great for large groups, light for what you get, and “requires little to no maintenance” (see Sources). Customer reviews across Amazon, REI, and Backcountry loved this system for the same reasons. And that maintenance they mention? All you have to do is keep some water in the “Clean” bag after filtering, and raise it higher than the dirty bag to send the water back through the filter.
The Platypus GravityWorks system uses a “dirty bag” and a “clean bag system.” Photo by Sirena Dufault
We interviewed desert adventurist Sirena Rana who likes that unlike other gravity water filters, the Platypus GravityWorks could process large amounts of drinking water (a necessity when finding water might be a once per day affair—or even less frequent). Although she often travels solo, she values its ability to handle silty water and to maintain in the field easily. She also uses “the [clean and dirty] bags for additional water storage in the desert and as backups in case there’s a problem or [I] lose a container.”
The Platypus GravityWorks system uses a “dirty bag” and a “clean bag system.” Dirty water falls through the filter and comes into the “clean bag” free of most microscopic concerns. Photo by Sirena Dufault.
The GravityWorks is not a perfect system. Complaints abound about the bags. REI reviewers warn the hang grommets fall apart. “The first few liters [...] taste like plastic” was a common complaint on Amazon reviews. Customers on both sites complain that only one of the bags dries easily. A more significant argument against the GravityWorks is that the Sawyer Squeeze can also act as a gravity filter at less than half the cost, while also working as an on-the-go filter. Still, these complaints feel nitpicky for the speed and ease with which the Platypus GravityWorks provides a lot of potable water for a little effort.
See our most popular hiking articles or see all our Hiking Gear Guides:
The MSR Guardian uses 10% of the water to backflush itself.
BEST VIRUS PURIFIER:
MSR GUARDIAN PURIFIER
Weight: 17.3 ounces
Type: 0.02 micron filter
Liters per Minute: 2.5
MSRP: $389.95
What we liked: high quality and durability, filters viruses,
What we didn’t like: price
If you’re headed backpacking in a country where viruses lurk in the groundwater (which calls for water purification), you’ll want to have the MSR Guardian with you. Where 0.2-micron filters like the Platypus GravityWorks are big enough for viruses to pass through, the MSR Guardian’s 0.02-micron, military-grade pump water filter catches everything. It also uses about ten percent of the water it filters to backflush itself, essentially eliminating the need to clean this filter by hand.
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MSR drop-tested it from six feet onto concrete and freeze-tested it to make sure the filter doesn’t break in freezing weather. And, even with hand pumping, it filters a liter of water in about 45 seconds. But you pay for what you get: the MSR Guardian is the heaviest of our reviewed filters at 22 ounces, and is five times the price of systems like the Sawyer Squeeze. But with a lifetime of 10,000 liters, the $0.04 price per liter is among the lowest of water filters reviewed. That’s why we think that if international travel and water purification is in your cards, the MSR Guardian is the best purifier you can get.
Both Outdoor Gear Lab and Switchback Travel rave about the quality and performance of the MSR Guardian. It is pretty easy to use: toss the tubing into the water, set the filter on top of your bottle, and hand-pump clean water into your container. Outdoor Gear Lab even recommends it for groups, despite the hand-pumping — though maybe they spread the work out among group members.
Customer reviews are consistently high — right around 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, REI, and Backcountry — although they’re less exuberant than we were expecting. We think that stems from high expectations, given the high promises and high price. Many reviewers express disappointment that the MSR Guardian doesn’t perform better in silty water, as reviewers at all three sites report clogs in silty water. But it’s a filter, not a miracle worker: consider pre-filtering your water, or at least gathering it into a bottle or bucket and letting it settle a bit before filtering off the top. If you do have issues, though, a Backcountry reviewer reports that MSR’s customer service is on point and ready to help.
Also, maybe you noticed, maybe you didn't, but the MSR Guardian is the only hand pump filtration and water purification system that made the cut for us. Weird? Maybe. A number of the other professional review sites recommended the more affordable Katadyn Hiker Pro, another hand pump filter, as a good option. But having walked tens of thousands of miles, we think a pump water filter is laborious, heavy, prone to breaking, and generally wouldn't recommend them — but the durability and features the Guardian offers won us over.
The Grayl filter (in blue) is a small system that sits inside of a 1 L bottle. Here, it is shown removed from the bottle and attached to a hydration bag at a lake in Emigrant Wilderness, California. Photo by Liz Thomas
BEST FILTER FOR SHORT TRIPS:
KATADYN BEFREE 1L
Weight: 2.3 ounces
Type: 0.1 micron filter
Liters per Minute: 2.0
MSRP: $49.95
What we liked: lightweight, quick filter
What we didn’t like: not ideal for long trips
The filter with the most mentions across all professional review sites, the Katadyn BeFree, is a filter that’s essentially the lid on a collapsible water bottle. The lightest filter at 2.3 ounces, and one of the most collapsible, it filters a liter just about as fast as you can drink it. At 0.1 microns, this filters out everything but viruses, and at a lifetime of 1,000 liters, the price per liter is about $0.05. While we reviewed the 1-liter version, 0.6- and 3-liter versions also exist, if you need more or less drinking water for your excursions.
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The strong flow rate of the Katadyn BeFree filter. Photo by Liz Thomas
Customer reviews that have loved the BeFree have taken it out on shorter backpacking trips or day hikes. Like Clever Hiker, we questioned the use of this bottle for longer backpacking trips: "The soft bottle of the BeFree isn’t built to withstand squeeze-filtering 4-6 liters per day and hauling water from one source to the next. Also, the filtration unit on the BeFree is relatively small, which impacts its flow rate over time faster than we’d prefer." Outdoor Gear Lab and Backpacker also reported leaks, and while those leaks were easy to fix, this makes us nervous about its use for longer trips.
Our tester on the Pacific Crest Trail found that initially, the water flow rate was considerably faster than the Sawyer Squeeze, but within two weeks, the flow rate was no better than the Sawyer. He also paired it with a Cnoc water container with BeFree threads, bypassing the water bag that comes with the filter. Still, for shorter outings with lots of water, the Katadyn BeFree is a handy, lightweight filter.
Note: we used the BeFree filter component with a home-made system that uses a stuff sack and medical tubing. This system isn’t commercially available but solved the capacity issues that make the Katadyn BeFree system our recommendation for short trips only.
BEST Water FILTER FOR Trail Running:
MSR TRAILSHOT
Weight: 5.0 ounces
Type: 0.2 micron hollow membrane filter
Liters per Minute: 1.0
MSRP: $49.95
It feels so good to come across a burbling stream with a clear, strong flow, knowing that’s what you’ll be drinking shortly. It feels less good to come up to a stagnant puddle and know that’s your only water source for the next five miles. Enter the MSR TrailShot. It’s kind of like a water filter straw and squeeze filter hybrid. Just place the plastic intake tube in the source, work the miniaturized hand pump by squeezing your fingers, and you’re filtering comfortably from still water sources like puddles, lakes, and even cow troughs. If you’re worried about leaks from the Katadyn BeFree but are looking for something for shorter trips or trail running that’s lightweight, the MSR TrailShot might be for you.
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When you’re moving fast, the MSR TrailShot is our top pick.
Like most of the other filters in the review, the TrailShot takes about a minute to filter a liter of drinking water through the 0.2-micron filter. You wouldn’t want to use it in places where sewage might be in the water, but it’s good for filtering out the nasties found in the US and Canada. With a lifespan of 2,000 liters, it’s one of the cheapest filters over time at $0.03 per liter. And while it’s not the lightest filter in the review at 5.6 ounces, it has one of the smallest packed sizes. Backpacker notes that it doesn’t change the taste of gross water and doesn’t do well with silt, but Gear Junkie elaborates that you simply shake it to clean it.
While the TrailShot is generally well-liked, REI reviewers that disliked it complained of a slow flow rate. Many users across Amazon and REI reported the distinctive taste of plastic initially, and many recommended running lime or lemon water through the system to help clear up that taste. Others agree with Switchback Travel, suggesting that this is not a filter for groups — the Platypus GravityWorks is a much better water filtration system if you’ve got a lot of people. Still, if you’re in the market for a portable water filter and don’t want to wrestle with hydration bladders when filtering out of small, shallow puddles, check out the MSR TrailShot.
If you’re dipping your toes into trail running, or have been at it for awhile but would like some fresh perspectives, check out our guides on The Best Shoes for Trail Running and How to Pace and Crew an Ultramarathon.
BEST HEAVY METAL PURIFIER:
GRAYL ULTRAPRESS WATER FILTER AND PURIFIER BOTTLE
Weight: 10.9 ounces
Type: Electro adsorption and activated carbon
Liters per Minute: 2.0
MSRP: $89.95
What we liked: best tasting water, removes everything
What we didn’t like: slow filter, heavy, high cost per liter
While less practical for trail backpacking, if you’re looking for a filter that removes everything, Grayl UltraPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle is for you. While taller and skinnier than a Nalgene and relatively heavy at 12.5 ounces, this filter wins for subtlety, as it looks much like a coffee cup (in fact, it fits in most cup holders). It functions much like a french press — pour contaminated water in, press the filter down slowly, and let the electro adsorption (read: bitty electrical charge) remove protozoan cysts, bacteria, and viruses. A true water purification system, the activated charcoal also absorbs particulates, chemicals, and some heavy metals. If you’re using this to treat tap water while traveling internationally, the carbon filter will help eliminate bad tastes without the need for drink mixes or electrolytes to mask odors.
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The Grayl Ultralight Compact Purifier Bottle works by pressing down slowly.
But it only filters 16.9 ounces at a time, and depending on how you press, this is likely the slowest filter in the review (the manufacturer claims 2 liters per minute). It’s also the most expensive when it comes to price per liter filtered; as each replaceable filter only goes for 150 liters, the cost per liter shakes out to $0.60 per liter.
Adventure Junkies notes that it’s impossible to tell when you need to change the filter — you have to give it your best guess, which is concerning (although Grayl’s website notes that as the cartridge life nears its endpoint, press time increases).
Across Amazon, REI, and Backcountry, all reviewers had feelings about how easy or hard the filter was to push down, so your experience will likely vary as well. Still, we think it’s super cool, and will take it with us on our next sightseeing trip out of the country.
THE BEST ULTRAVIOLET PURIFIER:
KATADYN STERIPEN ULTRA WATER PURIFIER
Weight: 4.9 ounces
Type: Ultraviolet light
Liters per Minute: 1 liter in 90 seconds
MSRP: $129.95
What we liked: lightweight, price per liter, easy to use
What we didn’t like: ineffective in murky water, battery-dependent
It’s not exactly a filter per se, but we like the rechargeable Katadyn Steripen Ultra Water Purifier for its quick and easy use. It’s a purifier like both the MSR Guardian and Grayl Ultralight Purifier Bottle — so it removes viruses as well as protozoa and bacteria. The advantage? The only effort you put in is turning it on, sticking it in your bottle, flipping the bottle upside down, and swirling for 90 seconds. Sure, that’s longer than the other filters in this review, but at about 5 ounces, including the charging cable, it’s the lightest purifier in our review. But unlike mechanical filters, it uses ultraviolet (UV) light to destroy 99.9% of microorganisms.
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The Steripen easily fits in your hand. It comes with a case (shown here) for protection, though many adventurers opt not to carry it in the field. Photo by Naomi Hudetz.
With a lifetime of 8,000 liters, or 50 liters per charge, the price is about $0.01 per liter — one of the cheapest filters in our review. The catch? It’s ineffective in murky water, as Clever Hiker notes, so you’ll definitely need to pre-filter if you want to make sure you’re in the clear. It’s also dependent on its battery, so if that goes, so does your ability to purify your water.
Treeline founder Naomi Hudetz carried a prior version of this model on her thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail and has nothing but good things to say about the Steripen. It never broke or failed in cold temperatures. The battery life was true to the manufacturer’s claim. She used it in some seriously questionable water sources and didn’t get sick.
Amazon reviewers seem to primarily use this model as a portable water filter for international travel, but several complain of quality control issues where their Ultra did not work out of the box. An REI reviewer reminded us that as a battery-powered device, it’s less apt to work correctly in the cold, and the cold will sap the battery power more rapidly. Always make sure to test any filter before you go out, just in case, and protect it from cold nights by keeping it with you in your sleeping bag. For the price and the effectiveness, the Katadyn Steripen Ultra is a worthy buy.
CONTENDERS
Sawyer Mini
Weight: 2.0 ounces
Type: 0.1 micron filter
Liters per Minute: 0.625 L/minutes
MSRP: $25
Some might prefer the Sawyer Mini for its reduced size, weight, and price, but we agree with Clever Hiker’s analysis that "the cost/weight savings aren’t quite worth the reduced flow rate over time", particularly for long trips. If it’s between carrying an extra ounce and constantly cleaning the filter when (not if) it clogs, we’ll take the extra ounce, thanks.
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LIFESTRAW
Weight: 1.6 oz
Type: Straw filter
Liters per Minute: n/a
MSRP: $19.95
LifeStraw is a lightweight, easy-to-use filtration straw you can place directly in a water source. It filters out bacteria and protozoa, but does not filter out viruses or heavy metals. Additionally, it doesn’t allow for carrying water on you–just for direct use of present water sources. We wouldn’t necessarily recommend this for backcountry use unless you’re also carrying a water source, but it can be a handy, inexpensive tool for traveling.
MSR GUARDIAN GRAVITY
Weight: 19 oz
Type: Gravity
Liters per Minute: 0.5
MSRP: $299.95
The MSR Guardian Gravity is a lightweight personal gravity filtration system that filters out bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. At $300, it’s more expensive than other options, but between the quality of the filtration and the 3,000+ liter cartridge life it is a worthwhile investment. Similar to the MSR Guardian Purifier, this is a military-grade filter that weighs more than other systems we tested, but works very well. The difference between the two is the Purifier is a pump filter, whereas the Gravity is a gravity filter.
AQUAMIRA WATER TREATMENT DROPS
Weight: 3.15 oz
Type: Chemical purifier
Liters per Minute: 1 liter/20 minutes
MSRP: $14.95
Aquamira Water Treatment Drops are two bottles (Part A and Part B) that you mix before adding to the water. The active ingredient, chlorine dioxide, removes protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. It’s chlorine and iodine-free, lightweight, inexpensive, and has a four-year shelf life. One downside is the drops take awhile to do their job–about five minutes for activation, then another 20-30 minutes for sterilization, depending on how murky the water is. And if you’re looking to avoid chemicals, this is not the option for you.
GRAYL GEOPRESS
Weight: 15.9 oz
Type: Press action
Liters per Minute: 5
MSRP: $99.95
We appreciate the Grayl GeoPress for its ease of use–with a simple pressing motion, in just eight seconds you can have 24 fl. oz. of water free from viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. The bottle is well-designed and best used for travel. At 15.9 oz. for just 24 fl. oz. of water, you certainly wouldn’t want to rely on this for hiking or backpacking.
KATADYN HIKER MICROFILTER
Weight: 11 oz
Type: Pump filter
Liters per Minute: 1
MSRP: $79.95
This pump filter takes 48 strokes (about one minute) to remove protozoa and bacteria from one liter of water. Designed for backpacking, it weighs 11 oz. and costs about $0.11/liter. While it’s not the lightest or most cost-efficient option, folks tend to like this option for its durability. Customer reviewers on REI have stated theirs have successfully lasted 15, 20, even 35 years. So if the specs don’t bother you, this is a quality, long-lasting option.
KATADYN MICROPUR M1
Weight: 0.9 oz
Type: Chemical purifier
Liters per Minute: 1 liter/ 4 hrs
MSRP: $15.95
These tablets use chlorine dioxide to remove protozoa, bacteria, and viruses from water. The upside is they are effective, ultralight, and inexpensive. However, they take a whopping four hours to sterilize the water, and are less cost-efficient than most other options ($0.53/liter). In our opinion, the Katadyn Micropur M1 tablets make a great backup option to have on hand for emergencies. We carry them in our emergency kits in case a filter fails or is lost, but wouldn’t recommend them as the primary form of filtration.
MSR THRULINK
Weight: 2.5 oz
Type: Inline filter
Liters per Minute: 1.5
MSRP: $49.95
The MSR Thrulink attaches to water reservoirs for on-the-go filtration. It filters protozoa and bacteria, and can be used as a gravity filter at camp. This inline filter system is ultralight and incredibly cost-efficient ($0.03/liter). Due to the nature of the design, this is ideal for one person rather than groups.
BACKPACKING WATER PURIFIER VS FILTER: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
The difference between backpacking filters and purifiers is the level of protection. Filters remove protozoan cysts and waterborne bacteria. Purifiers remove protozoan cysts, bacteria, AND viruses. It’s generally considered safe to only use a filter in North America where viruses are uncommon in the backcountry. However, with the rise of Norovirus outbreaks on the Appalachian Trail, some hikers are choosing to carry a purifier instead.
For international travel, a purifier is almost always recommended.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST BACKPACKING WATER FILTER FOR YOU
Turns out, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to backpacking water filters. To find the best water filter for you, ask yourself a few questions:
ARE YOU BACKPACKING, TRAIL RUNNING, OR TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY?
Are you headed out for a trail run, going backpacking for a month, or traveling abroad for a year? What you’re doing — and who you’re doing it with — will go a long way to helping you decide on the perfect water filter for you. For folks filtering their own water, the Sawyer Squeeze is the most adaptable filter, able to go along on a day hike or a long-distance backpacking trip with equal ease. For fast travel or trail running, you might want something quick and light like the MSR Trailshot. For shorter overnight trips, we recommend going with the Katadyn BeFree. If you’re settling into international life, something less conspicuous with more hardcore water filtration like the Grayl UltraPress Purifier Bottle might be best. For groups, a larger-capacity water filtration system like the Platypus GravityWorks will make life easier. Finally, if you’d like something that purifies it all — waterborne bacteria, cysts, and viruses, an ultraviolet purifier like the Katadyn Steripen Ultra is your best bet.
WILL YOU BE IN NORTH AMERICA?
Traveling in the US or Canada, or going farther afield? In most of North America, we’ve taken care of our sewage problems, you don’t have to worry about viruses in the water — but in other countries, that may be a different story. A filter like the Sawyer Squeeze, which has pores a tiny 0.1 microns across, is appropriate for places where there’s little risk of sewage contamination. If you’re traveling in countries where the water’s known to make visitors sick, you’ll need a usually-more-expensive solution in the form of a purifier, like the MSR Guardian, Grayl UltraPress Purifier Bottle or SteriPen Ultra, to make sure you get all the bad stuff out.
WHAT’S YOUR WATER SOURCE?
Streams, lakes, puddles, rivers, even sinks — we’ve filtered from all sorts of sources, and some filters are better at some sources than others. For example, the MSR Guardian and the Grayl UltraPress Purifier Bottle will take ickies like norovirus out of your water — but the Guardian is a bit of a bear to use in a sink, and you have to be much more careful about cross-contamination using the Grayl by the side of a stream.
Liz Thomas using the Sawyer Mini in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The Mini is best suited for shorter trips in areas with particular pristine water, like the Sierra. Photo by Whitney LaRuffa
WHAT’S YOUR BUDGET?
That bottom line is important, too. Over half of the water filters in our review were around the $50 mark at the time of publishing; the others ranged from the low $100s to more than $250 for extra-super-clean and safe water. You’ve got to choose the best filter for your adventure in your budget, and we’ve tried to link you to the best deals.
WHAT ABOUT A STRAW FILTER?
In our experience, straw filters, such as the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, are not suited for backpacking and hiking. They’re too inconvenient and the flow rate is too slow. They’re best left for other situations.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL WATER CONTAMINANTS IN THE AREAS WHERE I WILL BE USING THE FILTER/PURIFIER?
Most filters, like the Platypus QuickDraw, the Katadyn BeFree, and the Sawyer Squeeze, filter out protozoa and bacteria. This is handy for basically anywhere in the U.S. and elsewhere, depending on your travel. However, some places you travel may have a higher risk of viruses in the water. In such cases, you’d want a purifier that removes viruses, like the MSR Guardian Purifier. If heavy metals are a risk where you’re traveling, the Grayl UltraPress Purifier is a good option.
HOW PORTABLE DOES THE FILTER/PURIFIER NEED TO BE?
If your plans include a long backpacking trip, a lightweight and portable option, like the Platypus QuickDraw or Sawyer Squeeze, is ideal. If you’re traveling somewhere and have the capacity for a larger filter/purifier, then portability is less important. The MSR Guardian Purifier, for example, wouldn’t be ideal for backpacking, but could be easily stored in your place of lodging on a trip.
WHAT IS THE FILTER’S FLOW RATE? DOES IT MEET MY HYDRATION NEEDS AND THE DEMANDS OF THE ACTIVITY?
This is a great consideration that requires knowing yourself and your needs. Do you have the time and patience for the four hour wait of the Katadyn Micropur M1 tablets? Would your activity be better suited by the 20-second wait of the Platypus QuickDraw? The Grayl Geopress filters a liter of water in about 12 seconds, but is a bottle ideal for your activity? You’ll want to consider here both the flow rate/purification time as well as the shape and size of the system.
HOW USER-FRIENDLY IS THE FILTER/PURIFIER? IS IT EASY TO SET UP, OPERATE, AND CLEAN IN THE FIELD?
When you’re in a situation in which you need to filter water, it’s not the best time for a cumbersome, confusing, or difficult process. This is especially vital if, Heaven forbid, you’re dehydrated and delirious (though we hope your hydration system and habits have prevented this!). Be sure you feel comfortable operating and cleaning the filter/purification system. There’s no shame in watching tutorials if you’re unsure, and it’s always a good idea to practice before using anything in the backcountry or abroad.
ARE THERE ANY SAFETY CERTIFICATION OR THIRD-PARTY TESTING RESULTS AVAILABLE FOR THE FILTER/PURIFIER?
It’s a good sign when your filter/purification system has been third-party tested and certified. For example, when we were debating the merits of the Platypus QuickDraw versus the Sawyer Squeeze, we noticed the QuickDraw filter size is 0.2 microns, while the Squeeze filter size is 0.1 microns. While that initially makes the Squeeze feel like the safer option, ultimately both products have been tested and meet both the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) standards. Those safety certifications make us feel confident about both products.
BUYING ADVICE
What’s the best backpacking water filter? That’s a pretty personal question, and a pretty personal choice. While we’ve sorted out the ones we think are best for any application, below are points to ponder when you’re making your personal choice.
WEIGHT
Sure, you need clean water — but there’s a balance between weight and convenience for everyone. Our systems range from a barely-there 2.3 ounces to a hardcore 22 ounces — but how much a system weighs often has to do with whether or not it filters out viruses. Viruses are usually found in sewage-tainted water, so they’re not a primary concern in places like the US or Canada. But you might need to sacrifice weight if you’re traveling to a place where the drinking water is known to make people sick (even if it’s considered to be potable water). Pay close attention to your needs while you’re looking at weight, to make sure you have the right tool for your adventure.
EASE OF USE
Trust us — you do not want to use one pressure or hand pump system to filter water for eight people. Likewise, you might not want to carry the weight of a gravity filter system if it’s just you by your lonesome. When choosing your backpacking water filter, think about what’s going to be easiest for you while you’re out on your adventure. Because if you get into camp and decide you’re too tired to hand pump your water through your filter (which we’ve definitely never done, not even once, why are you asking?), you’re going to have a thirsty time.
WAIT TIME
Nothing’s instantaneous when you’re outside doing things for yourself — and water filtration isn’t any different. Still, different water filters have different wait times — the length of time you have to wait to turn that dirty water into clean water. All of the backpacking water filters in our review give you a liter of filtered water in 90 seconds or less, but when you’re thirsty and just gotta have that sweet sweet H2O, every second might count. So ask yourself: how patient are you, really?
LIFETIME
At $50 or more per water filter, you’re not going to want to buy a new one every time you get a new adventuring idea. As such, you’re going to want to check on how long each filter lasts — and, if you’re choosy, the price of the filter per liter of clean water it produces over its lifetime. That price per liter ranges from $0.60 per liter all the way to less than $0.01 per liter, so you can find your own personal sweet spot. You’ll also want to think about that filter’s end-of-days. Some models have replaceable parts or filters, so you don’t have to replace the system entirely — and if that’s what you’re looking for, choose accordingly.
WHAT IT FILTERS
Traveling in the US or Canada, things are pretty simple — all you need is a filter, and all of our reviewed models fit the bill. For example, to filter out giardia and cryptosporidium, illness-causing microbes that can be found in some US water sources, you need a filter with an absolute rating of 1 micron; all the filters we reviewed have openings that are 0.2 microns or smaller, unless they purify through UV light. If you’re traveling farther afield, though, you’ll want a water purifier, which is a filter that stops viruses, too. Viruses are smaller, so that requires a little more oomph, whether that’s in the form of a smaller filter size, electro adsorption (read: bitty electrical charge in water kills bad stuff) tech, or UV light.
CAPACITY
Be sure the filter/purification system holds an appropriate amount of water for your needs. If you’ll be in the backcountry where water is less available, you’ll want a larger capacity. If you’re traveling internationally but will have easy access to water, the water capacity is less important and you may want a smaller vessel for ease of carrying.
FILTRATION AND PURIFICATION METHODS
1. MECHANICAL FILTRATION:
This method describes water passing through a filter or cartridge to clean water. This method is best for removing protozoa and bacteria from water.
2. ACTIVATED CARBON FILTRATION:
In this process, carbon soaks up organical chemicals (particularly the ones that smell bad, like chlorine or sulfur), heavy metals, and other contaminants.
3. CHEMICAL PURIFICATION:
This is when you use chemicals–typically in the form of tablets or drops–to purify water from bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. These are handy and easy, but don’t have the lifespan or excellent price-per-liter like other options.
4. UV LIGHT PURIFICATION:
UV light purifiers, like the Katadyn Steripen Ultra UV Water Purifier, kill microorganisms in water. This is great in that it destroys bacteria and viruses, but it is limited to microorganisms. It cannot purify heavy metals or man-made substances.
REPLACEMENT FILTERS AND AVAILABILITY
Keep in mind, filter cartridges and purification elements will need to be replaced after the advertised number of uses. You’ll want to make sure those replacement parts are available.
COMPATIBILITY WITH DIFFERENT WATER SOURCES
Consider the sources of water you’ll likely be drawing from–ponds, rivers, faucets, snowmelt, lakes, etc.–and which type of device is going to work best for that source. For example, if you’re drawing from bodies of water in the backcountry, a LifeStraw isn’t going to be your best option. However, it would work if you’re traveling and have frequent access to water.
TASTE AND ODOR
Keep in mind that some filters/purifiers do not fully remove unpleasant tastes and odors from the water. Not only will you need to decide if that’s something you can endure, but you might also consider whether or not you can and are willing to pack electrolyte tablets or flavor droplets to mask the taste.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Consider the environmental impact of the filter/purifier–are the filter cartridges recyclable? Will you need to frequently replace pieces?
COLD WEATHER PERFORMANCE
If you plan to backpack in colder climates, check if the filter/purifier is designed to function effectively in freezing temperatures.
WATER FILTERING TIPS & TRICKS
CHECK YOUR FILTER BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME
Always check to make sure your backpacking water filter is working before you leave. Whether it’s a faulty UV lamp or a tear in a filter, manufacturing defects happen, and it’s best to know about them before you head out into the wilds. Many filters have a way to check on whether or not they’re working correctly, and checking them before you leave home will help you stay happy and healthy on your adventures.
CARRY A BACKUP METHOD
Consider carrying a backup filtration method. We don’t talk about backups in our review, but they’re a good idea. If for some reason your filter becomes inoperable, it’s best not to have to sit around your stove and boil water for the 1-3 minutes the EPA says it takes to purify it every time you want a drink. Most folks carry some form of backup chemical purifier, such as iodine purification tablets or chlorine dioxide droplets.
PRE-FILTER
Looks gross? Consider pre-filtering. That water source that has a lot of dirt/leaves/bugs in it? All that extra junk is probably going to clog your filter, making it less efficient at best, or less effective at worse. If you carry something like a bandana, coffee filter, or Dollar Store pantyhose as a pre-filter, and pull all your water through the pre-filter before you filter it, you’ll keep your filter cleaner and keep that crap out of your drinking water to boot.
ADD FLAVORING
Filtered water still has a gross taste? Consider adding some sort of flavoring. Plenty of outdoors people carry Gatorade powder for electrolytes, but other water-flavoring goodies, like Mio or fruity teas, can take the edge out of a particularly gross-tasting batch of water. If it’s your bottle or filter that tastes gross — usually like plastic — run some tap water with either lemon or lime juice through them before heading out. That should diminish that distasteful flavor.
The Katadyn BeFree water filter used with a Cnoc water container. Photo courtesy Liz Thomas
AVOID FREEZING AND DROPPING YOUR FILTER
Drops and freezing temperatures are not your friends. Each of these water filters is a delicate piece of equipment, and care needs to be taken to make sure they continue to work. Most of these filters have a hard time surviving falls, and water expanding into ice at freezing temperatures can also break them. The worst part? Without taking extra time to test them after an incident, you may not be able to tell that it’s broken. And those tests cost more than most filters.
Take special care to keep your filters secure, and if you know you’re camping at temps below freezing, consider sleeping with your water filter in your sleeping bag (double bagging it in a zip bag will keep you dry). Better safe than sorry.
HOW TO COLLECT FROM STILL WATER
Collecting from still water with a collapsible bag? Patience is key. If you’re using the plastic collection bags that come with the Sawyer Squeeze, or hydration bladders like the Platypus or CNOC, you’ll need a technique to collect from lakes and other still water sources.
Wrap your hand around the opening, and gently blow through your hand into the bag to inflate it, allowing room for the water to enter while keeping contaminants away from your mouth. Then, skim your bag across the surface of the water until it gets enough weight in it to sink, which should let you collect more easily. If you know you’re going to be in an area where you’ll have to collect from shallow puddles, fashion a scoop by cutting the bottom third off a Sawyer bag or even a Gatorade bottle. Then, just scoop the water into your dirty container for filtering.
USE A PURIFIER FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Traveling internationally? Get a purifier. We know, we know, we’ve mentioned it a bunch, and purifiers are more expensive — but if you use your run-of-the-mill backpacking water filter in countries where the sewage systems aren’t the best, you’ll still potentially be exposing yourself to viruses. Numerous waterborne viruses cause the stomach flu, which can knock you out of commission for days at a time — so drop that extra cash and make sure you’re covered. Travel enough and you'll recoup your money by avoiding the expense of bottled water (and save the environment too!).
LABEL YOUR WATER CONTAINERS
Beware cross-contamination! Make sure you remember which bottles or bags are dirty and which are clean. Most systems have built-in reminders, but being extra-cautious never hurts. If you dip the filtered water bottle into a water source, make sure you rinse it with clean water before drinking. You wouldn’t want to filter and then have leftover nasties still waiting for you on your bottle’s lip.
PRACTICE LEAVE NO TRACE
Want to worry less about clean or dirty water sources? Practice Leave No Trace. Many of the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace have to do with protecting water sources. One of the biggest sources of contamination? Fecal material. (Gross.) Make sure you’re doing your business at least 200 feet from water (and camps and trails, for that matter), and do your washing away from water for good measure, too.
WATER FILTER AND PURIFIER CARE AND MAINTENANCE
FOLLOW MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS
Even if you feel confident about how to use the filter, we highly recommend reading the manufacturer’s instructions. Not only will this ensure you’re using the product correctly, it will also give you maintenance and cleaning guidelines so your filter/purifier will run efficiently and last longer.
PREPARE YOUR FILTER FOR STORAGE
Clean it before you store it. Most filters have a recommended method of cleaning. Usually, it involves running a watered-down bleach solution through the filter and drying it thoroughly before storing it. The last thing you want is to get ready for your next trip and find that mold’s grown in your filter (which has definitely never happened to us, not even once, so many questions, why are you asking). Take care of your equipment, and it can better take care of you.
FILTER REPLACEMENT
Replacing the filter cartridges (or purifier parts) on a consistent and regular basis is necessary for keeping the product effective. There’s no use in a water filter/purifier that no longer fully filters/purifies the water!
BACKFLUSHING
Some products, like the Platypus QuickDraw and Sawyer Squeeze, require backflushing to keep the filter clean and prevent the flow rate from slowing down. Again, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for how to, and how often to, backflush.
CLEANING
The filter isn’t the only thing that needs cleaned–be sure to keep all removable and usable parts clean. We recommend mild soap and warm water if possible, and reading the manufacturer’s instructions for any special cleaning tips.
STORAGE
Store your filter/purifier somewhere dry when not in use. This will help prevent mold or bacterial growth from happening when the product is not in use. Again, the manufacturer’s instructions should have storage guidelines too you should follow.
PRE-FILTERING
Pre-filtering involves manually filtering water before it even goes through the filtration system. This is a common practice in places with particularly mucky water in order to not clog the filter, and typically involves running the water through a cloth on its way into the bag or device. Not only does this help ensure cleaner water, it prevents clogging up the filter and keeps the device functioning for longer.
WINTER CARE
If you plan to use your filter/purifier in freezing conditions, you’ll need to protect it from the elements. If ice forms in the device, it’s more likely to cause damage and not function properly. The Platypus QuickDraw, for example, has end caps on both sides so you can sleep with it in your sleeping bag to keep it warm without worrying about leakage. The manufacturer’s instructions may also include winter care instructions.
INSPECTIONS
Keep an eye on your filter/purifier and make a habit of inspecting it for damage, especially before trips. In particular, you’ll want to look for cracks, leaks, or pieces that don’t fit how they should. If damage is discovered, we recommend checking the warranty and calling the manufacturer for support.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Sometimes, general upkeep and maintenance of the filter/purifier involves replacing parts. You may at some point need new filter cartridges, seals, or other pieces. You’ll want to keep track of filter usage so you’ll know when it’s time to replace the cartridge.
FAQ
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO REPLACE THE FILTER CARTRIDGE OR PURIFIER ELEMENT?
How often a filter cartridge or purifier element needs replaced depends on the product, and can be referenced in the manufacturer’s instructions. Most of the filters/purifiers we tested last anywhere from 150-10,000+ liters. That’s a large range, so definitely check the specs of your product.
CAN I DRINK WATER DIRECTLY FROM A WATER SOURCE WITH A FILTER OR PURIFIER, OR DO I NEED TO COLLECT IT FIRST?
The answer to this mostly depends on the filter/purification system you’re using. A LifeStraw, for example, can be used directly in a source. On the other hand, many filters/purifiers need time to fully filter or purify the water, in which case you would want to collect the water. Tablets especially need a container in which to purify the correct amount of water the tablet is able to purify.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY WATER FILTER OR PURIFIER IS WORKING PROPERLY?
The only surefire way to know if the filter/purifier is working is to test a sample of the water. This is not always a convenient or possible thing to do, especially if you’re in the backcountry. Some systems, like the Platypus QuickDraw, have an integrity test feature you can use to ensure the filter is working.
CAN I USE A WATER FILTER OR PURIFIER FOR OTHER ACTIVITIES BESIDES BACKPACKING, SUCH AS CAMPING OR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS?
Absolutely! You can use a water filter or purifier any time. In fact, it’s always a good idea to at least carry purification tablets or drops in case of emergency.
ARE THERE ANY HEALTH RISKS OR CONSIDERATION WHEN USING WATER FILTERS AND PURIFIERS?
As great as these filters and purifiers are, none of them come with a 100% guarantee for avoiding every contaminant. There is always the risk that the water you drink is unclean, regardless of the system used to clean it. Furthermore, purification tablets and drops are chemicals that, when used incorrectly or in excess, can cause irritation, illness, and abdominal pain. Any product has its own risks, so it’s always a great idea to read the manufacturer’s instructions and prepare for emergency scenarios.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY WATER FILTER OR PURIFIER BECOMES CLOGGED OR STOPS WORKING DURING A BACKPACKING TRIP?
If you encounter irreparable issues with your water filter/purifier in the backcountry, the best thing to do is keep calm and come prepared with purification tablets or droplets, like the Aquamira Water Treatment Drops or the Katadyn Micropur M1 tablets. These are lightweight and great for emergency situations. If you’re able, boil water–that will kill most bacteria and protozoa (pre-filter through a cloth if the water is particularly cloudy). Do what you can until you can reach access to help and clean water.
HOW WE RESEARCHED
To show off the best backpacking water filters for your backpacking adventures, we dove into reviews from a wide range of websites. Where these professional reviews overlapped, we checked out Amazon, REI, and Backcountry customer reviews of those filters, and compared those reviews with our own experiences with them, where we could. While our personal experiences are mostly backpacking experiences, we’re confident that these filters will suit your needs, whether you’re backpacking, day hiking, trail running, fishing, or taking in the sights in another country.
WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
I personally have hiked over 3500 miles, including thru-hikes of the Pacific Crest Trail and Colorado Trail and a LASH (long-*ahem* section hike) of the Grand Enchantment Trail. Between those hikes and a stint as a Traveling Trainer for the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, I've slept outside for nearly a year of my life.
Whether it's living on the road or living out of a backpack, traveling and just being in the outdoors is second nature to me. I’m an American Hiking Society Next Generation Trail Leader and a Vice-President of the board at the American Long Distance Hiking Association-West, which awards the Triple Crown of Hiking. I run the popular blog Brown Girl on the National Scenic Trail, a space for intersectional writing to encourage folks of all colors and all walks of life to experience our wild spaces and preserve them for the future. You can see all my Treeline Review articles on my author page.
