Gear / Water filters
On many European hut treks you can refill at huts and taps. In the Balkans, Scandinavia, Central Asia and US backcountry, you'll drink from streams and lakes. A small squeeze filter weighs less than a chocolate bar and removes bacteria and protozoa.
Budget, mid-range and premium picks, including cheaper options from Decathlon. Prices are US list prices and weights are manufacturer figures, checked September 2026. Retail prices change often. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How this works.
| Product | Price (USD) | Weight | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sawyer SqueezeBarnaby's pick | $45 | 85 g · 3.0 oz | Squeeze / inline | Thru-hikers |
| Katadyn BeFree 1LLightest | $50 | 63 g · 2.2 oz | Squeeze bottle | Lightest and fastest |
| Platypus QuickDraw | $80 | 82 g · 2.9 oz | Squeeze / inline | Fast flow |
| LifeStraw Peak Squeeze 650 mlBest budget | $33 | 102 g · 3.6 oz | Squeeze bottle | Budget and day hikes |
Sawyer
The long-distance hiker's standard: a tough hollow-fibre filter that screws onto standard bottles.
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Katadyn
A collapsible bottle with a fast-flowing filter. The lightest option here at about 63 g.
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Platypus
A fast-flowing filter, about 3 litres a minute, with easy backflushing on the trail.
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LifeStraw
A durable squeeze bottle and filter for solo hikers and day trips at a low price.
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