Last Updated on August 18, 2022 by TODD FRANZEN
Do you want to find the best personal water filter for your needs? Whether you’re looking for a filter to take with you on camping trips or you need one for your home, it’s important to do your research and find the right one.
There are many filters on the market. There is no doubt that making a decision is difficult. In this blog post, we’ll help you understand the different types of filters, some of the factors you should consider, and what to look for when making your purchase.
Let’s get started!
The first thing you need to decide is what type of water filter you need. There are three main types:
- Gravity filters
- Pump filters
- Straw filters
Each type of filter has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, a gravity filter is great for large groups because it can filter a lot of water at once. However, they can be bulky and difficult to transport.
Pump filters are lightweight and easy to carry but some require batteries or manual pumping. The electric filters can be problematic due to obvious reasons.
Straw filters are the lightest and most portable option, but they can only filter a small amount of water at a time. These also tend to last a good amount of time because of their usage patterns.
Let’s go a little more in-depth
Now that you know about the different types of filters, let’s talk about some of the factors you should consider when making your purchase.
As you go deeper, you will see terms like hollow tube, carbon, and ceramic. These terms are used to help describe how the construction and the components of the filters are produced.
Hollow tube filters are made of a hollow fiber membrane. This type of filter is effective against bacteria and protozoa.
A carbon filter or activated carbon is a type of charcoal. Mass-produced mostly from coconut husks. This type of filter is effective against things like pharmaceutical drugs, volatile organic compounds, and inorganic minerals to name a few.
Carbon filters remove chemicals, chlorine, and other contaminants from water. They are usually made of activated carbon, which is a form of carbon that has been treated to have small pores.
Ceramic filters are made of porous ceramic that is effective against bacteria and protozoa. These filters can last for a long time if they are properly cared for.
Now that you know about the different types of filters and some of the factors to consider, it’s time to talk about what to look for when making your purchase.
#1 Size
The first factor is the size of the filter. Gravity filters are typically larger and can filter more water, while pump filters and straw filters are smaller and more portable.
This is important as the size of the filter will determine what other types of equipment you may want to carry in your backpack, bugout bag, or camping equipment.
Gravity is a great way of water filtering. This “set it, and forget it” approach is great when you start setting up camp. The flow rate is good, and you can filter a large volume of water with little effort. But, these filters tend to be bulky.
So, if you’re carrying your gear in a backpack or on your person, it might not be the best option.
#2 Type of Filtration
The second factor is what contaminants you need to remove from your water. Some filters are designed to remove specific contaminants, while others are more general purpose.
Chances are that if you are looking for a personal water filter, you will be using it for outdoor activities. most of your water sources will most likely be in a natural stream, spring, or even a river. You probably won’t be dealing with a lot of contaminants like nitrates, pesticides, or many heavy metals.
Concern probably comes from things like bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and any other microbiological pollutants.
These all-in-one systems are great for removing contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, PFOAs, lead, arsenic, chromium, chlorine, benzene, chloroform, and sediment, silt microplastics, and so much more.
An all-in-one filter removes the important stuff when you are on your excursion.
#3 Flow Rate
The third factor to consider is the flow rate. This is how fast the water filter can produce clean water. If you’re using the filter for large groups, you’ll want more flow.
But if you’re only filtering water for one or two people, a lower flow rate will suffice.
I realize that this might be a bit of a foreign concept to some. The reason why this is important boils down to effort. We’ll use a filter straw for example.
If you are expending a lot of effort to suck water through a straw, and only get a small amount, this could be a difficult mental challenge to overcome if you are in a survival scenario.
#4 Volume
A gravity filter is also good to have when you need bulk water, freeing up your hands to do other things. The technology has come a long way, with some being able to filter up to 1.75 liters of water per minute. Giving you time to relax!
I have a 1L squeeze bag I use for my cycling adventures. It is able to filter 1 liter of water in 1 minute. This is really important when you are in the middle of nowhere, or on a long trip and need to ration your water.
Pump filters also have a high flow rate but require batteries or manual pumping. This can be tiring if you’re filtering large amounts of water. And finally, straw filters have the lowest flow rate but are the most portable.
So, if you need to filter large amounts of water quickly, a gravity or pump filter is your best bet. If you’re looking for something small and light that you can take with you anywhere, go for a straw filter or squeeze bag.
#5 Durability
The best personal water filter for you is one that you can use even when you can’t foresee a situation where fresh water could the difference between life and death.
This means that you should get a water filter that is easy to use, reliable, and durable. Most filtration on the market is manufactured to meet and exceed specific guidelines. Most are incredibly durable and can take the punishment of use for years.
There are many different types of water filters on the market, so it is important to do your research before making a purchase. Make sure to read reviews from other customers to get an idea of which water filters are the best on the market.
Once you have found a few water filters that you think would be a good fit for you, it is important to compare prices. Personal water filters can range in price from around $20 to over $200, so it is important to find one that fits your budget.
I have found that $50-$100 is a great range for a very good filter. Even though some cheaper filters filter very well, there are some design flaws that can be frustrating to the user.
#6 Capacity
I think it’s important to say this right off the bat, water filters do have a finite lifespan! This is how long the filter can be used before it needs to be replaced. Some filters need to be replaced as often as every few months, while others can last for years.
My Katadyn BeFree personal filter can last to around 264 gallons. where the Sawyer MINI can go 100,000 gallons. Both need to be taken care of responsibly to get the longest life from them.
The capacity of the filter is also an important factor when considering how easy it will be to use. If you are planning on using your water filter in an emergency situation, you will want to make sure that it is easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.
#7 Micron Rating
My computer dictionary of Micron states ” a unit of length equal to one-millionth of a meter; a micrometer.” I find it fascinating that we can even measure that small. The tools that we have created can measure that small.
When you’re talking about micron ratings, what you’re really talking about is the size of the holes in the filter. The smaller the holes, the less stuff gets through. The micron rating is a way of measuring the size of those holes.
Micron ratings are important because they tell you how effective a filter is going to be at catching certain things. For example, if you’re looking for a filter that’s going to catch bacteria, you’re going to want something with a very low micron rating. Conversely, if you’re just trying to get rid of sediment, a higher micron rating will do the job just fine.
It’s important to note that micron ratings are not an exact science. Just because a filter has a certain micron rating doesn’t mean that it will be 100% effective at catching everything that size or larger.
Nonetheless, micron ratings are still a good way to compare different filters and get an idea of how they’ll perform.
#8 Warranty
Finally, you will want to consider the warranty that is offered with the water filter. This is important because you want to make sure that you are initially covered in case something goes wrong with the filter.
Most personal water filters come with a one-year warranty, but it is always a good idea to check with the manufacturer to be sure.
What are the different types of water filters available on the market today?
There are many different types of water filters available on the market today. The most common type is the squeeze bag with a hollow fiber filter.
These filters are designed to remove particles from water, including bacteria and viruses. They are typically used in emergency situations when clean water is not readily available.
Another type of water filter is the electric filter. These filters use electricity to pump water through a filter to remove impurities. They are normally often used in industrial applications where larger amounts of water need to be filtered.
Until recently, small electric filters have been making their way to market and are becoming a great alternative.
Finally, there are gravity filters. These filters use gravity to force water through a porous material, such as activated carbon or hollow fiber technology.
Gravity filters are often used in backpacking and camping situations where clean water is not readily available. Gravity filters are a great option because they do not require any electricity or batteries to operate.
How do you decide which type of water filter is right for you and your family’s needs?
One of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing a water filter is safety. Make sure that you choose a filter that is certified by an independent testing agency like NSF International or the Water Quality Association.
These organizations test filters to make sure that they meet strict safety standards.
Another important factor to consider is the volume of water you need to filter. If you only need to filter a small amount of water, then a squeeze bag style filter might be all you need.
But if you have a larger family or want to filter a lot of water at once, then you might need something like a gravity filter system.
Finally, you also want to make sure that the water filter you choose is easy to use and effective at removing contaminants.
How much does a quality water filter system cost, and is it worth the investment?
In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to have a high-quality water filter. With all the data out there about the effectiveness of water purifiers, it’s hard to know which one to choose.
The good news is that there are a lot of options available, and the average cost of a quality personal water filter system ranges from $50 to $100.
That might seem like a lot of money, but when you consider the cost of bottled water and the treatment required to make tap water safe to drink, it’s actually quite reasonable.
Not to mention, a personal water filter system can provide you with an unlimited supply of clean, safe drinking water – making it well worth the investment.
Fortunately, replacement filters are pretty inexpensive. Take the Grayl GeoPress line of filters. The initial cost is about $100. And the replacement filters are around $25 bucks.
Where can you find affordable water filters that meet your needs and budget requirements?
There are a few different places you can find affordable water filters that meet your needs and budget requirements. sporting goods stores typically have a wide selection of water filters to choose from, and they often offer discounts if you purchase multiple items.
The internet is also a great resource for finding affordable water filters. Sites like Amazon and eBay usually have a wide selection of products to choose from, and you can often find good deals on shipping costs.
Finally, if you’re looking for a more convenient option, Walmart typically has a wide selection of water filters available for purchase online or in-store.
I talk about a lot of different personal water filters. Click Here for a more in-depth post I wrote about personal water filters.
What’s the difference between a filter and a purifier?
So a water filter and a purifier do two totally different things. But work incredibly well together. Filters a great at removing lots of contaminants. Purifying using UV Light or boiling will guarantee that the water will be safe to drink by killing harmful microorganisms.
For example, the Grayl GeoPress water filter will remove 99.9999% of all viruses, including Hepatitis A, SARS, Rotavirus, and Polio. Pretty incredible huh? Their purifying system is unique and the water tastes great every time.
Now if you were looking for a purifier that will kill microorganisms, the SteriPen Adventurer Opti UV Water Purifier would be a great option.
The Steripen purifies water using Ultraviolet (UV) light which destroys 99.9999% of things like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
It’s worth noting that municipalities use chlorine as their preferred method of purifying water that comes out of your tap. And if you live on a private well, the water is typically pretty clean, but not always…
So as you can see, filters and purifiers do two different things but work together to make sure your water is safe to drink.
Activated Carbon
When you add Activated Carbon to a filter helps remove contaminates like chlorine, VOCs, PFAS, and FPOAs. Take LifeStraw for example. It has a small activated carbon filter that water goes through after it made its way through the hollow fiber element.
Thereby removing even more contaminates and improving the taste.
Even filters like the LifeStraw were designed to be used in extremely dirty water, the good rule of thumb is the cleaner the water you filter, the longer your filter will last and the more gallons it will filter.
Is Weight Important?
The weight of a portable water filter is undoubtedly important. But, more often than not, it comes down to personal preference.
Some people don’t mind carrying a little extra weight if it means they have access to clean water no matter where they are.
Others prefer lighter-weight options that might not filter as much water but are easier to carry with them on long hikes or backpacking trips.
Hiking or cycling in the mountains might lead you to water sources that appear to be perfectly clear. But there is a higher risk of disease by microorganisms.
Contaminants Are Everywhere!
All the little critters use the land as their bathroom and as the rain comes and goes, all the contaminates make their way into the nearest water source.
Picking a water filter that best fits your lifestyle is most important. If you never leave the city, you might not need a water filter that can handle contaminated water as well as someone who frequently goes on backpacking trips in the woods.
To Wrap It Up
Removing contaminants is the name of the game!
As you learn and understand what might be in your source water, having a good water filter will be an invaluable tool in your bag.
When it comes to choosing the best personal water filter, there are a lot of factors to consider. But with so many products on the market, it’s easy to find one that fits your needs and budget.
Walmart and Amazon are great places to start your search, as they have a wide selection of filters available for purchase online or in-store. And if you’re looking for a more convenient option, the Grayl GeoPress water filter removes 99.9999% of all viruses and is perfect for travel or everyday use.
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