How to Choose a Water Filter for Your Backpacking Trip

Are you looking for a way to get clean-tasting drinking water when you're hiking or camping?

If so, it helps to choose a water filter that is practical, efficient, and easy to use.

A gravity-fed Berkey can keep a group hydrated when you have access to campground taps, trailhead fountains, or municipally treated water stored in advance.

How to Choose a Water Filter for Your Backpacking Trip

Perhaps you're going to be backpacking for the first time. Maybe you want better-tasting water than bottled water or campground taps.

First, consider the size of the group. Each product page notes how many people the system is suited for.

Next, consider storage capacity. The Big Berkey holds 2.25 gallons and is a good fit for one to four people.

Pay attention to what comes with the system. A Big Berkey typically includes:

• Upper and lower stainless steel chambers
• 1 Stainless steel lid
• 1 Spigot
• 2 Wingnuts
• 2 Washers
• 1 Priming button
• 2 filter elements
• 2 Blocking plugs

Also consider your water source. Berkey systems are intended for municipally treated tap water, campground taps, and water stored in advance. They are not intended for untreated ponds, lakes, or streams.

For untreated backcountry water, use a method made for that purpose and follow current outdoor-safety guidance.

Lastly, choose a filter that works without electricity or household water pressure. That is useful at camp even if you have an RV or tent.

Why Should You Choose Berkey?

Tap water and campground water can contain chlorine and other chemical contaminants. A gravity filter is a simple way to improve taste and reduce those contaminants.

Berkey elements are used to reduce a wide range of common tap-water contaminants while helping retain beneficial minerals.

The system is gravity-fed, so you and your group can filter several gallons without pumping or power.

Berkey systems also come in several sizes. The Travel Berkey is the most packable gravity option. Official replacements are the Phoenix filters.

Benefits of Quality Water Filters for Backpacking

• Reduces heavy metals, chemicals, PFAS, and other common tap-water contaminants
• Helps retain minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium
• No electricity or household water pressure required
• Portable options for camp, RV, and travel
• Long-lasting filters, often rated up to 6,000 gallons depending on use
• Multiple sizes for solo travelers or groups

Keeps the Good Stuff In

Berkey filters are designed to reduce many unwanted contaminants while helping keep beneficial minerals in the water.

Minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc are part of what makes water useful for daily hydration.

Better-tasting water also makes it easier to drink enough on a trip.

Travel-Friendly Solution

Whether you are in an RV or carrying a pack to a base camp, a gravity filter is a travel-friendly option when tap water is available.

The Travel Berkey holds 1.5 gallons, serves up to 3 people, and weighs about 7 pounds empty.

Each Travel Berkey typically comes with 2 filter elements.

High Return on Your Investment

Stainless steel holds up well over years of use. The elements last a long time compared with cheap pitcher filters.

We also offer travel bundles if you want a complete setup.

Invest in a Berkey Water Filter for Your Trip

Look at our Berkey Water Filters and choose the size that fits your group.

For questions, call 1-800-392-3321 and we will help you pick a model.