A good backpacking water filter will help ensure that you have a safe wilderness excursion and protect you from parasites, bacteria and possibly even virusesA wilderness expert would tell you never to drink untreated water no matter where it's coming fromMany times beautiful mountain water or clear streams are contaminated with dead animals or other pollutants and can cause you to become very illThere are two different options for treating your water..a water filter, or iodine.

Most typical backpacking water filters will treat about a quart of water per minuteIn the beginning they are very effective, however the more they are used, the more sediment will clog the filtersIt is important to bring back-up filters with you to ensure that they are continually working at their bestIt is also a good thing to look for a water filter that contains a pre-filterThis pre-filter is used to remove larger floating particles and will extend the life of your filterBe sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to make sure you are using the filter properly and that it is working efficiently.

If you don't want to carry along filters, another option for treating the water is iodine tablets or crystalsThe advantage of these is that they take up practically no room in your backpack and they are extremely light weightThough they are convenient and easy to use, many wilderness experts question how well they work to eliminate the dangers of parasitesAgain be sure to follow the treatment instructions on the bottle if you choose to use the iodine.

Some of the top rated backpack water filters that you may want to explore are:

• Crystal Quest MfgWater Filters
• MSR Miniworks
• Exstream MacKenzie
• Katadyn Guide
• Katadyn Hiker
• McNett Aqua Mira

Backpacking water filers are essential for any wilderness excursion where bringing bottled water is not an optionRead reviews and watch for durability, price, filter replacement and effectivenessThe bottom line is to make sure you are protected and that your backpack is not too much heavierShop and compare online and find the best filter that will fit your needs.