Picture this: You’re out hiking in the backcountry or camping in a remote area, and suddenly, the only water source around is a murky stream. You know you’ll need a reliable, portable water filter that can not only handle bacteria and dirt but also remove viruses—something most regular filters don’t touch. I’ve been there, and I know the importance of having the right filter that keeps you safe when clean water is scarce.
Here’s a breakdown of the best portable water filters that remove viruses—and everything else that could be hiding in natural water sources.
What to Look for in a Portable Water Filter
Before diving into the top options, here’s what makes a portable water filter effective at removing viruses:
- Virus Filtration: Viruses are much smaller than bacteria, so you need a filter with a pore size smaller than 0.1 microns, or a purifier that uses chemical treatments or UV light.
- Bacteria & Protozoa Removal: Beyond viruses, the filter should also remove common waterborne bacteria (like E. coli) and protozoa (like Giardia).
- Filter Speed: How quickly can the filter purify the water?
- Portability: You want something light and easy to carry, especially for backpacking or hiking.
- Ease of Use: The filter should be simple to use—whether it’s a pump, gravity filter, or straw system.
Best Portable Water Filters That Remove Viruses
1. MSR Guardian Purifier – Best Overall
When it comes to virus removal, the MSR Guardian Purifier stands out as the gold standard for portable water filters. Originally designed for military use, this filter can remove viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and even particulate matter like silt and debris from dirty water sources. The pore size is 0.02 microns, which is small enough to trap viruses, making it one of the few portable filters that truly offer full protection.
Key Features:
- Removes: Viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and particulate matter.
- Filter Lifespan: 10,000 liters (yes, that’s huge!).
- Filtration Speed: 2.5 liters per minute.
- Weight: 17.3 ounces.
- Price: $$$$ (premium price, but unmatched performance).
Why It’s Great:
- Military-grade filtration ensures maximum protection, even in the dirtiest water sources.
- The self-cleaning mechanism means it cleans itself with every pump, so no backflushing or maintenance is needed in the field.
- Fast filtration speed, especially for a purifier that handles viruses.
Downside:
- Expensive, but worth it for serious adventurers or international travelers.
- Heavier than some other portable filters, but the virus protection and lifespan are unbeatable.
2. Grayl Geopress Water Purifier – Best for Simplicity
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to use and incredibly effective, the Grayl Geopress Water Purifier is a fantastic choice. With just a 15-second press, it removes 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. No need for pumps or complex systems—just fill, press, and drink. It’s perfect for solo adventurers or travelers.
Key Features:
- Removes: Viruses, bacteria, protozoa, chemicals, and heavy metals.
- Filter Lifespan: 350 uses (around 250 liters).
- Filtration Speed: 0.7 liters in 15 seconds.
- Weight: 15.9 ounces.
- Price: $$$ (mid-to-high range).
Why It’s Great:
- One of the easiest systems to use—just fill the water chamber, press the filter, and drink.
- Compact and portable, making it ideal for travel, backpacking, or camping.
- It also removes chemicals and heavy metals, improving taste and safety.
Downside:
- The filter needs to be replaced more frequently than other options.
- Doesn’t filter large volumes at once—better for individual use.
3. Katadyn Vario – Best for Versatility
The Katadyn Vario is a popular choice for campers and adventurers because it combines the speed of a pump filter with the protection of a virus purifier. It uses a ceramic prefilter and an activated carbon core to remove viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and chemicals. Its adaptability makes it great for different types of water sources—from crystal-clear streams to muddy lakes.
Key Features:
- Removes: Viruses (with additional purifier attachment), bacteria, protozoa, chemicals.
- Filter Lifespan: 2,000 liters.
- Filtration Speed: 1-2 liters per minute.
- Weight: 15 ounces.
- Price: $$ (affordable for its versatility).
Why It’s Great:
- Can be customized to prioritize speed or increased filtration depending on the water quality.
- The carbon filter improves taste and removes chemicals, making it great for unknown water sources.
- Can be used for small groups due to its fast filtration rate.
Downside:
- Doesn’t remove viruses on its own—you need to buy an additional virus filter for full protection.
- Slightly bulkier than ultra-compact filters.
4. LifeSaver Liberty Bottle – Best Compact Option
The LifeSaver Liberty Bottle is a compact, all-in-one water filter and purifier that excels in portability and ease of use. It removes 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, and protozoa while doubling as a water bottle. This is perfect for travelers or hikers who want a simple, grab-and-go filter for smaller water needs.
Key Features:
- Removes: Viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and particulate matter.
- Filter Lifespan: 2,000 liters.
- Filtration Speed: 1.2 liters per minute.
- Weight: 14.1 ounces.
- Price: $$$ (mid-range).
Why It’s Great:
- Super easy to use—just fill the bottle, pump a few times, and drink directly.
- The built-in bottle design makes it perfect for hiking or solo camping trips.
- Great virus protection in a small, lightweight package.
Downside:
- Smaller capacity than gravity or pump filters—best for solo use or short trips.
- Not as fast as some of the other pump options.
5. SteriPEN Ultra – Best UV Purifier
For those who prefer something ultra-lightweight and tech-savvy, the SteriPEN Ultra uses UV light to destroy viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. This system is perfect for international travelers or hikers in areas where viruses might be present in the water. The SteriPEN is small enough to fit in your pocket and purifies 1 liter of water in just 90 seconds.
Key Features:
- Removes: Viruses, bacteria, protozoa (using UV light).
- Filter Lifespan: 8,000 liters.
- Filtration Speed: 90 seconds per liter.
- Weight: 5 ounces.
- Price: $$ (affordable).
Why It’s Great:
- Extremely lightweight and compact—perfect for minimalist hikers or international travelers.
- No filters to replace, and the battery lasts for multiple trips.
- Fast purification time with no pumping required.
Downside:
- Requires batteries or charging, so it’s not ideal for long trips without power access.
- Doesn’t remove particulate matter, so you’ll need relatively clear water for it to work best.
Comparison Table: Best Portable Water Filters That Remove Viruses
| Filter | Removes Viruses? | Filtration Speed | Lifespan | Weight | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSR Guardian Purifier | Yes | 2.5 L/min | 10,000 liters | 17.3 oz | $$$$ | Long-term, heavy-duty filtration |
| Grayl Geopress | Yes | 15 seconds/0.7 L | 250 liters | 15.9 oz | $$$ | Simplicity, solo travelers |
| Katadyn Vario | Yes (w/ add-on) | 1-2 L/min | 2,000 liters | 15 oz | $$ | Versatility, small groups |
| LifeSaver Liberty Bottle | Yes | 1.2 L/min | 2,000 liters | 14.1 oz | $$$ | Compact, hiking, solo trips |
| SteriPEN Ultra | Yes (UV light) | 90 sec/L | 8,000 liters | 5 oz | $$ | Minimalist travelers |
Final Thoughts: Which Filter Should You Choose?
- For the best overall virus protection, especially if you’re venturing into areas with extremely questionable water quality, the MSR Guardian Purifier is the top choice. It’s rugged, reliable, and filters massive quantities of water over its lifespan.
- If you want ease of use and don’t mind a slightly lower capacity, the Grayl Geopress offers fantastic virus protection in a simple, press-and-go format.
- For ultralight hikers or travelers, the SteriPEN Ultra is a brilliant option that won’t weigh you down but still offers excellent virus filtration.
No matter which option you choose, you can feel confident that you’ll be protected from viruses, bacteria, and other nasty contaminants—whether you’re deep in the wilderness or halfway across the globe.