The drinking water available today in nature needs to be filtered so that humans can safely consume it without worrying about getting ill. Imagine being able to get clean drinking water anytime and anywhere, whether at home, on a hiking trip, or at the lake, without having to carry around bottles of water with you. Sounds too good to be true? Buying the best gravity water filter makes it possible. These are water tanks which include a filter system. They are suitable for both mobile use on the go and at home.
We tried to identify the best products on the market by testing and comparing top-rated products against criteria such as the type, chamber material, flow rate, capacity, filter material, filter life, size, among others. Following the conclusion of our research, we have compiled gravity water filter reviews that feature 14 products. Without further ado, check them out in our gravity water filter comparison table, then, their in-depth reviews, and finally, a buying guide to help you through the purchasing process.
Some inventions are good, while others are simply great. The latter is the case with this portable filter that was named by Times Magazine as the best invention of 2005 and “one of the 10 things that will change the way we live,” according to Forbes Magazine.
Our best gravity-fed water filter, the LifeStraw 1.0 is manufactured by Vesterdaard Fransen, a Swiss company specialized in developing products for disease control in underdeveloped countries.
Its operation is quite simple: first, you need to uncover the filter cap (as if it were a bottle). Then you will introduce the opposite side of the filter into the water you want to make drinkable and then absorb. The filter system that LifeStraw has, make the water go first through a textile filter (like a strainer), which traps the heaviest contaminants that the water can carry. Then a polyester filter traps all particles larger than 15 microns. Then, the third filter (perhaps the most important), is a system of small iodine beads.
What we liked: The hiking gravity water filter has an activated carbon chamber that improves the taste and smell of the water (making it tasteless) while eliminating parasites and bacteria. It’s made for rural areas with no access to clean water.
What could be better: The LifeStraw Family 1.0 cannot eliminate heavy metals and chemicals.
With its 0.1 micron filter, the Sawyer gravity water filter eliminates 99.99% of bacteria and 99.99% of protozoa. This is normally sufficient in 99% of cases in the mountains if you choose your water source well. Always use running water when possible. If you need to eliminate viruses or if the water is really dirty it will be necessary to boil the water or use in addition a chemical treatment such as micropore tablets.
You have the possibility of using it in different ways. First, by filling the pocket provided, attach the filter to it, then drink from it like a gourd. You can also fill the bag provided, fix the filter on it, and then pour the water into a water bottle or your water bag by gravity.
Also, you can attach the filter directly to your hiking water bag or a water bottle. Indeed, the filter fits on some bottles. You can also use it to drink directly from a river or any other source of water, with the straw provided.
Very low temperatures can damage the filter. If there is a risk of freezing, consider putting it in an airtight pocket at the bottom of your sleeping bag at night.
What we liked: Compact and lightweight, it takes a few minutes to fill a 1.5L bottle, a flow that is more than enough for a group of 2-3 people.
What could be better: Does not remove chemical pollutants and viruses.
Regardless of whether you are going on a trekking tour to Switzerland or Austria, regularly camp with the extended family away from campsites or you are drawn to Asia or Africa on your own – such a trip without an outdoor water filter for drinking water is inconceivable. And you don’t have to spend a lot of money to purify your water, as this Waterdrop model proves.
The Waterdrop filter is a purifier that is perfect for travel, backpacking, and emergency hiking travels. It is designed in a bag and has a plastic chamber. The filter has a flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute and a capacity of 1.5 + 0.15 gallons.
The filtration system includes high-quality carbon fiber activated by coconut shells. It can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water during its lifetime. It’s for hiking, camping, boating, hunting, fishing, and emergency uses.
What we liked: It removes odor, chlorine taste, protozoa, and bacteria. Weighing just 1.09 lbs, it is as light as a feather and will contribute nothing to your backpack weight.
What could be better: The filter doesn’t come with the white water bag.
The Katadyn BeFree is a gourd equipped with a mouthpiece with a filter that allows the water to be treated directly, as the water passes. The BeFree is also available in 0.6L, 1L, and 3L versions.
The water to be filtered must be clear or slightly cloudy but must be low in solid particles otherwise the filter will clog very quickly. Filtration eliminates bacteria and protozoan germs, BUT NOT viruses. It only processes particles > 0.1 microns. The filter will not affect taste, chemicals, or salt.
The water flow without suction on the nozzle or pressure on the bottle is quite limited. So to fill a bowl, you will have to squeeze the gourd to force the flow a little. And to drink, in addition to the pressure on the gourd, we can suck on the mouthpiece.
To fill the gourd, you have to unscrew the mouthpiece. And be careful not to drop the mouthpiece into the polluted water otherwise the part you put in your mouth could be contaminated.
Once unscrewed, the cap reveals a neck of 35 mm in diameter. Moderately large, this still allows quick and easy filling, whether in stagnant water (pond, lake) or a river.
What we liked: The included handle makes carrying and fixing the filled gourd easy. There is no addition of chemicals and no change in taste. You get an instant filtration. There is no need to wait to drink the water.
What could be better: The plastic cap is of questionable strength. It’s not suitable for frosty weather conditions and will not treat viruses.
This is a super light travel water filter (40g) that fits in any trouser pocket. This makes it ideal for an emergency backpack or any outdoor, camping, or trekking activity. It can be used as a bottle top filter, a straw filter, or a gravity filter.
With the extremely compact Miniwell L630 outdoor water filter, its operation is very simple and it can be used in different ways. You can drink the water straight through the filter as if through a straw. You can screw the filter onto a standard PET bottle (28mm thread) to drink from.
With an adapter included in the package, you can also use the filter as a gravity filter with the help of a bucket or plastic bag. So, you can easily filter several liters for your (emergency) supply.
This inexpensive water filter has a pore size of 0.1 microns. It can thus filter all types of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms (99.9%) from questionable water such as lakes, streams, or rivers more finely than most other water filters.
What we liked: The Miniwell L630 is designed for a capacity of 2000 liters and can be back washed after each use, which increases the service life even more. In addition to crisis prevention, you can also use this water filter when you are out and about, for example for longer hikes, trips, or trekking.
What could be better: It cannot filter heavy sediments of water and it takes more than an hour to filter around 3 gallons of water.
The SimPure Gravity Water Filter is a lightweight and very affordable hand pump filter for hiking. One of its advantages is that you can pump water from rivers and shallow currents for use. This can be extremely useful in some landscapes.
As with most filters, the flow rate of the SimPure filter depends on how much unclean water is being filtered. However, the built-in filter helps. Frequent cleaning of the filter should of course be taken into account.
The gravity-fed filter makes use of a three-stage filtration. At stage 1, the water goes through hollow fibers, filtering out up to 0.1 microns of contaminants, 99.9% of bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics. At stage 2, the water has to make its way through special activated charcoal. Here, smaller microns, chlorine, VOCs, chemicals are filtered out, odor removed, and taste improved. Then the water gets to the third stage where PP cotton filters out 0.2 microns, intercepting remaining particles and offering terminal protection.
What we liked: What we like about the gravity-fed filter, however, is its weight and functionality for longer tours. It has a filtration life of 1320 gallons. That’s up to 3.5 years.
What could be better: The manufacturer doesn’t give the dimensions.
In comparison to other water filter systems in the review, the Santevia Gravity Water System has the interesting addition of a fluoride filter. The product’s water troughs are made of high-quality plastic that is free from BPA, BPS, plasticizers, and PET. The material is odorless and tasteless and is approved for food.
The upper water tank has a capacity of 1.3 gallons, while the lower water tank can store twice (2.64 gallons) of purified water. This water filter is also ideal for on the go and enables you to generate clean drinking water at any time, as it can be used without a water connection. The package includes a ceramic filter, a filter cartridge, a mineral ring, coconut carbon, a fluoride trap, and a water tap. Heavy metals, copper, germs, and bacteria are filtered out by the filter system. The content of chlorine and lime is also reduced.
What we liked: The water goes through a 6-stage filtration stage, there’s no change for impurity retention in the final water. It filters out 98% fluoride and 99% chlorine.
What could be better: The filter cartridge must be replaced every 6 months.
The Nikken 1 Waterfall is an advanced technology water filtration system that provides natural minerals, regulates the pH of the water, and ionizes it to protect cells against oxidation.
The Waterfall offers a high Oxidational-reductional Potential (ORP) as it ionizes the water. Ionized water helps to compensate for the oxidizing effect of many elements in the environment and an unhealthy diet, that is, it can contribute to slowing down the cellular degradation process.
The Waterfall offers the best of Nikken technology to enjoy rich, nutritious living water in a unique design. It goes through a 6-stage filtration system. At Stage 1, it pre-filters and removes sediment, oxides, and residues down to 0.5 microns. At Stage 2, activated charcoal removes odors and colors, chlorine, organic compounds, detergents, and chemicals. Activated carbon with silver, eliminates bacteria and prevents their development. At this stage also, heavy metals are removed; sodium and potassium ions are added to improve the alkalinity of the water. Also, magnesium impregnated charcoal helps reduce water oxidation and improve alkalinity.
At Stage 3, silica sand and minerals provide the balance in the pH of the water. At Stage 4, it goes through KDF material that reduces oxidation, eliminating chlorine, heavy metals, viruses, and bacteria. At Stage 5, silver stones prevent the growth of bacteria in the water, and mineral stones release oxygen and minerals by adjusting the pH. Then, at the final stage, a magnetic water tap energizes the water.
What we liked: Nikken 1 Waterfall is a friendly product with the environment. It is made from recyclable and biodegradable materials, which do not filter pollutants or chemicals into the water.
What could be better: If you’re looking for an indoor filter system, then the product is perfect for you, except for the high price.
The MSR Trail Base is a revolutionary kit for hydration in any activity in nature. It combines filtration and storage with a filter that features the latest generation in hollow fiber technology. The kit includes a pump for dirty water and one for clean water – both with 4-liter capacities.
The kit is capable of purifying water quickly, with a purification rate of 1.75 liters per minute without using any pump. The 4-liter tank allows you to filter large amounts of water in one go. Cleaning can be done quickly and easily, without the need for tools. This maximizes functionality in case of long expeditions or routes of many days.
Now with an even lighter cartridge, the Gravity Microfilter represents the latest in the evolution of outdoor hydration, combining filtration, storage, and collection in a single pump-free system.
What we liked: The MSR gravity water filter meets NSF P231 protocol, kills bacteria (99.9999%), and protozoa (99.9%) from beginning to end of filter life.
What could be better: Sedimentary, cloudy, muddy, or glacial flow water, as well as tea-colored water that contains visible tannins, are not recommended. These components will quickly clog the filter.
One of our best gravity-fed water filter systems is the Katadyn Gravity Camp. With this model, you’ll always have access to clean drinkable water without no physical effort. The filter has the UltraFlow element in its heart and can filter out bacteria, sediments, and cysts.
The filter has a good flow rate that goes up to 2 liters in a minute. The filter protector is cleanable and thus helps extend the filter element’a life to around 1,500 water liters.
There’s a view window on the large water bag which can contain up to 6 liters of water. The view window lets you keep the level of water in view and know when you need to get more water. You can easily remove the house, thanks to the quick release valve and the drain stop which works automatically. You can use the water for brushing the teeth or cooking. You can also use it to quench your thirst.
What we liked: Pumping is superfluous thanks to gravity. With an output of up to 2 liters per minute, it can also be used for larger groups. It’s a compact filter with a collapsible water bag.
What could be better: It’s not effective enough to filter saltwater.
This wonderful filter has a large daily filtering capacity, from 4 to 6 liters, which is sufficient for the consumption of up to 3 people. Its technology allows 99.99% to eliminate bacteria, pathogens, viruses; in addition to considerably reducing protozoa, trihalomethanes, inorganic minerals. It can also filter out heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury, and chromium.
One of the great advantages of the Berkey gravity water filter is that it filters a large number of liters before it needs to be changed. It can handle up to 22,700 liters of water before the internal filter needs to be changed, making this device one of the most attractive.
Due to its dimensions and characteristics, it is a filter that you can take with you wherever you want. If you go on a trip or excursion, you should not worry about water. By taking it with you, the problem is solved. It is a portable filter.
What we liked: It’s suitable for home use and does not require electricity, or a plumber to help you install it. Very portable, you can take it on an excursion or walk.
What could be better: The water to be filtered must be filled manually. Also, filtered water quality could be better for its price.
The Propur Traveler Countertop Filter is one of the world’s most popular home gravity water filters. The provided filter clear contaminants and healthy water is generated in the shortest possible time. The water tank with a filter system was developed to be free-standing on a work surface.
It has a water tank with a capacity of 6 liters for purified water. With this capacity, it is suitable for a household with four to 14 people. It comes integrated with the ProOne filter which removes up to 99.99% chlorine, viruses, heavy metals, bacteria, and harmful and chemical impurities.
Minerals that are important for the body are retained despite the fine filter. So, you always have healthy drinking water. Best of all, you can use the water filter not only for tap water but also for rainwater and even pond water. According to the manufacturer, the Propur Traveler Countertop Gravity Water Filter last up to 400 gallons of use.
What we liked: Essential minerals remain in the water. Tap water, rainwater, pond water, and more can be filtered efficiently. The portable gravity water filter is suitable for traveling as it weighs just 5.5 lbs.
What could be better: The filter life is too low. It needs changing after every 400 gallons of water are processed.
Another product that performs well is the Travel Berkey Water Filter. The acquisition costs are a bit higher, but you get a free-standing water tank with four integrated ceramic filters. Fine filtering removes 99% of bacteria, heavy metals, pollutants, pesticides, impurities, chlorine, and chloramines. Also, sodium fluoride is reduced by 99% without an additional filter. The filters must be replaced approximately every six months. The operating temperature of the water should be at least 5°C and a maximum of 30°C. On the upside are the facts that this gravity water filter with a weight of 7 lbs or 3 kg is relatively lightweight and is therefore suitable for on the go use.
What we liked: Compared to the other water filters, we liked the fact that this stainless steel gravity water filter is equipped with a tap made of robust, high-quality construction. The material is much more durable.
What could be better: Problems of rust in the water a huge concern. You have to check for rust before use.
The Alexapure Pro is a water filtration unit made of stainless steel and ceramic shells. The chamber of the unit is made of high-grade 304 stainless steel while the filter is made of a hybrid ceramic gravity water filter. The filters are made in the USA and are of the best manufacturing standards.
The unit has a 2.25-gallon capacity and a certified Alexapure gravity block filter which can filter up to 5,000 gallons of water in its service life. The unit can remove more than 200 water impurities, according to its manufacturer. These include lead, viruses, bacteria, chlorine, fluoride, VOCs, cysts, E. coli, and TCP.
With dimensions of 22.5 x 8.25 inches and a weight of 7.6 lbs, the filtration system is ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
What we liked: We like it’s all stainless steel construction. Over the years, you only need to replace the filters. Portable and particularly light, you can use it at home too. Also, it filters out more than 200 types of contaminants.
What could be better: It requires more filters if you want cleaner water. The filtration process could also be faster.
You don’t use a gravity water filter every day, which is why it is quite normal that many are not particularly familiar with this topic. However, you do not need any expert knowledge to be able to select and operate a suitable product. In our buying guide, we will tell you what the investment in a gravity water filter brings you and what you should pay attention to before buying.
The specialty of a gravity water filter is that it works without a direct water connection compared to a conventional water filter or an osmosis system. This means that water is poured into a tank and passes through the filtration by gravity. The purified water is then stored in a separate tank and can be bottled via a tap to simply drink it afterward or to ionize it with the help of a water ionizer.
It is one of the simplest processes to understand. Although they are not perceived with our eyes, they pass through a filter, which will be in charge of retaining those particles that do not benefit or are harmful to our health.
If it is made of activated carbon, when heated to a temperature that transcends 800 or 1000 C, microscopic ones originate and will facilitate filtering. This will give you the water with all the quality you deserve. The impurities remain attached to the activated carbon, attaching like a kind of magnet.
They are composed of various materials, which we will describe below:
A gravity water filter is a very useful device in homes and outdoors. This is because it allows us to have drinking water we can consume without worrying that its content will harm us. In a simple and fast way (from an instance to up to an hour), your water will be purified.
For most products, the cost of your investment will be low compared to other conventional methods to purify water; take, for example, boiling the water. Asides from the heating cost, this also takes time away.
A combination filter made of activated carbon and hollow fiber element combines the most important properties that an outdoor water filter should have.
The great advantage of the gravity water filter is that it is not only suitable for use in the household, but also for traveling. This gives you access to clear and healthy drinking water anytime, anywhere. Depending on the product’s performance, even untreated water from lakes, rivers, or the water supply of other countries can be filtered, making the product perfect for a camping or hiking trip – if it is not too difficult.
On the downside, the water tanks are of course limited in their capacity. So, you cannot obtain unlimited drinking water without filling the water tank, as with a simple water filter that you can connect directly to your water pipe.
Pros:
Cons:
Which is the best outdoor water filter for you depends first and foremost on what you need the water filter for. Here are a few features to consider when choosing a gravity water filter.
In practice, you often come across a combination of different processes, which should improve the filter performance and extend the durability of the outdoor water filter or the individual filter elements. As we have seen, there are gravity filter systems made in the form of bags, stainless steel chambers, countertop, ceramic, and carbon activated filters.
As earlier mentioned, the bag filters are usually made of silicone, plastics, or other TPU materials. If you wish to choose the bag models, ensure the material is food-grade and free of BPA.
Gravity water filters are usually free-standing and are not connected to a water pipe. This means that you fill in the water yourself and the purified water is stored in a separate water tank. The higher the capacity, the more filtered water you can have in stock. If you want to have the water filter for your home, you should make the required capacity of the filter depends on how many people are being supplied in the household.
The flow rate is also important so the filtration doesn’t keep you waiting. While some units can take several hours to filter 4 liters of water, a good flow rate ranges between 2.5 to 5 gallons of water per hour. You can get this range from the countertop models such as the Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter or the Travel Berkey Water Filter.
A good gravity water filter should be able to remove 99.9% of particles, fluoride, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Some models like the Alexapure Pro Stainless Steel Water Filtration System can remove up to 200+ contaminants.
Which filter system is suitable depends on your travel destination. Within Europe, a filter that fights bacteria and protozoa is sufficient. Outside the US and Europe, especially in rural areas where there is no access to clean sources of water, there should be a system that also works against viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals.
You generally have an option between an outdoor water filter against protozoa or an outdoor water filter against heavy metal.
Especially in difficult conditions, you should look for the best possible water in the area. If you are traveling within some mountain areas in North America or Europe, an outdoor water filter against bacteria and protozoa (parasites) is actually sufficient. The rivers and bodies of water are generally not polluted with heavy metals and chemicals. However, you should stay away from industrial rivers.
If you are unsure about the water quality in the respective area – after all, agriculture also has an impact on the surrounding waters – it makes sense to buy an outdoor water filter against chemicals as a precaution. This is a must if you travel to countries that do not have controls to ensure that wastewater and rubbish end up in nature unhindered.
The danger of viruses in drinking water only becomes an issue on longer trips (e.g. to Africa, Asia, or South America). Here you should get an outdoor water filter against viruses. You can choose between filters that can do everything and a combination of different filters.
As our water filter reviews show, not all models allow water to be taken along. If there are no cartridges, bags, or bottles with you, we recommend a model that can be screwed onto normal PET bottles.
The more filters a water filtration system has, the clearer and healthier water that can be generated. However, it doesn’t just depend on the number of filters, but also the material and performance.
Ceramic filters, for example, are particularly durable, can be cleaned, and do not have to be changed too often. Activated carbon filters give the water freshness and can add important minerals. Fluoride filters are also useful as they specifically filter out fluoride. Maybe only the backwash filters have a similar service life, thanks to the backwash filter function.
You also have to pay attention to the performance of the filters included and, most importantly, how often they need to be changed. So, how often do you have to change your filter? This will depend on the specification of the product. However, an estimated time for the filter is every six months. It is important to know that boiling water is a more expensive method for our pocket compared to the investment made when buying a filter. Like its maintenance.
This information is also found in the specifications of the product that you are going to purchase in your trusted store. But we leave you some tips that have been super useful and will guide you:
One of the main reasons why you should change the water filter is also to guarantee the quality of the water we consume at home.
Remember that the filter purifies, eliminates toxins, microorganisms, bacteria, and even high amounts of chlorine. Then, when it reaches the limit, it must be changed.
You must not wait for the filter to become clogged to change it. Taking care of our health is also taking care of the equipment or devices that we keep at home. So, by changing the filters at the right time, everyone’s health is protected and guaranteed.
For this reason, thinking about comfort, keep a replacement filter. Then install it when the previous one has already reached its useful life.
Most outdoor water filters in tests can be used without a pump. With a pump, you can filter a lot of water in a short time, but it is more complicated to use and more difficult to transport.
Tip: Those who believe in sustainability should buy an outdoor water filter that is particularly durable. There are, for example, Sawyer Filters, which can filter up to 100,000 gals of water with consistent quality. Here you are well looked after for a lifetime.
Depending on whether you want to camp or plan a hike, the outdoor water filter must be as light and small as possible or easy to stow away
Bags are very space-saving, as are systems with which the water can be drawn directly from the body of water.
A countertop filter such as the Nikken 1 Waterfall Gravity Water Filter Purifier System or the Berkey Gravity Water Filter models are suitable for home use. However, these are very bulky, expensive, and not usually suitable for outdoor use for lack of portability.
Additional and helpful extras of a gravity water filter can be varied. The availability of additional filters can already be counted as an extra. Special features such as a mineral ring, which, like an infrared system, are present in the Santevia Gravity Water System are particularly useful. Everything that is not standard is an extra. A tap made of high-quality material is just as valuable as the ability to filter untreated water.
The warranty of a product is always an important point, as it shows to a certain extent whether a manufacturer is convinced of the performance and durability of its product. If no warranty is offered, a purchase is not recommended as the quality may be questionable. The Sawyer Product has the best warranty coverage (lifetime). The Royal Berkey, should, according to the manufacturer, also lasts a lifetime, offering a very good service life for a gravity water filter.
Prices vary but you must take into account the relationship between quality and cost. First, a good product must be able to meet your needs and boast of an optimal lifetime. Bag filters are the least expensive. They cost between $20 to 70. Meanwhile, as expected, the indoor models with taps and which are made of plastics are more expensive. They cost between $100 to $200. The ones with stainless steel chambers, taps, ceramic filters, and which are designed for the countertop, are the most expensive. They cost between $300 to $500 or even more for deluxe models.
The filter does a great job but requires cleaning in 3 to 6 weeks, ensuring that all toxins or other elements are effectively removed. As earlier mentioned, the filter of most systems should be changed every 6 months. But this requirement varied from models to models. So, check the manual of the product. A countertop filter system doesn’t require storage. They have to be placed on a countertop. And if not needed, you can put them in the cupboard, although their lack of portability may work against this possibility.
A gravity water filter is of great value, especially when no pure water sources are accessible. However, they also save the high costs of buying water bottles and are therefore also suitable for the household. Gravity water filters are a great way to have access to healthy, pure drinking water at all times. Our overall best model and the Editor’s Choice is the LifeStraw Family 1.0, a high-performance product that is suitable for communities with no access to clean water. The gravity water filter system has an activated carbon chamber that improves the taste and smell of the water (making it tasteless) while eliminating parasites and bacteria. It’s made for hiking and rural areas with no access to clean water.
The Sawyer Gravity Water Filtration System has the best value for money. Inexpensive, practical, light, and with a long lifespan, this filter will accompany you during your treks. Adaptable to soda-type water bottles, water bags, or usable with the pocket provided, it will suit all types of use. We also like the fact that it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Choose our Budget Pick, the Waterdrop Gravity Water Filtration System, if you want the best gravity water filter for an under $50 price. The Waterdrop filter is a purifier that is perfect for travel, backpacking, and emergency hiking travels. The filter has a flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute and a capacity of 1.5 + 0.15 gallons.
