Water purification tablets are one of the simplest and most lightweight ways to make water safe to drink while backpacking. They are especially useful as a backup system or for ultralight hikers who want to minimise gear weight without compromising safety. In this guide, we compare the best water purification tablets for backpacking in 2026 … Read more
The Katadyn BeFree is a popular ultralight water filter known for its fast flow rate and simple design. For hikers who prioritise speed and ease of use, it offers a strong alternative to more traditional squeeze-style filters. Its integrated soft flask system makes it especially convenient for quick water collection and drinking on the move. … Read more
The LifeStraw Go Series is a popular all-in-one water filtration bottle designed for simplicity, portability, and everyday use. It is especially well suited to hikers and travellers who want a straightforward system without the need for separate filters, bottles, or additional setup. In this review, we assess the LifeStraw Go Series in terms of performance, … Read more
Bottom Line Up Front The Sawyer Squeeze is the most capable and versatile water filter available to Australian hikers at its price point. At 85g with a filter life rated to 3.78 million litres, it removes 99.99999% of bacteria and 99.9999% of protozoa including Giardia and Cryptosporidium – the two organisms most relevant to Australian … Read more