You might have noticed there are many water filters for hiking in Ireland. For many years, I was using chlorine tablets which don’t really taste all that good. And I was honestly put off buying a water filter because I really had no idea how they worked. What’s more, I had never been sick from drinking out of a stream…so why bother?!
But then I got giarrdia and a year later, I fell ill once again after drinking contaminated water. Anyway, the point is, it’s only a matter of time when you don’t use a water filter in Ireland….
5 Best Water Filters for Hiking in Ireland
1. Sawyer Squeeze
Weight – 85 grams
I used the Sawyer Squeeze on the Pacific Crest Trail. At 85 grams, it’s definitely a lightweight water filter. Also, the mini required that you squeeze really hard to get the flow moving. That being said, the Sawyer Squeeze is a solid option and you can buy this water filter in Ireland with an online supplier.
You Can Buy the Sawyer Squeeze Here
2. Lifestraw
Weight – 56 grams
The Lifestraw uses a technology that is quite similar to kidney dialysis. Membrane microfilmers with tiny pores (0.2 microns) ensure only clean water will pass through the straw. This is because the dirt or bacteria is too big to fit through the membrane and it’s said to stop 99.9% of bacteria, parasites and microplastics. It only weighs 56 grams, you can fit one in your pocket and Lifestraw claims this water filter is good for up to 1,000 litres. I tried to find this water filter in Ireland but it was either sold out or not in stock everywhere I went.
You Can Buy the Lifestraw Online Here
3. MSR Trail Shot Water Filter
Weight – 153 grams
The MSR Trail Shot is one of the most popular water filters in Ireland at the moment. It employs a squeeze operation and comes in a nice little package. As with the others on this list, it removes bacteria, and particulates from pretty much any moving water source. I say “moving” source because MSR recommends against filtering from stagnant water. Just so you know, you simply drop the hose into a stream, give a couple of squeezes, and then pump this water into an empty bottle. It’s surprisingly fast and can filter water at appox one litre per minute.
You Can Buy the MSR Trail Shot Water Filter Here
4. Platypus GravityWorks
Weight – 325 grams
It’s a quick and reasonably light system with durable bags. The Platypus GravityWorks water filter has two bags – one for clean water and one for dirty water. It can hold up to 8 litres which makes it suitable for groups. Also, the bags can be hung up to act as a shower or hand washing station which is one feature that most water filters are without.
You Can Buy the Platypus GravityWorks Here
5. Katadyn BeFree Water Filter with Soft Bottle
At 35 grams, the Katadyn BeFree is the lightest water filter in Ireland that you can find online. It’s also a nice design and an ideal item for the likes of day hiking. However, with just 0.6 litre capacity, it’s probably not a great choice for long distance hiking. It filters the water while you drink (squeeze and suck) and the bottle is collapsible which means it can simply fit inside any bag or jacket pocket.
You Can Buy the Katadyn BeFree Here
In my opinion, these are the 5 best water filters in Ireland for camping and hiking. Do you have anything to add? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclosure: Please note the trust my audience has for my advice is of utmost importance to me. Hence, I will only recommend equipment I love from brands that I trust. I was not paid to review any of these products and I purchase this equipment myself. I am also without obligation to leave positive reviews for any product, I just know that this gear works for me and it is likely to work for you too. This page contains affiliate links meaning I might receive a small amount from the supplier should you decide to purchase an item through one of my links. Thank you for supporting me.