Best Water Filter Bottles: Travel Companion

When travelling, it's important to have access to clean drinking water. Filtered water bottles are a great way to ensure you always have potable water, no matter where you are. They're also a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to buying bottled water.

Filtered water bottles are capable of removing lots of gross stuff from tap water and freshwater sources, but they’re not all made the same. The best ones have a pore size smaller than 0.1 microns, which protects against viruses. They also remove bacteria, parasites, microplastics, sand, dirt, chlorine, heavy metals, and pesticides.

There are a few types of filtered water bottles to choose from. Press-style bottles don't require a sucking straw; instead, you fill the bottle and press the filter down to create potable water in seconds. Bottles with a straw require more effort to drink from, as you have to suck the water through the filter. UV sanitation bottles purify water with UV light, but they don't remove impurities like microplastics or sand.

Some popular filtered water bottles include:

- Grayl Geopress

- Lifestraw Go

- Brita Stainless Steel

- Water-to-Go

- Larq Bottle Movement PureVis

How to choose the right filtered water bottle for your needs

When choosing a filtered water bottle, it's important to consider your needs and what you'll be using it for. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Type of Filter

Different types of filters will filter out different things, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your intended use. Membrane microfilters are great for removing bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, while activated carbon filters work to reduce chlorine and improve taste. If you're looking for a filter that can remove viruses, look for one with a pore size smaller than 0.1 microns. Some bottles even combine two types of filters for optimal filtration.

Material

Filtered water bottles are typically made of plastic or stainless steel. Plastic bottles are usually lightweight and budget-friendly, but they may not insulate your drink as well as steel bottles. Stainless steel bottles are more durable and insulated, but they can be heavier and bulkier. If you choose plastic, make sure it's BPA-free to avoid any potential health risks.

Size and Weight

Consider the size and weight of the bottle, especially if you plan to carry it around during travel or outdoor activities. Smaller and lighter bottles are more portable, but you'll need to refill them more often. Larger bottles can be bulkier but will require fewer refills. Choose a size that fits your needs and is easy to carry in your backpack or cup holder.

Coverage of Protection

Not all filtered water bottles offer the same level of protection. Some basic filters are designed only to improve the taste of tap water and may not remove bacteria or viruses. If you're travelling to areas with questionable water quality or hiking in the wilderness, look for a bottle that can remove viruses, heavy metals, and other contaminants.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Consider how easy it is to drink from the bottle. Some bottles require manual suction through a straw, which can be tiring. Others have a press or squeeze mechanism for easier drinking. Also, check the cleaning instructions and whether the bottle is dishwasher-safe. Hand washing may be necessary for some bottles, so make sure you're comfortable with the maintenance required.

Price and Filter Replacement

Filtered water bottles come in a range of prices, so choose one that fits your budget. Also, consider the cost and frequency of filter replacements. Some filters may need to be replaced more often, so factor that into your long-term expenses.

Filtered water bottles: the eco-friendly, money-saving option

Filtered water bottles are a great way to access clean drinking water when you're on the go. They're an easy, eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic water bottles, and they can save you money in the long run. With a filtered water bottle, you can fill up from any water source, safe in the knowledge that the built-in filter will remove bacteria, viruses, sediment and other contaminants.

Filtered water bottles are a must-have for travellers, hikers and campers, as well as for everyday use at home or in the office. They're particularly useful when travelling to destinations with limited access to clean water, but they can also be handy for improving the taste of tap water.

There are a few key things to consider when choosing a filtered water bottle. Firstly, think about the type of filter. If you're mainly concerned about improving the taste of your tap water, a basic carbon filter should do the trick. However, if you're travelling to areas with questionable water quality, you'll need a more advanced filter that can remove bacteria, viruses and other contaminants.

The next thing to think about is the material of the bottle. Plastic bottles are lightweight and durable, but they don't insulate your drink. Stainless steel bottles will keep your water cool, but they're heavier and tend to be bulkier. Glass bottles are nice to drink from, but they're fragile and not very portable.

Finally, consider the size and weight of the bottle. If you're looking for something to carry in your backpack, you'll want a compact, lightweight option. But if you're mainly using your bottle at home or in the office, size and weight won't be such an issue.

• Grayl Geopress Water Purifier: This bottle is a favourite among travellers and hikers thanks to its efficient filtration system, which removes bacteria, viruses, heavy metals and other contaminants. It's easy to use – simply fill the bottle and press the filter down to create potable water in seconds.
• Brita Stainless Steel Premium Filtering Water Bottle: This insulated bottle is great for keeping your water cold, and the carbon filter improves the taste of tap water. It's also BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.
• LifeStraw Go: This bottle uses a two-stage filtration system to remove bacteria, parasites, microplastics and other contaminants. It's lightweight and comes with a carabiner, making it a good choice for backpacking.
• Waterwell Ultrafiltration Travel Water Bottle: This bottle claims to remove 99.9% of waterborne pathogens, and it's made from BPA-free plastic. However, some users have reported a strange taste, so it might be one to test out before you buy.
• Larq Bottle Movement PureVis: This bottle uses UV-C light to purify water, rather than a mechanical filter. It's a good choice if you're mainly concerned about bacteria and viruses, but it won't remove sediment or odours.
• Philips Water GoZero Active Water Bottle: This bottle is compatible with two types of filters, making it a versatile option. The "Fitness" filter improves the taste of tap water, while the "Adventure" filter is ideal for filtering freshwater sources.

So, if you're looking for a convenient, eco-friendly and cost-effective way to access clean drinking water on the go, a filtered water bottle is a great option. Whether you're travelling the world or just looking for a healthier way to stay hydrated at home, there's a filtered water bottle out there for you.

Filtered water bottles: a must-have for travellers

Filtered water bottles are a must-have for travellers. They provide access to safe drinking water from almost any source and reduce your dependence on single-use plastics. The initial outlay is soon outweighed by the money you save on bottled water.

Filtered water bottles are capable of removing lots of gross stuff from tap water and freshwater sources (think rivers, lakes, springs, etc.), but they’re not all made the same. The best ones remove bacteria, viruses, chemicals, heavy metals, microplastics, sand, dirt, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, and odours.

When choosing a filtered water bottle, consider the type of filter, the material, the size and weight, the price, and the filter replacement frequency.

Grayl Geopress Water Purifier Bottle

The Grayl Geopress is a pricier option, but it's worth the investment if you're after the absolute best water filtration bottle for travelling. It removes viruses and heavy metals, as well as bacteria and parasites. It's durable, easy to use, and comes in a good size.

LifeStraw Go Water Bottle

The LifeStraw Go is a more affordable alternative to the Grayl Geopress. It doesn't filter viruses or metals, but it does remove bacteria, parasites, microplastics, sand, chlorine, organic chemical matter, dirt, and odours. The filters last a long time, and LifeStraw is an ethical company that provides a school child in a developing area with clean water for a year for every bottle sold.

Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle

If you're looking for something to improve the taste of your tap water, the Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle is double-wall insulated and uses an activated carbon filter to remove contaminants like chlorine and certain particulates. It keeps your water cold for over 24 hours and is easy to carry, making it great for everyday use.

Philips Water GoZero Active Water Bottle

The Philips Water GoZero is a lightweight, budget-friendly option that's compatible with two types of filters. The activated carbon "Fitness" filter improves the taste of tap water, while the electro-adsorptive "Adventure" filter is ideal for filtering water from freshwater sources.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System

The Sawyer Squeeze is perfect for seasoned backpackers as it weighs just three ounces. It comes with two BPA-free collapsible pouches that can be filled from a tap or freshwater source, and it removes harmful bacteria, protozoa, cysts, sediment, and microplastics from your drinking water.

The best filtered water bottles for hiking

Filtered water bottles are a must-have for any hiker. They provide access to safe drinking water from almost any source and reduce your dependence on single-use plastics. Here are some of the best filtered water bottles for hiking, tried, tested, and rated.

Grayl Geopress Purifier Bottle

This is the best overall filtered water bottle for hiking. The Grayl Geopress Purifier Bottle removes viruses and heavy metals, as well as the standard bacteria and parasites, so you're protected against anything you'll find in a stagnant puddle or worse. The bottle is a manageable size, carrying 24 fl oz (710 ml) of liquid and weighing 15.9 oz (450 grams), so it fits nicely into your backpack. The Grayl Geopress is durable and has been tested in the Karakoram in Pakistan, coming out on top every time.

LifeStraw Go Water Bottle

The LifeStraw Go Water Bottle is the runner-up for the best overall filtered water bottle for hiking. The LifeStraw filter lasts for approximately 1000 gallons (4000L) of water, so you're unlikely to be caught short mid-adventure. The bottle is a good size (22 fl oz/650 ml) and weight (10 oz/285 g), and it's durable; it has been dropped down mountains in the Himalayas and still works. However, it falls short when it comes to protection as it doesn't filter out viruses or metals.

Grayl Ultralight Water Purifier Bottle

If you're looking for something a little lighter, the Grayl Ultralight Water Purifier Bottle is Grayl's ultralight option. It's smaller than the Geopress, holding only 16.9 fl oz (500 mL) and weighing in at 10.9 oz (310 g). But it still filters out all the terrible beasties and is made of high-quality materials. It comes in at a lower price than the Geopress and is a good option for hiking and the outdoors.

Seychelle Extreme Water Filter Bottle

If you're looking for a bottle that does it all, the Seychelle Extreme Water Filter Bottle is the best filtered water bottle for extreme conditions. It does your bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and even your radiological contaminants! The downside is the design; it's clunky and unwieldy, and at 28 fl oz (830 mL), it's a bit chunky.

Clearly Filtered No.1 Filtered Water Bottle

The Clearly Filtered No.1 Filtered Water Bottle is the best stainless steel filtered water bottle. It's made of stainless steel, so it's super durable, and it has some insulation to keep your water cool. It filters out viruses, bacteria, and metals, but it doesn't come with the virus/bacteria filter (this needs to be bought separately), and it's overpriced for what you get.

OKO H2O Advanced Filtration Bottle

If you're looking for a larger bottle, the OKO H2O Advanced Filtration Bottle is the best 1-litre (34 fl oz) filtered water bottle. It's made from durable Tritan plastic and has a filter that covers you for the worst contaminants (although it only reduces chemicals, fluoride, and metals). It's also pretty lightweight for the size, coming in at 5.2 oz (145 grams).

Filtered water bottles: how they work

Filtered water bottles are a great way to ensure access to clean drinking water when travelling, especially in places with questionable tap water quality or no access to safe drinking water. These bottles are equipped with built-in filters that can remove impurities and contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, chlorine, and sediment, from water. Here's how they work:

Types of Filters

Filtered water bottles typically use one of two types of filters: activated carbon filters or membrane microfilters. Some bottles may even use a combination of both.

• Activated Carbon Filters: These filters are highly porous and are effective at removing contaminants such as chlorine, volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, pesticides, and odours from water. They improve the taste and odour of water by adsorbing these impurities. The filters typically need to be replaced every two months.
• Membrane Microfilters: These filters have small pore sizes, usually ranging from 0.1 to 10 microns, which allow them to trap and remove particles, protozoans, and bacteria from water. They are highly efficient at removing bacteria, which are typically 0.2 to 10 microns in size, and protozoa, which are around 5 to 15 microns in size. Membrane microfilters can last for several years and do not need frequent replacement.

Filtration Process

The filtration process in water bottles can vary depending on their design. Some bottles use a sucking straw that houses the filter, requiring users to sip through the straw to draw water up and filter it. This method can be tiring and may require more suction to drink. Other bottles have a press or squeeze mechanism that forces water through the filter, eliminating the need for a straw. Here are some common filtration processes:

• Straw Filtration: This is the most common filtration method. The filter is usually located at the bottom of a straw, and users sip through the straw to draw water up and filter it. This method can be tiring and may require more suction to drink.
• Press-Style Filtration: Bottles like the GRAYL GeoPress use this method. Users fill the outer part of the bottle with water, reattach the inner press, and then push it down. This action forces water through the filter and into the inner chamber, where it is stored and ready to drink.
• Squeeze Filtration: Bottles like the Philips Water GoZero use this method. They are typically made of pliable plastic and require users to squeeze the bottle to force water through the filter. This method eliminates the need for a straw but may take some practice to perfect the amount of pressure needed.
• UV-C Light Purification: Bottles like the LARQ Bottle PureVis use UV-C light to purify water instead of mechanical filters. The UV-C light neutralises odour-causing bacteria and viruses, making the water safe to drink. This method does not remove impurities like sediment or microplastics, so it is better suited for tap water.

Frequently asked questions