Howdie travelers and welcome to my post where we will check out my three best filtered water bottles for travel this year. One of the biggest risks many of us face when traveling is a lack of clean water – or at the very least, access to water that doesn’t make us sick.
Of course we can always buy our water, however this can get quite expensive. Hence one of the best tools to assist with here are water purification bottles. However of course there are quite a number of options out there to choose from so to help you out, I have had a good look around and come up with three decent choices below.
Let’s check them out…
My Three Recommended Filtered Water Bottles For Travel
I will review these in more detail below however if you just want to get travelling without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What is a water bottle with filter for travel?
Filtered water bottles are drink bottles that contain portable water cleaning systems that you can use to keep your water clean when traveling. As above, you can always purchase water however these are great if you are on a budget or want to release the number of plastic bottles you release into the environment.
What Should You Be Looking For?
The following factors should be considered as you look around for a good filtered water bottle for your travel needs.
- Filter type
- Filter life
- Weight
- Pore size
- Durability
- Seal
Filter Type
When it comes to cleaning water, there can be some confusion confusion between water filters and purifiers. A water filter is intended to remove waterborne protozoa and bacteria but not viruses.
On the other hand, the best filtered water bottle for travel option come with a purifier included which is designed to remove protozoa, bacteria, and viruses, providing an additional layer of defense. These are recommended should you be traveling to third world counties or areas (such as Bali for example).
Filter Life
One problem with filtered water bottles I guess is that in time, the filters will need replacing. And whilst this is still cheaper than buying water, you really don’t want to have to do this too often.
Hence, when you are looking at a new water bottle with a filter, check its filter life so that you not only have to replace them too often, but can also make sure you have enough for your entire trip as well.
Weight
Weight is a common consideration when it comes to travel hence the weight of your bottle should also be considered. This may not seem like anything to think about when the bottle is empty, however water (and saturated filters) can actually be quite heavy so the lighter the empty bottle is, the better.
Pore size
This feature refers to the size of the filter’s tiny openings measured in microns. The more particles the filter can block, the smaller the pore. According to the CDC’s water treatment guide, a pore size of 1 micron (or less) is required to filter out protozoa, while a pore size of 0.3 microns is required to filter out bacteria.
Durability
As we all know, travel can be especially tough on our gear. And as you move around on your travels, your water bottles will get bumped and bashed around as you walk, sit, travel and hit the bars.
To counteract this, the best filtered water bottle for traveling options are made of durable materials that can withstand the rigors of travel.
Oh, and whilst we are talking about the build of the bottle, it should also be bisphenol A (BPA) free. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics that has proven to be toxic to humans.
Seal
Even though your water bottles will usually be kept on or around you. the quality of the lid seal is another aspect that is highly recommended here. Afterall, there is nothing worse than having a water bottle leak inside your bag or backpack.
Oh and if nothing else, a good seal provides extra protection against in-transit spills as well.
FAQ
Are filtered water bottles effective?
Absolutely! Filtered water bottles assist in the provision of clean and healthy drinking water when traveling. The water filter will remove waterborne protozoa and bacteria greatly reducing the risk of sickness from poorly treated water.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Survimate Filtered Water Bottle
This first option is light weight and durable made with food grade tritan copolyester that is BPA-free and heat resistant. See its specifications below:
- Brand: SurviMate
- Construction: Food grade tritan copolyester
- Filter type: 4-Stage Intergrated Filter comprising Medical Grade Hollow Fiber Membrane, Coconut Shell Activated Carbon, Beads and Medical Grade PP Cotton
- Pore size: 0.01 micron
- Filter life: up to 1500L (or 1 year)
Other inclusions:
- Intergrated filter straw
- 650 ml capacity
Why have I chosen it?
This first filtered water bottle option can handle most water resources including brooks, rivers ponds and even of course, tap water. Its pore size will remove bacteria via its long lasting filter and is suitable for daily use as well. This is a great budget friendly option for travelers as well as hikers and campers too.
2. GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle
This second option is another simple to use water filtration option that can handle any type of water poured into it via a long life water purification cartridge. See its specifications below:
- Brand: GRAYL
- Construction: BPA-FREE Polypropylene
- Filter type: Multiple layers of ultra-powdered activated carbon
- Pore size: Not stated
- Filter life: 250L/65 Gallons
Other inclusions:
- Clean water in 8 seconds
- TPE TopoGrip on all heavy-use surfaces for nonslip performance
- 710 ml capacity
Why have I chosen it?
This second option offers greater filtration and even purification removing viruses, bacteria, protozoa, particulates, chemicals and heavy metals. Water is cleaned in just 8 seconds and stored inside an extremely durable and non-slip bottle. This option is perfect for those who like to hit the trails when they travel and is effective for use on all seven continents.
3. LARQ Self-Cleaning and Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
My last filtered water bottle option comes with UV-C LED technology to sanitize water without the need for a filter. It is also extremely tough, durable and insulated to keep water cool as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: LARQ
- Construction: Double-wall insulated stainless steel
- Filter type: 280nm PureVis technology UV-C LED water sanitizing technology
- Pore size: N/A
- Filter life: N/A
Other inclusions:
- Removes all bacteria and contaminates including e-Coli
- MicroUSB to USB charging cable included
- 2 hourly sanitization
- USB recharge
- 500 ml capacity
Why have I chosen it?
This last water bottle option intelligently activates every 2 hours with double wall insulation that keeps water cold for 24 hours and hot for 12. The sanitization system is rechargeable and lasts up to 1 month making it handy if you are ‘off-grid’ without the need to replace filters as well.
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best filter water bottles for travel. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
