Few things are as important as having access to clean drinking water when you’re out in nature and enjoying yourself. Water bottles with filters are quickly becoming a necessity for travelers. These bottles decrease your reliance on single-use plastics, protecting the environment and your bank account while giving you access to safe drinking water from almost any source.
The best filtered water bottle asset is that you can have clean water wherever you go. In actual, it’s a piece of gear for adventuring that is absolutely essential. Additionally, carrying gallons of bottled, purified water is astronomically expensive, bad for the environment, and unbearably heavy.
In order to find the best filtered water bottle you can rely on to give you clean, safe water, indoors or out, I tested a number of them.
Table of Contents
Best Filtered Water Bottle: Top Pick List
- 1. Best Overall: LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
- 2. Best Budget: Philips GoZero Active Water Bottle
- 3. Best Self-Cleaning: CrazyCap UV Water Purifier & Bottle
- 4. Best for Tap Water: Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle
- 5. Best for Everyday Use: Astrea One Premium Stainless Steel Filtering Water Bottle
- 6. Best for Hiking: Sawyer Products Squeeze Water Filtration System
- 7. Best for Removing Heavy Metals: Grayl Ultrapress Water Purifier and Filter Bottle
- 8. Best for Extreme Conditions: GRAYL Geopress Water Purifier
- 9. Best Lightweight: Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
- 10. Best for Travel: LifeStraw Flex Multi-Function Water Filter System
- 11. Best for Outdoor Activities: SurviMate Filtered Water Bottle
- 12. Best Purifier With a Straw: RapidPure Purifier+ Bottle
- 13. Best All-Round Purifier: Grayl GeoPress Water Purifier
Best Filtered Water Bottle In 2022
1. Best Overall: Lifestraw Go Water Filter Bottle
Pros
- Good brand ethics
- Comes in many colors
- Suitable for a variety of activities
Cons
- Some users complain of leaking
Because it is adaptable, simple to use, and offers secure hydration, the Lifestraw Go Water Filter Bottle came out on top of our list as the best overall. Together, the membrane microfilter and activated carbon filters improve odor and taste while defending against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter, dirt, sand, and cloudiness.
We have no concerns about the dependability of this bottle because the filters were independently lab tested to ensure that they complied with the National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF) and US Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards. It is excellent for use at your neighborhood park, while hiking, and while visiting foreign countries. You can select the color that you want to accompany you on every adventure because it is available in a variety of hues.
The BPA-free plastic bottle is reasonably priced, light in weight, and fitted with a carabiner for quick attachment. Additionally, the company is committed to lessening pollution from single-use plastic water bottles. In addition, a child in need receives clean, safe water for a full academic year with every Lifestraw purchase.
2. Best Budget: Philips Gozero Active Water Bottle
Pros
- Sleek look
- Squeeze bottle
- Delivers great-tasting water
Cons
- Not suitable for freshwater sources
This Philips water bottle has excellent quality without breaking the bank. The bottle includes a detachable blue fitness filter that enhances tap water’s flavor by lowering lead, chlorine, and pesticides. A separate green adventure filter that can remove viruses and bacteria from freshwater sources and is appropriate for more demanding use is available.
The leak-proof, simple-to-use squeeze bottle is made of BPA-free plastic, has a sleek design, and is ideal for everyday use, workouts, and other outdoor activities. The fact that it is dishwasher safe makes using it extremely convenient and low-maintenance.
3. Best Self-cleaning: Crazycap Uv Water Purifier & Bottle
Pros
- Sleek look
- Extremely durable
- Keeps temperature well
Cons
- Requires re-charging
For its ability to clean itself, we adore this cutting-edge filtered water bottle. In order to avoid mold, mildew, bad odors, and bad tastes, UV rays from the cap automatically activate every four hours to clean the inside of the bottle.
When used in Crazy Mode, its UV-C purification system—which uses the same UV wavelengths as those used to sanitize operating rooms—was tested and certified by NSF International for Disinfection Performance, Class B, against NSF/ANSI 55. This indicates that it has been shown to lower the amount of non-disease-causing bacteria in disinfected drinking water.
It’s incredibly simple to use; simply tap the cap twice for immediate cleansing or five times for a thorough two-minute purification. We appreciate that the bottle’s stainless steel construction and double-walled insulation will keep your water cold and withstand frequent, awkward drops. Although it needs to be recharged, the battery should last for up to seven days on a single charge.
4. Best For Tap Water: Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle
Pros
- Enclosed straw
- Sleek look
- Double-wall insulated
Cons
- Only recommended for travel and everyday use
The double-wall insulated stainless steel filtered water bottle from Brita keeps your water cold for more than 24 hours, ensuring safe and satisfying hydration all day. While protecting beneficial minerals and electrolytes that may be present in tap water, the activated carbon filter works to remove impurities like chlorine and specific particulates.
Because of its convenient handle, enclosed straw, and stylish design, this bottle is excellent for daily use. However, because it doesn’t filter out some of the hazardous contaminants present in natural water sources, like rivers or streams, we wouldn’t advise bringing this one along on your upcoming hike or backpacking trip.
5. Best For Everyday Use: Astrea One Premium Stainless Steel Filtering Water Bottle
Pros
- Double-wall insulated
- Sleek look
- Delivers great-tasting water
Cons
- Only recommended for travel and everyday use
You should choose a water bottle that is lightweight, small, and trustworthy if you plan to carry it around all day; such a bottle is the Astrea filtered water bottle. Because it has been independently tested and certified to remove over 20 common tap water contaminants, including chlorine and zinc and hormones, pesticides, and lead, it offers safe hydration throughout the day. Additionally, it creates water that tastes fantastic.
We adore the double-wall vacuum insulation of the BPA-free stainless steel bottle, which will keep your water cold all day, especially for those with hectic schedules and busy lives. Since it is primarily made to remove contaminants from tap water, this filtered water bottle isn’t ideal for hiking and backpacking trips, but it is great for regular use and travel.
6. Best For Hiking: Sawyer Products Squeeze Water Filtration System
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Quick flow rate
- Easy to use
Cons
- Requires multiple parts
This Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System was an obvious addition to our list of top picks because it was suggested by both of our outdoor equipment experts as the best option for hiking. Although it’s not technically a filtered water bottle, to use, you simply fill the included water pouch, screw on the filter, and squeeze the pouch to push the water through straight into your mouth (or a water bottle). It is simple to clean the entire system thanks to the included syringe and mesh pouch, which you can use to transport the bottle while you’re on the go.
From your local trail to the Appalachian Trail, this system is a dependable way to guarantee clean water on all hiking trips. The manufacturer claims that it defends against 99.99% of all bacteria, including giardia and cryptosporidia, and eliminates 99.99% of all protozoa. It is a thoroughly researched and highly regarded choice that is wildly well-liked in hiking communities.
7. Best For Removing Heavy Metals: Grayl Ultrapress Water Purifier And Filter Bottle
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quick flow rate
- Easy to carry handle
Cons
- Expensive
Many natural water sources contain heavy metals, so it’s important to do your homework before you go and find out if the water there will be contaminated. With Grayl’s UltraPress Purifier’s activated carbon filtering sediment, microplastics, numerous common chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, viruses, bacteria, and heavy metals, you should be good to go in the majority of situations.
We adore how portable and user-friendly the bottle is. It has durable non-slip properties, so you can take it on even the roughest and most challenging adventures. We think spending more money on this Grayl bottle is well worth it because you want peace of mind when it comes to heavy metals.
8. Best For Extreme Conditions: Grayl Geopress Water Purifier
Pros
- Quick flow rate
- Removes heavy metals
- Easy to use
Cons
- Maybe a little bulky
- Expensive
Grayl’s heavy-duty filtered water bottle is the ideal travel companion for anyone who plans to go hiking, backpacking, or camping. It is strong enough to withstand the harshest conditions thanks to its ability to withstand drops of up to 10 feet.
Waterborne pathogens, including those that cause Hepatitis A and E, are eliminated by the trustworthy activated carbon filter. among others, coli and cholera. In addition, it filters numerous chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticides, as well as particles (such as sediment and microplastics).
The filtered water bottle is incredibly simple to use despite all of this, believe it or not. You can have 24 fluid ounces of pure, safe water in eight seconds by simply filling it up and pressing. The Grayl GeoPress BPA-free plastic bottle surpasses agency standards, making it a super dependable option for your wildest adventures.
9. Best Lightweight: Katadyn Befree Water Filter
Pros
- Quick flow rate
- Easy to use
- Cap over mouthpiece to keep clean
Cons
- Some complain of pinhole leaks
The Katadyn BeFree bottle is an obvious choice for our top lightweight pick because it can be collapsed to fit into even the smallest and tightest spaces. This filter holds water in a soft flask pack instead of a conventional water bottle, making it simple to conform it to fit into any bag, backpack, or purse.
This bottle is ideal for outdoor activities like backpacking and hiking because it is so compact and provides quick hydration in less than one minute. We love that its hollow microfilter is tested to protect against harmful organisms, protozoa, and bacteria to surpass EPA standards.
10. Best For Travel: Lifestraw Flex Multi-function Water Filter System
Pros
- Filter can be used on disposable bottles
- Very lightweight
- Collapsible soft-touch bottle
Cons
- Requires syringe for backwashing
Because it is compact, lightweight, and incredibly simple to use, we adore this filtered water bottle for travel. You’ll have access to safe, clean water to stay hydrated throughout your adventure, whether you’re hiking in Machu Picchu or touring the city of Rome.
This filtration system comes with a soft-touch water bottle, a two-stage filter, and a backwash syringe that you can use to clean your filter or increase its flow rate. The soft-touch bottle can be folded up and easily fits into any carry-on or piece of luggage. While a replaceable activated carbon capsule enhances taste, gets rid of odors, and lowers organic chemical matter, like pesticides and herbicides, a hollow-fiber membrane works to get rid of waterborne bacteria and protozoan parasites.
Additionally, in case you lose the LifeStraw bottle while traveling, the filter can be used with regular disposable water bottles.
11. Best For Outdoor Activities: Survimate Filtered Water Bottle
Pros
- Has a compass feature
- Comes in many colors
- Leak-proof design
Cons
- Straw may be difficult to use
Outdoor activities like biking, hiking, camping, and backpacking are ideal for using this SurviMate filtered water bottle. Additionally, it’s fantastic for leisure pursuits like fly fishing in Rock Creek, playing defense in your neighborhood soccer match, and everything in between.
You can fill it up with water from ponds, puddles, and other sources while being guaranteed of 99.99% protection from common bacteria (such as E. coli), heavy metal ions, chlorine, and other organic contaminants. The straw, though, might be trickier to use than the ones that come with other bottles. The BPA-free bottle is also incredibly lightweight and equipped with a carabiner clip, making it simple to bring along on all outdoor adventures.
12. Best Purifier With A Straw: Rapidpure Purifier+ Bottle
Pros
- Lightweight
- Lid fits all wide-mouth bottles
Cons
- Efficacy drops off towards the end of the filter’s life
The UltraCeram and OpenPore technologies are combined in RapidPure’s Purifier+ Bottle. These eliminate 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Wide pores enable a respectable flow rate and heavily rely on adsorption to filter out undesirables from your water. Imagine the UltraCeram technology acting as a magnet, drawing all the tiny, invisible creatures away from your drinking water and toward it.
The filter should last for about 340 liters (75 gallons), but depending on your water source, this number may be less. The flow rate will decrease over time. It’s time to replace the filter when it gets too difficult to suck water through. However, because of the filter’s diminishing effectiveness after 300 litres, it is advised that you stop using it after that point.
13. Best All-round Purifier: Grayl Geopress Water Purifier
Pros
- Tough
- Easy to use
- Grayl are market leaders
Cons
- Heavy
- Bulky
Simply fill the dirty water portion of the bottle up to the inner portion, reattach it, and press down with the rubber pads to purify water using the Grayl GeoPress. Find a flat, stable surface to do this on since you will need to exert quite a bit of force through the bottle. The bottle’s clean interior is where the water is kept after being forced up through the filter. When filtering a large amount of water at once, the process can be painful for your hands.
The bottle is constructed from sturdy BPA-free plastic. It can withstand the rigors of travel and survive a 10-foot fall onto concrete while being filled with water. The rubber grips help to prevent drops, but they make it difficult to slide the bottle into a mesh side pocket or other small spaces in your backpack.
Different Types Of Filter
The Straw Filter
Straw filters are the most prevalent kind of filter. The majority of hard plastic water bottles with a straw filter have a mouthpiece. You draw water through the straw filter by sucking on the mouthpiece. It will be sanitized and secure when it reaches your mouth.
Many of these straws are detachable. So you can remove the filter and just use the bottle if you’re somewhere with clean drinking water. The filter’s lifespan is prolonged as a result.
The main drawback of these bottles is how difficult it is to get water to pass through the filter. It sucks when you’re really thirsty — excuse the pun…
Yes, it takes a lot of work, but the alternative—the dreaded traveler’s diarrhea—is much worse.
The Gravity Filter
Typically, gravity filters entail filling a reservoir with water and letting it drip naturally through the filter. They take a little longer to work, but they make it much easier to filter a lot of water.
They work well for groups or if you need to filter a lot of water at once.
The Pump Filter
Straw filters are typically more difficult than pump filters, which vary in difficulty depending on the product. They require you to use the attached pump to push water through the filter.
The Squeeze Filter
Squeeze filters are very similar to gravity filters, but you have to squeeze the water through them rather than letting physics do the work. Some filters include their own water bladders or foldable bottles. Others can be fastened to a typical plastic bottle using screws.
Buying Guide On Filtered Water Bottles
Type Of Filter
According to Trimble, various kinds of filters will remove various things. As you shop for a water bottle, be sure to check the type of filter it has and confirm that it will work for the purpose for which you are buying it.
Activated carbon filters work to lower chlorine levels and enhance taste, while membrane microfilters typically remove bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. E. coli and protozoa like giardia are frequently removed by hollow fiber membrane filters, which are small, delicate filters. Additionally, you may occasionally come across a bottle that contains two filters combined for optimal filtration, such as the Grayl UltraPress Purifier.
Material
Like regular reusable water bottles, filtered water bottles are made of a variety of materials, the most popular of which are plastic and metal. It is entirely up to individual taste and intended use when deciding which material to use, but if you decide to go with plastic, make sure it is free of toxic additives like BPA. According to Trimble, metal water bottles may be bulkier and heavier than plastic bottles but tend to be insulated and will keep your water cooler. For various activities, certain materials will work better than others. What’s most important, says Slepian, “is the technology it has, how reliable it is, and how well vetted it has been by people in the field.”
Size And Weight
Similar to the construction of your filtered water bottle, the size and weight of your pack depending on your preferences and the kind of adventure you’re undertaking. The ideal filtered water bottle for you will depend on your intended use. They are available in a range of sizes and weights. You might want to think about bringing a smaller, lighter water bottle if you intend to pack one in your luggage for international travel. The size and weight of your bottle might not be as important if you plan on carrying it to the gym every day.
Related Reading: What Is The Best Size For A Water Bottle?
Price
Filtered water bottles come in a range of price points, as our list of top picks shows, so you’ll need to decide which price fits your budget the best. Slepian thinks that you should spend a little of your budget on this type of equipment, though. “You’re spending the money to be ensured that your water is safe to drink, so it’s worth splurging on this type of product,” she says, “Spend the money and get a water bottle that will last.”
How To Take Care Of Your Filtered Water Bottle?
- For the filter to work as effectively as possible, each bottle comes with a different set of preparation and maintenance instructions. Please take your time reading this guide. Because you clogged it or improperly primed it, you don’t want to waste a filter.
- The majority of filters will, as a general rule, need to be cleaned out on a regular basis either by backwashing (pushing water under pressure through the filter) or by running a few liters of fresh water through them.
- You must prepare the filters as directed by the manufacturers because the majority of filters must be wet in order to function.
- If you plan to travel for an extended period of time, keep in mind to pack extra filters in case you need them; otherwise, your filter bottle will just end up being an expensive piece of plastic waste.
- Except when your filter is made to do so, avoid filtering juice, saltwater, or any other type of beverage. Typical filters are unable to handle this. They will quickly become clogged and stop functioning.
Related Reading: How to Clean a Water Bottle?
Our Verdict
Our top pick is the LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle due to its adaptability, simplicity, and laboratory-tested dependability. Additionally, because of its durability, our experts regard the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System as the best hiking bottle available.
FAQs
Does drinking filtered water really benefit you?
Filtered water is always healthier for you whether you plan to drink municipal water from a new location or natural water from rivers, streams, lakes, and other sources. Filtered water bottles can turn any source into safe and drinkable water by removing potentially harmful chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and more.
You need to be able to filter your water in order to ensure its safety because there are numerous dangerous bacteria and viruses present in water, as well as occasionally heavy metals and other contaminants. It’s risky to consume untreated water.
Can filtered water bottles remove heavy metals?
Remember that not all filtered water bottles can get rid of heavy metals. If you know you’ll be visiting a location where drinking water is contaminated by heavy metals, look for a particular filter that has been proven to get rid of these impurities. The Grayl UltraPress Purifier comes highly recommended.
How to wash my filtered water bottle? Are they dishwasher-safe?
Check the manufacturer’s website for suggested maintenance procedures before buying a new filtered water bottle. Some will be dishwasher safe, while others will require a little more work to clean. Trimble advises taking maintenance into account when deciding which bottle is best for you.
It’s a good idea to review the cleaning instructions for the filter before making a purchase because every brand will discuss them. Some will offer extra supplies to help backflush the filter in case it becomes clogged, so that can be an example of something extra you might want to pack on your trip.
Read More: Are Blender Bottles Dishwasher-Safe?