Everybody loves traveling and if you’re reading this article its probably because you have been traveling for a while or are aware of how water can be pretty unsafe in countries.
Sure, you can buy bottled water and yes it is pretty cheap but who can verify the source of where it comes from?
We live in an innovative world of problem solvers constantly striving to solve the real problem. And unsanitary water problem is definitely a VERY real problem.
And the solution to this problem?
A water purifier! And what’s more is they not only solve one problem but also two problems!
- ONE they ensure the water you are drinking is safe to consume regardless of the source
- TWO environmental wherein you almost neglect the use of buying multiple plastic bottles that end up washed up at some shore!
However we also live in a cluttered world of many choices but that does not mean they are all the right one, in fact, choosing a bad water filter can leave you with foul-tasting water and worse cause some serious stomach problems.
So it’s in your interest to pick the best water filter that will kill bacteria, cysts, and viruses and at the same time filter out water that actually tastes good!
Ideally, you’re looking at a water filter that won’t make the water taste worse than it already is and something that should also filter particulate, chlorine, and metals so it tastes better.
BUT you don’t just need ANY water filter you need one that is appropriate for travel!
That is wholly the main reason for reading this article you’re looking for not just any water filter but one that is best suited for travel one that is robust, light and also reliable and also at a price that won’t burn a hole through that pocket.
Sounding too good to be true?
Rest assured if you’re reading this article you can be assured we will not only guide to a good water filter but one that is the most reliable and fit for travel!
We put together the MOST COMPREHENSIVE review article on water filters for travel to help you travel without having to worry about safe drinking water especially in 2019!
So trust us and keep reading…
Best Water Bottle With Filter For Travel
1. Lifestraw Water Bottle - Best Bottle With Filter For Travel
Reason to buy: You are into sport and need a BPA-free water bottle that has top-notch filter and purifier and also made of leak-proof durable materials to stay in shape regardless of the strenuous activity.
Technical Specifications:
- Weight: 168 grams (5.9 oz)
- Capacity: 650 ml (22 oz)
- Filter Life: 4000 liters (1000 US gallons)
The Lifestraw water filter purifier bottle filters out pathogens like parasites and bacteria, making it safe to consume water from all sources.
How does the Lifestraw Filter work?
The filter mechanism followed is straw based. So if you want to drink from any water source, you simply have to use the straw. The filter is also attached right at the top of the bottle so you can unscrew it quite easily, filter changing is similarly very simple. The mouthpiece on the straw is made out of food grade silicone and is removed quite easily for cleaning and maintaining. It’s necessary to suck on the straw to pull water through which can be inconvenient to some.
Lifestraw filters use a 2-stage system. hollow fiber membrane combines with a carbon capsule to remove bad tastes and 99.9999% of bacteria. Each filter can process up to 4000 liters ( 1000 US gallons) of water. It filters down to 0.2 microns. The Lifestraw bottle is made from BPA-free Tritan which is the highest graded plastic.
The bottle is also claimed to be leak proof even when moved drastically which is always a plus.
A fabric loop with a metal ring and a carabiner clip allows you to attach the bottle to just about any backpack. The straw clips and locks back down into place when it is not put into use.
PROS:
- Filters water from just about any fresh water source
- Filters foul-tasting water and harmful bacteria from water
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Made of high-grade BPA free plastic and durable materials
CONS:
- Expensive price tag compared to other competitors but for the value, you get in return it is justified.
- The filter must be replaced every 1,000 liters (260 gallons)
2. Steripen - Portable UV Water Purifier For Travel
Reason to buy: You want something that is easy to use, works fast, extremely compact and lightweight and more importantly kills all the bad pathogens, and best of all, the steripen doesn’t require any pumping, squeezing, backflushing, or chemicals to work!
Technical Specifications:
- Weight: With integrated battery: 4.94 ounces
- Capacity: 650 ml (22 oz)
- Output: 32 fl. oz. per 90 sec.
The Steripen is definitely one the most well-known portable water purifier and for good reason. It uses a UV lamp to kill the bugs and bacteria. You just dunk the lamp into a cup or water bottle, stir for a minute or two, then drink. It’s a simple, inexpensive process, but it does have some limitations.
How does Steripen UV Purifier work?
Firstly, it is only a purifier and there’s no filtering mechanism. Meaning you can’t use dirty water that contains particulate with it, and while the treated version is unlikely to make you sick, it won’t taste any better than what you had when you first started.
While it is good to be able to purify water in just about any vessel, I would rather carry a bottle with a UV lamp built in with it. That way I would have a go-to solution to purify whenever necessary, and just use it as a normal water bottle the rest of the time. Also, the reliance on battery power also isn’t ideal, although at least this Ultra model charges via USB. There are however Cheaper versions that use a bit hard-to-find disposable batteries.
Still, If you do want the water you’re filtering to be reasonably free of dirt and minerals to start with, then the Steripen is a definitely a worthy and simple option to choose.
PROS:
- Intuitive and quite Easy to use - No problems like squeezing, backflushing, pumping or harmful chemicals.
- At the filter time of 90 Seconds per liter, it’s quite fast.
- Effective and reliable Sterilization process that kills 99.99% of protozoa, bacteria, and viruses
- Robust and lightweight weighing at only 2-3 ounces heavier than the lightest purifier,
- Made of durable materials and designed to be compact.
CONS:
- It is quite expensive with the price being twice as expensive as the Sawyer Squeeze.
- As it is Battery powered it is not a good choice for long expeditions with not many recharging options.
- The UV purifier process won’t work on murky, sediment-laden water. (however, purification method will work for this)
- Due to a Glass bulb making it vulnerable.you’ll want to make sure not to drop it when the bulb is exposed to the surrounding. However when inside the sturdy case, the Ultra is quite well protected.
3. Grayl Ultralight - Best Water Filter + Purifier Bottle For Travel
Reason to buy: You are looking for an ergonomic BPA free bottle that can filter super quick in just about 15 seconds and also easy to use with no sucking or squeezing required to filter out water
Technical Specifications:
- Weight: 309 grams (10.9 oz)
- Capacity: 473 ml (16 oz)
- Filter Life: 150 liters (40 US gallons)
The Grayl Ultralight water filter bottle is a hard durable ergonomic BPA free bottle. The bottle filters up to 99.99% of pathogens like harmful bacteria and viruses including e-Coli and hepatitis A in only 15 seconds. It can also filter out particulate like silt and harmful chemicals such as chlorine that might impact how the water tastes.
How the Grayl Ultralight Filter + Purifier work?
It has a press to filter design, so there’s no need for unnecessary sucking or squeezing required to filter water. There is pushing, however, required to filter.
You simply fill the external part of the bottle, then you press the part with the filter element downwards into the water. Then the applied pressure forces the water through the water filter. Filtering in this Grayl Water Bottle is threefold.
- Firstly there is a patented electro adsorptive filter that traps pathogens like viruses and harmful bacteria.
- whilst the water is being pushed through the filter it moves through an activated carbon filter, which them filters out and removes heavy metals and chemicals.
- Finally, there is a silver treated element which helps keep the bottle clean by inhibiting any harmful microbial growth.
The Only downside to this is that the filter needs replacing every 40 gallons. This is why we’ve marked it down in our Grayl water filter review – the cost. You can buy a Grayl tap water only filter for the water bottle which is about half the cost of the full filter.
PROS:
- No having to suck the water through a straw
- Any freshwater source
- Cheaper than most competitors
CONS:
- Cheap but quite time-consuming as replacing filters every 40 gallons.
- Small capacity bottle
4. DrinkSafe Travel Tap - Easy To Use Bottle With Filter With Large Capacity
Reason to buy: You are looking for an easy to use water filter bottle that has a large capacity for filtering water for probably longer trips.
Technical Specifications:
- Weight: 165 grams (5.8 oz)
- Capacity: 800 ml (28 oz)
- Filter Life: 1600 liters (422 US gallons)
The Drinksafe Travel Tap water filter purifier by DrinkSafe Systems is quite a good product. It has an in-built water filter that can be used with almost any freshwater sources.
Do note although you can drink brackish water using this portable filtration system, it will clog your filter quickly. The system has been tested by British Marines and is approved by the Environmental protection Agency, and the FDA.
How the DrinkSafe Travel Tap filter Work?
The Travel Tap has a portable triple action system that will remove any threat from harmful pathogens like viruses, cryptosporidium, E -Coli, Cholera, Salmonella, and protozoa. It also reduces chemicals and compounds like fluoride and chlorine and sediment.
It also has an activated carbon filter. There is also a bio-safe antimicrobial media is also present in the Travel Tap filters. It is safe, non-toxic and non-leaching and works by bonding on the molecules of waterborne micro-organisms to the filter out the contaminated particles from the water. This bio-safe media has a shelf life that will last you a lifetime.
It’s extremely intuitive and easy to use. The filter is attached to a lid and straw water filter system. You can filter any dodgy tap water, river and stream water. You simply have to unscrew the lid, fill up the durable BPA free bottle and screw the lid back onto it. There is no waiting and also there’s no need to tip the bottle up to drink, simply flip the spout and suck or squeeze onto the bottle or do both at the same time (do whatever you want!) The spout is also easily removable for cleaning and maintaining the bottle.
PROS:
- Filter last 1600 liters
- Can we used when squeezing to wash wounds or add water to other
- Remove filter when water is safe, and still use water
CONS:
- Flip spout occasionally clips out (but easy to clip back in again)
5. Aquamira - Great Water Bottle With Filter For Travel & Backpacking
Reason to buy: You are looking for a BPA free filter that has the fastest flow for filtering water and is super compact and small for traveling
Technical Specifications:
- Weight: 170 grams (6 oz)
- Capacity: 650 ml (22 oz)
- Filter Life: 375 litres (100 US gallons)
How the Aquamira water bottle filter work
The Aquamira Frontier Filter Water bottle provides a dual system for filtering out water.
- The Green line filter, which comes as the standard one with the Aquamira filter water bottle is designed to remove any just about any waterborne bacteria and pathogen.
- The Red Line Filter is used to remove harmful viruses from water sources.
Both The filters are designed to remove harmful pathogens like bacteria and parasites like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, but they will also remove bad/fould odors and tastes making the water clean and at the same time taste good.
The filters on the aquamira Frontier are replaceable and with a flow rate of 500ml per minute, to be frank, this is one of the fastest filter water bottle systems. This filter also removes particulate like sediment and silt from contaminated water. Lastly, The Aquamira Frontier green line filter has a lifetime of about 100 US gallons.
The bottle is also BPA free squeezable plastic with a bite valve that stops any possible leaks even whilst turning it upwards. It also means, however, that for water flow you’ve got to be either suck onto, biting or holding the valve which can be inconvenient to some.
PROS:
- The fastest flow rate of 500ml per minute
- Filters out just about any water source
- Bite valve helps prevent leaks even whilst moving.
CONS:
- Bite valve required to be used for water flow which is an inconvenient way of consuming the filtered water.
Best Water Bottle With Filter For Travel Buyer’s Guide: How does a water filter purifier really work?
A water filter basically has two functionalities a purifier and a filter. While both may appear similar they are both quite different.
How does a Water Filter work?
The filter attacks the visible dirt in your water. Water that is passed through a filter is transformed from muddy water to clean nice water.
Filters are most commonly used whilst camping/hiking as a way to consume the water that pours through mountain streams that is clean from bacteria but has some particulate, twigs, mud and debris.
How does a Water Purifier work?
The purifier works more on a smaller microscopic level to complete rid of your water from nasty bacteria. Purifiers rid your water of all the harmful pathogens that lead to water-related illnesses.
Why You need to use a water filter purifier
Yes, you may think it is an unnecessary hassle to buy a water filter purifier when you can conveniently just get bottled water in most parts of the world that you are going to travel to. While this can be safe in some countries it is definitely not for all especially third-world countries like India etc. You have to be sure to check the seal before you get it to ensure with certainty that before you drink it is indeed safe.
But ask yourself HOW many times are you really going to check it? ESPECIALLY whilst traveling…
It’s more of an inconvenience to keep having to check and be conscious of it than to actually get a water purifier instead! Remember prevention is always better than cure and a water purifier is a way to prevent yourself from getting sick in a foreign country unfamiliar to you. (Don’t learn this the hard way)
Reasons To Use a water bottle with filter purifier
1. Using a water filter purifier bottle WILL save you money
We already know bottled water can get quite expensive depending on which country you live are traveling to. You can save up to US$1000 by drinking tap water using a filter water bottle over a span of 14 months! t0.1s a WHOLE grand! If you want to dig in further you can find out about all about the cost of drinking bottled water at Numbeo.
2. Using the RIGHT water filter purifier bottle will result in better tasting water
Sometimes even drinkable tap water has a bad taste to it. Especially in third-world countries where the plumbing can seem shady. You will notice that it sometimes tastes like it has some chlorine in it (it definitely does!) Sometimes it will taste metallic (again metals!). Fortunately, a good Filter water purifier bottle will remove these foul tastes (in varying degrees). Don’t worry all the bottles we cover in these reviews claim to remove bad tastes!
3. Using the RIGHT water filter purifier bottle for safety
Water is an essential requirement of our bodies for us and many other organisms to function normally. Unfortunately, pesky harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses and parasites make it their home. Dirty, unsafe water is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Giardia and Cryptosporidium in untreated or contaminated water can cause nasty gastrointestinal diseases. Lead may be present in some older pipework systems and leach into the water flowing through them. Chlorine and fluoride, which are often added to treated water sources are claimed by some experts to be carcinogenic in nature leading to a higher risk of cancer…
That’s right you can get cancer drinking contaminated water!
Unfortunately, we cannot help you find a good or great source of crystal clean water, but we can, however, help you find the best filter water purifier bottles that we’ve chosen can make it as safe as possible for you to drink anywhere in the world! Don’t worry we’ve only mentioned the water filtration systems that we have used ourselves and upon trying and testing them we have chosen them. Our top picks have long-lasting filters and that remove harmful pathogens like bacteria, chemicals and bad foul tastes from the water you’ll be drinking abroad.
4. Using a filter water bottle for environmental reasons
About 12 million tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans every damm year! It’s 2018 we are well educated to know better! If you travel just a little distance away from home and you’ll see the problems that plastic causes in our precious water bodies and in rural land.
There’s only one earth at least right now so let’s try to preserve it OKAY?
You should go to BBC’s Blue Planet if this article doesn’t convince you. Even those countries with recycling facilities fail to recycle even close to 80% of plastic bottles purchased every year! If it costs you a little extra money and space in your backpack to save the earth then it’s WORTH IT!
HEY!! Aren’t Water Filter Bottles Made of Plastic Too?
NO! This is a common myth or excuse, in fact, the Filter water purifier bottles are made of safe, hard wearing material. As an alternative, you can also buy a glass water bottles however it isn’t advisable to use these as a water bottle for safety reasons and weight. A majority of people are now starting to use a filter water purifier bottle for traveling just like us. You are still helping by reducing the daily landfill of plastic bottles.
They’re not plastic but Bisphenol-A – BPA and Water Filter Bottles
Bisphenol A or BPA is a resin that increases the durability of chemicals, including plastic it is the highest grade of plastic making it super friendly for the environment. However, tests have shown the BPA can seep out of the plastic and be absorbed into water and then into your body.
Why is BPA harmful?
When BPA breaks down it is similar in nature to estrogen and binds to your estrogen receptors. This, in turn, can impact the fetal development, the repair mechanism of your cells and also your energy levels. Thyroid problems have been found in relation to consumption of BPA. Many countries around the world, including China, Canada, and the European Union have restricted the use of BPA in plastics (and other materials). All of the bottles that covered in this guide are BPA free.
So essentially whilst traveling, you are not really worried about a bunch of twigs in your drinking water. Instead, you are more worried about the pathogens that will make you sick. and the BPA of course! That is why water purifiers work best for international travel, so you know for sure that the water you are drinking is actually sterile and safe to drink.
Sound like a good deal?
How to choose the right water filter purifier for travel?
Selecting the right filter water bottle for you depends on how you’ll be using it. We’ve split our reviews of filter water bottles and our comparison by those that simply provide an additional filter, primarily for taste on drinkable tap water and those water filter bottles that you can put any source of fresh (as opposed to salt) water through.
Some of our essential Requirements for picking our top Filter Water purifier for travel:
- It HAS to be leak proof, even when stored from its side. Or when titled upside down. (leaks are NOT cool!)
- It must be free from BPA (bisphenol A)
- It should definitely have a replaceable filter and that filter should failsafe which basically means when the filter is no longer working it should definitely not allow you to drink through it. (Like a safety switch)
- It must be easy to clean and maintain
- It should have the nifty ability to be attached on to a backpack
The purpose of a water filter bottle as we discussed before is to primarily to avoid having to buy plastic bottled water whilst traveling as it’s also a serious environmental issue.
It is my aim to not buy or use bottled water at all!
Conclusion
We hope you now understand the importance of safe and sanitary water and how getting bottled water can negatively affect the environment. We believe you will make the right the choice and get a water filter we hope we helped you find the right one remember to share this with your friends and family so they can make a change just like you!
Read Next:
Leave a Reply