Some of the choices you make while preparing for your next trip can be lifesaving. Especially when you’re out and about in an unknown territory where you’ll likely switch on one of your most primal instincts to survive. One of the ways to ensure you’re properly equipped when you’re out in the wild is by choosing the right gear to bring. That’s when a water filter bottle for traveling comes in handy. Besides ensuring your body is hydrated, it’s also very practical and functional.
While free access to drinkable water is a common thing when you’re traveling in the US or Europe, traveling across the continent may not provide the same luxury. Having a reliable water filter bottle for travel will make a huge difference in your health and enjoyment level of experience. Complete your gear with the best travel bags with a water bottle holder or these messenger bags if you prefer them. If you prefer to carry the filter separately, take a look at our list of the best water filter for backpacking. Below, we’ve compiled the best water filtration bottle for travel. Perfect for your next trip!
How to Choose the Best Water Filter Bottler for Traveling
If you’re an avid traveler, you must’ve known how a good water filter bottle for traveling is an important item in your adventure gear. But what are the things that make water filter bottles a good one? These are the most important things you should consider beforehand:
Quality – Low, Medium, High
Different water filter bottles have different ranges of quality. Low quality filtered water bottles generally eliminate harmless minerals to improve the taste, which is not really the best choice if you’re traveling to somewhere new and foreign. Filtered water bottles with medium quality improve water quality by removing particles, bacteria, protozoa, and parasites. High quality filtered water bottles or water purifier also feature a technology that removes virus from any source of water.
Construction
Decent construction of a water filter bottle for traveling will contribute to its durability. Some of them are made from flexible plastics which are very light, which means you’ll save weight and space. But unfortunately, they won’t stay with you for long. Instead, you can invest in metal water filter bottles, although they’re not as popular and as cheap as the plastic counterpart, it’s a reasonable choice to invest in these bottles if you love traveling.
Types of filter
Generally, water filter bottles are equipped with either one of the available 4 types of filters; straw, gravity, squeeze and pump. If you’re looking for a type with a very small effort to filter the water, the gravity filter relies only on gravity. You just need to leave the water to drip through the filter on its own accord. This may take longer to process but it allows you to filter large amounts of water with the most minimal effort.
The straw filter works by sucking on the mouthpiece and the water is filtered through the straw on its way up. While the squeeze filter works pretty similarly to the gravity filter, you have to squeeze the water through them instead of relying on gravity to do all the job. Last but not least, pump filters require a different amount of effort depending on the model.
How do you filter water when traveling?
As we have mentioned above, the filtering happens through different processes depending on the water filter type. Many travelers prefer to take filtered water bottles with them because there are countries where tap water isn’t safe to drink. Besides, you’re saving your traveling budget and keeping things environment-friendly without having to buy plastic water bottles.
Do water bottle filters work?
Yes, they do! Generally, the main function is to ‘clean’ water from any water source to make it drinkable, safe, and taste better. Some of these brands claimed that their products went through a lab test. But given the number of globetrotters vouching for water filter bottler for traveling that actually works, it’s safe to say that water bottle filters DO work.
Gobie Filtered Water Bottle – 22oz (CU)
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If you’re looking for an affordable gift idea, the Gobie water filter bottle is one of your best choices. People are praising its functionalities apart from the surprisingly firm container and squishy handle. You’ll also appreciate the finger loop that comes in very handy, especially during traveling. You can even carry the bottle around by hooking the finger loop to your pinky and you’re ready to go!
The wide opening allows you to easily transfer water or add ice cubes into the container. Gobie Filtered Wattle Bottle – 22oz is designed for everyday use and pretty much does the job well. Featured with a squeezable diaphragm, this Gobie water filter bottle is meant to be squeezed for the filter to work. This is a great alternative for other water filter bottle for traveling if you prefer to squeeze them instead of putting much effort into sucking the straw.
What We Love
Your most affordable best water filtration bottle for travel!
Pros:
- Affordable gift idea
- Comes in cute colors
- BPA-free
- Firm container
- Squishy handle
Cons:
- Leaking and durability issues
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System
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At first glance, the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System looks a bit complicated to use. Because unlike any water filter bottle for travel, it comes with a pack and filtering system. If you’re more used to bottles equipped with a filtering system, this one can demand more work than usual. The product comes with pouches and a filtering body. You can attach the filtering body to a bottle or fill the pouch with water and transfer it to your water container. Although you have to do double work, many users are very satisfied with the outcome.
One way to get around this not-so-simple filtering process is by having a smart water bottle and you can screw the filter onto the top. This way, you don’t have to move water into different containers and only need to squeeze the bottle for the filtering to work.
What We Love
Worth the effort; clean and drinkable water is guaranteed anywhere you go!
Pros:
- Light and durable
- Good flow rate
- A great upgrade from the Sawyer Mini
Cons:
- Maybe not so simple/easy to use
- Separate water container
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Epic Nalgene OG Water Bottle Filter
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Among the reasons why this water bottle is so popular is because the product caters to plenty of people with different lifestyle choices. It’s recyclable, gluten-free, vegan, and 100% food-grade material approved by the FDA.
The wide mouthpiece can be both a pro and cons, considering you have to put a lot of effort into sucking the water from inside. The size is considerably big, given it can contain 32oz water and equip with Epic water filters. Users are happy with how it can improve the smell and taste of their tap water. On top of that, travelers alike have shown satisfaction over the use of the Epic Nalgene OG Water Bottle Filter.
What We Love
Highly functional travel companion!
Pros:
- Travel-friendly
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- BPA- and BPS-free
Cons:
- The straw mouth is too wide
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Berkey Sport Filtered Water Bottle
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The first thing you’ll notice when you get your hands on Berkey Sport Filtered Water Bottle is how lightweight the bottle is. That being said, it can be a pro and cons at the same time. Depending on your preferences when it comes to the best water bottle for traveling.
Speaking of its function, this water filter bottle for travel does its job great. Most users are satisfied with the filtered water result. They also mention the bottle is tightly sealed, leaving no room for leaks. The bottle doesn’t come flawless though, users have reported durability issues and dissatisfaction with the quality given its rather high price points. But if you’re okay with giving them benefit of the doubt and head-on with purchasing the bottle, it may be one of your prized possessions.
What We Love
Given its overall functionality, this one should be one of your top choices
Pros:
- Filters virus apart from other elements and organisms
- Compact; fit in a backpack
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons:
- A little pricey
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Seychelle Advanced Water Filter Bottle
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If there’s one thing that comes second after the filter quality itself when it comes to choosing a water filter bottle for traveling, it should be the design. Seychelle Advanced Water Filter Bottle was designed for easy carrying and usage. It holds 4 oz and comes with a nice carry strap that makes it even more portable. From these factors alone, it deserves a spot in our list of best water filtration bottle for travel.
To filter the water, you’ll need effort in sucking or squeezing the bottom of the bottle, which some users may find a bit irritating. But that’s just how the filtering works! And most importantly, it’s somewhat easier to drink the water. While this also can be a subjective issue, some users have mentioned that the filtered water resulted from Seychelle Advanced Water Filter Bottle tastes a bit salty and has a hint of mineral in it.
What We Love
The water bottle that gives you extra peace of mind anywhere you go
Pros:
- Perfect size to store in your backpack
- Comfortable to hold and easy to use
- Consistent good filtering no matter where the water source is
- Soft bottle, made for squeezing
- BPA-free
Cons:
- Unclear washing instruction
- The squeezing can be much of a work
- Leaking issues
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LARQ Insulated with UV Water Purifier
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Some of us really have an eye for something simple and sleek. To some extent, we’ll try to find them anywhere we can in anything we’re planning to buy. If that sounds like your cup of tea, your best water filtration bottle for travel should be LARQ Insulated with UV Water Purifier. This water filter bottle is especially useful if you’re a light traveler. The good news is, the bottle will last a long time given its stainless steel construction.
One interesting thing about the bottle is its self-cleaning feature. People who had a water filter bottle for traveling before must’ve known how difficult it is to clean it. There are some parts that you can’t detach from the construction and if you do, you’re breaking your water bottle. This self-cleaning feature is a breath of fresh air. In addition to that, you can expect UV-C lighting to do all the work in purifying your water. Some people said that this claim is questionable but some others said it’s not. The decision is yours.
What We Love
Aside from its modern design, this water bottle is great value for money.
Pros:
- Self-cleaning feature
- Modern and sleek design
- Made of stainless steel; solid and sturdy
Cons:
- Heavy
- Small capacity
- The claim that it uses UV light to clean water may be misleading
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Water-to-Go 26 oz Water Filtration Bottle
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Water-to-Go 26 oz Water Filtration Bottle has garnered many fans online because of its proven credibility. One important thing that it provides is safe and drinkable water, no matter where you source the water from. People are pretty much satisfied with the taste of the filtered water. The filter manages to eliminate all the elements that made the water tastes weird or chalky. Even better, it keeps you away from terrible diarrhea non-hygienic water can cause.
Many of the users claimed to have taken the Water-to-Go 26 oz Water Filtration Bottle across the globe with them. And reviewers from different websites have shown satisfaction over how easy it is to use aside from its travel-friendly figure. All in all, if you’re willing to invest 50 USD for this water bottle, you may want to give it a shot.
What We Love
Welcoming an ill-free trip across the globe with this water filter bottle for travel!
Pros:
- BPA-free plastic material
- Durable, suitable to store in backpack pockets
- No pressing, no pump action to get the bottle to work
- Very sturdy material
Cons:
- Leaking issues
- Slow water flows
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Survimate Filtered Water Bottle
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It seems like this water filter bottle for traveling is living up to its name, being one of your best choices as your survival mate. Survimate Filtered Water Bottle has a sleek premium look and includes a 4-stage integrated filtered straw as its main filtering type. Note that people have mentioned that you need to put a little effort into sucking the water from the straw. But this may not be an issue for some people that are used to using filtered wattle bottles.
One thing you’ll appreciate from Survimate Filtered Water Bottle is how easy it is to carry. Not just for when you put it in your backpack’s pocket! With all these features and qualities, the affordable price tag is a fantastic cherry on top.
What We Love
Equipped with additional features useful for your long trip: compass and carabiner.
Pros:
- Premium-look
- Gets rid of all harmful elements from any source of water, including virus
- BPA-free and FDA approved
- Very easy to carry around
Cons:
- Leaking issues
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LifeStraw Water Filter Bottle
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With the best water filtration bottle for travel, one of the things that you can completely avoid is terrible diarrhea. Having LifeStraw Water Filter Bottle is definitely a lifesaver in that case. It makes any source of water you can get safer to drink. Although, please note that some users have complained about the strong mineral taste of the filtered water, especially if the source of water is rich in minerals.
Once you get your hands on this product, be sure to remove the cellophane wrap covering the straw. If you skip this step, water won’t come through no matter how hard they suck it. That said, the thing with filtered water bottles is they will demand you to put effort to make it work. Whether it’s squeezing or sucking the water from the bottle, note that it shouldn’t be that hard. Read the suggested user instructions and online reviews. It’ll save you from all the troubles!
What We Love
Great filter lifespans, it lasts for 1,000 gallons!
Pros:
- Durable
- BPA-free
- Sturdy and replaceable filter
Cons:
- Filters 0.2 microns, unlike other water filter bottle for travel which filters up to 0.1 microns
- Produces strong mineral taste
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Brita Stainless Steel 32 oz Water Filter Bottle
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Brita has gained fans over the years thanks to its high-quality portable water bottle. And the company makes one of the best water filtration bottle for travel as well! Brita Stainless Steel 32oz Water Filter Bottle should be one of your top choices if you want something stylish and highly functional to be your travel companion.
As it’s made of stainless steel, the bottle is built sturdy and meant to last for a long time. And if you don’t mind bringing a big water bottle with you anywhere you go, this will be your perfect match. While the water taste may be a subjective matter, you need to know that it guarantees to eliminate bacterias and viruses alike. Besides, there seems to be very minimal complaint on how the filtered water tastes like. It’s safe to say that it won’t be a deal-breaker.
What We Love
If you’re looking for a cool and highly functional water filter bottle for traveling, this is your answer!
Pros:
- Cool and sleek design
- Durable and sturdy, thanks to its material
- Easy to clean
- Compact
Cons:
- Tricky user instruction
- Takes quite a space
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GRAYL Ultralight Water Filter Bottle (CU)
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If you have used an Aeropress for your coffee before, you’ll have no problem using GRAYL Ultralight Water Filter Bottle. It’s basically how you use this water filter bottle for travel to keep yourself healthy as you’re out and about in a foreign country or some parts of the country where the water is not so safe to drink.
It comes in a pretty simple design that you’ll appreciate. Not to mention how the company pays attention to detail by adding O ring non-slip rubber at the bottom and on the top of the bottle. The former is to keep the bottle firm on a flat surface, anywhere you put it. The latter is built to prevent leaks. GRAYL Ultralight Water Filter Bottle doesn’t only filter bacteria but it’s also capable of filtering viruses from any source of water.
What We Love
Overall feature, design, and function.
Pros:
- Filters out bacteria and viruses
- Non-slip rubber O ring at the bottom of the bottle
- Clear rubber O ring built in the top to prevent leaks
- Equipped with the easiest and fastest way to filter the water
Cons:
- The way it works is not familiar to many
Brita Premium Filtering Bottle
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There’s a reason why Brita Premium Filtering Bottle is so popular on the market. Apart from its main function as a water filter bottle for traveling, the bottle is insulated. That means you can have your cold water stay cold for up to 24-hours!
The stainless steel material is the reason why the bottle will last for a long time, in addition to the pretty cool design. You’ll also appreciate the push-button lid that keeps your mouthpiece safe from contamination.
There’s one thing that you should be paying attention to: the filter needs to be replaced for every 40 gallons of water. This may come off as high-maintenance. In case you’re going to use it only every now and then, you need to make sure the filter is at its best capacity. To be fair, it’s not much of a deal-breaker, in fact, it’s a great investment!
What We Love
Filter the water and does so much more!
Pros:
- Dishwasher-friendly
- Improves water taste and smell
- Durable and sturdy
Cons:
- High maintenance
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GRAYL Geopress Water Purifier
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As usual, we’re saving the best for the last! Our pick for the best water filtration bottle for travel goes to GRAYL Geopress Water Purifier. Although it falls more into the expensive category, it’s safe to say that this bottle is worth your every penny.
Thanks to the heavy-duty filtering and water purification system, you can now be ill-free as you travel across the globe. It’s designed to filter out bacteria, protozoa, particulates, and even viruses! The GRAYL Geopress Water Purifier filter can last for 65 gallons before you have to replace it. This is generally above the average water filter bottle for travel and it’s actually pretty decent. You can choose between 24oz or 32oz in size.
GRAYL Geopress is also relatively easy to clean up, another positive thing if you’re planning to use it for a natural source of water. With a compact size, it’ll easily fit your backpack pocket.
What We Love
Everything you need in a water filter bottle for traveling!
Pros:
- Eliminates bacterias and viruses
- BPA-free
- Made of polypropylene, a durable type of plastic
- Easy cleanup
Cons:
- Very pricey
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