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Skip the water cooler talk with a filtered water bottle.
Clean drinking water is imperative, no matter what you're doing.
Whether you're at the hunting lease, backpacking, or even at work, having access to clean water is crucial if you want to stay hydrated and feel good.
An energy drink or coffee before taking on the day is fine, but it's useless if you aren't drinking water afterward.
Instead of figuring out how to get huge water jugs into the backcountry, consider a filtered water bottle. A filtering water bottle is a game-changer for those who drink a lot of water.
I think we can all attest that we'd take a bottle of Smartwater over a glass of tap water, correct? That's because we know the water tastes better from the plastic bottle because it's been filtered (a lot).
Buying cases of plastic bottles isn't the most eco-friendly option, and face it, you already know it's going to be cheaper just to buy a reusable water bottle. Or even better, a filtered bottle.
Here are 12 of the best filtered water bottles we could track down and a few thoughts on each one.
CDC & Water Filters
The CDC says not all filters are created equal. This is very true, especially with the filters in water bottles, so pay attention to manufacturer descriptions.
"Some filters can remove parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia if used properly. However, they may not remove viruses and bacteria. Germs could still be present in your filtered water."
Since Giardia is a common waterborne illness, we recommend water bottles that filter out germs that cause diarrhea. Of course, not every filter is able to get the dirtiest of water to be potable. Still, they can prevent some pretty nasty illnesses if you're exposed to Giardia and other parasites.
What the CDC Recommends for Camping
"Using an absolute 1-micron filter (1-micron sized holes or smaller) or a filter labeled as certified by NSF Standards 53 or 58 will remove parasites if used properly, but will not remove viruses or all bacteria. Check the label of your filter product."
Best Filtered Water Bottles
1. LIFESTRAW GO Water Filter Bottle
The LifeStraw Go water bottle filters out impurities such as bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and more. However, it does not get rid of fluoride or pesticides. The filtration system even gets rid of that awful chlorine taste. It's BPA-free, which is a major plus. With five years of safe water from this filter, you can't go wrong.
If you're traveling abroad, I highly recommend going with this one as your overall pick. You can drink water knowing that the filter will protect you from E.coli, salmonella, giardia, and cryptosporidium.
Waterborne bacteria is something you don't want to risk. The microfilter lasts up to 1,000 gallons of water, and the carbon filter lasts up to 26 gallons with proper maintenance. Be sure also to check out LifeStraw's filter straws and water purification tablets.
2. Sawyer Personal Water Bottle with Filter
That's right, you'll be able to put creek water in this BPA-free bottle and wind up with H2O clean enough to drink. It comes with a water filter and two straws, along with cleaning instructions. You'll be able to enjoy 34 ounces of water with each fill of this bottle.
This is my runner-up. When a lake or stream is your only water source, you'll need something like this bottle. The 0.10 Absolute Micron Water Filter is impressive.
3. GRAYL Ultralight Water Purifier [+ Filter] Bottle
Get a water filtration bottle that fights off more than a bad taste. This water bottle filters out viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. The filter will get rid of particulates such as chemicals and heavy metals from a fresh water source.
The bottle is made with food-grade silicone and food-grade plastic.
4. Bobble Classic, water bottle, filtered water, reusable water bottle
Bobble's water bottle has a replaceable filter. The filter removes the taste and odor of chlorine from municipal tap water. The activated carbon filter is equal to 300 single-use 16.9-ounce water bottles.
Tilda gave the made in the USA water bottle five stars and wrote, "I bought this because I wanted a bottle with filter and the mouthpiece had a cover. I work in healthcare so it's long days and having a water bottle is key. Knowing the mouthpiece hasn't been touched by other people or children is HUGE for me."
5. astrea 20 Ounce Premium Filtering Water Bottle with Certified Filter
Astrea's water bottles target heavy metals from the tap, which reduces lead from your drinking water. The stainless steel body is nice and sleek.
6. Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle
We thought the built-in carrying loop on this Brita water bottle was pretty cool. Take it to work, the gym, or wherever you have access to tap water.
I love that it's top-rack dishwasher safe and comes in over 10 different colors. Replace the filter every two months for clean water that tastes good.
7. Seychelle Extreme Water Filter Bottle
The aftertaste of tap water can really turn you off from staying hydrated. Get this water bottle for only $34.99.
8. Easiestsuck Filter Bottle
You'll trust every spec on this water bottle. The filter is made from food-grade materials and has a big flow rate for easy drinking.
9. SUPOLOGY Leak-Proof Water Filter Bottle with Integrated Filter
The membrane filter goes to work. It filters out just about any bacteria or parasite without chemicals. The coconut shell carbon fiber reduces odor and a gross aftertaste. Get this water bottle and be amazed that you're drinking water from the stream or puddle next to you.
10. Brita Hard Sided 23.7 oz Water Bottle
Check out the cool camo design on this water bottle! It's only $11. It's perfect for filtering tap water.
11. Survimate Filtered Water Bottle BPA Free
SurviMate's travel water bottle is perfect for hikers. It's made from food-grade tritan and has four advanced purifiers installed. This BPA-free plastic bottle can filter up to 1500L of water and has a 0.01-micron filter.
Ditch the plastic water bottles, this is the budget-friendly (and environmentally friendly) way to enjoy better-tasting water at your outdoor adventures this summer.
12. KOR Nava BPA Free 650ml Filter Water Bottle
For that bottled water taste, consider this portable water bottle. This bottle uses easy flow technology, so getting water out of the spout will be simple. There's even a hygienic cap design to keep the spout safe when it's not in use. It might not fit in a cup holder, so just keep it in your backpack.
Be sure to buy compatible replacement filters in advance. Most of the time, water filters need to be replaced every two months. Keep some handy in your kitchen.
NEXT: 5 BEST WATER STORAGE BARRELS OF 2022 FOR EMERGENCIES + CLEAN WATER STORAGE 101
This post was originally published on December 27, 2019.
