Traveling often places us in unfamiliar environments, which sometimes leaves us uncertain as to the safety and cleanliness of the drinking water.
With this and the environment in mind, a reliable filtered water bottle is an essential travel accessory for many travelers.
I never leave home without a water bottle in tow, and travel is no exception (my current fave travel water bottle is the LARQ self-cleaning water bottle)
A quality travel bottle that purifies water gives us the convenience of being able to fill up anywhere (I love this for airports), saves us money (airports!), gives us peace of mind regarding the safety of drinking water (even in foreign hotels), and is good for the environment.
Water bottles that filter water provide a convenient means of ensuring clean water and protecting us from potential waterborne illnesses in tap water or natural sources.
Our Top Pick Filtered Water Bottles Quick Guide
- Grayl GeoPress Water Purifier bottle – Amazon | REI
- Grayl UltraPress 16.9 oz Water Purifier – Amazon | REI
- LARQ Bottle PureVis™ – Amazon | LARQ
- SurviMate Ultra-Filtration Filtered Water Bottle – Amazon
- LifeStraw Go Series–BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle – Amazon | REI
- Brita Insulated Filtered Water Bottle with Straw – Amazon | Target
- Astrea One Premium Stainless Steel Filtering Water Bottle – Amazon
- CrazyCap Self-Cleaning Insulated Bottle – Amazon | Walmart
- Epic Nalgene OG Water Bottle with Filter – Amazon
- Seychelle pH2O Alkaline Water Filter Bottle – Amazon | Walmart
- OKO H2O Level-2 Advanced Filtration Water Bottle – Amazon
Choosing The Best Filtered Water Bottle for Travel
Water bottles with filters come in various designs and employ different filtration techniques to remove impurities, bacteria, and viruses from water.
Some use activated carbon filters, while others incorporate UV-C technology to purify the water.
When looking for the best filter water bottles for traveling, it’s crucial to consider factors such as filtration efficiency, bottle capacity, durability, and ease of use.
To help you decide which is the best water bottle for your travel style, we’ve put our efforts into researching and testing the top filtered water bottles available that cater to the needs of health, budget, and environmentally-conscious travelers.
By investing in a high-quality filtered water bottle, you can enjoy the benefits of improved health and convenience during your travels and contribute positively to the environment by reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles.
Ultimately, having a reliable water purifier bottle on hand will save you time and money and provide peace of mind.
Dive into our selection of top picks to find the perfect travel companion for your hydration needs.
Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel
In our quest to find the top purifying water bottles for your travels, we’ve carefully selected a variety of options designed to accommodate different needs. Water bottles suitable for travel that will keep you hydrated and healthy no matter where your adventures take you.
GRAYL GeoPress Water Purifier Bottle
- Capacity: 24 oz
- Price: Around $100
- Filter Cartridge Replacement: Between $30-$35
The GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle is one of the most reputable filtering systems. It is a reliable option for travelers seeking a high-quality, durable filtered water bottle. It is especially good for adventure travel and hiking.
Pros
- Fast and easy to use
- Removes a wide range of contaminants
- Durable design for outdoor adventures
Cons
- Heavier than some alternatives
- Expensive compared to other water bottles with filters for travel
- Filter replacement is an additional cost
- Requires some force to press the water through the filter
One of the best travel water bottles on the market, the GRAYL GeoPress Water Purifier Bottle impresses with its capability to purify water from various sources while traveling.
Designed for outdoor adventures or global travel, this bottle delivers absolute peace of mind by ensuring clean drinking water in any situation.
The GeoPress filter system effectively removes viruses, bacteria, protozoa, particulates, and even volatile organic compounds, ensuring safe water regardless of the source.
Its user-friendly design, requiring no setup time or additional accessories, makes it a convenient option for travel. With a 24 oz capacity, the bottle provides adequate water for short hikes or daily use.
Despite its slightly heavier weight and higher price compared to other filtered bottles, the GRAYL GeoPress offers a durable design built to withstand the demands of outdoor adventures.
The replaceable purifier cartridge, which lasts for 65 gallons / 250 liters of water, approx 350 cycles, adds extra value to the bottle. Pressing the water through the filter does require more effort than you might expect, which could be a concern for some users.
The GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle is great for travelers or outdoor enthusiasts looking for a high-quality, durable, and effective filtered water bottle. Its functionality, combined with its extensive filtering capabilities, makes it a worthy investment.
GRAYL UltraPress 16.9 oz Water Purifier & Filter Bottle
- Capacity: 16.9 oz
- Price: Around $90
- Filter Cartridge Replacement: Around $25
If you’re looking for a smaller version of the Grayl water filtering system, the GRAYL UltraPress 16.9 oz Water Purifier has all the same superior filtering capabilities in a smaller unit, Perfect for day-to-day use, travel, or for slipping in a backpack pocket.
The UltraPress holds 16.9 oz / 500 ml, and the cartridge is rated for approx. 300 cycles -150 liters / 40 gallons of water.
LARQ Bottle PureVis™
- Capacity: 17 oz – 25 oz
- Price: Around $100-$120
- Filter Cartridge Replacement: No filter is required
If you’re looking for a self-cleaning, insulated water bottle for travel, the LARQ Bottle is a great option. I received one as a gift, and I love it. And not just because it looks stylish (I list these in my Women’s Travel Essential Guide because they are practical and stylish).
LARQ is the world’s first self-cleaning water purification bottle using UV light technology to eliminate up to 99% of bio-contaminants, such as E. coli, from your water and bottle.
Any water source is purified and tastes great at the touch of a button. The bottle will also automatically self-clean every two hours to make sure your water is always at its best.
I like the additional travel mode, which offers intense cleaning for especially suspect water sources.
Pros
- The LARQ Bottle uses non-toxic UV-C LED technology to sanitize water and clean the inner surfaces of the bottle, neutralizing odor-causing bacteria and viruses.
- The bottle is double-wall vacuum insulated and made of stainless steel, which means it can keep your water cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours.
- The LARQ Bottle is BPA and plastic-free.
- It doesn’t require a filter cartridge, so there are no replacement costs.
Cons
- The LARQ Bottle requires charging via USB, which can be a problem if you forget to charge – although a single charge will last up to one month.
- The LARQ Bottle is slightly heavier than other water bottles, which may be a drawback for travelers who want a superlight water bottle.
- More suited for regular travel and purifying tap water as it will not filter our particles.
Overall, I love the LARQ Bottle. It is a great option for travelers who want a self-cleaning, insulated water bottle that is eco-friendly, doesn’t require additional filters, and is easy to use.
The UV-C LED technology is a game-changer for anyone who wants to ensure their water is clean and safe to drink, and the double-wall vacuum insulation is perfect for keeping your water at the right temperature for hours. It also looks great and has an optional travel sleeve for easy carrying.
SurviMate Ultra-Filtration Filtered Water Bottle
- Capacity: 22 oz -1 ltr
- Price: Around $25-$50
- Filter Cartridge Replacement: Around $20
The SurviMate filtered water bottle is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a reliable water filter bottle with maximum filtration at a budget price.
Compared to some of the other filtered bottles on the list, the SurviMate is well-priced without compromising on the quality of filtration.
Pros
- 4-stage filtration technology provides high-quality filtering
- Smaller filter pore size (0.01 microns) for better accuracy
- Built-in compass for outdoor adventures
Cons
- Requires more suction effort than ordinary bottles due to the increased filtering.
- The straw and silicone hole must be carefully secured to avoid minor leakage.
- The filter element should be replaced every three months for optimum performance. One filter can filter up to 1,500L (396 Gallons).
The SurviMate Ultra-Filtration Water Bottle has a 4-stage filtration process, effectively reducing contaminants in the water. The 0.01-micron filter pore size provides more accurate filtering compared to other brands with larger pores.
The built-in compass is a handy feature for outdoor enthusiasts, certainly for travelers like us who enjoy hiking. It might be a bit gimmicky for the average traveler.
Due to the 4-stage filtration process, it does require a bit more suction effort to drink from the bottle. This isn’t a deal-breaker for most fans of this water bottle purifier – more of a reminder the drinking water has gone through four layers of filtration.
One downside of this water bottle is you need to ensure that the straw and silicone hole is secured properly to prevent any water leakage. Also, the filter needs to be replaced every three months, much more frequently than other brands. Although, it isn’t as expensive as some other cartridges.
The SurviMate Ultra-Filtration Filtered Water Bottle is a solid option for travel and outdoor adventures. Its advanced filtration technology, portability, and lower price point make it a good buy, especially for adventure travelers.
LifeStraw Go Series–BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle
- Capacity: 22 oz – 1 Ltr
- Price: Around $45-$85
- Filter Cartridge Replacement: Around $25
LifeStraw is a reputable brand known for its effective filtration system and eco-friendly design, making it perfect for travel and daily use.
LifeStraw is also a certified B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified brand, which means they have committed to the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Pros
- Effective 2-stage filtration for improved taste and contaminant removal
- BPA-free and made from 50% post-consumer recycled plastic
- Filters last a long time, reducing waste further
Cons
- The filter doesn’t reach the bottom of the bottle, meaning the last 10% is not accessible to the filter.
- The cap/handle combo scratches easily
- Air can get trapped in the filter, forcing water into the mouthpiece when it sits, which can leak a little. You need to blow and clear the filter to avoid this.
LifeStraw has been our go-to travel water bottle brand for many years. We used Lifestraw bottles when traveling through Africa. They were perfect for our self-drive safari through Kruger and long road trips through Namibia and Botswana.
They are one of the originals in the market, and we’ve always been genuinely impressed by the efficiency in filtering water.
The 2-stage filter system of the Lifestraw Go Series significantly improves the taste of tap water by removing chlorine, odors, and organic chemicals. It also protects you from waterborne nasties, including 99.999999% of bacteria, 99.999% of parasites, and even microplastics.
LifeStraw Go Series bottle is designed with an eco-friendly focus. The BPA-free bottle is made from 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, helping to reduce single-use plastic waste.
The long-lasting filters also contribute to this cause, as the membrane microfilter lasts up to 1000 gallons or five years of daily use, and the carbon filter lasts about 26 gallons or two months. This is much longer than some other brands.
I find the 22-ounce capacity of the LifeStraw Go Series bottle adequate, as I like to carry my water bottle in my bag. Some may not find this enough, especially for long hikes. While not a dealbreaker, it is something to consider based on your water consumption needs or activity.
The LifeStraw Go Series water filter bottle is a great choice for those wanting a convenient solution for clean, better-tasting water while reducing their environmental impact.
Its potential drawbacks are minimal compared to its top-notch filtration performance and eco-friendly design.
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle with 2-Stage Integrated Filter Straw
- Capacity: 22 oz
- Price: Around $45
- Filter Cartridge Replacement: Around $25
The Lifestraw Go is also available with an integrated filter straw. Same superior filtration, eco, and social ethos, with the convenience of a straw.
Brita Insulated Filtered Water Bottle with Straw
- Capacity: 26 oz – 36 oz
- Price: Around $22-$28
- Filter Cartridge Replacement: Around $12-$17 for a 3 or 6 pack
For those seeking an efficient and affordable filtering water bottle for travel, the Brita Insulated Filtered Water Bottle is an excellent choice for the budget range.
Pros
- Durable and BPA-free design
- Leak-proof and car cup holder friendly
- Filter easily fits in straw and improves water taste
Cons
- Only filters chlorine tastes and odors. Doesn’t clean contaminants, bacteria or viruses.
- Straw requires suction strength to drink water
- Filter replacement every 40 gallons or two months
- Not suitable for filtering microbiologically unsafe water
The 26-ounce Brita Insulated Filtered Water Bottle is made of durable, BPA-free plastic, ensuring no harmful chemicals end up in your drinking water. Equipped with a Brita filter within the straw, every sip tastes cleaner and chlorine-free.
From a day-to-day use point of view, the design is good. It’s leakproof, fits in most car cup holders, has an easy-sip straw, built-in carrying loop, and one-handed push-button lid for convenient on-the-go use.
However, the Brita has some downsides, which may not make it the best water bottle for broader travel – other than convenience and reducing plastic waste.
This bottle is unsuitable for filtering microbiologically unsafe water, so it’s best used where tap water is treated but might have an unpleasant taste or odor. The filter needs to be replaced every 40 gallons or about every two months, which can be inconvenient for long-term travelers – although the filters are reasonably priced and come in multi-packs.
Overall, the Brita Insulated Filtered Water Bottle is an excellent water bottle, providing good-tasting filtered water and reducing plastic waste in the process. It may not be suited to all types of travel where water purification is required.
Brita Insulated Filtered Water Bottle with Straw
The Brita filtered water bottle is also available in an insulated model. Made with double-walled stainless steel. Water will stay cold for up to 24 hours—a luxury on hot days and long hikes.
Astrea One Premium Stainless Steel Filtering Water Bottle
- Capacity: 20 oz
- Price: Around $40
- Filter Cartridge Replacement: Around $10
The Astrea One Premium Stainless Steel Filtering Water Bottle is another convenient filtering water bottle that can reduce over 20 contaminants in tap water, such as lead, zinc, pesticides, antibiotics, chlorine, and more. This bottle provides cleaner, better-tasting water while reducing single-use plastics.
Pros:
- The filtering system works really well and makes tap water taste much better by removing contaminants like lead, mercury, and chlorine.
- The bottle is made of high-quality, durable stainless steel. I also like the sleek design and color options.
- The rubber base helps the bottle feel slightly sturdy, which is good for travel situations.
- The bottle is easy to clean and refill, and the seal is tight, so leaks aren’t an issue.
Cons:
- The filter will remove contaminants from tap water, such as chlorine, zinc, and lead, but isn’t rated for bacterial contaminants.
- The bottle is a bit heavy when full, but that’s to be expected with a stainless steel bottle.
- The filter needs to be replaced every three months, which can be a bit of a hassle for travel and an additional expense.
Overall, the Astrea One Premium Stainless Steel Filtering Water Bottle is a great travel water bottle for those looking for a high-quality, eco-friendly, and convenient travel water bottle.
While it will filter over 20 contaminants from tap water, it may not be suited for certain travel situations where you need a broader filtering system for water purification.
CrazyCap Self-Cleaning Insulated Bottle
- Capacity: 17 oz – 25 oz
- Price: Around $99-$120
- Filter Cartridge Replacement: No filter is required
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable self-cleaning water bottle for travel, CrazyCap Self-Cleaning Water Bottle is another quality bottle that uses Ultra Violet technology.
Pros
- The advanced 20 mW UV-C LED light-ray technology destroys a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and pathogens, ensuring the water is safe to drink.
- The built-in UV-C LED cleans the bottle automatically every hour, leaving the bottle odor-free.
- The triple-vacuum insulation guarantees thermal performance, keeping the contents cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours.
- The UV light cap can be interchanged with other bottles, so you can buy just the cap.
Cons
- The mouth of the bottle is smaller than usual, which can make it difficult to drink water.
- It needs to be recharged and better only lasts one week, and the charging unit is bulkier than the LARQ, which just uses a USB.
- The price is higher than other filtered water bottles in the market.
The CrazyCap offers the same impressive water and bottle purification as the LARQ, with a few added benefits and some downsides.
The UV-C LED light-ray technology delivers an impressive 99.99999% kill rate for E.coli and 99.8% for NTM micro bacteria.
The self-cleaning feature is a game-changer; you don’t have to worry about the bottle getting smelly or moldy. The thermal bottle keeps the contents cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours, even in extreme temperatures.
I like that the cap can be purchased on its own as it interchanges with similar stainless steel bottles you may already have at home. You can also use the cap to disinfect all kinds of things.
However, the mouth of the bottle is smaller than usual, which can make it awkward to drink from, especially if you’re in a hurry. Also, the battery life is only up to 7 days, and the charging unit is bulkier than with the LARQ.
As with the LARQ, I like that the bottle doesn’t require additional filters and offers superior water purification and bottle cleaning. It’s a bit expensive, but the advanced technology and excellent thermal performance make it worth the investment.
Epic Nalgene OG Water Bottle with Filter
- Capacity: 32 oz – 48 oz
- Price: Around $50-$55
- Filter Cartridge Replacement: Around $30
The Epic Nalgene OG Water Bottle with Filter is a good eco-friendly solution for anyone looking for a reliable filtered water bottle for travel, especially for tap water. The filter removes up to 200 contaminants found in drinking water, including forever chemicals and microplastics.
Pros
- The depth and adsorption filtration system removes up to 200 contaminants from tap water, such as heavy metals, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and cysts, ensuring clean and safe drinking water.
- The eco-friendly organic coconut shell-based carbon fiber mesh filter saves the earth from over 550 plastic single-use water bottles, making it a sustainable option.
- The modular interchangeable filter system is designed to perform for years, making it a reusable and long-lasting water bottle.
Cons
- The 48-ounce capacity may be too large for some users who prefer smaller water bottles.
- The filter may need to be replaced more frequently with heavily contaminated water sources.
- The straw may be difficult to clean thoroughly, leading to potential buildup and contamination.
The Epic Nalgene OG Water Bottle with Filter is a durable and reliable option for travel.
The filtration system effectively removes impurities from tap water, and the eco-friendly design makes it a sustainable choice. However, its larger size may not be suitable for everyone, and the filter, which produces up to 75 gallons of clean water, may need to be replaced more frequently if used with heavily contaminated water sources. The replacement filters, while eco-friendly, are on the expensive side.
Also, the straw may be difficult to clean thoroughly, which could lead to potential buildup and contamination.
Overall, the Epic Nalgene OG Water Bottle with Filter is a great investment for anyone looking for an eco-friendly and reliable filtered water bottle. It may be a little bulky for certain travel types, though.
Seychelle pH2O Alkaline Water Filter Bottle
- Capacity: 28 oz
- Price: Around $45
- Filter Cartridge Replacement: Around $34
The Seychelle pH2O Alkaline Water Filter Bottle filters contaminants from drinking water but also raises the PH level up to 9.5 pH, keeping you hydrated with mineral-rich, alkaline water.
Pros
- The filter is tested to remove a wide range of contaminants, including lead, mercury, and asbestos, ensuring that you get clean and safe drinking water wherever you are.
- The alkaline filter enhances the pH of the water up to 9.5, which can help improve your health and increase your energy levels.
- The bottle is lightweight and easy to carry around, making it perfect for travel, outdoor activities, and everyday use.
Cons
- The bottle is designed to be used with chlorinated municipal water, so it may not be suitable for other water sources.
- The drinking spout can take some getting used to, and it may be difficult to get a good flow of water at first.
- The filters are expensive.
The Seychelle pH2O Alkaline Water Filter Bottle is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to save money, optimize their health, and cut down on plastic waste.
The filters are a little on the expensive side but are rated for 100 gallons of water or roughly 686 fill-ups.
With its long filter life and high-pH water-making capabilities, this bottle is perfect for anyone who wants to stay hydrated and healthy while on the go.
OKO H2O Level-2 Advanced Filtration Water Bottle
- Capacity: 22 oz – 1 ltr
- Price: Around $28-$30
- Filter Cartridge Replacement: Around $16
The OKO H2O Level-2 Advanced Filtration Water Bottle uses a water filtration system originally designed for use in the International Space Station.
The bottle is lightweight, versatile, and can purify water from innumerable water sources worldwide, making it a good choice for travel.
Pros
- The filter removes 99.999% of giardia lamblia & 99.997% of cryptosporidium, two of the most common contaminants found in open water sources worldwide.
- The O-ring carabiner allows for easy carrying or attaching to a bag.
- The Level-2 filter produces powerful and efficient filtration with a strong flow.
- The bottle is taste, odor, and BPA-free, ensuring safe and clean drinking water.
Cons
- The suction part of the bottle requires some effort to get suction.
- The bottle design feels like an afterthought.
- The stream of fluid can be difficult to get out, especially after extended use.
The OKO H2O Level-2 Advanced Filtration Water Bottle is a great choice for travelers who want a reliable and efficient water filtration system.
The O-ring carabiner allows for easy carrying or attaching to a bag, making it a convenient option for hikers and adventure travelers.
The Level-2 filter produces superiorly-efficient filtration, so you can use it with multiple water sources. It also has quite a large filtration capacity at around 100 gallons per filter which is good for long term travelers.
On the downside, the suction part of the bottle requires some effort to get suction, which can be frustrating for some users. Also, the bottle design feels like a bit of an afterthought, but it is lightweight and won’t leach unwanted chemicals into your water.
The OKO H2O Level-2 Advanced Filtration Water Bottle is a great choice for travelers who want a simple and safe filtering system.
Buying Guide
The Importance of Water Purification–Why You Should Travel with a Filtered Water Bottle
When traveling, it’s crucial to have access to clean drinking water. Using a filtered water bottle ensures we drink purified water, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases or harmful contaminants.
A good filtered water bottle is an essential travel companion, providing peace of mind wherever we go.
Filters vs. Purifiers vs. Self Cleaning bottles
- Filters: These remove impurities from water, such as bacteria, parasites, and debris. They’re suitable for most travel situations, particularly when the water source is relatively clear. Some filters will not filter bacteria or viruses.
- Purifiers: These not only filter out impurities but also eliminate viruses and other tiny pathogens. They’re ideal for travel in regions with poor water quality or when the source may be contaminated.
- Self Cleaning bottles: These bottles use UV-C light technology to kill bacteria, viruses, and germs without the need for replaceable filters. They’re convenient and eco-friendly but might not be as efficient when dealing with heavily contaminated water sources where particles are an issue.
Self-cleaning bottles use UV light to sterilize the bottle and purify the water.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Filter Water Bottle for Travel?
Type of Filter
The type of filter affects the level of protection a filtered water bottle provides. Common filter types include:
- Activated carbon filters: These remove contaminants like chlorine, bad taste, and odor. Effective for improving water taste and clarity.
- Hollow fiber membrane filters: These filters trap bacteria and protozoa via microscopic pores in the membrane, providing a higher level of protection.
- Combined filters: Some bottles use a combination of different filter types for versatile protection. For instance, a carbon filter and a hollow fiber membrane filter work together for optimal filtering efficiency.
Filter Flow Rate or Time to Clean Water
The time it takes for water to pass through the filter and into the bottle can vary. Faster flow rates allow for quicker filtration and convenience, whereas slower flow rates might provide better filtering but require more drinking effort.
Flow Rate Pros and Cons:
- Fast (10 seconds or less. Convenient and time-saving. It may not filter as well.
- Slow (30 seconds or more). Better for heavily polluted water. Takes longer to drink
Consider these factors alongside your travel plans and water source situations when choosing the best-filtered water bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to the best-filtered water bottles for travel, a few options stand out. Some of the top brands include LifeStraw and Grayl. Each of these brands offers a variety of filtered water bottles with different features and filtration capacities.
If you’re planning on taking your filtered water bottle on a hike, you’ll want to choose one that is lightweight and durable. Some of the best options for hiking include the LifeStraw Go and the GRAYL Ultralight. These bottles are designed to withstand the rigors of the trail while still providing clean, safe drinking water.
You can bring a filtered water bottle on a plane, but it must be empty when you go through security. Once you’re past security, you can fill up your bottle at a water fountain or other water source in the airport. Just be sure to check with your airline to make sure there are no additional restrictions on bringing a water bottle on board.
Yes, filtered water bottles are effective at removing contaminants from water. However, the filtration system’s effectiveness can vary depending on the brand and model of the bottle. It’s important to choose a bottle with a filtration system that is designed to remove the specific contaminants you’re concerned about.
Using a filtered water bottle can provide a number of benefits, including:
Access to clean, safe drinking water wherever you go, Reducing the need for single-use plastic water bottles, Saving money on bottled water, Reducing your environmental impact
If you’re looking for an affordable filtered water bottle for travel, the Survimate and Brita are great options in the budget range. Both are in the $30 range but offer different levels of filtration.