Filtered water bottles are a must-have for the budget-savvy, eco-conscious traveller. They provide access to safe drinking water from almost any source and lessen your dependence on single-use plastics!
Before I started using a travel water purifier, I’d spend hundreds of dollars on bottled water across an extended trip! These days, I spend less than 10% of that!
The money I’ve saved by using a filtered water bottle for travel has allowed me to backpack for longer, go on amazing tours and opt for nicer accommodation. While the initial outlay is a lot, the long-term savings more than make up for it!
So, whether you’re sourcing drinking water from a stream or a hostel tap, you’ll find something suitable in this list of the best-filtered water bottles for travel!
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- Good flow rate
- Rugged
- Easy to use
- Easy to pack
- Smaller than the GeoPress
- Just as tough
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🤔 Do I Need a Water Purifier for Travelling?
In short, yes. If you want to save money, have continual access to clean drinking water and reduce your plastic footprint while on the road, a water purifier is a must-have piece of kit.
The best water purifying bottles remove everything from bacteria and protozoa to particulates, heavy metals and even viruses from your water.
Bottles without purifying filters do not remove viruses – so make sure you’re looking at a purifier when choosing the right bottle for you.
Non-purifying filters do have a place in our water cleaning arsenal (mainly for hikers drinking from natural water sources) but for most travellers, especially those drinking tap water, a purifier is a much better choice.
Counterintuitively, viruses are most common in tap water and areas with a large human (or animal) population rather than in streams, rivers or other natural bodies of water. Often, the cleaner the water appears to the eye, the more likely it is to harbour viruses!
💧The Best Water Purifiers for Travel 🌏
- Price Range: $$$
- Best Feature: Fast purification process
- Feature To Improve: Overall size and weight of the bottle
- Read: Full Grayl GeoPress Review
- Well-Trusted — Grayl are market leaders in purifying water bottles. Their bottles have been used on every continent for all manner of adventures and journeys. They offer a 10-year guarantee on the materials and workmanship of everything they produce. 10 years! 😲
- Easy To Use — To purify water with the Grayl GeoPress, simply fill the outer part of the bottle with dirty water, reattach the inner and press it down. You need to put quite a lot of force through the bottle, so find a flat, stable surface to do this on. Water is forced up through the filter and stored in the clean inner bottle.
- Fast — The GeoPress can purify 710ml of water in less than 10 seconds. Its patented OnePress technology takes a little more effort than other filters but once you’ve got the technique down, it’s easy enough. Each filter can purify 250 litres of water before it needs replacing. You don’t need to keep track though, over time the purification slows down. When you notice it’s taking about 25 seconds to filter the whole bottle, it’s time to replace the filter.
- Titanium — Introduced to the Grayl family in 2024, the titanium GeoPress is lighter and marginally smaller than the standard, plastic version, making it a more appealing choice for travellers. But that’s not the only advantage. The outer bottle can be used to boil water on a stove or open fire. For hikers, this allows you to carry one less cook pot and save even more weight from your backpacking kit!
- “We used a Grayl along with two metal water bottles for five months in India and SE Asia. [We] filled up the water bottles every morning using tap water through the Grayl and never bought a plastic bottle the whole time. Definitely worth it for the environment, [your] health and wallet!” – Huw.
- Tough
- Easy to use
- Grayl are market leaders
- Bulky
- Expensive compared to the plastic GeoPress
- Price Range: $
- Best Feature: Size
- Feature To Improve: The lid isn't tethered
- Read: Grayl GeoPress vs UltraPress
- Grayl UltraPress — The UltraPress is essentially a smaller, more compact version of the GeoPress. By making the bottle fractionally smaller, Grayl created a much more travel-friendly option. The biggest complaint with the GeoPress is its bulkiness, and while the UltraPress isn’t a small bottle, it’s much easier to get into your backpack!
- Smaller — The overall capacity of the UltraPress is just 500ml, meaning you can’t carry much water with you for a day out. However, pair it with a collapsible water bottle and you end up with an excellent water purification and carry system.
- Filters — Everything about the UltraPress is smaller than the GeoPress, including the filters. They have a shorter lifespan too, only purifying around 150 litres before they need to be replaced. They’re a touch cheaper which helps make up for this but it’s you’ll need to take multiple filters with you if you’re travelling for an extended period.
- “In my experience, allowing the filters to dry out when possible helps extend their lifespan. If you leave them saturated all the time, the flow rate drops faster!” – Tim
- Smaller size
- Lighter
- Small capacity
- Filter only lasts 150 litres
- Price Range: $
- Best Feature: Leakproof guarantee – your money back if it leaks
- Feature To Improve: No auto-shutdown or indicator on the filter
- Simple Design —The Water-to-Go bottle purifies water to the highest standard, removing protozoa, bacteria, viruses and heavy metals. Simply fill the bottle with water and drink through the mouthpiece. The straw-style filter requires a lot of sucking, and the flow rate is super slow, but for the price, this bottle is an excellent choice!
- Filter Lifespan — The filters in the Water-to-Go bottle have a short lifespan. They need to be replaced every 200 litres to ensure your water is effectively cleaned. If you’re travelling for a couple of weeks, you’ll be fine but any longer and you should take spare filters. Thankfully, replacement filters for the Water-to-Go bottle are relatively cheap. The main downside is that there’s no automatic shut-off for the filter. When you start to notice the taste or smell of your water changing, it’s time to replace the filter. The old filter can be fully recycled at home by following the simple instructions that come with the bottle.
- Lightweight — The Water-to-Go 75cl bottle weighs just 138 grams when empty. It doesn’t take up much of your baggage allowance and is easy to cram into your bag.
- Sugarcane – As well as the Classic 75cl bottle, Water to Go produce the Sugarcane bottle. The plastic used in its construction is made from sugarcane and is fully recyclable alongside conventional, petrochemical-based plastics. The sugarcane is sourced from Bonscuro registered farms, meaning they abide by sustainability practices concerning greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, biodiversity and workers’ rights. The bottle uses the same purification system as other Water to Go bottles, so removes more than 99% of contaminants from your water. The only downside is its size. At 55cl, it’s smaller than the Classic Bottle!
- "I use a Water-to-Go bottle and it’s amazing! Have used it to drink tap water all over India, Nepal, Thailand and Cambodia so far. Saved me so much money and plastic. I even filled it from streams and waterfalls while hiking!" – Charlotte.
- Well priced
- Simple to use
- Slow flow rate
- No way of knowing when the filter needs replacing
- Price Range: $$$
- Best Feature: Self-cleaning technology
- Feature To Improve: UV-C light doesn't clean the mouthpiece
- Read: Full LARQ Bottle Movement PureVis Review
- UV-C — Unlike other water purifiers on our list, the LARQ Movement PureVis Bottle doesn’t rely on mechanical filtration to make clean drinking water. Instead, the bottle bombards water with UV-C light. This high-energy wavelength of light destroys 99% of bacteria and viruses in your water, making it safe to drink. However, this doesn’t affect the taste and smell of your drink.
- Cleaning Cycles — Once the LARQ Bottle is full of water, screw the lid into place and press the button on top. You should see a ‘breathing’ blue ring appear around the top of the lid. This means the bottle has entered cleaning mode. For the next 60 seconds, UV-C rays will bounce around inside the bottle, cleaning your water. If you’re in an area with particularly bad water, you can activate ‘Adventure Mode’ by double-tapping the button. This offers a three-minute blast of UV-C light. The bottle also automatically self-cleans throughout the day. Every couple of hours a short burst of UV-C light keeps your water as fresh as possible!
- Size — Compared to a normal water bottle, the LARQ Movement Bottle is large. However, for a water-purifying bottle, the capacity-to-size ratio is excellent. The largest model can hold 950ml. There is also a smaller 710ml version and insulated models which have a reduced capacity.
- Battery — The main downside of this bottle is that it must be kept charged. The battery lasts around a month of normal use but if you use adventure mode a lot, it will last around two weeks. It’s also worth noting that when the battery needs replacing, you need to buy a whole new lid which can be quite pricey!
- Huge capacity
- Self-cleaning
- Feels futuristic AF
- Expensive
- Water must be clear for it to work
- No mechanical filter
🧽 🫧 How Do You Care for Your Filtered Water Bottle?
Each bottle comes with different instructions on how to prepare and maintain the filter, so it operates at full efficiency. Read these instructions carefully. You don’t want to waste a filter because you’ve clogged it or not primed it correctly!
Do not filter saltwater, juice, or any other kind of drink, unless your filter is specifically designed to do so. Normal filters cannot handle this. They will get clogged up and stop working.
Remember to carry spare filters if you’re travelling for long periods, otherwise, your filter bottle becomes nothing more than an expensive way to carry dirty water.
👀 What Should You Look for When Choosing a Filter Water Bottle for Travel?
When it comes to choosing the best-filtered water bottle, there are a few key things to bear in mind.
Types of Filtered Bottle
While water purifiers are the best choice for most travellers, there are other types of filters available. These aren’t suitable for use on the road but they do have a place in your water filter arsenal.
Water Softener – Improves Taste Only 👎
Some filtered water bottles are designed simply to soften the water by removing harmless minerals. This affects the taste of your water but won’t remove any nasties.
The Camelbak Groove or Bobble Classic are examples of this kind of filter. They’re honestly no good for travel — especially if you’re worried about the quality of the water. Bacteria and viruses slip straight through a water softener.
Water Filter – Removes Particles and Most Bacteria 🫳
Water filters such as the LifeStraw GO, Katadyn BeFree or Sawyer Squeeze will remove minerals, particles, protozoa and even bacteria.
If you want a filtered water bottle that’s suitable for wilderness trekking, this is the one for you. As long as you’re away from large groups of humans or animals, a filter that removes bacteria, parasites and protozoa is perfect. This makes water filters ideal for long hiking or camping trips, especially if you’ll be drinking from rivers, streams or large bodies of water.
Water Purifier – Removes Particles, Bacteria AND Viruses 👍
The most effective filter is a water purifier. If you’re using water from sources close to human populations, especially tap water, (we got sick in Goa, India from brushing our teeth with contaminated tap water!) then you’ll need a top-quality purifier.
The human body is an amazing breeding ground for viruses and we spread these everywhere we go. Somewhat surprisingly, hotel water tanks can be some of the most infested places! Viruses are much smaller than bacteria or protozoa so slip through all but the finest filters! Bottles such as the Grayl GeoPress will remove bacteria, parasites, protozoa and particulates, PLUS any viruses within the water.
⚠️ Important! ⚠️
Look for water bottle filters that have a pore size smaller than 0.1 microns for the best protection.
Bottle Construction
Plastic is the most common material for water bottles. Some plastic bottles, like the Grayl bottles are made from a strong, rigid plastic that is hyper-durable. Others are made from much softer plastics that can be rolled or compressed down when not in use.
Metal bottles are also increasing in popularity but aren’t as common as their plastic counterparts due to their weight and price.
Glass bottles with filters are available but these aren’t good for travel. They’re heavy and fragile. We’ve yet to see or test a glass bottle with water filter that would be suitable for backpacking!
❗Be aware not all plastic bottles available are BPA-free❗
Bisphenol A or BPA is a chemical used in the production of plastics. Although safe in small amounts, larger quantities of BPA’s can mess with hormones and are linked to heart disease, fertility problems, impotence and even some cancers. We recommend avoiding BPA bottles.
🔄 Alternatives to Filter Bottles
Ultraviolet Light
In recent years, products such as the Steripen or Larq Self Cleaning bottle have burst onto the market. Using UV light, these products can kill viruses and all but the hardiest bacteria.
The downside is that they don’t remove sediment, colouration or bad odours. Although they prevent you getting ill, your hydration experience might not be a tasty one.
You also need to remember to keep the batteries on these devices charged, so you don’t get caught out. These products can be combined with simple carbon filters to change the taste and smell of the water.
Chemical Treatments
Chemical treatments such as water purification tablets are some of the most effective treatments on the market.
Like the Steripen, they will kill off all but the hardiest of microorganisms but won’t be able to remove heavy metals or particulates from the water.
They also take much longer to make the water safe, 15 minutes is the minimum recommended time but this can stretch to four hours depending on the quality of the water.
It’s a good idea to carry a packet of these as a backup when travelling as they weigh very little. They can be packed away with your toiletries and will save you if you’re in a pinch!
Non-Purifying Filters
If you’re hiking or backcountry backpacking, a non-purifying filter will usually be more than enough for your needs. These aren’t the best options for most travellers unless you combine the filter with something like the Steripen or LARQ bottle.
Some of the most popular water filters are:
- Sawyer Squeeze – Very common among hikers and can fit onto most standard water bottles.
- Platypus Quickdraw – A good Sawyer Squeeze alternative.
- Lifestraw – Whether it’s a Lifestraw bottle or just the straw, this works well in a pinch.
- Katadyn BeFree – Another option popular among hikers, the soft bottle squashes down small and is easy to pack away.
Filtered Water Bottles for Travel FAQs
Can you bring a filtered water bottle on a plane?
Yes, you can take a filtered water bottle on a plane. However, you won’t be able to get it through security if it’s full of water. You’ll need to carry it through the checkpoint empty.
How long can I keep filtered water in a bottle?
In theory, if your bottle is sterile, you can keep filtered water in it for extended periods. However, the taste will be affected after a while and it’s almost impossible to keep a filtered water bottle completely sterile. We recommend using your filtered water within a day or two of filtering.
Do you save money using a water filter?
Yes, you can save money using a water filter when you travel. The initial outlay is soon outweighed by not needing to buy bottled water on the road.
Round Up of Filtered Water Bottles for Travel
The most important thing to consider when choosing a filtered water bottle for travel is whether or not it’s a purifier. For most travellers, a purifying bottle is by far the best choice. Standard filters are a good choice for hikers and campers but aren’t right if you want to clean tap water.
Our favourite water purifier for travel is the Grayl UltraPress. The GeoPress Titanium is also an excellent choice but it’s not as compact.
The best purifying bottle for travel in Europe or other developed nations is the LARQ Movement Bottle PureVis. For hikers, the best water bottle with a filter is the Katadyn BeFree.
Do you travel with a filtered water bottle? Let us know which is your favourite in the comments below!
Tim Ashdown | Gear Specialist
After a life-changing motorcycle accident, Tim decided life was too short to stay cooped up in his home county of Norfolk, UK. Since then, he has travelled Southeast Asia, walked the Camino de Santiago and backpacked South America. His first book, From Paralysis to Santiago, chronicles his struggle to recover from the motorcycle accident and will be released later this year.
I have the 50cl Water-to-Go bottle. The elastic gasket on the filter did not seal tightly, so some unfiltered water came out of the nozzle. I have solved it by wrapping Teflon tape around the thread of the filter, but since all the water that comes out of the nozzle now passes through the filter, you have to suck harder and less water flow comes out.
Hey Felipe! Thanks for letting us know about the struggles you’ve had with the Water-to-Go bottle. And thanks for the hack for fixing the issue!
I’m curious, did you contact Water-to-Go about this issue? I’d love to hear what they said!
Cheers,
Tim
I’m using #3 and love it. I have taken water from lakes and streams with no problems.
Hi James!
I’m glad to hear you’re getting on so well with the Lifesaver bottle.
I’ve been using the Grayl for a number of years and find it one of the best pieces of kit for travelling and backpacking! A filtered water bottle is a must in my opinion!
So, this is a random question… but how do you safely wash your reusable water bottle? We are traveling around Asia for the next six months. When we’re at home in the US, I wash my bottle every few days. Here in Asia, the water isn’t safe to drink, so what is the safest way to wash the bottle itself so we don’t get sick from any lingering water (it’s almost impossible to completely dry the inside of a bottle)?! Thank you for your suggestions.
Hi Ann. Great question! And I’m not 100% sure I know the correct answer! However, I found a video made by Lifestraw, one of the recommended brands on this list! I’ve added the video to this article above. If you need any more clarification, I would contact the brands directly for a full explanation. Hope that helps!
Hi, I am traveling to China and was wondering which of these bottles you would recommend for an extended stay to Beijing. I know that water quality is a huge concern. Thanks!
Hi Jessica,
I would definitely say the LifeStraw, number 1 on this list! They’re very reliable in filtering water and it’s a great quality bottle (especially for the cheap price!). Such a good investment for your future travels. Plus, they’re an ethical company and purchasing one bottle provides a school child in a developing area clean water for a whole year!
Enjoy China!
Nikki
This was extremeley useful thank you. SE asia is a killer for plastic waste 🙁
I was running around with my 3L hydration bladder filling up at filtered water tanks, but think its about time I actually got a water bottle for the more chill days when I’m not trekking around.
Yeah, I really think it’s a good investment! The plastic problem in Southeast Asia and all over the world now is reaching critical levels. So many of Southeast Asia’s beaches and islands are suffering and the pollution in the seas is out of control! Every little thing we do helps, and if others (travellers and locals) see you with a water bottle, it’s more likely to influence them in a positive way, so it creates a knock-on effect. Let us know which one you get!