I live in an agricultural area, and there are a few times a year that our village needs to add extra chlorine to the water to offset the effects agriculture has on the groundwater.
Like most people, I don’t enjoy the taste of overly chlorinated water. Which lead me on a quest to find the best filtered water bottle to help improve the flavor of our tap water.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Filtered Water Bottle
Table of Contents
Filtration
Are heading out on a camping or hike trip? Maybe you’re traveling to another country where you’re likely to encounter water of questionable drinking quality. It may be a better option to choose a water bottle with a more sophisticated filtration system that can handle removing harmful bacteria and viruses.
The most common type of filters utilizes activated carbon granules to remove chemicals (such as chlorine) that affect the taste of the water. However, carbon filters are not up to the task of filtering impurities such as fluorine, nitrates, or microbes from water.
Depending on how much you use your water bottle, and what kind of water you are filtering, it will affect how long the filter will last. Most filters found in water bottles are designed to remove impurities and will collect particles as the water passes through them. Over time the filter becomes clogged and needs to be replaced.
When choosing a filtered water bottle, it’s also a good idea to pick one that has readily available replacement filters. When I was looking for a water bottle, I found some great contenders, but filters for them could only be purchased online or at a trail shop.
Eco-Friendly and Reduces Single-Use Plastics
Perhaps one of the most important benefits of using a water bottle is saving money from buying single-use plastics. The price of just 5 or 6 single-use bottles of water is equivalent to the average cost of a refillable bottle.
And investing in a filtered water bottle will help you be more eco-friendly. The world is already polluted with single-use plastics, and many bodies of water are already contaminated. Unfortunately, these pollutants have direct effects on humans, and we can’t afford to intensify this problem further.
Best Filtered Water Bottle – Reviews
Now that we’ve covered the main features to look for let’s examine our contenders. After rigorous in-house testing, and consulting with other users, here are our top picks for the best filtered water bottle:
Epic Nalgene OG Water Filtration Bottle
The Epic Nalgene OG is a solid addition to the already robust Nalgene water bottle family. And it ticked all the boxes for the best filtered water bottle to suit my needs.
If you’re looking for a flexible filtering solution, this bottle features an interchangeable filter system. The urban filter can filter ordinary tap water, while the outdoor filter can remove contaminants from water found in nature.
Plastic that is free from harmful BPA and BPS is used to make the Epic Nalgene OG water bottle. Other, more cheaply made bottles can sometimes contain these toxic chemicals.
Organic coconut shell-based carbon-fiber mesh is used to make the filter. This natural filter has undergone a series of laboratory testing and has been proven to filter out contaminants including, but not limited to, pathogens, microplastics, and heavy metals. You can reassure yourself that this filtered water bottle will produce the best water quality for you and your family.
All Nalgene water bottles are dishwasher safe, meaning they’ve passed a series of tests that subjected them to varying temperatures and detergents. Dishwashing has always been one of the biggest problems with water bottles, and many have a small mouth, which makes it difficult to adequately clean. Since Nalgene water bottles are dishwasher safe, you have the assurance of hygiene and safety.
Aside from being cost-efficient, Nalgene water bottles are made in the USA and have been keeping your water clean and healthy for over 50 years.
The Epic OG has no trouble keeping up with your everyday water consumption needs, but they may not be for everyone. The filter is designed, so you need to use the integrated straw for the water to pass through the filter.
Pros
- Eco-Friendly, organic coconut shell based carbon fiber mesh filter
- BPA & BPS free
- Filters heavy metals, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and herbicides
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Filter doesn’t reach to the bottom of the bottle
- Filter may not last as long as stated
Bottled Joy Water Bottle with Filter
Bottled Joy Water Bottle with Filter is perfect for everyone who wants to have safe and clean water wherever they are. It is especially great for people who have an active lifestyle and spend a lot of time away from the house.
If you are going to spend a lot of time outdoors, and you are not sure about water quality, take this bottle with you. It is easy to use, and it’s perfect when you go hiking, camping, or fishing. That way, you won’t have to worry about whether you will have enough drinkable water, and you will be able to focus on the other activities. It is also great if you want to reduce your risk of any local illnesses.
This bottle not only provides safe water, but the water also has no aftertaste. The resulting water is odorless and has a great taste.
This bottle contains a No products found. that will make sure your water is completely safe to drink. In the first stage, the filter removes even the smallest microplastics. In the second stage, it reduces odor and chlorine by using advanced techniques.
Pros
- BPA free
- 2-stage water filtration system
- One filter filters up to equivalent of 400 standard 17 ounce single-use plastic bottles
- Can be used as a regular water bottle without the filter
- Top rack dishwasher safe
- Bottle is protected by a 18-month guarantee
Cons
- Strong chemical taste when first using
- Takes some effort to drink through the filter straw
Brita Premium Water Filter Bottle
This bottle can transform plain tap water into odorless, great-tasting water wherever you are. If you are not satisfied with the quality of water at home or work, or because tap water has chlorine taste, this filter will reduce both taste and odor of chlorine. The result is clean and drinkable water.
You can confidently bring this water bottle with you wherever you go. This water bottle features a worry-free, leak-proof lid, so you don’t have to worry about it leaking in your bag or kit. The bottle is easy to use and easy to carry everywhere you go. It even fits car cup holder perfectly. This bottle was designed to remind you to drink water through the day because there’s no excuse not to carry it with you.
Buying single-use bottles every day can get expensive. Brita Premium Water Filter Bottle can replace up to 300 standard plastic bottles per filter. At the same time, you are saving money you are doing something good for our planet. It is eco-friendly, so you will significantly reduce the plastic waste you generate.
The filter is replaceable and a single filter can filter water equivalent to 300 standard 16.9 ounce single-use plastic bottles.
This bottle is top-rack dishwasher safe, and you do not need any special equipment to clean it.
It comes in various colors such as sea glass, coral, or rose. The most challenging part is choosing a color because they all look amazing!
Pros
- Filters as you drink
- Reduces chlorine taste & odor in tap water
- BPA-free
- TSA approved
- One-handed push button lid
- Top rack dishwasher safe
- One filter can replace up to 300 standard 16.9 ounce single-use plastic bottles
Cons
- Some users complain that the vent hole on the top leaks
- The straw requires a fair amount of suction for drinking
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle offers the perfect solution to safe drinking water on the go. It features an integrated dual-filter in a light-weight water bottle and is the ideal companion for the gym, office, school, traveling, fishing, camping, and hiking. The ergonomically designed bottle can fit in the side pocket of any standard backpack.
Its dual-stage replaceable filter not only removes harmful parasites like Giardia, organic and chemical impurities including VOCs, and pesticides but also enhances the taste. And it can remove 99.9999% of bacteria, such as E-Coli, and 99.9% of microscopic parasites like Cryptosporidium.
The LifeStraw Go bottle holds 23-ounces and BPA-free. And it’s replaceable filter can last for over 1000 liters (264 gallons), while the activated carbon media can filter more than 100 liters (26 gallons) of water.
Additionally, you can use the straw for drinking water directly from a pond or stream. This bottle is an ideal addition to your emergency kit since it doesn’t have a shelf life or expiry date.
The LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle is available in 10 colors and comes with a one year manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- 2-stage activated carbon filter reduces odor, chlorine and leaves zero aftertaste
- Removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, and 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites
- BPA-free
- Food-grade silicone mouthpiece
Cons
- Flow rate for filter can reduce if not used regularly
- Some users reported leaks around the top and straw, or of the bottle is not totally upright
Our Choice
Either of these bottles is a great choice. I was looking for the best filtered water bottle to improve the taste of my tap water when the chlorine is overpowering, but the Epic Nalgene OG Water Filtration bottle has impressed me with its ability to filter a diversity of water.
Nalgene and Epic joined forces to give me the best solution to my chemical-y water. Not only did they give me better-tasting water, but I also have the option of “going wild” and using the outdoor filter for camping and hiking trips.
