The Best Water Purification Bottles for Hiking and Camping

Hiking and camping in wilderness areas are great ways of getting away from it all. But what about drinking water supplies? We are all aware that we need to drink plenty of water, so it got me thinking about the best water purification bottles for hiking. 

We have two choices for the best filter bottle. The AquaVik gives outstanding filtration with its four-stage system, and at a reasonable price. Slightly more expensive is the Seychelle Advanced Water Filter Bottle. This purifies water as effectively as the AquaVik but also removes radiological contaminants. If you know the area you are visiting has high levels of radiological elements, then the small extra expense of the Seychelle makes sense; otherwise, stick with the AquaVik.

Our Selection of The 10 Best Water Purification Bottles:

Below we list and review the 10 best water purification bottles currently on the market.

1. CrazyCap 2.0 UV Water Purifier & Self Cleaning Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle

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The CrazyCap is the most expensive bottle in our review, but also the most hi-tech. And to be fair, it looks fantastic and amazingly stylish!

Not only can the CrazyCap sterilize 500ml of water in 60 seconds, but you can also use the cap to sterilize other surfaces. Tap the cap twice for a 60 second clean or five times for a two minute clean.

Even while you’re hiking, the bottle is working. It automatically sterilizes every four hours, so you always have perfect drinking water. The only downsides are that it does not remove particulates, and you need to recharge the battery.

Made from stainless steel, with double-wall construction, it will keep hot fluids warm for up to 12 hours. Cold liquids remained chilled for up to 24 hours.

This eco-friendly bottle will give years of service and gallons of clean, safe drinking water.

2. GRAYL Ultralight Water Filter Bottle

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For simplicity, the GRAYL ultralight water purifier will be hard to beat. Simply fill the bottle from any water source, insert the filter pack, and slowly push it down. The filter removes 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, while also filtering particulates, heavy metals, and chemicals.

At the base of the plunger is a three-level filter system that will purify up to 150 liters (40 gals) of water before needing to be replaced. That is equivalent to 300 single-use plastic bottles of water, making the GRAYL very eco friendly. The filters are simple to replace, giving a cost-effective solution for clean and safe water while out hiking or camping.

The price is on the high side, but it will be quickly recouped by not buying bottles of water.

3. Philips GoZero UV Self-cleaning Water Bottle

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The Philips GoZero is another ultraviolet purification bottle that removes 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. The only downside is that it cannot remove particulates and debris as a filter will. This limits the bottles use to water sources that don’t contain mud, etc. 

On the plus side, the battery life is approximately 30 days, even with auto purification taking place every two hours. This means you will always have clean, safe water available.

The double skinned, stainless steel construction will keep fluids hot for up to 12 hours or cold for up to 24 hours.

The Philips GoZero is an excellent solution if you are heading to mountain areas, where clean water supplies will be available.

4. Joypur BPA Free Water Filter Bottle

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The Joypur is the first of the drinking straw style bottles. Instead of filtering the water first, as with the UV and push filter bottles, the water is filtered as you drink through the straw. This is one of the drawbacks, though, as it can sometimes be hard to suck through the straw.

The water is passed through a 0.01-micron fiber filter and a carbon filter to remove odors and improve the taste.

With a long filter life, and no need to charge batteries, the Joypur could be an excellent choice for long hiking expeditions.

5. Purewell Soft TPU Collapsible Water Bottle Filter Container

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The Purewell is a slightly different take on the water bottle concept in that it is fully collapsible. The bottle is made from military-grade TPU plastic that allows it to be folded completely flat when empty. 

Attached to the cap is a medical-grade hollow fiber filter that removes 99.99% of impurities and can treat up to 1000 liters before a new filter is required. 

The lightweight and small Purewell bottle is perfect for hiking and camping, where weight and size are an issue. The only real problem is sucking the water through the straw can be hard, but it’s excellent value at around $20 or less. 

6. MorePro Premium Water Bottle with Built-in Filter

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The 4 stage filtration system of the MorePro Premium water bottle not only removes bacteria and protozoan’s but the carbon filter and pre-screen remove chemicals and particles. The strong filtration makes it an excellent choice for outdoor activities where water supplies are scarce. With a capacity of 650 ml and a filter that can purify up to 1500 liters, it can provide plenty of clean water while you are away from home. 

We noticed the only real downside was that the water flow rate was relatively low, and you need to suck quite hard.

All in all, it’s a great filter bottle, with the interesting feature of a compass in the cap.

7. SGODDE Water Filter Bottle

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The SGODDE water filter bottle purifies water through a fiber and carbon filter. It will remove any particles or bacteria larger than 0.2 microns, cleaning up to 1500 liters before the filter needs replacement.

It’s a reasonably standard filter bottle, with a central filter cartridge and a folding drinking straw in the lid. But it includes additional features for the same price as similar items, such as a carrying strap and a paracord bracelet. The bracelet also has a whistle and a magnesium striker for starting fires built-in. Tucked under the straw, you will find a small compass in the bottle’s lid. 

With a 650 ml capacity, the SGODDE bottle is excellent for hiking and camping trips.

8. LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottles

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The Lifestraw brand needs little introduction if you enjoy hiking and wild camping, and they are known for their quality products. This Lifestraw Go water filter bottle is no exception.

The design is slightly different from the competition, using a two-stage filtering system. The primary Membrane Microfilter removes bacteria and parasites and can treat up to 4,000 liters of water. On top of the primary filter is an activated carbon filter that improves the taste and smell of the water while also reducing the chemical levels present in the water.

The standard bottle holds 650 ml, but there is a one-liter version as well. Each bottle is supplied with a carry cord and carabiner for easy attachment to your backpack.

9. Seychelle Rad/Advanced Water Filter Bottle

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If you are looking for the ultimate in water filtration, the Seychelle Rad may be for you. Along with removing chemicals and contaminants from water, the Seychelle also removes radiological contaminants, such as plutonium and uranium. 

The Seychelle bottle is perfect for almost any location globally, providing around 400 liters of clean water before the filter needs replacing. The larger than average bottle can hold nearly a liter, so it’s great for locations where water is scarce.

To get clean drinking water, simply fill the bottle from any water source, except saltwater, fit the filter and cap and drink. Gently squeezing the bottle helps to push the water through the dense filtration system.

10. AquaVik Portable Water Filter Bottle

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AquaVik’s filter bottle offers a 4-stage filtration system, allowing you to drink clean, purified water from almost any source. Stage one removes large particulates, such as mud and sand. The second stage prevents bacterial growth in the filter. Stage three is activated carbon, eliminating heavy metals and chlorine. While stage four is a membrane filter, removing 99.99% of bacteria such as e-Coli and salmonella.

With a 1500 liter capacity, the filter is long-lasting, giving you a year’s worth of clean, purified water. Additional features, such as a nozzle cap to keep out dust and dirt, make this an excellent choice for hiking and camping. Under the lid, you’ll find a built-in compass, useful for emergency use, and a carabiner is included to hang the AquaVik from your backpack.

Water Purification Bottle Buyers Guide

The filtration system

Filtration methods used in water purification bottles are split into two main types, either a physical filter or ultraviolet light. There are pros and cons to both types, so let’s look at them quickly.

Physical filter. This type uses a fiber mating, active carbon, or a combination of the two. It works by forcing the water through the filter and blocking anything above a specific size. Typically, particulates above 0.1 microns are blocked, but some filters block anything larger than 0.01 microns. The advantage of this type is that it removes any mud or debris from the water. The disadvantage is forcing the water through the filter can sometimes be difficult.

Ultraviolet Light. UV light effectively kills microorganisms present in water, although some may survive if the UV light is not very powerful. The advantage of UV purification is that it does not cause any chemical changes in the water, and it is also effective against mold. The disadvantage is that any sediment, such as mud, will remain in the water after purification. Another disadvantage is that the UV light requires batteries to power it.

Material of bottle

From a pure water safety point of view, glass is by far the safest. However, glass is not the most practical when hiking or camping. It’s heavier than plastic or metal bottles and can be easily broken.

Both plastic and metal bottles can contain Bisphenol A (BPA), which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) think may be linked to cancer. Most bottles produced now do not contain BPA but check before buying. 

The majority of water purification bottles are made from plastic, as it’s lightweight, durable, and in some cases can be folded flat.

The Taste of the Water

The taste and smell of water are affected by various chemicals, such as chlorine, sodium, and magnesium. Generally, the taste and odor of water are not related to how safe the water is. UV purification will create perfectly safe drinking water, but it will not affect the taste or smell. 

Manufacturers employ active carbon filters to remove unwanted tastes and odors, which are very effective for the most common causes, particularly chlorine.

Ease of use

There are two factors to consider here, the ease of purifying the water and the ease of drinking the water. 

Purification bottles with physical filters either filter the water as you drink or filter first to give you a full bottle of safe water. The filter as you drink type typically uses a straw, and you have to suck the water through the filter. The filter first style will use a plunger-type filter that you push through the water to purify it in one action. These are generally easier to use than the straw type.

Cleanup

After use and before storing, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the water bottle and filters. In general, flush the bottle and filters with clean tap water, allow to dry naturally, and store in a dry and cool place. UV purification bottles have the advantage that the ultraviolet light also kills mold.

FAQ’s

How does a water purification bottle work?

There are two methods; ultraviolet (UV) light or a physical filter. The UV version works by killing the bacteria in the water. Physical filters act as a barrier to microscopic particles, preventing them from passing through.

How many times can you use a water purification bottle?

This varies on the type of purification used and the manufacturers’ recommendations. UV purification can be used for as long as the batteries are charged. Physical filters become blocked with use and may filter 1,000 or more liters of water. The manufacturer will provide guidance.

Are water purification bottles dishwasher safe?

Yes, the bottles are generally safe for the dishwasher, but the filters or UV elements are not. Check the user manual for detailed information.

Can purified water be stored?

There is no problem storing purified water, and it will be perfectly fine for years. The problem may come from what you keep the water in. Glass bottles are the best, as they have no dangerous chemicals that can leak into the water. On the other hand, plastic bottles can leach chemicals into the water. This has been improved over the years, and modern bottles contain fewer harmful chemicals. 

Conclusion

It’s essential to consider your water supplies when you are hiking and camping, particularly if
you are wild camping. You can only carry so much water and need to find a source of clean, safe
water.

Water purification bottles are an excellent method, providing both safe water and a way to store it. Hopefully, our brief article has helped you find the perfect bottle for your next camping trip.