The 8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Clean Water on Every Adventure

What to Look for When Shopping for Filtered Water Bottles

• Type of Filter: Different types of filters will filter out different things, outdoor gear expert Wesley Trimble says. Make sure you take a look at what type of filter comes with the water bottle you're purchasing and that it aligns with your intended use. Membrane microfilters typically remove bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, whereas activated carbon filters work to reduce chlorine and improve taste. A hollow fiber membrane filter is a fine filter that often removes bacteria like E.coli and protozoa, like giardia. And you can sometimes find a combination of two filters within one bottle that work together for optimal filtration.
• Material: Filtered water bottles come in different types of materials—the most common being plastic and metal. When considering which material to choose, it is completely up to personal preference and intended use, as different materials will be better suited for different types of activities. If you choose plastic, make sure it's free of toxic substances like BPA. Metal water bottles tend to be insulated and will keep your water cooler, but may be bulkier and heavier than plastic bottles, Trimble says.
• Size and Weight: Similarly to the material of your filtered water bottle, size and weight are up to personal preference and the type of adventure you’re taking. Filtered water bottles come in various sizes and weights, and the right choice for you will depend on your intended use. If you’re planning on packing a water bottle in your luggage to travel internationally, you may want to consider a smaller and more lightweight option. Whereas if you expect to carry your bottle to the gym every day or are hoping to use it while sweating it out on the elliptical machine, size and weight may not matter as much. 
• Price: As our list of top picks demonstrates, filtered water bottles come in various prices, and you’ll need to determine what price works best for your budget. However, Slepian believes this kind of equipment is worth spending a bit of your budget on since it ensures safe drinking water wherever you are.

How We Selected and Tested the Filtered Water Bottles

To find the best filtered water bottles, we've researched dozens and tested two options from top, trusted outdoor gear brands. For products we select through research, we first ask our experts what key features to look for in filtered water bottles. Then, we consider expert recommendations and review key specs to narrow down our list. Finally, we tested our top two options in the Verywell Testing Lab, evaluating each one based on the following key categories:

• Drinkability: If your filtered water bottle is difficult to use and produces poor-tasting water, you won't want to drink from it. First up, we test each bottle's drinkability: How easy is it to open the cap and take a sip? Does the water taste metallic, acidic, or grainy? We prioritize bottles that are efficient to use and deliver good-tasting water.
• Seal: Your bottle must be leak-proof, especially if you plan to take it on long hikes or traveling. To test each bottle's seal, we fill it with water, shake it around, and hold it upside down for one minute. We also throw it into a backpack and walk around for at least five minutes. If any water leaked out, we gave the bottle a poor score for this category.
• Portability: Next, we note any portability features, such as carrying handles, non-slip grips, or included bags. We also consider how lightweight the bottle is when completely filled with water and if it would be suitable for long hikes, travel, and more. Finally, we check whether the filled bottle fits into a standard car cup holder and backpack.
• Insulation: We also perform a cold liquid performance test: Using a thermometer, we record the water temperature inside each bottle. Then, we leave the bottle on a window sill in direct sunlight and subsequently re-record the water temperature at the three and six-hour marks. We prioritize bottles that keep our water cold for up to six hours.
• Durability: Our final test is for durability. We drop each bottle at least three times from table height, both lid-first and bottom-first. We note if the bottle is still usable and if there are any noticeable dents, cracks, or other damage. We give high scores to bottles that hold up perfectly after the durability test and throughout the entire testing period.
• Value: When the testing period is complete, we look at each bottle's price. Given how the product performed in each of the above-tested categories, we consider whether it's fairly priced. We only include bottles that we think are worth the money or that we would consider paying even more for.

Our Experts

We spoke to experts at every stage of our research, testing, and reporting for this story. These outdoor gear experts helped us learn more about the importance of safe drinking water and what key features to look for and avoid in a filtered water bottle. They also helped inform our test. We choose products independently but use expert input to influence our choices.

• Maggie Slepian, outdoor gear expert, editor, and writer based in Montana
• Wesley Trimble, outdoor gear expert and communications and creative director of the American Hiking Society

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use a filtered water bottle?

You should use a filtered water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated by drinking clean water wherever your next adventure takes you. These handy bottles eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, debris, and often heavy metals from any suspicious water sources.

Is filtered water really better for you?

If you plan on drinking municipal water from a new place or natural water from rivers, streams, lakes, and more, filtered water is always better for you. Filtered water bottles may remove harmful chemicals, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and more—turning any source into drinkable and safe water. 

Can filtered water bottles remove heavy metals?

It’s important to remember that not all filtered water bottles can remove heavy metals. If you know you will be traveling somewhere where heavy metals pollute the drinking water, look for a specific tested and certified filter to remove these contaminants.

Are filtered water bottles dishwasher safe?

Before purchasing a new filtered water bottle, check the manufacturer's website for suggested care instructions. Some bottles are dishwasher safe, while others require a bit more effort to clean. Maintenance is an important factor to consider when choosing which bottle is right for you, Trimble says.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As an experienced health and wellness writer, Michelle Parente is passionate about making great product recommendations. She specializes in health and fitness, understanding the importance of making informed and reliable recommendations.