During my trip to Turkey this year it became apparent to me that the concept of refilling a water bottle is foreign in some nations. Staff at cafes and restaurants would look at me with bewildered eyes when I asked to refill my reusable water bottle – which I specifically carried with me to avoid single-use plastics while travelling.
During much of my travels, I had been able to avoid plastic-bottled water by refilling up at water-refill stations. But in Turkey, there were none. And Turkey is not the only place where refilling water can be a challenge.
Did you know that it is unsafe to drink tap water in more than 95% of the world? This map by Globehunters demonstrates the countries where it is safe to drink tap water –
Turkey is actually part of the majority of countries where tap water is unsuitable for drinking. And without the option to drink the tap water, or the option to refill my bottle using filtered water, I turned to another solution – water filtration bottles.
This blog shares some of the best water filtration bottles for travelling so you can stay hydrated and avoid single-use plastic bottles that will most likely end up in the country’s landfill.
Grayl
Grayl GEOPRESS protects from global waterborne pathogens (virus, bacteria, protozoan cysts), pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals, and even microplastics. In eight seconds, it makes 24 ounces (710 ml) of safe, clean drinking water.
What people say: “Used it for 6 months in Asia. The dodgiest taps, rice paddy water and even some rivers. Never got sick. Only used 3 plastic bottles in 2017.”
Social responsibility: Grayl is a proud member of 1% For the Planet. They donate 1% of all sales for the preservation and restoration of the environment.
Buy Online: https://amzn.to/3nmbTyV
Water-to-Go
Water-to-Go is a filtration system that eliminates over 99.9% of all microbiological contaminants including viruses, bacteria, chemicals and heavy metals from any non-salt water source.
What people say: “I’ve drunk water straight out of the Amazon River for 3 months using their bottles, as well as spending 9 months in India topping up wherever I could find.”
Social responsibility:: Water-to-Go has supported organisations such as Child Aid Gambia and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) with Water-to-Go products for their emergency packs.
Buy online: https://www.watertogo.eu/go-bottle.html/
LifeStraw
LifeStraw Go is an advanced 2-stage water filter bottle that protects against bacteria, parasites and microplastics, and reduces chemicals like chlorine. The robust, leak-proof, BPA free bottle is built for harsh conditions and longevity.
What people say: “Last year I went into the jungles of Sumatra and it was put to test. I didn’t get sick at all.”
Social responsibility: For every purchase, LifeStraw funds safe drinking water projects in communities around the world.
Buy online: https://amzn.to/2XiiakL
Personal Water Filters
Looking for a personal water filter instead? Try the below products that can filter up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 litres) of contaminated water without iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals.
- LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness
- Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System, Single, Blue
- Waterdrop Personal Water Filter Straw for Emergency Hiking Travel Backpacking, Pack of 3
