Are you looking for an easy way to have pure filtered water wherever you go, without having to resort to bottled water?
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Well, I've got a great solution for you!
Let me introduce you to the Sport Berkey, a super effective portable water filter in a bottle. It's made by the same people that make the popular Berkey water filter systems.
I own one of these, and I love it because it's cheap, easy to use, and it works!
If you're in a big hurry and just want to how much it costs at Amazon, click here.
Recently I took a road trip to visit my kids. It's a two-day drive, and I knew I'd need plenty of water to keep me hydrated along the way.
In the past, I would've packed a case of bottled water, but this time I remembered that I had a couple of Sport Berkeys in the house. They had come as a free gift with our Berkey countertop filter, and I just never used them.
I thought, hey, this is the perfect opportunity to give this thing a shot.
My Sport Berkey
So I left on my trip with two Sport Berkeys instead of a case of bottled water - saved myself some money and kept all that plastic out of the trash!
I was so impressed! The filter made even the nastiest water taste clean and fresh.
One Airbnb that I stayed in had some of the worst city water I've ever had the displeasure of tasting. The accommodations were great, but the water was horrible.
Well, I filled my Sport Berkey from the bathroom sink, and instantly I had wonderful fresh tasting water. What a relief!
Sounds like something you want to check out?
Here you go...
Below I've got all the details plus FAQs and tips for using the Sport Berkey.
You can skip to whatever interests you in the Quick Navigation, or just keep scrolling to read the whole thing.
Features of the Sport Berkey Water Bottle
There's not a whole lot to the Sport Berkey. Here are some of the main features:
- Lightweight bottle made of BPA free plastic.
- 22 ounce capacity.
- Easy open hinged lid keeps straw clean.
- Superior filtration removes or drastically reduces most contaminants.
- Works on untreated water or municipal tap water.
Ways to Use a Sport Berkey Water Bottle
The Sport Berkey can come in handy in a lot of different situations. Here are a few ideas:
- Traveling by car - fill up at the gas station or rest area.
- International travel - don't fear drinking the local water!
- Camping and hiking - fill up from a stream, lake, or campground spigot.
- Keep several as part of your emergency preparedness kit or bug out bag.
- Air travel - acceptable for airport security as long as it's empty when you go through the checkpoint.
- Keep in the car glove box for emergencies.
- Hotels or other vacation accommodations if the local water tastes bad.
- Send with the kids to school.
- Keep one at the office.
- Take it with you on a cruise.
I'll bet you can think of even more uses!
FAQs About the Sport Berkey Water Bottle
What kind of plastic is it made of?
The bottle is made of LDPE #4 medical grade polymer. It's safe, non-leaching, and BPA free. The black cap is HDPE, and the straw is PolyPro, both FDA approved for contact with food.
How does the filter work?
It works by adsorption, which is defined as "the adhesion of atoms, ions, or molecules from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid to a surface."
When you squeeze the bottle and suck the water through the straw, the water is forced up through the filter. The contaminants in the water are attracted to the material in the filter and are held there in millions of tiny crevices and pores.
As a result, the water that exits the filter and goes up through the straw is pure and clean.
What contaminants does it remove?
The filter element is made of the same material as the Black Berkey Purification Elements that come with the countertop Berkey filters.
According to the manufacturer, the filter removes or reduces "toxic chemicals, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, trihalomethanes, detergents, pesticides, herbicides, chlorides, pharmaceuticals, petroleum-based products, unpleasant tastes and odor, silt, sediment and chlorine."
You can see the detailed Sport Berkey lab test results here.
Does it remove fluoride?
No, it does not. Only the countertop filters can accommodate the optional Berkey fluoride filters.
How long does the filter last?
The filter element doesn't last forever and will need to be replaced every now and then.
If you're using pretreated tap water, it's good for about 640 refills or 100 gallons. So if you drink three full bottles per day - that's about a half gallon - it'll last about seven months.
With untreated water, you'll need to replace it after about 160 refills or 25 gallons. At three bottles a day, that's about 53 days.
Can you clean and reuse the filter?
No, you can't clean the filter, other than wiping off the outside of it. It's meant to be replaced, not cleaned and reused.
What is the temperature range for storage?
You can safely store the filter element in temperatures between 33 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, don't keep it in a hot car, and don't let it freeze. Extreme temperatures will ruin the filter.
By the water, it has a storage shelf life of 50 years when it's kept dry and at the proper temperature. That makes it a great addition to your emergency preparedness supplies.
Can you put boiling water in it?
No. Don't put water over 95 degrees Fahrenheit in the bottle.
Is there any difference between the generic and regular Sport Berkey?
The only difference between the two is that the regular one has the Sport Berkey label screen printed on it, and the generic one is plain. Otherwise, they are identical.
Where can I buy a Sport Berkey and replacement filters?
I have two recommendations for reliable online retailers that you can check for the Sport Berkey bottle and replacement filters.
First would be Amazon. It may quality for free shipping if it's an Amazon Prime item, or there may be other discounts.
If you'd like to check the current price, click here and it'll take you to Amazon.
Another good source is Berkey Filters, an authorized Berkey distributor. They offer free shipping on US orders over $45.
You can check out the Sport Berkey at Berkey Filters by clicking here.
Pros & Cons of the Sport Berkey Water Bottle
The Sport Berkey has its good points and bad points. Here's a quick summary, based on my own personal experience and feedback by online customer reviews.
Sport Berkey Pros and Cons
What People Like
Don't Like So Much
Tips for Using the Sport Berkey Water Bottle
There are a couple of common complaints about the Sport Berkey that I've heard. They mainly have to do with leakage and with difficulty getting the water to go through the straw.
Of course, there's always the possibility that a particular bottle is defective, but user error is the more likely cause.
So here are some tips to help you have a better experience with the Sport Berkey:
- Make sure to follow the instructions, and flush the filter thoroughly before using it the first time.
- When doing the initial flush, I found it much easier to lay the bottle down at the side of the sink and push down on the bottle, rather than squeezing it with my hands.
- Screw the lid on carefully and tighten well to minimize leaks.
- Don't overfill the bottle. Otherwise it can leak or overflow. It's especially prone to do this if you're on a plane and the air pressure in the cabin changes.
- If the straw gets crimped shut from having the lid closed, just pull up on it to get it unstuck.
- Squeeze the bottle while you are sucking on the straw. The water will come out faster. It will never flow like a regular straw, though. Keep in mind that it's going through some heavy filtration on the way to your mouth.
By the way, these are all things that I've learned from personal experience, except for the part about using it on a plane. I haven't done that yet, but I may soon since I have a couple of trips coming up when I'll be flying.
Verdict
I wouldn't hesitate recommend the Sport Berkey to anyone who wants an effective portable water purification device.
You probably wouldn't want to use it long term, although you could. But then you would be replacing the filter pretty often.
The Sport Berkey is best suited for short term use like for travel or hiking/camping. It's also perfect to keep on hand for emergency preparedness or as part of a survival kit.
If this sounds like a good fit for your needs, you can check the price and availability at Amazon by clicking here.
Or check it out at Berkey Filters here.
Want some other suggestions for water filters that are good for taking on the road?
Here you go: Best Water Filter Options for Travel
Last Updated on April 8, 2022
Thanks for sharing the useful information with us. You made a good site and and useful suggestions and information on this water purifier services.
Thanks, Emmajen! Glad to be of help.