~Leesa
One of the great things about attending the Outdoor Retailer Show each year, is the opportunity to see some of the ‘new and cool’ products that are coming out. One that caught my eye was a new product from Camelbak. The Groove Portable Filtration System doesn’t look like much more than a sleek water bottle. It really is what is on the inside that counts though. A thin, tube shaped filtering system is connected to the underside of the cap, and reaches down into the water. As the user sips, the water is drawn up and into the filter, and provides fresh tasting water without much effort.
The Camelbak Groove is a .6 liter water filtration system – in a reusable water bottle. It comes in either plastic or stainless steel. The filter is replaceable, and each filter is good for 200 refills.
Camelbak Groove ready to drink!
The Groove isn’t on the market yet, but I received a sample to review. The rest of you need to wait until November, when they will be available at REI.
From a Camelbak press release:
Groove features the exclusive CamelBak Big Bite™ Valve, which is the only reusable bottle mouthpiece that is proven to help people stay better hydrated. The valve’s unique design prevents spills, even when open, and enables a high flow rate for easy sipping – no squeezing or tipping required.
CamelBak Groove comes in a sleek, durable .6 liter bottles made of BPA-free Tritan plastic or stainless steel. The replaceable filter, which uses sustainable plant-based material, is integrated into the straw, making CamelBak Groove more stable than top-heavy designs with filters in the cap.
Third-party tests confirm that CamelBak Groove significantly reduces chlorine, mercury, copper, cadmium and lead in drinking water, improving the taste as it freshly filters each sip. Each filter is effective for 200 refills, which can replace up to 250 disposable plastic water bottles.
View of top of bottle - carrying loop and 'Big Bite' bite valve.
I’ve had the opportunity to use mine with home, work and hotel water. Each time, the water tasted fine – no after taste. I have well water at home, and although test results show it is very good for drinking, it occasionally has a copper or metallic taste. Using this bottle has taken care of that problem. I fill the bottle from my tap and take it with me to work, and on day hikes. I know I drink more than I used to – because 1/2 way through my day, I refill the bottle. I used to finish the bottle on the way home from work. I like that I can drink good tasting water all day – without the bother, expense and waste of buying plastic bottles. To be honest – my car is a lot cleaner too. I have a hard time drinking water in a hotel. For some reason, it always seems too chlorinated. I have found using the Groove to make that a non-issue. So far, I’ve used it a dozen or so times, and find it works without any issues. I live the bit valve top – easy to drink from, difficult to spill from. I rinse it every night, and let it air dry. No funny odors or tastes which makes me want to keep using it.
I’ll be using the bottle over the next 2 months, and will report back on how it is holding up. I’ll also take it out during the winter while snowshoeing and ice fishing. I’m curious how the cold may effect it.
Update 12/5/10
The CamelBak Groove is definitely Groovy! (which just shows how old I actually am) It goes everywhere with me – work, driving, overnight trips, etc. My students are used to seeing it on my desk, and have asked about it. Most have mentioned that it keeps bottles out of the recycling bin. Recently I took the Groove on a multi-plane trip to Salt Lake City and back, over a weekend. I knew I’d be tired, and that keeping hydrated really helps me fight off jet lag. I packed it empty in my carry on bag, and filled it once through security. It was great to have some good tasting drinking water while waiting in the airport, and while on the plane. On my return trip, I forgot to empty it out before going through security. They were going to take the bottle and I said I’d go empty it. I had to walk back outdoors to do it though. I wasn’t giving up my Groove! I emptied it out, and went through security without issue.
I’ve also got in the habit of taking it on my morning walks. I love that I can carry it by the loop on the top, even with gloves on. I drink more water and stay better hydrated throughout the day. With the sipper portion folded down, no water drips out, and I feel confident it won’t leak on my work papers or other items in my work bag. I have not noticed any changes in the taste of the water over time, nor any durability issues. I am very happy with the bottle, and plan on putting a few under the Christmas tree for my family this year. I’ll be updating this review again in about a month, wrapping up with any new information, especially related to water taste and/or filter issues.
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