CamelBak Groove(tm)
| February 27, 2011 | Filled under Bottles, Filter, Plastic, Stainless steel, Work-out Ready |
Since the geniuses behind Bobble came out with individualized filters for water bottles, I have definitely observed a trend towards more innovative products that challenges the conventional notion of what a “water bottle” is. I have previously reviewed a CamelBak bottle but I could not resist getting the new Groove (TM) after seeing that it has a built-in filter! Yes! The filter is built into the straw but you don’t have to recycle the entire filter (along with the plastic), you just switch out the carbon filter stick inside.
What I love about the bottle:
- Like the previous CamelBak bottle that I write about, I love that they really designed these water bottles with the active user in mind. The straw and bite valve allows you to drink water on the go without ever tilting your head.
- The filter! This is the perfect bottle for bike riding because you can fill up at any water fountain or public water refill places without worrying about getting that public tap water taste when water runs out in the middle of a ride.
- The filter (again)! Unlike the other bottle filter from the other brand, this filter does not make it difficult for you to suck water out nor does it make a squeekly sound.
- The clear BPA-free plastic bottle gives the water a really pretty shine and the handle on top makes carrying it around really easy.
- You can bend down the bite valve and retract the mouth piece when not in use.
- Because you don’t replace the entire straw after 3 months of filter use and only replace a small carbon tube that fits inside the thicker portion of the straw, you’re not wasting more plastic, which makes it more environmentally friendly.
What I don’t like about the bottle:
- When you retract the mouth piece, it still builds a lot of dust and dirt kicked up from the bike (if you put it in your bottle holster), and the dust settles in the nooks and crannies around the mouth area. This requires constant cleaning and often with Q-tips.
- It is only 0.6L, which is a perfect size for SHORT bike rides and perhaps a short shopping trip out. However, for longer rides, you will need to constantly refill because it does not hold a large quantity of water. Once again, evaluate your weight vs. volume trade-off and decide accordingly.
Characteristics about the bottle:
- 0.6L (20 oz), comes in plastic or stainless steel
- Comes in 4 colors for plastic – Cool Blue (pictured), Sea Foam, Blush, and Graphite; comes in 2 colors for stainless steel – Natural and White
- All aspects of the bottle are BPA-free
- $25 for the clear plastic bottle, $35 for the stainless steel bottle.
Does the company give back to the environment or society?
- CamelBak has taken many measures to ensure that they live out their mission – build a more sustainable world. The measures they have taken towards social responsibility is too long to list here but you can take a closer look on their website here.
- CamelBak sponsors many environmental initiatives as well as social initiatives that advocates for active individuals. Get more details here.
Where can I get it?
- REI (both in-store and online) for $25
- Summit Hut for $25
- Amazon sells all 6 variations of the bottle for $22.99 (Plastic) and $32.99 (Stainless Steel)
I love this filter! At first I thought I had made a mistake and bought the 1L bottle with no filter. The good thing about camelbak is that the tops are interchangeable. I’m rocking the filtered top on my 1L now and use my 600ml for a reserve.
I have a bought a Camelbak Groove waterbottle from Amazon.
I put the filter after rinsing it and filled the bottle with water and put the cover. How do I drink from it? Do I have to remove anything from the mouthpiece? Any suggestions> Thanx in advance