Our bodies are 60% water. So the water we put into our bodies should be the cleanest it can be. But filtering water for everyday consumption can be a hassle. It was for me, anyway, until the HydroBlu Clear Flow water bottle came into my life.
HydroBlu Clear Flow
The HydroBlu Clear Flow is a water bottle and filter combo. The filter attaches to a screw-on cap and dangles inside the bottle. All you have to do is fill the bottle from any water source (stream, lake, or nasty tap) and suck it through the filter straw where water comes out safe and clean.
Clear Flow Specs
• The Clear Flow removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, such as salmonella, cholera and E.coli; removes 99.9999% of all protozoa, such as giardia and cryptosporidium
• Activated Charcoal reduces heavy metals, iron, sulfur, negative taste and any discoloration from water
• BPA free water bottle
• Easily attaches to a variety of straw-style water bottles
• 0.1 Micron Hollow Fiber membrane
• Filter Material: Hollow Fiber and Activated Charcoal
• Removes: Bacteria, Protozoa, E. Coli, Giardia, Vibrio cholerea, Salmonella Typhi, heavy metals, diesel fuel, bad taste
• Cartridge Life: up to 1,500 liters
Clear Flow Test
The HydroBlu Clear Flow is meant for backpackers, campers, and emergency preparedness. Seeing as how I got mine in the winter, I have not had an opportunity to test it out in the field. But I will be taking it with me on my first overnight trip this spring in southern Utah, because I am confident that the filter works. HydroBlu says the Clear Flow surpasses EPA standards for removing E. Coli, Giardia and Cryptosporidium and filters down to 0.1 microns without the use of chemicals, iodine or batteries. The filter also reduces heavy metals, such as iron and lead.
This is important as I have been using my Clear Flow daily at work. My office has a very old water fountain. I’m talking a 1980s-era drinking fountain like the ones from my elementary school. Needless to say the water that comes out of that tastes questionable – metallic and infused with chlorine. Enter the Clear Flow. By filling my bottle with the nasty fountain water and drinking it through the filter straw, what was once gross water is suddenly palatable. More than that, it actually tastes good.
I also took my HydroBlu on a trip to Mexico. You know what they say about the water there… But using the HydroBlu, I drank tap water and didn’t get even a hint of Montezuma’s Revenge.
Improving taste and not just making water safe is HydroBlu’s calling card. Most filters just get rid of the stuff that can make you sick but do little to improve taste. The Clear Flow system will actually make your water look and taste more clean.
HydroBlu Bottle
The bottle itself is pretty typical. It’s a 24-ounce, BPA-free plastic with a silicone mouthpiece. It is curved to fit nicely in the hand and feels soft and malleable unlike hard plastic bottles. There is also a silicone base that provides good grip on all surfaces to prevent spillage (though it does make the bottle wobble). The wide mouth makes the bottle easy to clean.
HydroBlu Filter
I’ve tested and reviewed other bottle filters before, like the LifeStraw. My problem with those is the water is hard to suck through the filter. I swear I almost passed out trying to siphon water from my LifeStraw last time I used it. But I have had no such issues with the HydroBlu filter. There is a small bit of resistance, but overall water flows freely through the filter into the straw. After use, the filter is also easy to blow excess water out for drying and storage. When the filter wears out, it easily detatches and can be replaced with a new one.
Final Thoughts
Overall I’d say the HydroBlu Clear Flow works as advertised. I’ll know more after using it in the wild, but so far I think this bottle/filter combo is now my go-to for backpacking trips where water refills will come from Mother Nature. Plus, HydroBlu is based right here on the Wasatch Front (headquartered in West Jordan) so it’s great to support a local company.
To order or for more information on other HydroBlu products, check them out at HydroBlu.com