by Adam Johnson

Created on: January 02, 2008   Last Updated: January 03, 2008

Aquamira state somewhat inspirationally that 'a goal of technology is to preserve life'. This mission statement may apply moreso to their emergency tools and military products than in cycling water bottle(s), but their philosophy is rooted in the fact that they believe people should be able to safely drink water anywhere. And that is good news for cyclists.

Staying hydrated can be a problem for cyclists, you either need to carry lots of water or make your bottle last the trip. The Aquamira Water Bottle and Filter allows you to drink clean water wherever you are. The best bit is it doesn't even need to be full when you leave the house.

The 22oz Nalgene(r) water bottle is excellent quality in itself, and it has everything you'd expect from a water bottle - push-pull valve, flip cap and is sized for most bottle cages. But that's no different to any other water bottle(s) on the market - the true innovation is the Aquamira Microbiological filter.

Fill the bottle from any water source, insert the filter, screw on the lid and drink. The filter removes up to 99.9% of harmful bacteria and pathogens, including giardia, cryptosporidium and E.coli down to 3 microns - and it does it while you drink. If you're worried that the water may be more contaminated, a couple of Aquamira water treatment drops should do the trick.

The filter itself is made of thick "porous plastic" which traps the bacteria, handing over to the activated carbon within which improves the taste and removes any chemicals in the water leaving you clean, safe drinking water as promised by the genii at Aquamira.

I know what you're thinking - it's either expensive, or you're stung on the filters. Well don't be so cynical - each filter will treat 190 litres of water (save your fingers - that's 292 refills), and at an suggested retail price of USD24.95 it's a steal.

Leaving you to worry about more important things, like finding a discreet bush... Well the 190 litres has to go somewhere!

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