Northern Explorers was approached by a NOMAD representative to test out the NOMAD SafeSip water bottle. As outdoor explorers, we’re always looking for water filtration solutions that are packable, easy to use, and improve the outdoor experience. Our Chief Editor and Travel Writer, Amy Hancock, was happy to give an honest gear review of the product.
Overview: NOMAD SafeSip
Best For: Water filtration during outdoor activities and travel, taken from lakes, rivers and taps.
Not Good For: Silty, muddy, or murky water or seawater. Won’t work for backcountry cooking.
Capacity: 740 ml
Weight: 27.18 cm
Technology: Electro-adsorption and ultra-powdered activated carbon.
Bottom Line: This insulated water bottle with a filtration straw offers great protection from waterborne pathogens, filters sediment and is a great personal water filtration system for people on the go.
Initial Thoughts: Out of the Package
NOMAD was prompt at sending out the SafeSip, and the package arrived quickly. The bottle is sleek, came in a matte light blue and felt solid. It’s slightly heavier than a regular insulated water bottle or Nalgene, but that’s to be expected with the built-in water filter.
It has a little rubber strap, so it can be secured to a backpack, boat or bike if needed. The lid pops off with the push of a button to reveal a clear, rubbery mouthpiece that is attached to the straw inside the bottle. The straw twists off the lid for cleaning.
Unfortunately, my bottle didn’t come with any instructions. I first tried it out at the family cottage, filling it with well water from the tap. Suction was difficult, and something didn’t seem right. I found a manual online, where I learned that I had to activate the filter cartridge by running it under clean water for 60 seconds. The filter needs to be fully saturated before drinking to activate.
Hydration on a Lake Adventure
Once working properly, I took the water bottle on a paddleboard adventure on the lake. It fit snugly under my paddleboard’s bungee rigging and did not leak at all. If it was a choppy day, I would have secured it with a carabiner using the bottle’s built-in strap.
The straw does take up some space inside the bottle, so it’s less water than I’m used to taking for a day trip. However, because you can just refill it from the lake (river, stream, campground tap, etc.), that didn’t matter.
It kept me hydrated at the lake and beach that day and was easy to pack. The water tasted fresh, and the insulated bottle kept it cool, despite the hot sunny day. I liked it better than using a water purification tablet, which tastes like bleach and chemicals.
Even after soaking the filter, I still found it a little difficult to suck up the water, and I got some air bubbles. However, the water does have to be pushed through the filter. It’s not a normal straw, so a little effort getting it through there is worth it for the convenience. To date, I’ve used a filter pump or a gravity-fed filtration bladder, which takes a lot more time and effort.
Taking It Apart & Cleaning
It comes apart easily for cleaning. The lid twists off easily, and you can remove the straw with a simple half-twist off the bottom of the lid. From there, you can twist the cover off the filter. I actually took the filter apart and soaked it in a jar of water to try to saturate it more and make it easier to sip from.
For the filter, hand-rinse only. The manual advises NEVER to put the filter, straw, or cap in the dishwasher or use soap, alcohol or cleaners on the filter cartridge. I never put my insulated bottles in the dishwasher, so I just hand-washed the bottle and cap with mild dish soap after removing the straw and filter.
NOMAD SafeSip Review: Yays and Nays
What I liked most: I really like the convenience of just dipping the water bottle in the closest water source, especially when in the backcountry. Using a filtration pump or gravity-fed water bladder filtration system takes way more time and effort. The AtomX™ Advanced filter technology removes nearly all viruses, bacteria and other pathogens and particles. I trusted it was safe to drink while on the go.
What I didn’t love, but can live with: With the convenience of the filter straw comes the difficulty of suction (for me) that made me a little burpy. If it bothered me enough, I’d switch back to a filtration pump. However, those are bulkier, take more time and effort and are generally annoying. Even with that minor drawback, I’d still throw the NOMAD SafeSip in my pack or dry sack, any time.
Would I recommend the NOMAD SafeSip water bottle?
Yes, definitely. The NOMAD SafeSip offers convenience and safety, ensuring good hydration while on outdoor adventures or on the go when filtered drinking water isn’t available. I would recommend it on outdoor adventures. I’ll use it for backcountry hiking and paddling when you have to retrieve drinking water from a river or lake.
In addition to removing pathogens, it also takes out that lakey taste. It can filter out organic compounds, algae and odours. I haven’t tried it in a river, but I’m sure there would be no taste, just like when using other filtration systems.
It looks sleek, doesn’t leak, keeps the water cool and can easily attach to packs and other gear.
Things to consider: The NOMAD doesn’t filter out dissolved salt from seawater as other filter straws do. In addition, you shouldn’t use it in murky, muddy, or algae-dense water because it will clog the filter. Personally, that’s too icky with any filtration system. And because it’s a personal water bottle, you’d still need to bring another filtration system if you need water for sharing and cooking in the backcountry. That means bringing two systems instead of one on backcountry trips. Doing so might be worth it for some because of the convenience of its fill-and-go system.
For use as a personal water bottle that offers safe, filtered hydration on the go, I give it a solid 9/10.
