Water is essential for life, so staying hydrated is absolutely crucial. Whether you’re hitting the gym, exploring the great outdoors, or simply running errands around town, having a reliable water bottle is a must. But with so many different options on the market, choosing the best water bottle for your needs can be overwhelming.
You may think a water bottle is a dime a dozen, and to an extent, this is true. However, certain bottles stand out from the pack, boasting unique features, versatility, and design that make them worth looking at a bit more closely. From lightweight and portable plastic bottles ideal for hiking and biking to heavy-duty insulated bottles that keep your drinks cold or hot for hours, we’ve found a bottle that will never leave your side.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or simply want to stay hydrated throughout the day, we found the best water bottles to meet your needs and keep you refreshed. Read on to find our favorites, or head straight to our comparison chart, buyer’s guide, and frequently asked questions sections.
The Best Water Bottles of 2024
- Best Overall Water Bottle: Nalgene Sustain Wide-Mouth
- Best Budget Water Bottle: CamelBak Eddy+
- Best Insulated Water Bottle: Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Flex Straw
- Best Water Bottle for Daily Use: Miir Wide Mouth
- Best Water Bottle for the Backcountry: Hydrapak Breakaway+
Nalgene Sustain Wide-Mouth
Pros
- Nearly indestructible
- Leak-proof lid that stays tightly closed
- Easy to fill with ice cubes
Cons
- Wide mouth can be tough to drink from on the move
- Too big for many water bottle pockets/cupholders
Camelbak Eddy+
Pros
- Super affordable
- Water flows quickly through the straw
Cons
- Doesn’t keep drinks cold for very long
- Water can drip out of the straw when you take the lid off
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth With Flex Straw
Pros
- Keeps water cold for up to 24 hours
- Wide mouth lid allows for easy pouring and filling with ice
- Stainless steel construction can take a beating
Cons
- Straw can be tough to position correctly
- Heavy, especially when full
- Steel, while durable, can dent and scratch easily
Miir Wide Mouth
Pros
- Slim enough to fit in just about any water bottle pocket
- Easy to carry thanks to a large handle on the lid
Cons
- Feels slightly more fragile than other bottles we tried
Hydrapak Breakaway+
Pros
- Integrated filter keeps water clean
- Multiple size options
- No filter experience required
Cons
- Pricey for a water bottle
- Water doesn’t flow as fast as a standard cycling bottle
LifeStraw Go Series Stainless Steel
Pros
- Can hold a huge amount of water
- Filters automatically when you drink from it
Cons
- Can be quite cumbersome
- Filter limits the flow through the cap
Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated With Twist Cap
Pros
- Straw is made of steel, rather than plastic
- Easy to hold and transport
Cons
- The lid and straw make for a lot of individual pieces that can be lost and/or broken
- Steel straw means you can’t use it for hot liquids
Snow Peak Titanium Aurora Bottle
Pros
- Extremely light
- Small size fits just about anywhere
- Very durable
Cons
- Pricey
- Scratches easily
- Not insulated
YETI Rambler One Gallon Jug
Pros
- Extremely high capacity
- Excellent insulation
- Magnetic cap holder
Cons
- Very heavy
- Too big for hiking/backpacking
Water Bottle Comparison Chart
Water Bottle | Price | Capacity | Weight | Material |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nalgene Sustain Wide-Mouth | $17 | 32 oz. | 6.25 oz | BPA-free plastic |
CamelBak Eddy+ | $16 | 25 oz. | 6 oz. | Tritan® Renew |
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Flex Straw | $50 | 40 oz. | 1.05 lbs. | Stainless steel |
Miir Wide Mouth | $35 | 20 oz. | 13.7 oz. | Stainless steel |
Hydrapak Breakaway+ | $45 | 20 oz. | 4 oz. | TPU, POM, ABS, Hollow Fiber, Silicone, PP |
LifeStraw Go Series Stainless Steel | $65 | 1L | 1.4 lbs. | Stainless steel |
Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated with Twist Cap | $45 | 32 oz. | 1.14 lbs. | Stainless steel |
Snow Peak Titanium Aurora Bottle | $150 | 27 oz. | 5.2 oz. | Titanium |
YETI Rambler One Gallon Water Jug | $130 | 1 Gallon | 4.5 lbs. | Stainless steel |
How We Tested the Best Water Bottles
As lifelong water drinkers and outdoor enthusiasts, you probably wouldn’t be surprised to hear that many of our experienced testers already had at least a cupboard full of water bottles in their respective homes.
We took our already substantial water bottle experience, found a handful of others we hadn’t already tried and got to work. We tested them on the bike, on the run, at work, at home, and on vacation. To determine which were the best, we looked at materials, insulation, how functional the lid was, how easy they were to carry, if they were susceptible to leaks, among other features.
We tested bottles on our daily commutes, at the office or coffee shop, and on camping trips high in the Colorado mountains. They joined us on bike rides and hikes throughout the Boise foothills, where they got a ton of use thanks to triple-digit temperatures. Filtered bottles were filled in alpine creeks and with tap water from various locations — and as we hoped, no GI issues ensued and the water tasted great.
During our testing, we noticed a handful of standout features that we hadn’t encountered before. Some that were a surprise and others were expected, but they delighted our testers, nonetheless. Bottles like the Miir Wide Mouth proved exceptionally easy to carry with various backpacks and totes, fitting into even the most narrow of bottle pockets.
Others, like the Nalgene Sustain Wide-Mouth, stood up to rigorous testing and lived up to their already lofty expectations. All in all, we think today’s water bottles are the best they’ve ever been, with options that cover every use case you can imagine.
Why You Can Trust Us
Our lead testers, Will Porter and Billy Brown, have years of experience in the outdoors, fitness, and commuting, all of which lent insight to their choices for the best of the best.
Will spent a few years commuting from Brooklyn to Manhattan, where he was able to test various water bottles, judging them based on their ability to fit in his backpack or laptop bag and how long his ice-cold water would actually stay ice cold. His NYC days are now behind him and he calls Boise home, so he’s been able to hit the nearly endless trails in the foothills and beyond, testing an endless amount of bottles on his bike, on trail runs, and at Boise’s Bogus Basin ski area.
Water Bottles were among the first pieces of gear Billy Brown tested as he was starting his career. Since then, he’s taken water bottles around the world from Chile to Chamonix. He’s carried them up peaks all over the country, hiked them over thousands of miles of singletrack, and carried them on 50k ultraraces. In short, he knows what he wants in a good water bottle.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Water Bottle
It’s undeniable — there are a ton of water bottles out there. And while many of these bottles are excellent, they’re not all excellent for every user. When you’re looking for a new water bottle, keep in mind how and where you plan to use it, and use that to consider things like materials, lid options, and insulation. Below, you’ll find some of the more common water bottle options.
This guide focuses primarily on water bottles in general. For other hydration options, consider our guides on the best insulated water bottles and the best hydration packs.
![Hydrapak Breakaway+](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2024/08/IMG_5815-1.jpg)
Material
Water bottles come in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Stainless steel: Durable, doesn’t hold onto chemicals, and is usually double-wall insulated to keep drinks hot or cold. However, these bottles can be heavy and expensive.
- Plastic: Lightweight, affordable, and come in a variety of colors and styles. However, some plastics can leach chemicals into your water, especially if they’re exposed to high heat or prolonged sunlight.
- Glass: Non-porous and doesn’t leach chemicals. However, it’s fragile and can be heavy. We recommend you keep glass water bottles at home — we love to keep one on our desk or bedside table.
Temperature Regulation
Some water bottles are insulated to keep drinks hot or cold for extended periods. This can be a great feature if you want to enjoy a cold drink on a hot day or a hot drink on a cold day. The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth bottle is our favorite for keeping your water ice-cold all day long, but our picks from Yeti, Klean Kanteen, and LifeStraw also excel at this.
Intended Use
Consider how you’ll be using your water bottle. If you’re going to be using it for everyday activities, such as going to work or school, you’ll probably want a bottle that’s lightweight and easy to carry in your favorite bag. If you’re going to be using it for outdoor activities, such as hiking or biking, you’ll want a bottle that’s durable and can withstand being dropped or bumped.
![Slipping the Miir Widemouth into a backpack pocket](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2024/08/IMG_5830-1-1.jpg)
Filtration
Some water bottles have built-in filters that can remove impurities from your water. This can be a great feature if you’re concerned about the quality of your tap water or if you’re going to be drinking water from natural sources, such as streams or lakes. Be sure to take a close look at the filter details before buying, so you can figure out how often you will need to replace the filter and how much it will cost to do so.
Durability
When it comes to water bottle durability, several factors must be considered. The material of the bottle plays a significant role — stainless steel and Tritan are popular choices for their strength and resistance to wear and tear (because we know you’ll beat the hell out of your bottle).
Double-wall insulation can help protect the bottle from dents and dings, though these are definitely possible, especially if you drop the bottle while it’s full. Bottles like the Nalgene Sustain, are nearly indestructible and will break before they dent, while stainless steel bottles like the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth can handle just about anything, even though they are susceptible to scratches and dents.
Insulation
Water bottle insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining the temperature of your beverages. Double-walled insulation, commonly found in high-quality water bottles, creates a barrier between the inner and outer walls of the bottle, minimizing heat transfer. This design helps keep cold drinks cool and hot drinks warm for extended periods.
![The Nalgene Widemouth Bottle](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2024/08/IMG_5823-1.jpg)
On the flip side, plastic water bottles, while convenient, are not effective insulators. Plastic bottles struggle to maintain the desired temperature of your beverages, especially on hot days when the external heat can easily transfer to the liquid inside. You can always fill them with ice or freeze the bottle while half full, but you’ll need to drink it fast if you want your water cold.
Lid Options
Water bottle lids come in a variety of styles, each with its own advantages. Sip straws are great for staying hydrated while on the go, since there’s no real risk of spillage out of the lid.
Wide-mouth lids, on the other hand, make it easy to add ice or fruit to your water and are also compatible with most water filters, but they are easy to spill if you try to drink from them while on the move (or standing still). Travel mug lids are ideal for keeping your coffee or tea hot while you’re on the go, and often have a built-in handle for easy carrying, but aren’t optimized for high flow.
Price/Value
Like with any other piece of gear, you need to find a balance between the features you need and how much money you’re willing/able to spend. Here’s what you get (and what you don’t get) in several price tiers for water bottles.
Budget
If you don’t want to spend a lot of dough on something that just carries water around, you’ve got plenty of options that will cost you less than $20. While they may not filter your water or keep it ice-cold on a hot day, bottles like the Nalgene Sustain Wide-Mouth ($17) and CamelBak Eddy+ ($16) are both leak-proof and nearly indestructible.
Mid-Tier
Have a little more dough to spend? Most of the bottles in this range are around $25 to $60 and offer some interesting features like insulation, filtration, and more. Bottles like the Miir Wide Mouth bottle ($35) offer double-walled vacuum insulation, while others like the Hydrapak Breakaway+ ($45) offer filtration. Want both? The LifeStraw Go Series Stainless Steel ($65) is insulated and has an integrated filter.
Premium
Looking for a superlative water bottle? If you’re looking for the lightest, biggest, or best-looking water bottle, you’d better be prepared to shell out up to and over $100. But you’ll definitely get what you’re paying for. The Snow Peak Titanium Aurora Bottle ($150) weighs a meager 5.2 ounces, thanks to its 4mm-thick titanium walls. Want to go big? The YETI Rambler One Gallon Water Jug ($130) can hold a whopping gallon of liquid and keep it cold and icy for days on end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stainless steel is highly recommended for its durability, safety, and temperature retention. Glass bottles offer purity of taste but are fragile (we prefer to keep these at home). BPA-free plastic is lightweight and very durable but will not keep things cold for very long — plus they tend to be heavy on condensation.
Insulated water bottles, especially those with double-walled vacuum insulation, can keep beverages cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. Brands like Hydro Flask and Yeti are known for their top-tier temperature retention, but any insulated bottle will keep things cold much longer than a standard plastic bottle.
A 16-24-ounce bottle is typically what you’ll want for daily use. For gym workouts or hiking, a 32-ounce bottle offers a good combination of capacity and portability. Larger sizes, like 64-ounce, are ideal for all-day hydration but may be less convenient to carry for hours on end.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2020/03/Hydro-Flask-Trail-Series-Drinking.jpg)
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