We all know plastic water bottles aren’t the most environmentally friendly. (along with plastic bags and plastic straws) occupying the top tier of socially unacceptable single-use accessories. No matter the convenience, the damage these leave may come at us in the future.
An average individual uses around 150 plastic bottles annually, and imagine how much damage that can do to our environment. Among these plastic bottles, only 50% or less are reusable.
We can do a very simple workaround to lessen this problem: use reusable water bottles! By doing so, you are not only saving the environment, but you’re also saving money! Plus, you get to carry it around to ensure that you get your recommended water intake of 1-2 liters per day!
We’ll ensure that you find the appropriate one to meet your unique taste based on what you’re looking for among a riot of colors, forms, and features.
Best Durable Water Bottles
1. Takeya Actives with Spout Lid
- Colors: 24-plus
- Sizes: 18, 22, 24, 32, 40, and 64 ounces
- Lids: spout and straw
- Dishwasher-safe: lid only
With its spout lid, drinking from this bottle is such a breeze. The bottle also houses a convenient wide mouth for easy ice refilling! Although this is generally marketed for gym-goers, you can use it with whatever activity you do! So whether you’re on your subway commute, office desk, or watching TV at home, this one gives you an easy replenishment every time.
It is double-walled and is made of stainless steel with a plastic top that twists off to reveal a 2¼-inch-wide mouth opening, so you can concoct whatever you like, load it with ice, add an electrolyte powder, or whatever you fancy.
The spout lid locks so y; ou won’t have it flopping down on your face as you drink. In addition, its silicone rubber base prevents slippage and unwanted noises when hitting surfaces. If you prefer a straw lid, Takeya offers a leak-free one, but you must purchase it separately.
We can say that the 22-ounce Takeya water bottle is just of the right size: not too small and not too big. It comes in a great selection of colors and sits well in standard cup holders and backpack pockets. Now, if you need bigger options, you can always opt for the larger variants, and we assure you that their height and diameter are good proportions.
The lid is classified as BPA-free and is dishwasher-safe. However, the body is the best hand-washed. The company offers a limited lifetime warranty and also has a nice cold brew coffee maker.
2. Hydro Flask Standard Mouth
- Colors: 18-plus
- Sizes: 18, 21, and 24 ounces
- Lids: flex cap, sport cap
- Dishwasher-safe: no
Over the years, Hydro Flask has proven to make bottles that are built to last, and this one is no exception.
The Hydro Flask Standard Mouth is a hip bottle that is easy to use, an insulated bottle that is sleek, stylish, and feels comfortable in hand. Easy to clean, a straightforward bottle that’s leakproof. It has an insulated, double-walled stainless steel build with a powder-coated exterior and a plastic cap.
Its durable build prevents it from denting and cracking easily. Upon testing both lids, neither leaked. However, we prefer flex caps over sports caps because the latter tends to be stiff and difficult to close. This bottle works well for both hot and cold beverages.
A downside of this water bottle is that, unlike Takeya, the silicone base for Hydro Flask is purchased separately at about $10. Also, some do not enjoy the exposure to the drinking surface.
3. Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle
- Colors: Virtually every color
- Size: 32 ounce
- Dishwasher-safe: yes
The 32-ounce wide-mouth Nalgene water bottle has been a staple to many outdoor enthusiasts. These bottles are so classic you can find them everywhere. This is the brand’s top model and for all the good reasons.
We have tested it to be durable, leakproof, inexpensive, and versatile without being too heavy. All these characteristics make it a great option for any outdoor adventure. It’s made from Tritan, which fortunately is BPA-, BPS-, and phthalate-free. Plus, its material resists stains and odors.
Given its high performance and affordable price tag, it earns its place as a high-value bottle. In addition, it’s easy to clean and doesn’t impart any funky plastic taste on its contents.
The wide mouth makes it convenient to use, and the bottle works well for hot and cold drinks. If you want to add some safety measures, its wide mouth and build can accommodate most filtration units. However, it may not fit well in small cup holders. Its loop-top lid can also be clipped to your bag or harness for easy access. It measures 8.25 x 3.5 inches and weighs 6.25 ounces. All these for a price that doesn’t break the bank at all!
4. Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated
- Colors: Limited
- Size: 32 ounce
- Lid: Loop cap
Klean Kanteen has been the main contender in the reusable bottle battle for years. They’re all about ethical manufacturing, being eco-friendly, and providing a quality product with a lifetime guarantee.
This one from Klean Kanteen is a well-insulated, durable bottle that’s easy to use with accessories you can purchase to customize for your convenience. Klean Kanteen comes in different shapes and sizes, backed up by the company’s commitment to sustainability. The external bottle is powder-coated, adding to its fancy feel. Please take note that it feels fancy for a reason! It carries a higher price tag.
It keeps drinks hot for 24 hours or cold for 90 hours! It’s leakproof, has a BPA-free cap, and is made of 18/8 food-grade stainless steel. It also has a smaller opening than most bottles this size, so you can drink from it without spilling it all over your face.
5. LifeStraw Go Filter
- Colors: Limited
- Size: 22 oz
The LifeStraw Go Filter is our best bet for filtering water bottles. It is a bottle designed for a very specific use. It is durable, lightweight, and has clips for easy handling during backpacking trips.
The filter is great if you want to ensure that you only take in clean water! It removes odors and unwanted chemicals as well as bacteria. It’s pretty to use with a replaceable filter cartridge. It is An easy, portable, filtered water bottle for when storms knock out pumping stations or camping, which is what Lifestraw promises.
Buyer’s guide
Insulation
The insulation dictates how long your water remains hot or cold. Be mindful about the insulation if you prefer your drinks at certain temperatures.
Insulated bottles are fantastic for bringing coffee or ice water with you, but they are often significantly heavier than non-insulated bottles. Non-insulated bottles are better for camping since they are simpler and lighter.
Capacity
If you’re just in your office or at home, lesser capacity may work fine since you can keep refilling. But, if you’re planning on using your bottle during your trips, invest in a bigger one with a larger capacity!
Build
Your options are endless, from plastic, aluminum, polycarbonate, glass, and steel! Of course, metallic materials are best if you want to keep your drinks at certain temperatures.
Safety
To ensure safe hydration, look for water bottles made of BPA-, BPS-, and phthalate-free materials. These are found in many affordable water bottles but are known to cause cardiac, fertility, and insulin-related issues.
Reusability
Of course, you’d want a reusable bottle not only to save the environment but also to save some cash!
Price
If you’re working on a budget, ensure you’re not sacrificing the quality too much. Find a middle ground! But if you are willing to spend a bit more for high-quality water bottles, the added convenience and durability are worth the extra cost.
Weight and portability
Weight and packability are crucial considerations if you use your water bottle for hiking or vacation. Heavier bottles are more durable, but they are also more difficult to transport.
For outdoor activities, lightweight and easy-to-pack water bottles are the best options.
Lid
Sport nozzles, screw-on, and flip-tops are among the most common ones. But, your lid depends on the activity you’ll use the water bottle for.
Mouth size
Wide-mouth bottles are easier to fill and clean. It’s also a lot easier to add some ice or powder with these kinds of mouths. However, this may cause more spills while drinking and may not fit into small cup holders.
On the other hand, narrow-mouth bottles are easier to drink from and sit nicely on a lot of cup holders. However, a thorough cleaning may be difficult, and ice cubes may not fit easily.
Durability
A decent water bottle may be expensive, so selecting one that will survive years of adventure with you is critical. To get the most out of your bottle, choose one constructed of stainless steel that does not flex and has few seams.
How to clean?
Your bottles contain water, and I’m sorry to tell you that bacteria and germs thrive well in a moist environment! So, cleaning your water regularly can keep your bottle from unwanted organisms and will also help prolong its lifespan.
Here are three quick ways to clean your water bottles:
Soap and water
Use warm or hot water and soap solution to clean your bottles safely. You may use a sponge or a soft cloth to do so. First, work around any buildups to make sure that it’s clean. After that, rinse and let it sit until dry.
Baking Soda and Bleach
Consider cleaning your water bottle with bleach to remove tough-to-remove filth and mildew. In your water bottle, combine a teaspoon of bleach and a teaspoon of baking soda. Fill the remaining space with water. Scrub the bottle and cap with the baking soda and bleach solution. Allow your water bottle to remain overnight before properly rinsing warm water in the morning.
Dishwasher
The first thing to do is check if your bottle or certain compartments are dishwasher-safe. Then, to eliminate bacteria, utilize the hottest water setting coupled with a dry heat cycle.
Vinegar
Vinegar is known to be a natural disinfectant. Mix a 1:1 vinegar and water solution and use that as your cleaning agent. Leave it to sit overnight. Empty and rinse in the morning.
Conclusion
The best water bottle for you is the one that fits your lifestyle! For example, a bottle that works best for an office worker may work well with an outdoor enthusiast. Thus, considering the important factors when buying the best water bottle for you is completely up to you. We hope that this article helped you find your perfect one!
Jay
Jay is a health and wellness enthusiast with expertise in water quality and nutrition. As a knowledgeable advocate for holistic well-being, Jay successfully manages Type 2 Diabetes through informed lifestyle choices. Committed to sharing reliable and authoritative insights, Jay combines firsthand experience with a passion for enhancing health."