Reviews You Can Rely On

The 8 Best Water Bottles of 2024

We tested the top water bottles from Hydro Flask, Klean Kanteen, CamelBak, Yeti, Nalgene, and more to find the best products to help keep you hydrated.
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Best Water Bottles of 2024
The 18 contenders for Best Water Bottle of 2023
Credit: Jon Oleson
By Jon Oleson ⋅ Review Editor
Tuesday March 26, 2024

We have tested nearly 80 unique water bottles in the last eight years, with 18 top contenders in this review alone. We purchased these bottles to compare them all side-by-side, so you can rest assured that you're getting the most unbiased and thorough review. We've filled each with water, electrolytes, tea, and coffee. These bottles have been used in multiple situations — from keeping us and our kids hydrated at the local park to helping us fill up with spring runoff in the mountains. We've stuffed them into backpacks, tested them in cup holders and bottle cages, and critically analyzed components like handles, spouts, threads, and lids. After months of field and controlled comparative testing, we offer our top recommendations across several categories to satisfy your hydration needs.

To complete your kit, you may also want to check out the best hydration bladders for your favorite daypack or the top backpacking water filters for trips into the backcountry. From bottles for everyday life to lightweight vessels designed to take you to mountain peaks, our review will help you find the ideal bottle for your needs.

Editor's Note: We updated our water bottle review on March 26, 2024, to provide additional testing details and include a section on buying advice.

Top 18 Product Ratings

Displaying 1 - 5 of 18
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Awards Editors' Choice Award  Best Buy Award Top Pick Award  
Price Check Price at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$30.93 at REI$26 List
$28.95 at Amazon
$40 List
$39.95 at Amazon
$119 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
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78
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Pros Commendable insulation, comfortable carry loop, flip-up straw, quality constructionWell-insulated, great carrying handle, easy to clean, stainless-steel strawAttractive finish, lightweight, carry handle with carabiner clip, versatile, affordableDurable, well-insulated, quality materials, quick-flip capUV filtration, large volume, well insulated, user friendly tech
Cons Low volume, expensive, plastic strawHeavy, expensiveNot dishwasher safe, plastic straw, mediocre insulationHeavier than plastic, expensiveExpensive, bulky, small mouth
Bottom Line This sleek, well-insulated bottle has a pop-up straw that makes hydration a breezeA thoughtfully designed bottle with an impressive feature set that works extremely wellThis attractive and affordable insulated straw-bottle will impress without breaking the bankThis premium bike bottle is easy to use and will endure many miles on the trailsThis large UV purifier bottle is great for campsite water purification when you need to share between large groups
Rating Categories Hydro Flask Wide Mo... Klean Kanteen TKWid... Iron Flask Insulated Speedfil Speedflask Waatr CrazyCap Pro
Closure (25%)
9.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
Insulation (25%)
8.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
Taste (25%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
9.0
9.0
Ergonomics (15%)
9.0
8.0
9.0
9.0
4.0
Material Quality (10%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
9.0
Specs Hydro Flask Wide Mo... Klean Kanteen TKWid... Iron Flask Insulated Speedfil Speedflask Waatr CrazyCap Pro
Body Material Stainless steel 90% Post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel 18/8 Stainless steel 18/8 Stainless steel Stainless steel
Measured Empty Weight 12.8 oz 14.7 oz 10.9 oz 11.4 oz 37 oz
Volume 24 oz 20 oz 22 oz 21 oz 25 oz
Bottle Weight / Fluid Capacity 0.5 oz/oz 0.7 oz/oz 0.5 oz/oz 0.5 oz/oz 1.5 oz/oz
Mouth Diameter 1.9 in 2.6 in 2 in 2.1 in 1.2 in
Base Diameter 2.9 in 3 in 2.9 in 2.95 in 2.8 in
Height 12.6in 10.18 in 9.4 in 9.84 in 12 in
Body Type Hard-sided/traditional Hard-sided/traditional Hard-sided/traditional Hard-sided/traditional Hard-sided/traditional
Environmental Health BPA and Toxin free BPA-free BPA-free BPA free n/a
Cap/Lid Type Screw-cap, wide mouth with straw Screw cap, twist top with straw Screw cap, flip top, carabiner straw Wide mouth flip cap screw top Screw-on with UV-C LED
Volume Options 18 oz, 20 oz, 21 oz, 24 oz, 32 oz, 40 oz, 64 oz 12 oz, 16 oz, 20 oz, 32 oz 14 oz, 18 oz, 22 oz, 32 oz, 40 oz, 64 oz 21 oz 17 oz, 25 oz


Best Overall Water Bottle


Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Straw


85
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Closure 9.0
  • Insulation 8.0
  • Taste 8.0
  • Ergonomics 9.0
  • Material Quality 9.0
Empty Weight: 12.8 oz | Body Material: Stainless Steel
REASONS TO BUY
Well insulated
Comfortable carry loop
Flip-up straw
Quality construction
REASONS TO AVOID
Low volume
Expensive
Plastic straw
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Empty Weight 12.8 oz
Body Material Stainless steel
Volume 24 oz
Bottle Weight / Fluid Capacity 0.5 oz/oz
Mouth Diameter 1.9 in
The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Straw takes home the award for our favorite everyday water bottle, scoring high marks across the board in our test metrics. It is impressively well-insulated and has one of the best feature sets of any bottle we've tested. The open mouth and simple construction make the Hydro Flask easy to clean. We love the easy breezy flip-up straw cap. And with a comfortable finger carry loop, you barely need to lift a finger to tote it around.

Our main issue with the Hydro Flask is the fairly low volume capacity. If you drink a lot of water, this 24 oz model may be a bit limiting, which can become problematic on longer hikes or days out on the lake. Another minor drawback is that the straw is plastic. We could taste the plastic when we filled the bottle with hot water, so it lost a couple points in our taste test. Otherwise, it performed terrifically during all of our testing. We loved toting it around town and even on day outings, but you'll probably select something more voluminous and lighter for backcountry travel. If insulation and taste are a higher priority for you, the Klean Kanteen TKWide Recycled Insulated scored higher in those two metrics and just a point behind the Hydro Flask overall.

Read more: Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Straw review

We tested the Hydro Flask Wide for months across every aspect of our lives, from carpooling to in the garden. Here, we highlight the ins and outs of the bottle, from the interior to the straw.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Best Bang for Buck


Iron Flask Insulated


82
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Closure 9.0
  • Insulation 7.0
  • Taste 8.0
  • Ergonomics 9.0
  • Material Quality 8.0

Empty Weight: 10.9 oz | Body Material: 18/8 Stainless Steel
REASONS TO BUY
Attractive finish
Lightweight
Carry handle with carabiner clip
Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
Not dishwasher safe
Plastic straw
Mediocre insulation
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Empty Weight 10.9 oz
Body Material 18/8 Stainless steel
Volume 22 oz
Bottle Weight / Fluid Capacity 0.5 oz/oz
Mouth Diameter 2 in
If you're looking for a bottle that stands out aesthetically, look no further than the Iron Flask Insulated bottle. The attractive designs and glossy finish make for a flashy walk down the runway (or trail). The durable plastic cap has an ergonomic carry handle with a carabiner-like clip, making it easy to lug around. The flip-up straw design on the lid makes for quick and easy sips that we found promoted our hydration. Overall we were happy to carry this bottle around, especially considering how cool it looks. It's also nearly half the price of similar insulated bottles.

One downside of the Iron Flask is the plastic straw. We noticed we could slightly taste the plastic when our water got warm. The straw attaches to the cap via a silicon receptacle, which we also found as a potential weak point for wear. Unless you want the color to fade, you must hand wash this bottle due to the finish. This bottle was one of the lightest weight insulated models we tested, but the thinner materials also resulted in the lowest insulation in that category. All things considered, this water bottle is a terrific deal and performs well in the daily grind or at the gym. However, for longer treks in the bush where this bottle could take a beating, we found ourselves reaching for one of the more durable and less flashy bottles. If insulation is a higher priority for you, the Owala FreeSip Insulated performed better in this metric and only cost a few dollars more.

Read more: Iron Flask Insulated review

With the Iron Flask Insulated bottle you won't have to worry which way is up. Once closed, the lid is fully leak-proof.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Best Glass Bottle


Purifyou Premium Glass


76
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Closure 7.0
  • Insulation 6.0
  • Taste 9.0
  • Ergonomics 9.0
  • Material Quality 7.0

Empty Weight: 15.7 oz | Body Material: Borosilicate Glass
REASONS TO BUY
Thick glass
Doesn't hold onto flavors
Protective rubber sheath
REASONS TO AVOID
Small mouth
Non-insulated
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Empty Weight 15.7 oz
Body Material Borosilicate glass
Volume 22 oz
Bottle Weight / Fluid Capacity 0.7 oz/oz
Mouth Diameter 1.125 in
If glass is your preference, then you'll want to check out the Purifyou Premium bottle. The thick glass has a rounded lip that's satisfying and almost sensual to sip, making drinking from it a very pleasurable experience. The premium glass cleans well and doesn't hold onto flavors. It's apparent that there's no chemical leaching because the water tastes just as clean from this vessel when it's warm as when it's fresh. The protective rubber sleeve makes it slightly more whoopsie-proof, and it comes in a variety of colors (including glow-in-the-dark), although it is still glass, so don't push your luck. The cap threads are well made, and it spins open with a satisfyingly smooth whirl and clamps down tight due to a rubber gasket under the lid. It also sports an ergonomic finger loop that makes it easy to carry in hand.

The biggest disadvantage is the small mouth, which makes cleaning more challenging. Therefore, we recommend investing in a good bottle brush (Purifyou sells them on their website). Keep in mind this model is not insulated, so you'll want to keep it out of the sun if you want your water to stay cool. The water inside this vessel reached up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (at 81F ambient temperature) in our 6-hour sunbaked bottle insulation test. Also, did we mention that it's glass? Because that means you'll have to be more careful with how you handle it than other, more durable plastic and metal models. This water bottle dramatically outscored the Lifefactory Glass Active Cap, the other main glass contender we reviewed.

Read more: Purifyou Premium review

Testing the Purifyou in every location, we could get access two over two months from the beach to the park to the backyard.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Best Filter Bottle


Brita Stainless Steel Filter Bottle


73
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Closure 9.0
  • Insulation 9.0
  • Taste 3.0
  • Ergonomics 8.0
  • Material Quality 8.0
Empty Weight: 13.9 oz | Body Material: 18/8 Stainless Steel
REASONS TO BUY
Sleek shape
Leakproof flip cap
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't filter biology
Low volume
Lacks versatility
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Empty Weight 14.2 oz
Body Material 18/8 Stainless steel
Volume 20 oz
Bottle Weight / Fluid Capacity 0.7 oz/oz
Mouth Diameter 1.75 in
For the second year running, this bottle takes the best filter prize. The Brita Stainless Steel Filter Bottle is sleek, leakproof, and very well-insulated. There are multiple color options, and the design of the lid makes it easy to clean. The silicone bite straw is a nice shape and texture that feeds oral fixation. The flip cap is the most effective and functional of any bottle with this feature. It's lightweight and light on the wallet compared to others in the category. Before testing, we didn't even realize how useful a filter bottle could be to everyday life.

The two main issues with the Brita are its size and lack of versatility. The 20 ounces of water goes fast if you're big on hydrating like us, though this bottle is also available in 32-ounce. Since it's a filter bottle, we hesitated to put any flavoring into it to avoid contaminating the filter. Another noteworthy consideration is that the charcoal filter in this bottle doesn't remove bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or heavy metals. Instead, it merely reduces chlorine and particulate matter. So, this is a great bottle to use at the gym, work, or any place with municipal (treated) water to remove the chemical taste. If you want a model offering a better taste and half the weight, check out the LifeStraw Go.

Read more: Brita Stainless Steel Filter Bottle review

Testing the Brita in our daily lives at home, in the gym, and the book bag on the way to school.
Credit: Jane Jackson

Best Backpacking Bottle


Nalgene Wide-Mouth


66
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Closure 6.0
  • Insulation 6.0
  • Taste 8.0
  • Ergonomics 7.0
  • Material Quality 5.0
Empty Weight: 6.25 oz | Body Material: Tritan Renew Copolyester
REASONS TO BUY
Recycled material
Wide mouth
Very lightweight
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Non-insulated
Simple
Doesn't fit in cup holders
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Empty Weight 6.25 oz
Body Material Tritan Renew copolyester
Volume 32 oz
Bottle Weight / Fluid Capacity 0.2 oz/oz
Mouth Diameter 2.5 in
Much like grandma's Buick, the Nalgene Wide-Mouth is a classic. And just like grandma's Buick, it's big and clunky without many bells and whistles. Yet, unlike grandma's boat, the bottle that many of us grew up lugging around in the backcountry has been up upgraded with some environmental considerations. The new Nalgenes are made from 50% recycled material. You get the same lightweight, wide-mouth container that holds hot and cold liquids without holding onto the flavors (mostly) for the same value, and you can walk around enjoying the great outdoors knowing that you're doing your small part to help reduce, reuse, and recycle.

What the Nalgene won't do is keep your cold liquids cold or your hot liquids hot for very long. There's absolutely no insulation on these bottles. The container is nearly shatter-proof, but it's not very thick. Neither does it have a fancy straw, rubber gaskets, or a flip-up spout. It's a simple (recycled) plastic container with a simple plastic lid. All container and no frills. However, if you need a versatile, lightweight container to lug around liquid on your next backpacking adventure, definitely consider this bottle (or two for the price!). If you want a better option for ultralight backpacking, it's hard to beat a 1-liter wide-mouth soda or sports drink bottle for the weight and price. But on those hot days when your bottle is basking in the sun, consider bringing an insulated model along for the adventure like the lightweight Iron Flask Insulated. As a bonus, it includes a built-in straw.

Read more: Nalgene Wide-Mouth review

The Nalgene survived multiple drop tests at varied heights and on different surfaces.
Credit: Chris McNamara

Best Bike Bottle


Speedfil Speedflask


82
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Closure 7.0
  • Insulation 8.0
  • Taste 9.0
  • Ergonomics 9.0
  • Material Quality 8.0
Empty Weight: 11.4 oz | Body Material: 18/8 Stainless Steel
REASONS TO BUY
Durable
Well-insulated
Quality materials
Quick-flip cap
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavier than plastic
Expensive
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Empty Weight 11.4 oz
Body Material 18/8 Stainless steel
Volume 21 oz
Bottle Weight / Fluid Capacity 0.5 oz/oz
Mouth Diameter 2.1 in
Plastic is certainly the convention when it comes to bike bottles. The Speedfil Speedflask opened our mind to the benefits of metal. Firstly, it retains cool liquids for much longer than plastic bottles. The stainless steel construction lends to durability and longevity. We were also impressed by the one-handed functionality of the push-button flip cap. Once open, the mouth is a spout, so it's easy to quickly hydrate and stow. There's also a sleek and convenient carry handle that clips down and out of the way when not in use.

With the heavier materials, a strength of the Speedfil may also be a weakness if you're counting ounces. Your average rider may not notice, but an avid racer might want to reduce weight. The quality materials also cost more money. Although, for as long as this bottle lasts, you may cycle through a few plastic ones. While the push button flip cap is nice for quick hydration, it also produced some leakage in our lid test. This likely isn't an issue when taking turns on the trail, but this wouldn't be our first choice to throw into a daypack making it less versatile than other leakproof bike bottles. That being said, the quality of materials, superior insulation, and ease of use make this our first choice for our two-wheeled adventures. If weight is super important and you want a more traditional bike water bottle, check out the CamelBak Podium Dirt.

Read more: Speedfil Speedflask review

The Speedfil Speedflask slips in and out of a water bottle holder with ease, making hydration on the go easier.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Best Collapsible Filter Bottle For Hiking and Biking


LifeStraw Peak Squeeze


Weight: 3.8 oz | Body Material: BPA Free, FDA approved plastics
REASONS TO BUY
Great compact design
Light and more durable than competitors
Many options for filtration
Great filter life
REASONS TO AVOID
Maintenance required on the filter
SPECIFICATIONS
Removes Particulates (sediment, microplastics)? Yes
Measured Weight (entire kit) 3.8 oz
Effective Against Viruses? No
Effective Against Chemicals? No
Effective Against Heavy Metals? No
If you are hiking or biking and want the lightest and fastest way to filter water, check out the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze. It is the top-scoring filter bottle from our Best Backpacking Water Filter Review. It weighs less than a smartphone and fits in a pocket, making it a great emergency option if you run out of water but come across a stream. It takes only a few seconds to unscrew the cap, fill it with water, re-screw the cap, and be able to start drinking. We tested it while biking and loved the ability to refill our bike water bottles quickly, take a few swigs, fold up the bottle, and throw it in a pocket. You can also drink directly from streams with the filter cap. While technically using water tablets like the Aquamira Water Treatment Drops is an even less expensive option, it takes a lot more time to use the drops and changes the taste. The convenience of the LifeStraw is hard to beat. It massively improves the original LifeStraw design from a decade ago, mainly intended to drink from streams. This newer LifeStraw design gives you way more options for drinking and transporting stream or lake water.

Note that this is not an everyday water filter like the Britta. The bottle does not stand independently, and the filter is not intended for high-volume use. Replacing the filter is expensive. While the filter needs less maintenance than the Katadyn BeFree 0.6L, it still requires maintenance. Note that the BeFree bladder frequently sprung micro leaks on the bladder wall. We did not experience this as much with the LifeStraw. Overall, if you hike, backpack, or bike and want to save weight and be able to drink from streams quickly, this is the best filter bottle option we have tested.

Read more: LifeStraw Peak Squeeze review

The LifeStraw can be used for emergencies when you run out of water or strategically so you can carry less water between known streams or lakes.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Best Hydration Bladder for Hiking


Gregory 3D Hydro


Measured weight of 3L size: 7.1 oz | Body materials: Metallocene PE Film (BPA & PVC Free)
REASONS TO BUY
High-quality, durable construction
Great handle for a spill-free fill
Drying hanger attachment
Slides into most packs easily
REASONS TO AVOID
When empty, bulky to store
Difficult to clean
SPECIFICATIONS
Bladder Capacity Options (liters) 3 L
Weight of Bladder & Tube (oz) 7.1 oz (3L)
Dishwasher Friendly? No
Plastic Taste No
Bite Valve Push-button on/off valve
Should you take a water bottle or hydration bladder when hiking or biking? Bladders are faster to drink from but take longer to clean, fill, and fit into your pack. Bottles usually also have better taste. If you find a hydration bladder is a good fit for your activities, it's hard to beat the Gregory 3D Hydro. It is the top-scorer in our hydration bladder review for its convenient and durable design. Most bladders are floppy and easy to spill while filling. The 3D Hydro uses a strong plastic support that makes it easy to maneuver and put in your pack. It also has convenient quick releases and a drying hanger to make cleaning easier. The magnet next to the bite valve securely attaches to a magnetic backpack strap. If your pack doesn't include a magnetic attachment, no worries — the latest version of this reservoir includes a magnet accessory to attach to your sternum strap.

The main downside to all bladders, including this one, is the time it takes to clean. Unlike a standard water bottle, you can't just unscrew a lid and throw it in the dishwasher. Instead, you must disassemble parts and use scrubber brushes to hand clean. It is especially important to clean your bladder often if you use sports drinks, sugared juice, or water. In addition, the same rigid frame design makes this bladder bulky to store when not in use. Still, it's hard to beat the Gregory 3D Hydro if a hydration bladder is what you're looking for. If you want an even lighter and less expensive bladder, check out the Platypus Hoser.

Read more: Gregory 3D Hydro review

The Hydro is easy to fill, hang, and disassemble thanks to the sturdy handle.
Credit: Amber King

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
85
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Straw
Best Overall Water Bottle
$45
Editors' Choice Award
84
Klean Kanteen TKWide Recycled Insulated
$45
82
Iron Flask Insulated
Best Bang for Buck
$26
Best Buy Award
82
Speedfil Speedflask
Best Bike Bottle
$40
Top Pick Award
78
Waatr CrazyCap Pro
$119
76
Purifyou Premium Glass
Best Glass Bottle
$35
Top Pick Award
76
Owala FreeSip Insulated
$28
76
YETI Rambler 26
$40
75
LARQ Bottle Movement PureVis
$99
73
Brita Stainless Steel Filter Bottle
Best Filter Bottle
$33
Top Pick Award
72
LifeStraw Go
$40
70
CamelBak Podium Dirt
$19
66
Nalgene Wide-Mouth
Best Backpacking Bottle
$17
Top Pick Award
62
CamelBak Chute Mag Renew
$16
59
Lifefactory Glass Active Cap
$25
59
Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier
$100
49
Nomader Collapsible
$37
39
Hydrapak Stow
$17

water bottle - this year&#039;s contenders for best filter bottle being tested side by...
This year's contenders for best filter bottle being tested side by side down at the river
Credit: Jon Oleson


How We Test Water Bottles


We've tested nearly 70 individual bottles since 2015. We keep a constant eye on the market for new and innovative designs and have seen many trends come and go over the years. First and foremost, it's essential that these products are easy to use, and we rated our ergonomics metric on factors like carrying handles, ease of filling and cleaning, and whether they fit in a car cup holder. To ensure we got plenty of varied input, we also passed these bottles around to our friends and family. Water bottles are as much about personal preference as holding water. We filled them with hot water and let them sit to determine whether or not materials leach to impart undesirable flavor (think of a water bottle left in a hot car). We filled them with blue-dyed water and left them on their sides on clean sheets of paper overnight to look for any signs of leakage. We examined all of their compositions and moving parts to determine their weak points and their strengths. We combined this feedback and field testing with some objective tests to provide you with extensive information so your next water bottle purchase can be well-informed.

Our water bottle testing is divided across five rating metrics:
  • Closure (25% of overall score weighting)
  • Insulation (25% weighting)
  • Taste (25% weighting)
  • Ergonomics (15% weighting)
  • Material Quality (10% weighting)

Why You Should Trust Us


Everyone drinks water, but not everyone takes hydration as seriously as our lead bottle testers, Jon Oleson and Jane Jackson.

Jon is constantly on the move between the garden, the crag, the trail, the river, and plane rides here or there. Whether working in the field, at the playground with his kids, or airport hopping, Jon knows that clean H20 is the foundation for all life. Having the right vessel for the right situation is also important. Jon has tested these bottles over months--in the backcountry, hydrating (and sharing a bottle with) sick kids, in the garden, on road trips, and everything in between. These varied situations have allowed Jon to hone in on each bottle's strengths and weaknesses, and determine the right bottle for your specific needs.

Jane has spent months of her life drinking from and assessing the performance of the most popular bottles on the market. First and foremost, Jane is a rock climber, a hobby that forms the foundation of her life and has led her to cliffs, big walls in Yosemite, and valleys around the world. Most of the testing of these bottles took place at the crag, in boulder fields, on long hikes, or on rest days at cafes and coffee shops across the globe. These varying situations have provided excellent opportunities to test the portability, durability, ease of use, and overall performance of the water bottles seen in this review. Because she is constantly traveling, Jane rarely drinks from a traditional drinking glass in a kitchen, making her an expert at hydration on the go.

We tested how easy each bottle lid is to wash, among many other...
We tested how easy each bottle lid is to wash, among many other aspects of use.
The carabiner on the Lifestraw Go conveniently clips to any loop...
The carabiner on the Lifestraw Go conveniently clips to any loop making it easy to carry.
Our field of testing included long commutes, longer work days, short...
Our field of testing included long commutes, longer work days, short day hikes, windy bike rides, and even fun time at the park with our kids.

How To Choose the Best Water Bottle


Here are four essential factors to consider when buying your next water bottle.

Do You Need Insulation?


Water bottles that provide insulation can help keep liquids cool or warm for longer periods of time. If you find yourself away from refill stations or away from home for extended periods, an insulated bottle can be highly beneficial. Additionally, since insulated bottles typically use double-walled construction, they are less likely to condense and create moisture build-up on the outside. It is worth considering that insulated bottles tend to be heavier and bulkier, making them hard to pack on big days and even just to carry around in a bag or purse.

water bottle - an insulated bottle can keep liquids cool even on a hot day in the...
An insulated bottle can keep liquids cool even on a hot day in the sun.
Credit: Jon Oleson

What Size Should You Go With?


Choosing an appropriate bottle size can feel more challenging than it should be. After all, hydration is an essential part of our daily routine, but too much size can hinder convenience and space. Identifying what type of activities you partake in and your hydration goals should be the first thought when deciding on size. From there, you can narrow down whether you need multiple bottles for different occasions.

What Cap Style is Best?


Different closures offer different drinking characteristics and various levels of leak protection. A screw-on cap will be the most resistant to leaks and provides peace of mind while in your bag or stowed away. One downside is that access to fluids takes longer and is less appealing while doing activities such as exercising or driving. A flip-top style cap will provide easier access in those situations but is more prone to leakage if not positioned upright. Choosing the right style of closure comes down to your intended use during activities and identifying how often your bottle will be stored in different orientations.

water bottle - a flip-up straw makes accessing water easy and quick.
A flip-up straw makes accessing water easy and quick.
Credit: Jon Oleson

How To Choose A Material?


Water bottles come in an array of different materials, such as metal, plastic, and glass. The advantage of materials such as stainless steel is their durability, but they will often weigh more than their plastic counterparts. Plastic is great for packability and weight savings during hikes or adventures but is prone to affecting water taste and potential punctures. A glass bottle will preserve taste better and make cleaning a breeze, but it is also prone to breaking and has obvious weight disadvantages. Prioritizing preferences such as taste, durability, and cleaning are great starting points to narrow down material choices for your next bottle.

water bottle - a glass bottle is a great option for keeping water taste pure and...
A glass bottle is a great option for keeping water taste pure and clean.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Analysis and Test Results


We used five different rating metrics to assess each bottle in this review. Although the type of bottle (e.g., filter bottle, insulated bottle, bike bottle, etc.) separated them somewhat into categories, the overall review objectively compares bottles of all different types side-by-side. That said, use your discretion when reading this review. A stainless-steel bottle will be more durable than a glass one, while the most insulated bottle may not necessarily be the best fit for your next backcountry adventure. Determine your own specific lifestyle needs as you read about each bottle's unique characteristics.

Today, some of the most popular options seem to be stainless steel bottles, including vacuum insulated and uninsulated. Next, there are the classic plastic bottles, all of which are made from BPA-free plastics. We tested collapsible and glass bottles, as well as bottles offering different methods of filtration. Each bottle has its intended use(s) — and we discuss which situations work best for each bottle in the individual gear reviews.


Value


Many like to consider cost alongside performance no matter what your specific needs. We focus on performance when we score products, and we appreciate a good deal as much as anyone else. The price gap of water bottles can be vast; stainless steel and glass bottles will typically cost the most. That said, over the past few years, we have seen a growing selection of affordable bottles made of these materials.

This year, the Iron Flask Insulated takes the prize as our go-to in terms of value, though the Nalgene Wide-Mouth remains a top consideration as well. The Iron Flask is attractive and lightweight, plus its straw-style lid promotes hydration more readily than a standard wide mouth. That said, if you aren't a fan of a straw-style lid, the Nalgene's simple and classic design is a time-tested favorite for a reason. Another decent option in terms of price is the Camelbak Chute Mag Renew, which is a simple, lightweight plastic bottle with a twist-off spout.

water bottle - the iron flask insulated bottle is a great option if you&#039;re shopping...
The Iron Flask Insulated bottle is a great option if you're shopping on a budget, although due to its flashy graphics, you wouldn't believe that it's one of the most affordable at first glance.
Credit: Jon Oleson

A great value option if you do not want plastic is the Lifefactory Glass Active Cap. This bottle is the most affordable glass option in our lineup and features a pop-up flip cap with a rubber bubble seal. The Brita Stainless Steel Filter Bottle is an award-winning option most suitable for professional settings and is the most inexpensive of the filter bottles.

Interested in the environmental value of long-term over single-use water bottles? Sip on this — when the National Park Service banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles in just 19 parks, they eliminated the purchase of up to 111,743 pounds of PET (plastic), prevented the emission of up to 141 metric tons of carbon dioxide, and saved up to 419 cubic yards of landfill space per year. The report is available online. Unfortunately, this ban on plastic water bottles was rescinded in 2017.

Closure


This test was broken into two parts—one objective and one subjective. The first, which was the bulk of the score in this category, was the "leakproof test." That is, how much the water bottle leaked when left on its side with the lid closed. We filled each water bottle, added a few drops of blue food coloring, closed the lid tight, and left it tipped over on a clean white sheet of paper for a night and a day. With some, it was apparent that they failed after the night was through. Others leaked after the room in which they were sitting heated up for the day, building up pressure in the bottle. There were also observations in the field. For example, one particular bottle passed the controlled test with flying colors but then leaked its contents into our bag and ruined two headlamps.

water bottle - for the leakproof test, water bottles were filled with blue-dyed...
For the leakproof test, water bottles were filled with blue-dyed water, closed tight, and set on their side for 24 hours. At the end it was clear to see which were leakproof and which emptied some (or all) of their contents.
Credit: Jon Oleson

The second part of this test was how easy the closure, whether it be lid, straw, or cap, was to use. Could it be operated one-handed, or did it take two hands? Was it quick and easy to flip up the straw and hydrate, or was the process more involved? The highest scores were given to the bottles that allowed for the quickest and easiest hydration.

The Speedfil Speedflask is true to its name. We found it quick and easy to fill mid-ride.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Some bottles were really close on this test. Two of our highest-scoring bottles, the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Straw and Iron Flask Insulated, were hard to tell apart in this regard. Both retained all their liquid on the leakproof test, and their flip-up straws were easily operated with one hand. In fact, the Hydro Flask became the kids' favorite because it was so easy to operate, and they liked the color. The Brita Stainless Steel Filter Bottle bottle was also extremely easy to operate one-handed, simply with the push of a button. The Speedflask also has an easy push-button flip cap but was taken down a notch because it did not prove to be leakproof during that portion of the test.

water bottle - the kids loved the hydro flask for its easy to use flip straw and...
The kids loved the Hydro Flask for its easy to use flip straw and bright color.
Credit: Jon Oleson

The majority of contenders contained their contents during the leakproof test, but not all were as quick or easy to operate and thus did not score as highly. The Owala Freesip has a clip over a push button flip cap, which is great for guaranteeing that the flip cap stays closed, and we found it to be a bit cumbersome. The Yeti Rambler, Waatr CrazyCap Pro, Purifyou Premium, LARQ Bottle PureVis, and Camelbak Podium Dirt all retained their liquids, and all require two hands and an amount of twisting to take off the cap and sip. Despite the extra twisting, all these bottles have their specific features and uses, so it's good to note that they won't leak on you.

water bottle - although the closed cap didn&#039;t leak, the brita&#039;s straw did leak...
Although the closed cap didn't leak, the Brita's straw did leak inside the cap during the leakproof test.
Credit: Jon Oleson

There were those bottles that were quick to hydrate but didn't pass the leakproof test, like the aforementioned Speedflask. The Lifestraw Go, for example, is an easy-to-use filter bottle with a flip-up bite straw, and it left a blue puddle on the paper. The Lifefactory Glass Active Cap is super easy to flip and chug, yet emptied almost all the bottle's contents during the course of the leak test. One of the highest scoring bottles in many other regards—the Klean Kanteen TKWide --is quick to hydrate with a two-handed half twist, but it leaked a decent amount during controlled testing (although none was noticed during field testing). If you're planning on mindlessly tossing your bottle into your pack, you may want to consider one of the more leakproof options mentioned above.

water bottle - the lifefactory glass active cap emptied nearly all of its contents...
The Lifefactory Glass Active Cap emptied nearly all of its contents during the leakproof test, turning the entire paper blue.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Lastly, there were what we would classify as the "backpacking bottles" that both produced a bit of leakage on this test. The Nalgene Wide-Mouth leaked just a bit on the leakproof test, and the gasket-less lid is the classic twist on/off type. The Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier has two chambers—the bottom one you fill with unfiltered water, which is then pressed into the upper, filtered chamber. The upper chamber has a tight-fitting lid and screw cap with gaskets, which do not leak. We found that the lower chamber does leak, however, and not all the water presses into the upper chamber. This is an inherent design flaw in this otherwise very useful filter press that we were happy to have with us on several occasions despite the added weight.

water bottle - the grayl geopress has an outer container that you fill with...
The Grayl GeoPress has an outer container that you fill with untreated water and an inner chamber with a filter that you press into the outer container. The filtered water fills the inner chamber and can then be transferred to other vessels.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Insulation


When you fill your water bottle with cold water on a hot day, you probably want it to stay cold. In this test, we measured the insulative quality of the bottles under the hot California sun during midday. Each bottle was filled with cool water from the tap and then set on the grass in the sun. We measured the water temperature inside the bottles every 30 minutes for 6 hours.


There was quite a disparity between the insulated and the non-insulated bottles. The insulated bottles saw a modest temperature increase, while some of the non-insulated contenders reached temperatures 40 degrees above the ambient air temperature. We also saw a decent range among the insulated bottles. The quality and thickness of materials, as well as design and construction, seem to make a big difference in insulative quality.

water bottle - a comparison of the insulation offered by each water bottle we tested.
A comparison of the insulation offered by each water bottle we tested.
Credit: Ross Patton

In the insulated bottle category, the Klean Kanteen TKWide, Brita Stainless Steel Filter Bottle, Owala FreeSip, and Waatr Crazy Cap Pro showed to be the most insulative. These were closely followed by the Hydroflask Wide Mouth with Straw,Yeti Rambler, and the Speedfil Speedflask. Any of these bottles would be good options to preserve ice on a hot day.

water bottle - during the insulation test water bottles were filled with cold tap...
During the insulation test water bottles were filled with cold tap water then set out under the sun for six hours. The temperature of the water in each vessel was measured every 30 minutes.
Credit: Jon Oleson

The Brita Stainless Steel Filter Bottle and Klean Kanteen TKWide were neck and neck for most of the test. Over the six hours, the Brita's water temperature rose just 8.5 degrees F. The Klean Kanteen's rose just 9.4 F. This is quite impressive considering they were both in full sun on an 80-degree F summer day. These were both outdone by the Waatr CrazyCap Pro, whose water only increased by 3.8 degrees F over the testing period! While this is possibly due to superior insulation, the larger volume (25 oz vs. 20 oz) may have also played a role.

water bottle - from left to right, the kleen kanteen tkwide, the waatr crazy cap...
From left to right, the Kleen Kanteen TKWide, the Waatr Crazy Cap Pro, and the Brita Insulated Filtration bottle were the 3 most insulated water bottles, according to our test.
Credit: Jon Oleson

If you're in the market for a plastic bottle, then you'll be interested to know that the water inside each of the plastic bottles reached over 100 F during the test, with the exception of the Camelbak Podium Dirt bike bottle (which reached 96.8 F). This highlights the fact that if you're toting plastic, then it's best to keep it out of the sun. At least you can rest assured that companies are taking environmental health into consideration and making plastic bottles out of materials that don't leach BPA, BPS, BPF, phthalates, and other known carcinogens into your water.

water bottle - the camelbak podium&#039;s insulation is a foam-type material in between...
The Camelbak Podium's insulation is a foam-type material in between layers of hard plastic. While it's technically insulated, we found that it was sub par when compared to the vacuum sealed metal options.
Credit: Jon Oleson

There was a slight difference between the glass bottles in terms of insulative quality. Our top pick for glass bottles, the Purifyou Premium, got up to 110 degrees F! While the Lifefactory Glass Active Cap only reached 95 F. Either one is still hot when you go for a cool sip, but 15 degrees is a noticeable gap. As with plastic bottles, it's best to keep the glass out of the sun if you want your water to stay cool.

water bottle - we toted the purifyou premium along on outdoor adventures, but it...
We toted the Purifyou Premium along on outdoor adventures, but it tended to heat up in the sun.
Credit: Jon Oleson

If you're in the market for a collapsible bottle, note that these were some of the worst at insulating under direct sun exposure. The 17 oz Hydrapak Stow reached a sweltering 123 degrees F, while the 25 oz Nomader Collapsible got up to 104 F.

water bottle - the soft plastic bottles were the most lightweight, and they also...
The soft plastic bottles were the most lightweight, and they also heated up the most in the sun, lending an undesirable plastic taste. If you're going to use this type of bottle, it's best to keep it out of the sun.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Taste


It's essential to stay hydrated, and you're probably more likely to do so if the water you're drinking tastes good. No one likes to go for a warm bottle of water and taste the plastic. Yuck! Chemical leaching. In this test, we filled the bottles with 100-degree water and let them sit to simulate a bottle left in a warm car. We then tasted the water from each bottle to determine which ones did or did not impart taste.

water bottle - preparing bottles for the hot water taste test.
Preparing bottles for the hot water taste test.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Our main reviewer is really sensitive to plastic taste and smell, so we were able to hone in on not just the differentiation but also the elements that contributed to the difference. The highest scorers in this category were the bottles that had no plastic touching the water. These were generally metal containers without plastic straws and the glass bottles. The Klean Kanteen TKWide was the only container with a straw that did not impart a plastic taste because its straw is also stainless steel. The top-scoring metal bottles with plastic straws, like the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Straw and the Iron Flask Insulated, only imparted the slightest plastic taste—perhaps not enough for most people to notice, especially if you're drinking cold water from them.

water bottle - we were really impressed by the kleen kanteen tkwide&#039;s metal straw...
We were really impressed by the Kleen Kanteen TKWide's metal straw, which makes it a gem among water bottles. The straw is easy to clean and has an excellent flow rate.
Credit: Jon Oleson

The glass bottles and metal vessels without straws all scored very highly, with a clean, chemical-free taste. Anyone of these bottles—the Purifyou Premium, Speedfil Speedflask, Lifefactory Active Cap, LARQ PureVis, Waatr Crazy Cap Pro, or the Yeti Rambler would be a good choice if your only focus is clean tasting water.

water bottle - metal vessels produce a clean taste, but also have a tendency to...
Metal vessels produce a clean taste, but also have a tendency to absorb flavors, e.g. from sports drink and coffee.
Credit: Jon Oleson

As far as the filter bottles go, we were a bit surprised by the results. The big hunk of plastic, the Grayl GeoPress, actually produced a fairly clean-tasting mouthful of water. The durable, food-grade plastic in this bottle really stood up to heat. The Lifestraw Go is a cheaper type of plastic; when drinking directly from the bottle (with the lid off), we could definitely taste it. However, when sipping from the straw, the filter did its job of removing any chemicals, and the taste was clean. The Brita Stainless Steel Filter Bottle, which is actually our top choice for filter bottle, scored the lowest on this test. The straw seems to be made of a cheaper type of plastic, and the filter does not do enough to remove that particular chemical taste (although we did find this bottle to be effective at removing chlorine from municipal sources). If you're going to purchase the Brita, we recommend doing your best not to leave it in the hot car if you want your water to taste good.

water bottle - the lifestraw go did a superb job of filtering the chemical tastes...
The Lifestraw Go did a superb job of filtering the chemical tastes from water, and was a favorite for airport travel during testing.
Credit: Jon Oleson


The plastic bottles scored the lowest on this test, most of them imparting some degree of chemical taste. An outlier was the classic Nalgene Wide Mouth, which imparts surprisingly little taste to a bottle of hot water and is also surprisingly resistant to flavors. This may be due to the recycled Tritan Renew copolyester from which it's made. We found that the bottles made from silicone, polypropylene, and polyurethane imparted the most chemical flavor. These were the Nomadr Collapsible and Hydrapak Stow. If you absolutely need a collapsible bottle, all we can say is don't leave it in the sun.

water bottle - the soft plastic, collapsible bottles--like the nomadr...
The soft plastic, collapsible bottles--like the Nomadr Collapsible--heated up the most under the sun. They also imparted an undesirable, strong plastic taste on the water, especially once they heated up.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Ergonomics


In this test, we evaluated the qualities of each bottle to determine the contenders who were the most efficient and easy to use. Elements that contributed to higher scores were carrying loops/straps/handles, flip or straw caps, and designs that allowed for easier grip or carry. The top-scoring bottles in this category combine all these elements into a bottle that makes it all around easy to stay hydrated.

water bottle - we tested a variety of carry straps and handles on this year&#039;s...
We tested a variety of carry straps and handles on this year's contenders for best water bottle.
Credit: Jon Oleson

The champions of this test were bottles that were easy to carry, allowing for quick hydration, and even fit in our cup holders. The Iron Flask Insulated stood out, with an easy-to-grip carry handle with a carabiner clip and a flip-up straw. Our Editors' Choice, the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Straw, is also a sleek flip straw bottle with a comfortable carry loop that makes it easy to tote around. Likewise, the Lifestraw Go has a carabiner attached to the lid by a nylon strap, making it easy to clip on a bag and a convenient flip-up bite straw.

water bottle - the iron flask insulated bottle&#039;s straw lid has a unique...
The Iron Flask Insulated bottle's straw lid has a unique carabiner-type clip.
Credit: Jon Oleson

The Speedfil Speedflask earned a high score thanks to its skinny waste and push button flip cap with a finger carry handle that clips down to stay out of the way when not in use. It's super easy to grip it, flip it, and chug as much as you need. The Brita Stainless Steel Filter Bottle also has a push button flip cap with a satisfyingly squishy silicone bite straw, a soft and comfortable two-finger carry loop, and will fit in your cup holder. Our top glass bottle, the Purifyou Premium, has a relatively slender design (although it doesn't fit in most cup holders) and a silicone sleeve that makes it easy to grab. The large-threaded cap whirls on and off in a smooth and satisfying way and has a super comfortable finger carry loop.

water bottle - the brita insulated filtering bottle has a uniquely shaped bite straw.
The Brita Insulated Filtering Bottle has a uniquely shaped bite straw.
Credit: Jon Oleson

The low scorers in this category had elements that made them more difficult to carry, grip, or use. The Grayl GeoPress, although superior at filtering, is big and clunky and requires a lot of body weight to press the filter. The Nalgene Wide Mouth is likewise more difficult to grip, and although the lid has a plastic loop that attaches it to the bottle, it's hard, edgy, and sharp and not comfortable to carry with over time. Both the Waatr Crazy Cap Pro and the LARQ PureVis are slick powder-coated bottles with small twist-off lids without any sort of carry aid. The Waatr is also a large and unwieldy size that adds to the difficulty of lugging it around. The Yeti Rambler has a nice carry handle on the lid but is big and bulky. If you're looking for something super simple to lug around town, then you'll want to avoid these bottles.

The Grayl GeoPress does a great job at filtering and purifying non potable water sources, but it takes a lot of body weight to press. Seen here filtering river water in the Sierras.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Material Quality


For this metric, we delve into the quality of the material of each water bottle. How well are the bottles constructed? Will they hold up to use and abuse? How likely are they to break? While we didn't intentionally try to break the bottles on this test, we did put them to good use. We noted the points of wear and the places where they were likely to wear out. Objectively, scores were determined by the construction and quality of the materials.

water bottle - the iron flask uses a thick gasket to keep the straw in place.
The Iron Flask uses a thick gasket to keep the straw in place.
Credit: Jon Oleson

In terms of caps, there are several factors that determine quality. Is it made of hard plastic or soft plastic? Are there rubber gaskets to seal the contents? Do the moving parts have weak joints or points? The highest scoring bottles, like the Iron Flask Insulated, Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Straw, and the Klean Kanteen TKWide, all had hard plastic lids with rubber gaskets that produced a tight seal. Some bottles went a step further, like the Purifyou Premium glass bottle that has a rubber gasket and metal plug to ensure that your water doesn't touch plastic.

water bottle - the lid on the purifyou premium glass bottle has a stainless steel...
The lid on the Purifyou Premium glass bottle has a stainless steel insert so your liquids will never touch plastic.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Vessel quality was determined by the type and thickness of the material. Glass is preferred for purity of contents, but metal is preferred for durability. Plastic received a lower score overall due to its tendency to leach chemicals. Double-walled metal containers all scored well. Bottles like the Klean Kanteen, Hydro Flask Wide Mouth, Waatr Crazy Cap Pro, and Owala Freesip were made of thick stainless steel and will take some abuse before they show any wear. Other stainless steel bottles, like the Iron Flask Insulated, received a slightly lower score due to thinner material construction resulting in slightly less durability.

water bottle - we tested a variety of glass and metal bottles, measuring a variety...
We tested a variety of glass and metal bottles, measuring a variety of metrics to determine the winners in each category.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Lastly, we considered any feature that added to longevity or durability and, conversely, docked points for any feature that would wear more quickly. For example, the Klean Kanteen TKWide got points for being the only straw-type bottle with a stainless steel straw. The Waatr Crazy Cap Pro was the only bottle that is triple vacuum sealed, resulting in the highest score on the insulation test and extra points in this category. On the flip side, the Speedfil Speedflask lost some points because the flip cap's mechanism is a rubber band, which is definitely a weak point on an otherwise well-constructed and durable bottle. Likewise, we noticed a crease on the plastic cap of the Camelbak Chute Mag which is a weak point and likely to wear over time.

water bottle - the camelbak chute mag&#039;s lid retainer has a plastic crease that we...
The Camelbak Chute Mag's lid retainer has a plastic crease that we assessed to be a weak point over time and use.
Credit: Jon Oleson


Conclusion


We've run the gamut with our water bottle testing over the years. In such a simple category, we've found a surprisingly large performance gap. Unfortunately, there is not one bottle that serves all the purposes. However, we can help steer you toward the ideal model for your specific needs. Models for long hikes, bike rides, or climbing trips will differ from the bottles used at work or taken to the gym. We hope this review helps you find the one(s) that best suits your hydration needs wherever you go.

water bottle - many of the former contenders have come back for a new round of...
Many of the former contenders have come back for a new round of testing in 2023. This year we tested the Hydro Flask with a pop up straw instead of a screw cap.
Credit: Jane Jackson

Jon Oleson