How to choose a great water bottle for travel

As all frequent travelers know, having a reliable water bottle by your side is essential. It is one of those things that you don’t even notice when it’s there, but in case it goes missing, you will quickly see just how much you miss it.

For those who are eco-conscious, a reusable water bottle is an absolute must-have, but even if this is not high on your list of priorities, there is no denying just how practical piece of gear a travel water bottle can be. Staying well hydrated will allow you to have plenty of energy during your trips, and if you choose carefully, a great water bottle can serve you for years to come.

Let’s take a closer look at all of the important things to pay attention to when making your next purchase.

Always go for the insulated bottle

Some people claim that it makes no difference to them whether their drink is hot or cold. We don’t trust those people. All joking aside, but we truly believe that an insulated water bottle is essential for travelers. These things are usually made from thin aluminum, covered by an insulating layer, that will keep your drink icy cold or burning hot for hours on end.

The downsides are few and hard to find, but if we have to say something, we would probably point out the fact that these bottles tend to be a bit heavier compared to those made from plastic. Still, water bottles for travel usually come with hook points, and once you strap them to your backpack, you will hardly notice any difference.

Consider collapsible if you are running out of space

Some travelers appreciate going on the road as lightweight and compact as possible, and we understand that. For those who appreciate mobility above all else, storage space plays a major factor. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to ditch your travel water bottle and replace it with a nonreusable plastic option.

Instead, you might want to look into the specially designed collapsible water bottles. When empty, these things can be compressed to a fraction of their full size, thus saving valuable space inside your carry-on.

Bottles that have purifying mechanisms

The quality and mineral ingredients in water vary widely from one country to another. That is why travelers can sometimes run into problems when drinking tap water from their water bottles. Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this issue.

Nowadays, it is possible to choose between a variety of water bottles that possess built-in purifiers or water filters. This feature is especially important for travelers who like to maintain an active lifestyle. Similarly, those who like to explore the lesser-known areas of the globe will make their lives much easier by choosing to buy a water bottle that has this mechanism included.

Go with the tested and patented cap design

As you might’ve guessed, the most important thing here is to prevent unnecessary spills. Water bottles that fit into all of the criteria we mentioned previously will be completely useless if they fall on this simple obstacle.

There are several different mechanisms that have been proven to work without fault but be warned, these bottles can seem a bit more expensive than most. On the other hand, if keeping the liquids in is the top priority, should you really be saving on this end?

Choose a bottle made from durable materials

When it comes to water bottles for travelers, aesthetics do not play a major role. What does matter is to find a reliable piece of gear that will last you for years to come. In other words, it will have to be able to withstand a few hits here and there and remain as functional as from day one.

That doesn’t mean that you should always stick to proven high-quality manufacturers, but if you decide to go outside that circle a bit, always check out the design so that it at least looks and feels durable. Once you buy it, you should be able to forget about it and focus on making the most of your every new trip.

Cleaning and maintenance do not have to be complicated

When it comes to cleaning requirements, there is only one important question. Are you going to need access to a bottle brush in order to keep the bottle as clean as possible? If the answer is yes, then you know that you haven’t chosen the most practical option out there.

Life on the road for individuals who love camping and outdoor living does not include access to a sink, so a bottle that is not prone to molding and requires only a quick rinsing to keep clean is a major advantage.

The advantage here might go to bottles made from glass, but they tend to be quite heavy. Additionally, steel bottles that can be boiled can prove to be a great way to get rid of any bacteria, if you find yourself in such a need. On the other hand, bottles from silicone and plastic can develop a certain odor, especially if the person likes to drink flavored water or adds vitamins to water. Keep all of these things in mind, and buy a bottle that fits best with your needs.

If you choose plastic, go for BPA-free options

While most bottles nowadays are strictly built from quality plastic, some ultra-cheap options might still contain harmful materials such as BPA. That’s when you have to draw the line and put your health as a top priority, and avoid these bottles at all costs. We won’t bore you with the details about the effects of BPA on health, but if you’re interested just take a quick Google search and you’ll quickly discover why this option is best to be avoided.

Pick a bottle shape that works for you

While most people will choose a round bottle just because they are used to this shape, this doesn’t have to always be the best choice. On the contrary, foldable bottles might be an ideal choice for travelers who appreciate their compact nature. These bottles are usually quite thin and built from silicone, so if you like to squeeze the bottle as you are drinking from it, pay attention to this design.

Perhaps a bold choice can be a bottle that has square sides, but that doesn’t make it any less practical. For example, individuals who like to hike on steep terrains sometimes choose this design, as the bottle will not roll away the same in case it drops along the way. The downside might be that these bottles can be a bit more difficult to clean along the edges, especially at the bottom. Still, if you tend to drop your water bottles quite frequently, the one that is shockproof and will not roll away when it hits the ground can be an option worth considering.

A narrow or a wide bottle cap opening?

The water bottle design does not stop at the choice of materials from which it was made. Another important thing to think about is whether a bottle has a narrow or a wide opening. While some people prefer bottles with a narrow opening, as it can be easier to drink from them, others are more inclined to choose a bottle with a wide opening.

A wide mouth design on a bottle can also be useful for people who like to enjoy cooled drinks, as it’s possible to easily drop ice cubes into it. When that’s the case, it’s best to choose a bottle that’s also insulated to maintain the same temperature for extended periods.

If weight is a concern, avoid the glass and steel options

Lightweight and ultra-lightweight options are best for those who like to spend an entire day on their feet and explore every nook and cranny of the destination they are visiting. The bad thing about these bottles is that they tend to lack some other features, such as insulation, and their durability can be somewhat questionable as well. However, if you appreciate lightness over everything else, there are quite a few options on the market.