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Best Workout Water Bottles Reviewed
A trusty flask or bottle can make a huge difference on your spending habits and ecological footprint, as it will prevent the need to shop for bottled water on the go. Most designs hold around 32oz of liquid, with special features such as insulating properties, comfort nozzles and non-slip coatings being readily available at affordable prices.
The list below looks at the best water bottles currently available for purchase, ranking them based on materials, size, style, product purity and advanced features.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
Hands down, the materials that were used to make each design was the very first thing that we considered.
From our research, we found that there wasn’t one material that was considered to be superior by users. Each material that was used to make up these water bottles had its own very specific set of advantages and disadvantages. We wanted to break down what the benefits (and pitfalls) of each type of material that we selected for our list.
Product Purity
We wanted to make sure that each product was free of any harmful chemicals.
When it comes to products that are made from plastics, consumers are becoming increasingly cautious of what types of chemicals go into them - and for good reason. Chemicals found in plastics have a tendency to seep into the liquids placed inside, and when you take a drink you are essentially consuming those chemicals. That’s why we made sure that all products on our list were considered to be BPA free to keep you healthy.
BPA-free is something you have probably seen a thousand times, but what does it actually mean? BPA is a chemical compound that was discovered in the late 1800s but it wasn’t until the 1950’s that companies started using it in the manufacturing of their household products. It was primarily used to fortify plastics to make them much more resilient. However, it has been noted in recent years that this chemical, when exposed to it over a long enough timeline, can actually have some pretty bad side effects on your health. When you break it down into its basic chemical form, it mirrors what the estrogen chemical looks like. When ingested, this chemical can latch on to estrogen receptors and make some pretty bad and ill-informed calls about cell growth and repair.
That’s why we wanted to make sure that the products that we selected were free of this type of chemical. While there are some experts out there that claim that the quantity that seeps into our products is so minimal that it can’t do any damage, we always feel that it is better to err on the side of caution!
Size
Size of the product is important because you want it to be big enough to ensure that you get enough water to fuel your very active day.
There were a few things that we considered when we made our decisions to find what size would work best for everyone.
First, we didn’t want the product to be so big that you wouldn’t want to carry it around all day. Our lives are so hectic and it feels that we are constantly adding new pieces of gear and gadgets that we simply cannot leave the house without. Before you lace up your sneakers for a run, consider how much you will need while you are out. That’s why when we considered the size, we wanted to make sure that it was going to be something that would be easy to carry. A long, slim design was one of the most popular sizes out there on the market because it was able to fit into most size cup holders. However, if you are looking for something that you can throw into a backpack or suitcase, you make find that the smaller and shorter designs may work better for you.
Second, we looked at how much liquid it was going to be able to hold. Of course, you want to ensure that you hit your daily intake goal, but you also don’t want something that is going to be so big and heavy that you won’t want to carry it around. We were drawn to brands that gave users options on what size they wanted to select. On the smaller end of the scale were options that carried about 17-ounces, which is just a little bit more than your standard can of soda. On the higher end of the scale were options that carried about 32-ounces. From what we gathered, the 32-ounce options was the standard size for most products out there on the market, and mirror what most experts suggest your intake should be every day.
Style
Of course, we always want to make sure that we select designs that also look good as well.
Just like when you are picking out a new pair of sneakers, style is always going to be something that you take into consideration. The same principles apply to this type of gear. We wanted to select products that were functional and made from high-quality materials, but we also wanted to give you a lot of color choices and designs to select from.
Bright, fun colors are a great way to express your personal style and get excited about something as simple as upping your daily fluid intake, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you are selecting a colorful design. If you opt for something that has a solid color finish (this applies to stainless steel designs as well), you aren’t going to be able to see how much you have left in your container. Plus, if you opt for a dual layer stainless steel model, it is going to feel more full than it actually is. If you want to keep tabs on just how much you can consume throughout the day, we suggest that you select a clear design. If you want something that has a little more color to it over a boring clear design, many companies offer clear matte designs that are infused with a tint of color- typically blue or pink.
Features
Additional features in these products are going to help you get the most out of your workouts!
We have come a long way from the standard plastic design that you mount to your bicycle. There are a lot of additional features that can be added to these designs that are going to be a real benefit to you. We have compiled a list of some of our favorite additional features.
Top 10 Water Bottles
1. Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask is a company that was founded in Oregon, and they have been providing customers with sustainable, efficient and well-designed hydration and storage options ever since 2009. In addition to water bottles, they make coffee flasks, mugs, wine tumblers, growlers, pint glasses, food containers and coolers, all of which can help you on your next adventure. Their designs are simple, focus on quality and customer experience, and, perhaps most importantly, environmentally friendly, minimizing waste and saving your hard earned cash in the long run.
The wide mouth Hydro Flask is a stainless steel, vacuum insulated product which comes in two size options: 32oz or 40oz. It is made with non-toxic, BPA-free materials, utilizing 18/8 food-grade stainless steel that’s safe to use and doesn’t retain smells or tastes. The Temp Shield insulating technology keeps hot beverages hot up to 6 hours, while cold beverages will be able to maintain the desired temp for 24 hours. The outside of the bottle is coated with a non-slip powder coat that ensures premium in-hand experience you don’t often get from competing manufacturers.
The wide mouth Hydro Flask model was chosen because it is compatible with most backcountry water filters, and you can choose one of three lids. The Flex Cap is durable, insulated and flexible, with stainless steel pivoting points. The Straw Lid allows easy hydration on the go, with two durable rubber straws included in your purchase (note that it is not leak proof and unsuitable for use with hot beverages), while the Hydro Flip makes for the prefect choice for those who want to sip on coffee or hot beverages while in nature. The price of the Hydro Flask will depend on the size and accessories you choose, but keep in mind that it is more expensive than other products listed. Nonetheless, you can count on it lasting you a long long time, which means money well spent.
2. Epic Nalgene OG
This product was developed by Epic Water Filters in collaboration with Nalgene in a successful attempt to bring clean and safe drinking water to everyone - from urban dwellers to outdoor explorers. It combines technologies by two leading companies, and utilizes a water bottle design which has been a favorite among hikers, scouts and athletes for decades. The 32oz size is enough to provide you with 50% of your daily need of clean drinking water, making it ideal for workouts, short hikes, travel, or just regular everyday use at home, school and work.
The container portion of the Epic Nalgene OG is made with 100% BPA and BPS-free materials, and is produced and designed in the USA. This ensures longevity, quality control, as well as resource control, ensuring that you’re making a purchase that won’t harm the environment. It has a cap with a comfortable silicone mouthpiece for easy hydration, as well as a sturdy carrying loop that’ll allow you to take this bottle anywhere.
On the inside of the Epic Nalgene OG is a water filtration system made in the USA. This interchangeable design comes in two versions - one is for urban use and is made to remove contaminants from tap water, while the other is to be used in outdoor areas. Both of the filters are 99.9% effective at removing bacteria, viruses, cysts, lead, chlorine and other chemicals from your water. They have an expected life span of about 3 months, and can easily be replaced. The price is higher than average, but for the type of product you get, you definitely won’t regret your purchase. If you’re planning on traveling overseas, this is probably your best choice.
3. Cactaki
The reason that we picked this item as one of our top choices is that it has all of the things that users would want out of water bottles. Not only does it serve a few unique functions to ensure that you get your recommended dosage for the day, but it also made from high-quality materials that you can feel good about using day after day.
The very first thing that we noticed about this design is that it has a marker printed along the side of the container to give you an indication of how much you should drink at various times of the day. This feature ensures that you get a steady intake throughout the course of the day. It also comes with an infuser that you can elect to place at the bottom of the unit to get your water a little extra natural sweetness from fruit or veggies.
While it is made from plastic, you can feel good that the plastic that is used is BPA free. Plastic is a great material for these types of products because it means that it’s not going to break, no matter how many times you drop it. To access the lip, simply press down on the lip release with one hand to access the strawless spout.
This design from Cactaki has a little bit of everything that you would want from a container all rolled into one slim and slender design that is going to be a cinch to take with you on the go. Plus, the tightly locked top means that you can toss it into your gym bag when you go running on the treadmill without worrying that is it going to leak.
4. Brimma
This sports hydration bottle is very similar to the Cactaki design, but it just has fewer features that knock it down a spot. We loved this design because it is simple and slender that makes it something that you can take just about anywhere, and the super tight lip lock at the top means that you won’t have to worry about it spilling even if it is rolling around the backseat of your car!
There is a measurement counter printed very lightly on the side of this workout water bottle that will give you an indication of how much you have drunk throughout the course of the day. It measures how much fluid in ounces, so if you know how many ounces you need to take during the day, you can use this as a general guide. This small and compact design can hold a little over 18 ounces.
Users are going to have the option to select from one of three soft colors that include gray, pink, blue, or opt for a clear design. To unlock the lip, you can do it with just one hand by pressing down the lock release and flipping the lid up. It also has a lanyard along the side so that you can wear it on your wrist when you are hiking to keep your hands free.
If you are looking for something that has an easy to read label along the side, and is built to be taken with you on the go. This is going to be one of your best water bottles. It is made from BPA free plastic, so it is up to the task to be thrown around and dropped!
5. Embrava
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to this reusable product from Embrava. If you are looking for something that offers a simple design that has a tight-fitting lid that isn’t going to spill in your gym bag, this is going to be one of your better options. Plus, it is made from incredibly durable materials that are going to be able to take quite a beating.
The very first thing that we noticed about this design is that it is constructed from BPA free copolyester. What makes this material unique is that is doesn’t have the same amount of unwanted chemicals in the plastic that you may notice from many of the other brands out there on the market. This type of material is ideal for containers because you can feel good about drinking from it, and it is considered to be incredibly durable.
Users will have the option to select from a few frosted color choices that include blue, pink, gray, or you can simply opt for the basic clear design. The lid is has a simple locking mechanism that can be unlocked with just one hand, and cinches tight once you are done to prevent leaking. It also has a color-coordinated lanyard along the side so that you can loop it around your wrist to carry it with you to keep your hands free.
What we liked most about this design lies in its simplicity. It is long and slender enough to fit into most cup holders, and it is constructed from a safe and incredibly durable material that you won’t have to worry about breaking.
6. The Coldest Water
If you simply cannot stand the idea of sipping on room temperature liquid throughout the course of your day, you may want to check out this sports bottle. This full insulated water bottle is vacuum sealed so that you can keep liquids cold all day long. This means that you will be able to enjoy a refreshing cold drink after a run on a hot summer day!
A double wall layer of stainless steel is the key to keeping things cold. Plus, this material is so lightweight and easy to carry that it will actually float in water! It also has a long and narrow body that makes it a perfect fit in most cup holders, and a rubber grip along the bottom will allow you to firmly hold onto it, even if it is incredibly cold to the touch.
One downside to this design is that it is only offered in one solid color (white), and due to the fact that it is made from coated stainless steel, you really won’t be able to see how much fluid is still left in the container. This can be a little less than ideal because you will have no indication of how much you have drunk throughout the course of the day.
We liked this sports bottle because it is something that is incredibly durable that can really take quite a beating, and the stainless steel frame is something that is not going to lose durability over time. Users love this design because it really keeps their fluids cold all day long, even on those incredibly hot summer days. If you are training insanely hard to lose some winter weight, this is going to be a great tool to have on hand
7. MOBOT Big Bertha
If you are here because you are looking for something to take with you on your outdoor runs on the trails and you want to keep yourself hydrated to protect your muscles - you might be pleasantly surprised by the foam roller attached to the outside layer. Not only is it going to keep you hydrated, but it also has a foam roller along the outside to stretch out those tired (yet hydrated!) muscles as you cool down before heading home.
The size of this sports water bottle is just a little bit smaller than some of the other options out there on the market, and MOBOT recommends that to meet your daily requirements, you will need to fill up and drink the contents of this container twice. It is offered in fun and unique colors and patterns that include red camo, green camo, and a splash of bright colors, as well as simple color choices such as royal blue, purple, and black.
The materials used really makes this option stand out from the rest. The container is made from 100 percent stainless steel that is incredibly lightweight, but durable as well. It can withstand weights of up to 350 pounds! The foam roller on the exterior is made from BPA free plastics so you can feel good about this design both inside and out.
If you were looking for something that was just a little bit different than most, this is an excellent choice. We love that in one simple unit, you will be able to take care of yourself both on the inside and the outside.
8. Contigo Autoseal Chill
Odds are, you have owned at least one Contigo product in your lifetime. This company was founded in the late 1990s and makes products that are made from high-quality materials that are perfect to take without on the go. What we liked most about this workout water bottle is that the vacuum seal is going to help keep your fluid cold all throughout the day. Plus, the compact design is going to pack well into a backpack or fit into most standard size cup holders.
This long and slim design can hold to 24 ounces, so depending upon how active you are you may need to refill this at least once throughout the course of your day. It comes in a wide variety of fun colors that include a few shades of blue, green, pink, and basic stainless steel.
This reusable product is made from a thin and lightweight layer of stainless steel that claims it can keep beverages cold for up to 28 hours! To use this option, simply press the button along the top that will push back the vacuum seal door that allows you to drink without the use of straws. This vacuum seal not only help keep your beverage cold, but it is also perfect for preventing leaks if you opt to toss this container into your gym bag.
For those that are looking for something simple from a trusted company that knows a thing or two about keeping your beverages cooler for longer periods of time, this is going to be an excellent option.
9. Simple Modern Summit
If you have been a little underwhelmed by the color and style options of many of the water bottles out there on the market, you may want to check out this one from Simple Modern. Not only do they use high-quality materials that are made to keep your beverages cold for longer periods of time, but they also come in a wide variety of color options to select from.
Some of the color choices include white, black, blue, green, red, pink, and yellow. Basically, if you have a favorite color you are going to be able to find that shade in this line of products. These water bottles also offer some unique designs that include wood grain, marble, stars, paint splatters, and color options with an ombre effect.
The container is made from a powder coated stainless steel that is lightweight and will help to keep your drinks colder for longer periods of time. What makes this design a little different than others is that it actually has a stainless steel top that covered with a plastic frame. This design creates a vacuum seal that will keep air and dust out of your container.
This is going to be a really great option for those that are looking for a product that has a style that you can’t really find anywhere else. Plus, it offers superior style without skimping on the quality of materials that are used.
10. Triple Tree Uninsulated
You don’t get any more simple than this option from Triple Tree. This sports hydration flask is composed of one single layer of stainless steel, which isn’t going to provide you with any insulation. This may seem a little less than ideal, but some users actually prefer this style because it is simple and easy to clean, it is it also a lot lighter than the denser dual-layer options.
The styling of this reusable bottle is super simple. It is only offered in one base matte stainless steel color, and it has a matching steel screw on cap with a little loop along the top of the cap. This loop will allow users to attach it to their belt loop and because it is so lightweight you can do so without your pants falling down!
If you were looking for something that is just a little smaller to take on long runs, this is going to be one of your better options. It comes in size options include 17 ounces, 26 ounces, and 34 ounces. To put that into perspective, a standard can of soda is about 12 ounces, so the 17-ounce option will give you about 5 more ounces than your standard can of soda.
The biggest takeaway about this option is that it is simple and easy. It is made from high-quality materials that will hold up quite well if you want to take it with your camping and smaller sizing options are going to be the perfect size to take on a quick walk around the neighborhood without being weighed down by big and bulky containers.
Sources
- , Water: How Much Should You Drink Every Day?, Health Article
- , What Is BPA and Why Is It Bad for You?, Health Article
- , Top 10 Reasons You Need A Reusable Watter Bottle, Blog