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Water is vital for health, with experts advising at least 8 glasses daily, or even more for active individuals. A reusable water bottle keeps hydration conveniently at hand while at your desk or during activities like yoga, workouts, or hiking — while keeping trash out of the landfill.
Since 2013, we've tested over 130+ water bottles, evaluating them daily with various drinks (water, electrolyte mixes, tea, coffee) and conducting tests for leakage.
The Hydro Flask water bottle is the best insulated bottle for most people due to its leakproof closure, ergonomic design, and top insulation test scores. Hydro Flask offers a variety of lid styles, but we recommend the Flex Chug lid, which features both a wide and small mouth opening, allowing you to stay hydrated on the go while maintaining an easy-to-clean design.
The Iron Flask Insulated is our favorite budget bottle. While slightly behind in insulation and material quality, it weighs less and sells for nearly half the cost. If your top priority is superior taste — and let's face it, who doesn't love the taste of pure ice-cold water at the end of a workout on a hot summer day — the Purist Mover is the bottle for you. The smooth, glass-lined interior keeps flavors from transferring between your morning coffee and your afternoon hydration, making it a great choice for those who are sensitive to taste but want more durability than a pure glass bottle.
For backcountry hikes or long mountain bike rides, you might be interested in our backpacking water filter review, which includes a few filter bottles. If you like to stick closer to home, our review of home water filter systems shares multiple ways to get purified water directly from your tap.
Editor's Note: We updated our review on November 10, 2025, to include one new design from Purist in addition to re-testing two award winners in order to provide the most updated media and testing perspectives.
The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth has been leading the pack in our tests for the last several years, making this durable and versatile design the longstanding everyday favorite of our testing team. Our testers love the easy-to-fill wide-mouth design along with versatile lids that make hydration a no-brainer throughout the day, and the unparalleled insulation that keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold, regardless of the ambient air temperature. We tested our Hydro Flask with three different lid styles: the Flex, Flex Chug, and straw caps. Our favorite was the Flex Chug, with one tester saying, “I loved how easy the Chug lid makes it to stay hydrated during busy days of chores and errands around town.” The Flex Chug fastens onto the wide-mouth bottle and has a smaller, separate, twist-off lid that provides a smaller opening to drink from. Even though the carry strap over the opening on the top of the lid is smaller, we can still fit a couple of fingers underneath, and the flexible loop is quite comfortable. We feel this option combines the best of all worlds. The Flex lid is the classic option, and is a great choice if you plan to use the bottle like a thermos for packing coffee. The straw cap is leakproof and convenient for all the slow sippers out there, but the components are not as easy to clean, and we recommend this straw lid for water only.
SPECIFICATIONS
Insulated
Yes
Cap/Lid Type
Screw cap, straw cap, double screw cap with small opening
Body Material
Stainless steel
Mouth Diameter
Wide
Base Diameter
2.9 in
This top performer isn't without a few caveats. While the plastic straw offers great performance, we couldn't help but notice the slight plastic flavoring that the straw imparts, especially with hot water, which forced us to dock a few points in our Taste metric. The Purist Mover is also worth your consideration if you have an unusually discerning or sensitive palate. We also love the Klean Kanteen TKWide Recycled Insulated for its eco-friendly construction that features a metal rather than a plastic straw for improved taste throughout the day. We've tested both the 20-ounce and 24-ounce bottles, and both felt just a tad too small, especially for those who are on top of their hydration game. “I definitely noticed the limited capacity when traveling or on longer hikes when I didn't have access to clean water,” says one tester. Hydro Flask offers many different sizes, and for times when we're away from home the entire day, we would prefer the 32-ounce travel bottle, which is specifically designed with a narrow base that offers a higher volume while still fitting in most cup holders. The Hydro Flask is also quite heavy for hiking use, and for those who want a lighter design, we recommend the Nalgene Wide-Mouth. But for a daily driver, our testing team is continually impressed by the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth, and we would recommend it to just about everyone.
The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Straw is a well-insulated water bottle design that's perfect for keeping drinks hot or cold despite the current air temperature. We love the lid with straw when we're after a cold drink on the go. The flex lid is perfect for coffee or tea, while the Flex Chug lid offers the best of both worlds. We highly recommend this bottle for everyday use.
The Iron Flask Insulated bottle stands apart from the rest thanks to a striking aesthetic and glossy finish that make it perfect for those hitting the trails or running errands around town. Although it is a budget option, you wouldn't know it at first glance. The design features a high-quality plastic cap along with an ergonomic handle and an easy-to-use flip-top closure that can be operated with one hand. In addition to the ergonomic handle that's easy to carry with just a few fingers, it also features a carabiner-like clip, allowing you to attach it to your backpack for an easy reminder to stay hydrated throughout your busy day. The insulated metal vessel inspires confidence in the design's longevity, while the hard plastic lid remains leakproof. The flip-up straw encourages hydration through quick sips, while the stylish and functional design is available for nearly half the price of other competitors. If you like the flip-top straw design, we recommend the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Straw, which is also easy to use and helps you stay hydrated on the go.
SPECIFICATIONS
Insulated
Yes
Cap/Lid Type
Screw cap, flip top, straw, carabiner loop, screw cap with flip top
Body Material
18/8 Stainless steel
Mouth Diameter
Wide
Base Diameter
2.9 in
While our testing team loves the highly functional, stylish, and affordable Iron Flask design, we couldn't help but notice the straw would seep a plastic flavor into the water, especially when heated up in a hot car or left out in the sun. Therefore, we recommend keeping this bottle in the shade to avoid lukewarm water. We also noticed that the design's silicone straw develops a bit of wear and tear over time, while the glossy finish we love also requires hand washing to prevent fading. “I avoided putting it into the cupholder on my bicycle so I wouldn't ruin the glossy finish,” says one tester. And while the insulation did a pretty solid job of keeping our beverages cold, those who spend ample amounts of time in super-hot climates may desire a bit more insulation to keep drinks truly cold throughout the day. For those seeking even better insulation, the Owala FreeSip Insulated is available for a slightly higher price yet provides a higher performing water bottle design. Overall, our testing team loves the Iron Flask water bottle for its affordable construction, which makes it perfect for daily use, but it's not quite as durable as we'd prefer for more rugged outdoor activities. That said, if you're hitting the gym, staying hydrated between errands around town, or at the office, the Iron Flask is a great option for you to consider.
The Purist Mover is a unique design that prioritizes clean flavor thanks to a smooth glass-coated interior that prevents flavor transfer as well as a plain glass from your kitchen. Thanks to this, we found it easy to use the bottle interchangeably between our morning brew, daily hydration, and evening tea, with only a quick rinse between beverages. We tested three different lids on out Mover bottle, and never experienced any leaks. If you're hitting the gym or have a long commute, our testers love the Union lid, which screws onto the wide-mouth but has a smaller opening with a silicone pinch cap that you drink from. It is our favorite option for basic hydration on the go. This lid is also hollow on the inside, allowing us to fit a few extra ounces into the bottle. For coffee or tea, we highly recommend the Scope Top that allows you to twist the lid open for your preferred rate of flow; however, it's a bit harder to clean. And finally, the Element lid is a basic screw top option that works when you just want to throw the Mover into a backpack to keep your beverages cold. The bottle itself has a matte finish, and our tester said, “I love how the bottle feels in hand, and it's super easy to grab with one hand,” says one tester. The Mover also fit into every cupholder we tested, from the car to the bottle cage on our daily road bike commute.
SPECIFICATIONS
Insulated
Yes
Cap/Lid Type
Screw cap with flip top, screw cap, screw cap with twist top
While we love the Purist Mover, its 18-ounce capacity is definitely limited. Purist offers bottle sizes ranging from 10 to 32 ounces, and we would select the next size up next time around. The universal lids fit onto any size bottle in the lineup. And although we love the smaller opening of the Union lid, which makes it easy to drink from, the silicone pinch top opening is unusual, and we had to take special care to fully extend the flip top so that it didn't hit our nose as we sipped. It's the least intuitive lid that we tested, but it got easier with daily use. And finally, the Mover is one of the most expensive designs that we tested. However, the unique and thoughtful design features high-quality materials, including unbreakable glass, surgical-grade stainless steel, and excellent insulation. “The design also passed all of our leak tests with no issues, so feel free to toss it into your backpack without concern,” says another tester. The Purifyou Premium Glass bottle also offers a nearly tasteless experience; however, this glass bottle is not insulated and uses just a silicone sleeve for protection.
The Purifyou Premium glass bottle delivers nearly unmatched fresh water flavor thanks to its smooth glass design that's easy to clean and prevents any chemical leaching flavors. The smooth nature of the design resists contaminants while enduring a clean water taste, whether you're sipping on a hot or cold beverage. The rounded lip on the top of the bottle is satisfying and feels similar to drinking from a regular kitchen glass. The well-crafted cap is easy to thread, whether opening or closing the bottle, while the rubber gasket seals the design nicely and is complete with a finger loop, allowing you to easily transport this bottle with one hand. The glass bottle is protected by a rubber sleeve, which is available in many different colors (even glow-in-the-dark options). That said, this design is pure glass, and is definitely to be used with caution. If you like the sounds of clean-tasting flavor provided by a glass interior, we highly recommend the Purist Mover that features a glass interior that's protected by a stainless steel exterior for additional quality and durability that will extend the life of your investment.
SPECIFICATIONS
Insulated
No
Cap/Lid Type
Screw cap with loop
Body Material
Borosilicate glass
Mouth Diameter
Narrow
Base Diameter
3.25 in
Unlike the wide-mouth designs included in this review, the Purifyou Premium's small mouth opening certainly complicates cleaning, especially if you use the bottle for more than just plain water. Therefore, we recommend purchasing a bottle brush. And since it's glass, this design is more susceptible to breakage and demands additional care during transport, as opposed to more durable plastic and metal options in this review. One review mentioned, “My kids haven't broken it, but I'm always cautious.” The glass construction also lacks insulation, so it won't be able to keep drinks hot or cold for an extended period. That said, the Premium is a great choice for those who are after fresh-tasting water and would like to avoid any contaminants found in plastics while commuting to the office, working at your desk, or attending a yoga class. If a more durable water bottle with insulation is more appealing, we highly recommend the Hydro Flask bottle.
The Speedfil Speedflask stood apart from its competitors thanks to the durable design that features wide mouth opening that makes the bottle easy to clean, in combination with a lid that has a push-button quick flip cap, which reveals a narrow mouth spout that is easier to drink from while on the move. Modeled after classic sports bottles, the design is skinnier in the middle, making it easier to grip and rehydrate during your ride, and the Speedflask can be held and opened with only one hand. Our testers love the design for long days of cycling, whether we're on our daily commute or training for the next objective. The Speedflask is dependable, easy to use, and perfect for hydrating without having to stop pedaling. The bottle is different from other cycling options thanks to the double-walled and vacuum-sealed stainless steel construction that provides excellent insulation, as well as confidence in the durability of the construction. “Even while cruising the trails of Tucson midday in the summertime, my liquids stayed cool while riding,” says one happy tester. The design includes a convenient carry loop that clips down, making it easy to transport, even without a bottle cage on your bike.
SPECIFICATIONS
Insulated
Yes
Cap/Lid Type
Scew cap, flip top
Body Material
18/8 Stainless steel
Mouth Diameter
Wide
Base Diameter
2.95 in
The Speedflask is much heavier than lightweight plastic bottles, yet does a much better job of keeping your bevies cold, even in hot ambient air temperatures. The Speedflask is also much more expensive than your average plastic cycling bottle; however, it is constructed from 18/8 Stainless steel along with BPA-free plastic, making it a much safer option for everyday use. If you're after something more affordable, we like the Nalgene Wide-Mouth, but you'll likely have to throw this lightweight option into a backpack as it's too wide to fit in most cup holders, and the wide mouth opening isn't great for drinking on the go. For more casual everyday use, the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth is as good as it gets in terms of ergonomics, quality, and excellent insulation. That said, the Speedflask is a much better option for cyclists who don't want to pull over on their ride to take a drink.
The Brita Stainless Steel Filter Bottle has been a fan favorite of the travelers on our testing team. Have you ever been stuck at an airport for a long layover and had to choose between refilling your bottle with chlorine-tasting water from the fountain or buying overpriced water in a disposable bottle? Enter the Brita Stainless Steel Filter. This bottle is a sleek, well-insulated, and leakproof option that's available in a variety of color choices. The highly functional and easy-to-use flip cap on top of the lid can be conveniently operated with one hand. It is easy to clean and features a comfortable silicone bite straw. “This lightweight bottle design proved surprisingly essential for hydration during extended periods of travel,” says one tester. The lightweight design isn't limited to travel through airports, we also love it when traveling by car or exploring cities afoot when your road trip or city stroll takes you to places with questionable water sources. The design also includes a nice rubber carry strap that further increases portability for those on the go.
SPECIFICATIONS
Insulated
Yes
Cap/Lid Type
Screw cap with flip top and straw
Body Material
18/8 Stainless steel
Mouth Diameter
Narrow
Base Diameter
3.23 in
This high-performing design isn't without its drawbacks, namely the 20-ounce size, which is noticeably small for those who aim to get the full recommended water intake each day. If you are interested in a larger size, it is also available in a 32-ounce option. The Brita bottle lacks versatility because it has an integrated filter, and it's not recommended to use the bottle for anything but good old H2O. And while it is a great option for improving the taste of tap water, the silicone straw definitely produces a plastic taste, especially when left in a warm vehicle or out in the sun. Buyers should also be aware that the charcoal filter only reduces chlorine and particulates; it does not remove bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or heavy metals, and you must still fill the bottle with potable water. For those seeking a filter that will eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses, we highly recommend the Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier.
The ever-popular Nalgene Wide-Mouth is the ultimate classic when it comes to simple hydration. The super lightweight design and wide mouth opening make it our favorite option for hikers. It's easy to fill, never leaks, and the lid remains attached to the bottle via a stretch of plastic that turns into a carry handle when the bottle is closed. “Thanks to the wide mouth design, this bottle is easy to fill in local mountain springs or with a filter in places where you can't trust the water,” says one tester who swears by the Wide-Mouth for day hikes or backtracking trips in the mountains. The latest iterations of this timeless classic now feature eco-friendly materials that are 50% recycled BPA-free Tritan Renew copolyester, so you're not interacting with any harmful plastics in your bottle. Unlike similar competitors during our objective taste test, this bottle had a fairly minimal plastic taste, even after 30 minutes of exposure to 100°F liquid. If you find yourself camping in a truly frigid environment, we highly recommend filling your Nalgene with hot water before placing it in your sleeping bag with you to provide additional heat throughout a long and cold night. The Wide-Mouth is ideal for hikers and backcountry users who are after a simple and affordable design that still prioritizes and supports reduce, reuse, recycle efforts. If recycled materials are at the top of your list, we also recommend the Purist Mover that utilizes eco-friendly and BPA-free materials.
SPECIFICATIONS
Insulated
No
Cap/Lid Type
Screw cap, carry loop
Body Material
Tritan Renew copolyester
Mouth Diameter
Wide
Base Diameter
3.6 in
Unlike most reusable water bottles available on the market today, the Nalgene Wide-Mouth lacks any insulation and therefore can't keep beverages hot or cold for very long. This is also what keeps the design lightweight and makes it perfect for the trail. The thin, indestructible construction prioritizes simplicity; that said, the exterior threads of the bottle, along with those below the lid attachment, often caught gunk and debris from camp, and ended up being the places that we needed to rinse and clean the most. The Wide-Mouth doesn't include a straw, gasket, or flip-up spout, just a good old-fashioned screw cap. There are attachments that can be purchased separately and rest inside the bottle, creating a smaller opening that's better suited for those who like to hydrate while moving. This bottle is ideal for hikers, backpackers, or anyone who is after a lightweight, durable, and leakproof construction. If you're interested in an affordable, insulated bottle, we highly recommend the Iron Flask Insulated, which also includes a straw.
The Nalgene survived multiple drop tests at varied heights and on different surfaces.
Credit: Chris McNamara
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Our team enjoyed testing a variety of compatible lids with the Wide Mouth bottle. For cold beverages, we love the lid with straw, the Flex lid was great for coffee and tea, while the Flex Chug offered the best of both worlds.
Credit: Trish Matheny
How We Tested
We used these bottles on a daily basis, taking them to work, the gym, long commutes, and weekend hikes. We threw them in our packs and put them in every cup holder we had access to. We dropped them, both intentionally and accidentally, and then inspected the bottles for dings and cracks. We gathered diverse feedback from friends and family, recognizing that personal preference matters. We filled bottles with hot water to assess flavor impact from different materials, and performed leak tests involving blue-dyed water left overnight on paper. We analyzed components for strengths and weaknesses, combining field and objective tests.
Our water bottle testing uses five rating metrics:
Closure (35% of overall score weighting)
Taste (30% weighting)
Ergonomics (20% weighting)
Material Quality (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Everyone drinks water, but not everyone takes hydration as seriously as our bottle-testing team. Jon Oleson is constantly moving between the garden, the crag, the trail, the river, and plane rides here or there. Whether working in the field, hanging at the playground with his kids, or hopping between airports, Jon knows that clean H20 is the foundation for all life. He never leaves home without a water bottle but knows that 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 one for your style of hydration.
Joining Jon Oleson is Trish Matheny. Trish is a current member of the Yosemite Search and Rescue Team, spending the majority of the year living in Yosemite Valley. She's spent most of her adult life trying to stay hydrated between cold winters of snowboarding in Teton Valley, Idaho, multi-pitch rock climbs, and ultra-distance trail runs in the High Sierra. While she functions surprisingly well dehydrated during big missions and late night rescues, she has to play catch up once the adventure is complete. Trish spent most of her time testing these bottles during days at the boulders and local crags, bike commuting, at the gym, on a rescue, or during computer time at coffeehouses.
Our testing team took their job seriously, testing each design is a variety of circumstances in order to determine the pros and cons of each unique design.
Analysis and Test Results
We evaluated all types of bottles, ranging from filtered options to insulated and bike-specific bottles. At the end of the day, the goal is to stay hydrated, and the features of a bottle that work best with your lifestyle can help make that happen. Stainless steel offers better durability than glass, and you might be more willing to bring it everywhere with you without fear of breakage. However, glass often offers a cleaner-tasting drink. Insulated bottles can keep drinks cold on a hot day, or be used as a to-go coffee mug, but they may not be as suitable for backcountry trips as a lightweight plastic option. Each bottle has its best uses, and knowing the pros and cons of each style can help you choose the best one for your lifestyle.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Cost often weighs into purchase decisions alongside performance. Stainless steel and glass bottles are always pricier than plastic, with top-insulated models costing the most. However, these options have gotten more affordable in recent years.
The Iron Flask Insulated earns its spot as the best value bottle, offering an attractive, lightweight design with a straw-style lid and an insulated stainless steel body. The Nalgene is a simple, classic, time-tested design that takes the cake for affordability, although the uninsulated bottle is 100% plastic. Another budget-friendly option is the Camelbak Chute Mag Renew, a lightweight plastic bottle with a twist-off spout. The Lifefactory Glass Active Cap is the most affordable glass bottle tested.
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
There are many reasons to get a reusable water bottle. Some will cite health reasons, and the National Institute of Health cites that a liter of water in a plastic bottle contains an average of 240,000 tiny pieces of plastic, 90% of which are nanoplastics. The effect of microplastics on human health is still being studied, but the general consensus is to avoid them when possible. 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.
We highly recommend using a refillable water bottle that's better for your health and the health of our planet.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Closure
Closure type is the biggest differentiating factor in many of the bottles we tested. It affects the daily use of the bottle, from filling to sipping to cleaning. We prefer wide mouth screw tops as they are much easier to clean, with or without a bottle brush. However, for drinking, it is usually easier to drink from a small opening, like a sip cap or straw, especially in the car or on a walk. We tested a variety of closure types and scored them on their usability, and tested for leaks.
Our first leak test involved filling bottles with water colored with blue food dye and leaving them on their side on white paper for a full 24 hours. Some leaked a slow drip overnight, while others leaked after the room temperature increased, raising the bottle pressure. Field tests revealed issues resulting from finicky threading on screw caps and flip caps that accidentally opened while in our pack.
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
In terms of ease of closure, bottles that can be opened with one hand are great for active users, such as cyclists or hikers. But everyone loves a good convenient lid, and in general, the ones that provided the fastest, easiest route to hydration scored highest.
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. The Hydro Flask became the eventual favorite because it was so easy to operate, and we liked the color. We also tested two new lids with the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth bottle, the Flex Chug, and the Flex lid. Both feature threads that require two hands in order to twist into place, but neither one leaked during our objective and everyday testing. The Flex Chug also features a smaller opening at the top, which is easier to drink from than the full wide-mouth opening, but requires one hand to hold the bottle while the other twists the lid to remove and drink.
The Flex Chug lid of the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth was one of our favorite closure options thanks to the wide mouth opening that's easy to fill that combines with a smaller opening on the top that's perfect for hot or cold beverages.
Credit: Trish Matheny
The Brita Stainless Steel Filter Bottle was easy to operate one-handed, with it's spring loaded cover. The cap pops open with the press of a button. This feature made it perfect for hydration during long car rides or daily commutes. The Speedflask has an easy push-button flip cap, but scored a bit lower because it did not prove to be entirely leakproof. That said, it's a great choice so long as you have a water bottle or cup holder to keep the contents upright and in place.
The Speedfil Speedflask is true to its name. We found it quick and easy to fill mid-ride.
Credit: Jon Oleson
Another top performer was the Purist Mover, which received high marks for its intuitive design, which is versatile and easy to use. We tested this bottle with three separate lids: a traditional screw cap, a narrow spout with a pinch cap, and a twist-open 360 spout. Once on the bottle, the narrow spout lid can be opened by pinching the silicone mouth cover with only one hand. It felt less intuitive than the other lids and took us a bit of practice to get used to. But it did not leak, whether storing hot or cold beverages.
Our team loved the Purist lids thanks to their top performance. The Union flip top lid was the least intuitive to use but we eventually got the hang of pinching the opening that covers the mouth piece.
Most bottles 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 a great guarantee that the flip cap will stay closed, but we found it to be a bit cumbersome. The Yeti Rambler, Purifyou Premium, LARQ Bottle PureVis, and Camelbak Podium Dirt all proved to be leak-proof, and all require two hands and an amount of twisting to take off the cap and sip.
Although the closed cap didn't leak, the Brita's straw did leak inside the cap during the leakproof test.
Credit: Jon Oleson
Some bottles were quicker to access but didn't pass the leakproof test, like the aforementioned Speedflask. The Lifefactory Glass Active Cap is super easy to flip and chug, yet almost all the bottle's contents were emptied during the 24-hour leak test. We recommend taking care to keep this bottle upright and don't recommend simply throwing it into your backpack.
Although the Lifefactory provided a closure that's easy to transport, the bottle leaked all of its content during our objective leakproof tests.
Credit: Jon Oleson
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.
The Klean Kanteen TK Wide provided excellent performance, so long as the bottle remained upright.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Lastly, the Nalgene Wide-Mouth leaked just a bit on the leakproof test, as the classic twist-on/off lid has no gasket. The Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier has two chambers. The bottom one holds the unfiltered water, which is then pressed into the upper, filtered chamber. The upper chamber has a tight-fitting lid and screw cap with gaskets, and it did not leak. However, the lower chamber does leak, and not all the water presses into the upper chamber. This is an inherent design flaw in what is otherwise a very useful filter press, which we were happy to have with us on several occasions.
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
Taste
Overall taste and flavor are an essential part of hydration. We're all more likely to guzzle a refreshing glass of ice-cold water rather than a warm bottle that's been soaking up the sun and tastes like plastic with a hint of residue from your last round of electrolytes. Yuck! Chemical leaching is not a good look, so we objectively tested for this metric by filling bottles with 100-degree water and leaving them for a few hours to simulate a bottle left in a warm car during the heat of the day. Several testers with sensitive palates tasted each individual bottle to determine those that imparted unwanted flavors. Some bottles maintained a fresh and clean, albeit warm, taste, and received the highest marks in this metric.
Our team of discerning testers carefully evaluated each water bottle design to determine those that offered a pure, clean, and fresh water taste over those that left a lingering chemical smell in their mouths.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Needless to say, the highest performers in this test were the bottles that limited plastic contact with the water inside. Every bottle we tested has a plastic cap, but glass bottles, glass-lined bottles, or metal containers without plastic straws were the top scorers.
Bottle Materials and Style
Body Material
Cap/Lid Type
Environmental Health
Hydro Flask
Stainless steel
Screw cap, wide mouth with straw
BPA and Toxin free
Yeti Rambler 26
18/8 Stainless steel
Screw cap, wide mouth, loop handle
BPA-free
Klean Kanteen TKWide
90% Post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel
Screw cap, wide mouth twist top with straw
BPA-free
Lifefactory Glass
Glass/ BPA-free silicone
Wide mouth, screw cap with flip top
BPA-free, Phthalate-free
The standout favorite of our testing team is the Purist Mover, which is our overall favorite when it comes to fresh-tasting beverages, thanks to a glass-lined interior that discourages contaminants from latching onto any part of the smooth, simple, and thoughtfully designed interior. This increased the versatility of this bottle, and we used it for everything from morning coffee to hydration throughout the day to evening tea without worrying about flavor transfer in between. For best results, we recommend rinsing the lids and bottle with hot water between drinks. And if you take cream and sugar in your coffee, we definitely recommend giving the interior threads a little rinse when switching from coffee to water. Overall, the Mover received high marks for its versatility and exceptional taste.
The Purist Mover features the top-performing qualities of glass that's protected by stainless steel for increased durability. The smooth interior and minimal threading disallow contaminants from latching onto the interior, thereby preventing any flavor transfer between beverages and allowing greater versatility for this top-quality design.
Since we tested three separate lids for the Purist Mover, we're happy to report no unwanted flavor from any of the lids that we tested, whether drinking coffee through the 360 lid or lemon water through the Union flip cap. These lids did an excellent job of keeping unwanted tastes and flavors at bay. We hypothesize that the lack of interaction between the lid and the liquid inside the bottle contributed to this lack of flavor transfer, and we especially appreciated it when drinking plain water after our morning brew.
After testing each Purist lid along with our morning coffee, afternoon lemon water, and evening tea, we're happy to report no flavor transfer between beverages thanks to the limited interaction between the liquid and the BPA-free material of the closure.
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. That said, the mouthpiece of the straw itself is comprised of silicone and imparts an industrial flavor, especially at the beginning of testing. Ironically, the Chug Cap that also has “soft silicone chug spout” didn't leave as much of an impression, providing a clean taste whether we were drinking spring water straight from the source or dosing ourselves with electrolytes to recover from a big mountain adventure. We also love the plain Loop cap, which is not only thick and durable, with two gaskets to prevent leakage, but also provides the best flavor of the three Klean Kanteen lids we tested.
While we love the stainless steel straw and sturdy construction of the Klean Kanteen TKWide Recycled Insulated bottle, we wish it provided a more leakproof performance.
Credit: Trish Matheny
The top-scoring metal bottles with plastic straws, the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Straw and the Iron Flask Insulated, imparted a slight plastic taste, perhaps not enough for most people to notice, especially if you're drinking cold water from them without any additives to mask unwanted flavor. While technically you can remove the straw from the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth, the vent on the top of the lid doesn't function quite as well.
The plastic straw on the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth design imparted the slightest amount of flavor into our water during testing.
Credit: Trish Matheny
If you like the sound of the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth but have an aversion to the plastic straw itself, we highly recommend the Flex Chug lid, which provides the best of all worlds. The wide-mouth base design remains easy to fill, but the narrow opening is nearly as easy to sip from as a straw, and the carry strap on the top remains functional. The smaller opening for the mouth doesn't impart any poor plastic tastes or flavors. The regular Flex lid also provides excellent taste, but is not as convenient to drink from.
The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth features a variety of lids to swap between, if you don't love the plastic straw, you may appreciate the Flex Chug that is perfect for hot or cold beverages. This combined with the smooth interior of the Wide Mouth bottle are perfect for everyday use.
The glass bottles and metal vessels without straws all scored very highly, with a clean, chemical-free taste. Any one of these bottles, the Purifyou Premium, Speedfil Speedflask, Lifefactory Active Cap, LARQ PureVis, or the Yeti Rambler, would be a good choice if your focus is clean-tasting water.
Metal vessels produce a clean taste but also have a tendency to absorb flavors from sports drinks or coffee.
Credit: Jon Oleson
Regarding the filter bottles, we were somewhat 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 our heat testing and did a great job of filtering water from various water sources in the backcountry. That said, there are other filter bottles available that are lighter in weight and easier to pack for day hikes or extended trips into the backcountry.
The Grayl Geopress delivers fresh tasting water whether you're trying to eliminate chemical flavoring or harmful contaminants.
Credit: Jon Oleson
The Brita Stainless Steel Filter Bottle, which is our overall favorite water bottle for travel, unfortunately, scored the lowest on this test. The straw appears to be constructed from a much cheaper type of plastic, and the filter itself doesn't do a great job of removing plastics from the water source. That said, we couldn't help but notice how easily this bottle filtered that unwanted chlorine flavor that you'll find in airports and other public municipal sources in cities. So, keep in mind that if you're interested in purchasing the Brita, you may need to take a little extra care to avoid leaving it inside your hot vehicle.
The Brita became our favorite water bottle for travel, providing excellent taste no matter the source.
Credit: Jon Oleson
The plastic bottle constructions in our extensive testing fleet received the lowest marks in this category, as most of us know that heating plastic can cause it to leach harmful chemicals. That said, the ever-popular Nalgene Wide Mouth imparted a surprisingly small amount of plastic flavor once the bottle was filled with piping hot water, astounding our testing team with its resistance to chemical taste. We suspect this is likely due to its recycled Tritan Renew copolyester construction, which sets it apart from other plastic bottles we tested for this review. We found that the bottles made from silicone, polypropylene, and polyurethane imparted the most chemical flavor. However, if you absolutely must have a lightweight and collapsible bottle, please avoid leaving it out in the sun.
The Nalgene Wide-Mouth is constructed from BPA-free plastic that makes it durable enough for the trail and healthier for your body, however, we still recommend keeping it out of the sun.
Credit: Jon Oleson
Ergonomics
In this test, we evaluated the qualities of each bottle to determine the contenders that provided the most efficiency and ease of use. Elements that contributed to higher scores included carrying loops/straps/handles, as well as flip or straw caps, and shapes that facilitated easier grip or transport. The top-scoring bottles in this category combine all of these elements into one bottle that removes any barrier to hydration on the go.
The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Straw was easy to transport on our bicycle or the cup holder of our truck, thanks to the slender 20-ounce construction, along with thoughtful carry straps on each compatible lid that we tested.
The overall champions of this important testing metric were the bottles that were easy to carry, allowed for quick hydration, and fit easily into the water bottle holders of our bicycles or the cup holders in our vehicles. The Iron Flask Insulated bottle design definitely stood apart from the rest, thanks to an easy-to-grip carry handle with a carabiner clip and a flip-up straw.
The carabiner-style clip on the Iron Flask's lid aids in carrying.
Credit: Jon Oleson
Our team also loved the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Straw, thanks to its sleek and functional flip cap straw bottle, which features a comfortable carry loop that makes it easy to tote around. Ditto for the other compatible lids that we tested with the Hydro Flask bottle. Even the tiny lid on the Flex Chug closure was easy to transport and remove from the bottle so we could keep chugging throughout the day.
Although the Flex Chug lid features a tiny carry handle, it remains ergonomic, functional, and the 20 ounce size is easy to cart around town.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Not far behind is the Purist Mover whose sleek and stylish design also feels great in hand, thanks to a little texture on the stainless steel exterior that makes it easier to grip with one hand. Two of the three lids we tested with the Mover bottle also feature small carrying handles, constructed from metal to inspire confidence in their lasting performance. The Scope lid, meant for use with hot drinks, is the only one that doesn't include a carry handle. Although the sip cap Union lid isn't as intuitive to use at first, we quickly figured out how to pinch the lid and move the flip cap all the way back in order to sip water with ease. Once we got the hang of it, this was our favorite lid for hydration throughout the day, especially on our busier days.
While the Union lid is a less intuitive than the other interchangeable Purist lids, we loved it for hydrating at the gym or on the go.
Credit: Trish Matheny
The Klean Kanteen TKWide Recycled Insulated features another ergonomic design, thanks to its slender cylinder shape, along with thoughtfully designed lids that all feature metal carry handles that snap into place on the BPA-free hard plastic lid when not in use. We love that the small lid on top of the Chug cap snaps into place on the metal carry handle so that it doesn't hit you in the face as you tilt the bottle back to guzzle some electrolytes throughout your gym session. The straw cap option features a silicone spout that is both exposed and hidden through a twist function on the lid, which is a neat idea. However, it isn't our favorite when it comes to flavor and keeping the cap clean.
Our testers love the ergonomics of the chug cap that securely fastens to the metal handle so it's out of the way when you're drinking from the silicone mouth piece.
Credit: Trish Matheny
The Speedfil Speedflask earned a high score here due to its slender design and push-button flip cap, which features a finger carry handle that clips down to stay out of the way when not in use. It's incredibly easy to grip, flip, and chug as much as you need. The Brita Stainless Steel Filter Bottle features a push-button flip cap, a satisfyingly squishy silicone bite straw, a soft and comfortable two-finger carry loop, and is designed to fit in your cup holder. Our top glass bottle, the Purifyou Premium, does not fit in most cup holders, which is unfortunate, given that it must stay upright to avoid leaks. However, it features a silicone sleeve that makes it easy to grab. The large-threaded cap whirls smoothly on and off and has a super comfortable finger carry loop.
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 and muscle to effectively press the filter. The larger size of the Nalgene Wide Mouth bottle is also more difficult to grip with one hand, and the plastic surface is smooth and slippery. While the lid does have a plastic loop that attaches it to the bottle, it's hard, edgy, and sharp, making it uncomfortable to carry after a while.
The Nalgene Wide-Mouth's lid retainer strap isn't the most comfortable to carry due the sharp edges that are intensified when the bottle is full.
Credit: Jon Oleson
The LARQ PureVis is a slick powder-coated bottle with a small twist-off lid and no clips or carrying features. The Yeti Rambler has a nice carry handle on the lid, but the bottle itself is big and bulky. If you're looking for something super simple to lug around town, then you'll probably want to steer clear of 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 examine the quality of the material in each bottle, assessing whether it will withstand multiple seasons of use and abuse. Our testers are hard on their gear and definitely put them through the wringer of daily use. After extensive testing, we identified the areas of greatest wear and tear, as well as the features that wouldn't withstand the test of time. Objectively, scores were determined by the construction and quality of the materials.
Of all the lid designs that we tested, the Klean Kanteen TKWide Recycled Insulated lids were among the most durable constructions, however, we couldn't count on them when it came to consistency in leakproof performance.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Several factors determine cap 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, such as the Iron Flask Insulated, Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Straw, and the Klean Kanteen TKWide, all featured hard plastic lids with rubber gaskets that produced a tight seal. Some bottles took it a step further, like the Purifyou Premium glass bottle, which features a rubber gasket and metal plug to ensure that your water doesn't come into contact with plastic.
Both the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth and Klean Kanteen TK Wide featured durable lids with gaskets that created tight seals, however, the Hydro Flask provided leakproof performance while the Klean Kanteen was prone to leaking.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Not far behind is the understated Purist Mover, which features surgical-grade stainless steel construction that sets the bar for other water bottle designs to measure up to. The lids weren't as large and bulky in their BPA-free construction; however, they were more slim, sleek, and lightweight, while still outperforming the competition in terms of quality, durability, and function. Our team was so confident in the durability of the design that we even stowed this bottle in the frame of our bicycle without worrying about damage as we commuted around town. While the Mover isn't the cheapest bottle that we tested, the high-quality design and materials give us confidence that it will last for many years to come.
Although not as large as other durable closures that we tested, the Purist Mover lids provided excellent performance and quality, inspiring confidence in their leakproof design even after continuous use.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Vessel quality was determined by the type and thickness of the material. Glass is preferred for the purity of its contents; however, metal is preferred for durability and lasting performance. Plastic constructions received lower scores overall due to their tendency to leach harmful chemicals. Double-walled metal containers all scored well. Bottles like the Klean Kanteen, Hydro Flask Wide Mouth, and Yeti Rambler are made of thick stainless steel and will withstand some abuse before showing 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.
We tested a wide selection of bottles with different materials and cap styles.
Credit: Jon Oleson
The Klean Kanteen TKWide earned points for being the only straw-type bottle with a stainless steel straw; however, we were concerned as to how long the silicone tip on the straw would last before being damaged. The Klean Kanteen lids that we tested provided some of the most durable closure options that we tested, that said, we wish they were more leakproof.
While the straw mechanism on the Klean Kanteen TKWide Recycled Insulated is easy to operate with one hand, we found it difficult to clean and we also question the longevity of the silicone mouth piece.
Credit: Trish Matheny
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.
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
Choosing a Water Bottle
There are a few essential factors that can help you narrow down your options. Most of these depend heavily on your lifestyle, but there are a few universal pros and cons to consider.
Water bottles that provide insulation can help keep liquids cool or warm for longer periods. If you are away from refill stations or outdoors in the heat for extended periods, an insulated bottle can be highly beneficial. The downside is that insulated bottles are usually heavier and bulkier, making them less ideal for outings where you're trying to go lightweight, and they may be harder to carry around in a backpack or purse.
Choosing an appropriate bottle size will factor into how likely you are to bring it along to workouts, the office, or your daily errands. A bottle that is too big can sometimes be inconvenient, heavy, and take up a lot of space. Too small, and you may end up thirsty. When choosing a size, identify what type of activities your day typically includes. Do you plan to throw it in your bag and carry it with you while you walk around town? In this case, you'll probably want a smaller bottle that you can refill at any of your stops throughout the day. Do you need a bottle to stay hydrated during a long road trip? Since you won't be carrying it, you can go for a larger size that will last you through long stretches without having to stop for refills. Bonus points if it still fits in a cupholder.
Different closures offer different drinking styles and levels of leak protection. For the most cup-like drinking experience, you'll want to go with a wide mouth opening and a simple screw cap. This is the most basic option, and is usually the best at preventing leaks. If you find you are more likely to sip on your water if it comes out of a straw, most bottle brands offer some version of a flip straw cap. In our tests, some brands have nailed the leakproofing on this style, while others will need to be stored upright. If you want to access your drink while doing activities such as hiking, biking, or driving, a narrow opening, or a chug cap will be the best choice. Most of these caps sit on a wide-mouth base and have a smaller opening at the top, where water can flow freely, but are less likely to spill mid-drink due to sudden movements. These are generally our preferred caps for most activities. Lastly, if you want to use your bottle for the occasional hot brew, a cafe cap can be a handy accessory. Often, you can add significant versatility to your bottle simply by swapping out the lid, and many manufacturers offer interchangeable lids for individual purchase.
Water bottles are available in various materials, including metal, plastic, glass, and even silicone. Stainless steel is the most popular option today for its all-around hardiness. It is the most durable option, and falls in the middle of the pack when it comes to weight. However, choosing a double-walled insulated version will increase both weight and bulk, which is important to note if you're planning to pack your bottle for a hike or for travel. Plastic is great for packability and weight savings during hikes or adventures, but it can affect water taste, and even BPA-free plastics can still leach potentially harmful chemicals into your water. Those concerned with drinking from plastics will likely want to choose a glass or stainless steel bottle. Glass bottles will preserve taste better and make cleaning a breeze, but they are also more likely to break and are the heaviest option, making them better for those who don't have to carry their bottles very far (say, from car to desk) and aren't worried about dropping or banging up their bottle by accident.
There are many options when it comes to caps and closures, the option pictured above was one of our go-tos when it came to coffee and tea, however, not the best for maintaining hydration throughout the day.
Other Water Bottles to Consider
Though we didn't grant these models an official award, they're definitely worth checking out for their respective features.
Klean Kanteen TKWide Recycled Insulated - We formerly considered this bottle to be the best option for those seeking a safe, BPA-free bottle, along with a versatile and durable construction. However, the internal threading on the cap is particularly tricky to align, and after several unexpected leaks, we ultimately removed the award title. That said, if you have the ability to take extra care, aka keep the bottle upright between hydration, our team was impressed by the high-quality construction and variety of interchangeable lids. We appreciate that the design incorporates a stainless steel straw instead of plastic. We also love the thick and sturdy double gasket on the loop cap; it was the most reliable lid in terms of durability. The Chug cap was our favorite for encouraging hydration, thanks to its ergonomic design that made for easy sipping. If you're looking for versatility and durability, the Klean Kanteen TKWide Recycled Insulated is worth considering.
The Klean Kanteen provided a highly durable design with solid performance. We love the versatility of the interchangeable lids, we just wish they didn't leak.
Yeti Rambler 26 - The Rambler deserves your attention if you find yourself scouring the market for a lasting, high-quality water bottle design that's virtually indestructible. It's available in several different colors, features a BPA-free plastic lid, and has double-wall vacuum-sealed insulation that keeps your cold drinks colder and hot drinks hotter for much longer than the competition. The 18/8 stainless steel construction effectively resists drops and dents, keeping your investment looking fresh even after prolonged use. We also love the leakproof performance that gave us confidence to throw this bottle into a backpack that also stowed our computer. If durability is at the top of your list, the Rambler offers performance that's tough to beat.
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.
We tested these water bottles designs everywhere from the office to the gym and beyond so that we could recommend the top performers for your next purchase.
