If you think about it, a water bottle has got to be one of the most important things you carry when you travel. In all my years of traveling, I have tried out several brands of water bottles. I prioritize my hydration over everything and a good water bottle may either make or break it.
You would be surprised at how little things about a water bottle matter so much. While the wide-mouth bottles may be easier to fill and clean, it’s a tad bit difficult to drink from them. The narrow-mouth bottles, on the other hand, are easier to drink from, but they can be more difficult to clean. And then there’s the matter of the material the bottle is made of.
Plastic bottles are lightweight and easy to carry, but they can leach chemicals into the water. Glass bottles are heavier and more fragile, but they don’t leach chemicals.
The more you think about it, the more you’ll realize. Have you thought of a situation where in travel daypack lacks a dedicated water bottle pocket? Or the water bottle does not fit into your water bottle pocket?
To simplify your search, I have ranked some of the best water bottles that you can use for traveling. All the bottles I feature, I assure you that I have used them in my travels and this is a first-hand review of them. Not only will they last you for a long time, but they are also made from chemical-free food-grade materials.
Best Travel Water Bottle
1. LARQ Bottle PureVis
The LARQ Bottle PureVis is a godsend water bottle. I bought it last year and this is by far my favourite go-to water bottle for my travels. For starters, the LARQ Water Bottle is an insulated flask where you can store hot or cold liquids. Sounds like a normal flask right? You’re wrong. It purifies water as well. Yep, you read that right. Water purification on the go.
But Jeremy, is it even legit or is it some kind of marketing gimmick?
The first thing you should know is that I never fall for marketing gimmicks. All the products I feature have been tested and all the reviews I post are of my personal experiences with the said product. I also include Reddit reviews so that you get the gist of the overall outlook of how the product is.
Coming back to the topic, water purification by LARQ Bottle PureVis is not some marketing trick.
Hospitals all over the world use UV Light to quickly sterilize operating rooms pre and post-surgery. The LARQ Bottle PureVis uses the same technology to break up the DNA of harmful odor-causing bacteria. Pretty efficient, right? And this UV Light is fitted inside the bottle cap which can be activated manually by pushing the button on top of the cap. It automatically turns on every 2 hours as well to clean the bottle.
If you are a hygiene freak and you don’t like your water tasting like stainless steel, the Larq Bottle PureVis is the best bottle for you. It also eliminated that funky smell from the flask.
The tech is so good that I use it while rucking too. If come across a lake or a spring, I simply fill my flask with water and then push the button on the lid. Sixty seconds later I have fresh drinking water. Even while traveling, if you don’t have access to a water filter, it’s nice to have the LARQ Bottle around. Fill it with tap water and the bottle will take care of the rest.
Now that I think about it, the LARQ Bottle PureVis is one of the “must have’s” for every traveler and athlete.
And this water purification system is so efficient that it is proven to kill harmful bacteria like E.coli and other contaminants. You can even store hot water or coffee in it and it will remain hot for up to 12 hours. You can even store cold water and it will remain cold for up to 24 hours.
‘I f** love my Larq, my partner and I have one each to keep at our desks at work and got a third (uninsulated Movement bottle) for outings. I’m also very thrilled about not having to wash the smelly bottle smell out as often/at all and can confidently drink 3-day old water. Hella recommend’ – u/someleafbird (Reddit)
- Capacity: 25 fl oz / 17 oz
- Weight: 17 oz / 13.5 oz
- Dimensions: 10.4 x 3 inches
- Material: Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel
- Cleans in 60 seconds
- No replacement filters needed
- A full charge will last up to a month
- Purification on the go
- You will need to charge it
- Heavy
- Still need to clean the rim of the bottle
- MicroUSB (will need another cable when traveling for over a month)
2. Pelican Pacific – Best Water Bottle for Ease of Carrying
No products found.
No products found.
No products found.
- Capacity: 26 fl oz
- Weight: 24 oz
- Dimensions: 10.5 x 3.25 inches
- Material: Stainless Steel
Made with a sweat-resistant grip that not only just stays in your hands but also made with FDA-compliant and BPA Free material, this stainless steel water bottle features one of the best ergonomic handles for easy carrying, even without a backpack. The Pelican Pacific features a top that is equipped with a built-in straw, and it comes in a variety of colors.
However, it is important to point out that the Pelican Pacific is not dishwasher safe. This has never been a significant issue for me because I am on the road most of the time, and I hand wash all my bottles.
Another aspect I appreciate about the Pelican Pacific is that the makers have taken other lifestyle factors into consideration when designing this bottle. It fills in most car cup holders, ensuring a spill-free experience during your daily commute. The vacuum-insulated water bottle ensures leak-proof performance, preventing spills in your backpack, gym bag, or car. And the insulation is quite adept at maintaining temperatures. Be it cold during hot summers or warm during chilly winters.
With such versatility, you can use the Pelican Pacific not only for your travels but also in the city during your non-travel days.
- Made from recycled stainless steel
- Sweat proof grip
- Vacuum-insulated and copper lining
- Leak-proof screw top lid
- Heavier bottle
- Straw adds one more thing that needs to be cleaned
- Not dishwasher safe
3. Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle – Best Backup
No products found.
No products found.
No products found.
- Capacity: 32 fl oz
- Weight: 6.25 oz
- Dimensions: 8.25 x 3.5 inches
- Material: Tritan
Designed for hiking, camping, and everyday use, Nalgene Wide Mouth is a very impressive water bottle. Don’t let its translucent look fool you, it is surprisingly tough and durable. As the name suggests, it features a wide mouth for easy washing, filling, and drinking.
The secure screw-top lid ensures a leak-proof seal when packed, and the loop-top adds convenience by allowing you to clip the bottle to your bag or harness. The loop-top is also compatible with the MOLLE webbing system found on rucksacks and hiking bags.
Pro Tip 1: When I used to embark on a long ruck, I would carry two water bottles. One bottle would usually be in the water bottle pocket and the Nalgene Wide Mouth would be attached to the MOLLE webbing on my backpack.
Pro Tip 2: You can use the wide mouth to mix any kind of supplement or a sports drink powder. You won’t have any spillage and the powder dissolves quickly with a few shakes. You can even add a couple of ice cubes if prefer your beverage chilled.
You can keep track of your water intake effortlessly with the measurement markers displayed on the side of the bottle. My only nitpick with this bottle is that the wide mouth leads to a spillage at times while drinking.
- Tough
- Wide mouth for easy cleaning
- Measurement Markers
- Lid Loop for easier carrying
- Wide mouth leads to spillage
- No insulation
4. Memobottle A6 – Best Lightweight Back Up Water Bottle
No products found.
No products found.
No products found.
- Capacity: 6 fl oz
- Weight: 9.9 oz
- Dimensions: 4.4 x 7.7 inches
- Material: Plastic with Stainless Steel lid
When I stumbled upon this bottle, my friends thought I was crazy for even considering buying something like this. I am pleased to say that they were completely mistaken about this water bottle. For starters, the memobottle A6 is designed to effortlessly fit in different compartments and pockets of handbags, backpacks, carry on, and a lot more. So much so that you can even slide into the notebook section of any bag. This is an ideal choice if you are looking for a lightweight secondary water bottle on your long treks or hikes.
The memobottle had a product update in June 2021 where it now includes a single stainless steel lid, offering a more durable and stylish solution compared to the previous plastic lids. It is also backed by a 2-year manufacturing warranty and can store liquids up to a temperature of 212F (100 Degree Celsius).
There are variants available in stainless steel, plastic, and with a silicon sleeve. This might be one of the most stylish bottles I have ever used. However, since it’s mainly stored inside my backpack, I have to be cautious every time to ensure that I have securely sealed it. Improper sealing can result in spillage, which is frankly quite annoying.
- Aesthetically very pleasing
- Fits in the majority of the pockets
- 2 Year Warranty
- Limited for use as a ‘secondary’ bottle for traveling
- Limited capacity
5. HiBear All-Day Adventure Flask – Best Multi-Tasking Water Bottle
No products found.
No products found.
No products found.
- Capacity: 32 fl oz
- Weight: 29 oz
- Dimensions: 11 x 3.7 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
This water bottle is bound to intrigue you the most. The Hi-Bear All Day Adventure flask may seem like a normal flask at first glance but it is far from it. Back when I first did the Annapurna Circuit, I had a friend who poured me a freshly brewed coffee at one of the rest stops.
Piping Hot Freshly Brewed Coffee. On a hill with virtually no access to a kitchen or a cafe. With temperatures as extreme as -10C.
It was all thanks to the Hi-Bear All Day Adventure Flask. As soon as I saw one in action, I made it a point to get my hands on it the next time I was back in the city. You see, with Hi-Bear Flask, you can not only brew fresh pour-over coffee but also make cocktails, brew hot tea, and even decant wine. You heard that right.
It’s been coined as the ‘Swiss Army of water bottles’ and frankly, I couldn’t agree more. For tea enthusiasts, brew your favorite green tea or maté with the included steel filter basket. You can even infuse your water with herbs and other concoctions too. You can use the insulated lid by inverting it to create a convenient pour-over coffee maker wherever you go. The HiBear Flask doubles down as a cocktail shaker too and comes with a cocktail strainer. Endless opportunities.
You don’t have to worry if you lose an accessory because all the accessories are sold separately on their official website as well.
- Great Insulation
- Multiple uses
- Packs up nicely into one container
- Electropolish – micro-smooth internal finish makes it corrosion and pathogen-resistant
- The silicone sleeve can be used as a mug for your friends or your pet
- Heavy
- Lots of components
- Complicated to use
6. Platypus SoftBottles
No products found.
No products found.
No products found.
- Capacity: 34 fl oz
- Weight: 1.2 oz
- Dimensions: 13 x 6 inches
- Material: BPA-, BPS-, and phthalate-free plastic
Weighing almost 80% less than its hard hydration counterparts, the Platypus SoftBottle is a highly packable and versatile hydration solution. When empty, this bottle effortlessly flattens and rolls up compactly, allowing you to store it easily.
The downside to this design is that many a time, I have found it difficult to just drink from it. But I have to admit that this bottle is worth every cent due to the fact that it is not only BPA-free but also free from BPS and phthalates. And the lightweight is a huge win in my books.
- Lightweight
- Packs small and flat when empty
- Dishwasher safe
- Doesn’t sit in cup holders
- Harder to drink
7. Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle
No products found.
No products found.
No products found.
- Capacity: 18 fl oz
- Weight: 12.63 oz
- Dimensions: 2.87 x 10.3 inches
- Material: 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel
If you are on the lookout for a reliable good quality flask, Hydro Flask is the go-to option. It’s very functional and has none of the flashy gimmicks the other flasks do. A lid with a loop and the flask itself. If you need more accessories, you can buy them separately.
This is my go-to option if I need a water bottle purely for hydration. While it was made of stainless steel, I had to replace it one time due to a dent at the side. It may be of a lower quality but if you consider how cheap you can get it for, it’s absolutely worth it.
What I like most is that Hydro Flask offers a range of capacities (18oz, 21oz, 24oz) all within the same size, providing flexibility in choosing the right travel water bottle without sacrificing fit in cup or bottle holders. And the insulation is really reliable too. Your drinks can stay cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12.
The separate accessories sold by Hydro Flask are a straw cap and a flex boot. The straw cap is a lid with a straw jutting out. With this, you won’t have to unscrew the lid whenever you want to drink. And the Flex Boot can be used to minimize that ‘clang!’ whenever you set your flask down. It’s like a sleeve that fits over the bottom half of the flask.
The default lid and the straw cap, both come with a carrying loop. You can use it as your secondary bottle by attaching it to the MOLLE webbing of your backpack.
- Lid has a carrying loop for added convenience
- Inexpensive
- Great Insulation
- Fits everywhere
- Great Grip
- Not very durable
8. Klean Kanteen Insulated TKWide
No products found.
No products found.
No products found.
- Capacity: 16 fl oz
- Weight: 14.4 oz
- Dimensions: 2.87 x 10.85 inches
- Material: Aluminum
This flask may look normal at first. But on a second glance, you’ll notice that it has a straw. It’s tailor-made for those who love drinking through the straw. The lid may appear to be a standard one initially, but upon twisting it, the straw will pop out. If the staw is not something you like, you can opt for a standard lid. Both the lids are sold separately as well.
I’m usually not keen on straws cause it can sometimes be a hassle to clean. Especially when you are on the road a lot. But if it’s something you prefer then I highly suggest this. It’s one of the best water bottles with straw. Also, that *pop* sound it makes when you twist the lid is incredibly fun. Guaranteed to have great reactions from your travel buddies.
The caps also include convenient swivel loops for easy carrying. Note that the TKWide Twist Cap (straw cap) is not suitable for liquids above room temperature or carbonated beverages. But if you have got the standard cap, you can store hot drinks. I highly suggest purchasing the standard cap as well when you buy the Kleen Kanteen Insulated Flask.
- Customization with different caps
- Hot up to 14 hours
- Iced up to 47 hours
- Metal Straw can be difficult to clean
- Twist Cap (Straw Cap) is not suitable for hot or carbonated drinks
9. YETI Rambler – Best High End Water Bottle
No products found.
No products found.
No products found.
- Capacity: 24 fl oz
- Weight: 21.9 oz
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 10.5 inches
- Material: Stainless Steel
Talk about a water bottle that sounds like a sports truck. All jokes aside, if you are familiar with Yeti products, you must be aware of how expensive they can be. Unlike many, when I buy expensive products it is mainly due to the quality and not bragging rights. The Yeti Rambler is one of the top-shelf quality water bottles you can get your hands on.
When I first came across this bottle, I was a bit skeptical. A water bottle close to 100$ is not something you come across often. I dismissed it thinking its just a fad. However, one thing to know about Yeti is that while they may be expensive, they are of top-notch quality. Upon further insistence by the staff, I gave the water bottle a shot. Not a day goes by where I regret it.
It’s about the experience when you use the Yeti Rambler. Like I said earlier, this is a top-shelf level water bottle. It comes separately with a chug cap that is optional to use. The chug cap can be screwed on top of the water bottle and then you can close it with the standard cap. Through this feature, you can even add ice to your water bottle by simply unscrewing the chug cap.
Drinking through the chug cap after a run or a hike is one heck of an experience. I know i’m talking about a mere water bottle but the 100$ tag is absolutely worth it. It also has insulation to keep your beverage hot or cold.
- Highly Durable
- Chug Cap
- Narrow mouthpiece helps prevent spills
- Holds temperature well
- Heavy
- Expensive
10. GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle
No products found.
No products found.
No products found.
- Capacity: 24 fl oz
- Weight: 15.9 oz
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 10.5 inches
- Material: Polypropylene
This one is really special. If you are extremely cautious about the water you consume, you will appreciate the Grayl GeoPress. Featuring an integrated water filter, the GeoPress ensures that the water you consume is not only refreshing but also safe for optimal hydration and health.
When you are out on a trek in the woods or a hike through the mountains, I know how tempting it can be to try out the fresh water from the springs or little lakes there. While some of us may have consumed water from them on occasion, it’s not safe if you give it a second thought. With its advanced filtering systems, the Grayl GeoPress swiftly eradicates harmful bacteria and heavy metals, transforming water from any source – be it a fountain, river, or other water bodies – into safe and potable hydration.
The process involves using the outer base cover to fill it with water. Insert the inner press filter and the bottle, then press down. In approximately 8 seconds, the water travels through the filter from the outer base cover to the bottle.
This process is said to filter viruses and bacteria, making it safe to consume. Beyond that, it has a cool carrying loop around the lid and comes with a spout cap where you can drink directly without opening the lid. You’ll have to replace the filter cartridge every now and then though. Luckily, cartridges are sold separately and are pretty easy to get from Grayle’s website.
- TOPO Grip handle
- Easy carrying loop attached lid
- Potable water purifier
- Expensive
- Cartridges have to be bought every now and then (350 uses)
11. CamelBak MultiBev Water Bottle & Travel Cup
No products found.
No products found.
No products found.
- Capacity: 17 fl oz
- Weight: 18 oz
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 10.5 inches
- Material: Stainless Steel
A water bottle that not only looks cool but doubles down as a flask and a tumbler. The CamelBak MultiBev is not just a water bottle; it’s a convenient two-in-one solution where you can share your drink with your partner while on a hike or a trek.
The best thing about this bottle is that it is insulated as well. Basically a normal flask with a cup attachment. You can store hot or cold beverages and it will last up to 8 hours. Think early sunrise jogs with a hot cup of americano or tea. Additionally, the bottle’s cap doubles as storage space – fold up the silicone lid for convenient storage or leave it at home and use the cap to store a tea bag. Yes, the cap doubles down as a small storage container too. Not to forget that it has a super convenient loop around the cap for easier carrying.
Plus the cap, lid, and vessels are all dishwasher safe. Need I say more?
- Dishwasher safe
- Stays hot/cold up till 8 hours
- Lid with loop for ease of carrying
- Tumbler durability is pretty weak
Final Verdict
These are all the water bottles I have used over time on my journeys. All of them can be used for traveling and each has a feature that stands out. When you embark on a journey, the first thing you need to do is try to identify your needs. I recommend having multiple water bottles of different varieties so that when the time comes for a trip, you can choose the one that makes the most sense for your journey.
For example, if you’ll be going on a long 2-3 day trek, its advisable to make the most of all the pockets in your backpack. In a scenario like this, my go-to would be the memobottle A6 (which I will store in the notebook pocket of my backpack), LARQ Bottle Pure Vis in my water bottle pocket (for general hydration and purification), and my Hydroflask Standard Mouth water bottle because of its lid with the loop so that I can carry it while I walk.
And if I’m using my GORUCK GR1, then I attach my Nalgene Wide Mouth water bottle to the MOLLE Webbing on the backpack. It all comes down to how you make the best use of your gear.
You have to Pack Smart.
But my go-to #1 water bottle is the LARQ Bottle Pure Vis. It’s been a little tough lately to focus my attention on any other water bottle after I bought the LARQ. Hands down, one of the best travel water bottle that will surely never disappoint. It has also been seen on Shark Tank!
Last update on 2024-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Leave a Reply