Choosing a reusable bottle might sound like a simple task, but there are actually a few things you need to consider when buying one: price, style, capacity, weight, etc.
Why should you buy a reusable water bottle?
Having a bottle which you can always re-fill is quite useful and here are three main reasons why you need one:
1. You can save money on water by refilling your bottle. Honestly, in many tourist destinations in Europe (for example: Austria) they can charge you up to €3 for a 330ml bottle of water.
2. Decreases plastic waste that impacts our environment. It is important to be a responsible (eco-friendly) travelerer and consider the environment and how much waste we produce.
3. A good reminder to be hydrated. Whether you are commuting, going to the gym or hiking having a reusable bottle is a handy way of making sure you are always hydrated.
The only downfall of buying a reusable bottle is when you are travelling it would take up some space in your luggage.
How to choose the best reusable water bottle?
There are 4 Main things you need to consider when choosing a good reusable bottle:
1. Price
Never go for a too cheap bottle because usually the materials used for those aren’t treated which means you might end up getting a weird taste.
2. Where you are going to use it
Personally, I would look for something that can be used everywhere. For example, if you are travelling somewhere hot and you want your bottle to keep the water nice and cool then you need vacuum insulation. The bottle should also retain heat, meaning you could always enjoy a warm cup of tea during those chilly evening strolls.
If you like hiking you might need to consider if a bottle can be clipped to a karabiner. Also if you are going for a long trip you might want to buy a bottle which much bigger capacity, but don’t forget they might end up too heavy!
3. With or without a filter
In many cities there are drinking fountains which you could use to fill up your bottle, however, if you don’t like the taste you might need to consider a bottle with a filter. The downside is though that eventually you will have to replace the filter.
4. Design
Design is an important aspect for any product. If we are talking about water bottles they need to be ergonomically designed for frequent use and just be aesthetically pleasing!
Here is our list of best reusable water bottles in 2019.
1. S’well reusable bottles
Specs & Features
Capacity: 17 oz / 500 ml
Insulation: Vacuum
Materials: BPA-free 18/8 stainless steel
Weight: 0.31 kg
Mouth diameter: Small (2.9 cm)
Dishwasher safe: No
| Pros | Cons |
| + Vacuum Insulation | – Can’t be used in the dishwasher |
| + Different capacities available | – Print design can chip away |
| + Many awesome designs | |
| + Trendy and popular |
What I love about S’well bottles is the variety of designs they come in with, from marble white to space green. It is a product that is build with high quality material to keep your drinks both cold for 24 hours and warm for 12 hours. It is a bottle that can be easily used for your day-to-day commutes as well as sport activities and travel. The downside for me would be is that you can’t use it in the dishwasher and the mouth is small, so when cleaning it would be better to use a brush to wash it inside. If you are drinking just water though then your bottle will be quite clean!
Average price: $35.
Look out for discounts, certain designs have 50% off!
2. Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Bottles
Specs & Features
Capacity: 18 oz / 532 ml
Insulation: Vacuum
Materials: BPA-free 18/8 stainless steel
Weight: 0.34 kg
Mouth diameter: Wide (5.80cm)
Dishwasher safe: No
| Pros | Cons |
| + Vacuum Insulation | – Can’t be used in the dishwasher |
| + Comes in 40 oz size! | |
| + Wide mouth | |
| + Comes with a warranty | |
| + You can buy a different lid |
Hydro flask can be a great choice for frequent hikers and travellers. The bottle has a simple and ergonomic design. The cap comes with a handle that makes it easier to hook it to your backpack or carry it in your hands. Wide mouth means you can clean it easier as well as insert a filter which you can buy separately if needed. As any bottle with vacuum insulation Hydro Flask promises to keep your water cool or hot for hours, unfortunately sometimes you can get a faulty product. Don’t sweat it though, just ask to replace it on Amazon.
Average price: $30.
3. Brita Filtering Water Bottle
Specs & Features
Capacity: 26 oz / 739 ml
Insulation: None
Materials: BPA-free hard plastic
Weight: 8.8 ounces / 0.25 kg
Mouth: Straw
Dishwasher safe: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
| + Water filter | – Hard plastic |
| + Dishwasher safe | – No insulation |
| + Good size | |
| + Easy to replace the filter |
I have to admit Brita has done a great job designing the bottle. I bought one for the office since the drinking water there has a weird taste! The filter in this bottle makes the water taste nice and the capacity of the bottle is quite big. The downside is that the bottle is made from hard plastic which means you can’t store any hot drinks. Also it is plastic which makes it really hard to recycle. However, if we are talking about our green footprint, it would still be much better to buy one Brita bottle than drinking 300 water bottles (apparently this is how many bottles the filter replaces.
Average price: $19.94.
4. Coleman FreeFlow insulated water bottle
Specs & Features
Capacity: 24 oz / 682 ml
Insulation: Vacuum
Materials: BPA free 18/8 Stainless Steel
Weight: 14 ounces / 0.40 kg
Mouth: Button-operated lid
Dishwasher safe: No
| Pros | Cons |
| + Leak and Spill proof | – Hand wash only |
| + Vacuum insulation | |
| + Auto-seal | |
| + Rubber bottom |
Coleman FreeFlow is a great bottle that offers a good value for money. The bottle is perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities. The lid works great, it has a button operated seal that makes it convenient to drink the water. Even though it is not dishwasher safe you can unscrew the lid and easily give it a good rinse. The only thing I don’t like about the bottle is the claim that it can keep the water cold for 31 hours, it did for 24 hours though. All in all Coleman reusable bottle is a good solid product.
Average price: $29.99.
5. Takeya Active Water Bottles
Specs & Features
Capacity: 24 oz / 682 ml
Insulation: Vacuum
Materials: BPA free 18/8 Stainless Steel
Weight: 14 ounces / 0.45 kg
Mouth: Spout lid
Dishwasher safe: No
| Pros | Cons |
| + Simple design | – Hand wash only |
| + Vacuum insulation | |
| + Very durable | |
| + Double powder coating |
I seriously can’t find a any flaws with the Takeya bottles, great value for money, simple and durable design. I like the fact that the bottle has double powder coating which ensures a solid grip. The bigger sizes can be quite heavy once filled but that would be with most stainless steel bottles. Again like with many other bottles it is not dishwasher safe.
Average price: $22.00.
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