Water Bottles: Complete Guide (Updated 2024)

Copper H2O smooth polished copper water bottle placed on leaves

Welcome to the most complete guide to water bottles on the internet! We discuss all types of water bottles and reveal the best water bottles. Let's dive in!

Introduction

A trusty water bottle is like the family you choose for yourself. It goes without saying that it should be a reliable daily companion - one that supports you when you need it most, and, more importantly, one that won’t complain about having to wait for you in the hot car between errands. 

Like family members, some water bottlers are superior to others, and better suited to your personal needs. Use this as a go-to guide when trying to pick the best water bottle from the diverse market!

In this article we discuss the following:

  • The Many Types of Water Bottles
    • Metal Water Bottles
      • Stainless Steel Water Bottles
      • Copper Water Bottles
      • Aluminum Water Bottles
      • Brass Water Bottles
      • Silver Water Bottles
      • What is the Best Metal Water Bottle?
    • Glass Water Bottles
    • Plastic Water Bottles
    • Silicone Water Bottles 
    • Insulated Water Bottles
    • Alkaline Water Bottles
    • Collapsible Water Bottles
    • Sports Water Bottles
    • Filter Water Bottles
    • Smart Water Bottles
    • Water Bottles With Straws
    • Arthritis Friendly Water Bottles
  • The Overall Best Water Bottles

The Many Different Types of Water Bottles

Whether you realize it or not, there is a water bottle out there that can, and will, serve you far better than your existing hydration companion. Nobody gets the water bottle game right the first time around. Almost everyone meets their perfect water bottle after a few rounds of trial and error, usually beginning with a long, regretful history of purchasing single use plastic every time they need a sip of the old H2O. 

Finally taking the time to research, and invest in, the optimal water bottle for your circumstances is not only better for your pocket: it benefits the environment as well. A well-made water bottle can last for tens of years, eliminating thousands of tons of single use plastic from entering landfills worldwide. Look at this investment as your social responsibility, if anything. 

We’ve found water bottle preferences to be largely subjective. To aid in objectivity, we’ve created a comprehensive list of benefits and disadvantages of all of the water bottles you are likely to encounter during your quest to purchase. Read on to become an expert in water bottles!

Metal Water Bottles

Stainless Steel Water Bottles

hand holding stainless steel gray water bottle top view

Often the argument arises that making use of recycled plastic is better than purchasing newly made products made of other materials. Unfortunately, the process of recycling plastic is often more harmful to the environment than the process of making new products from scratch. Producing new stainless steel water bottles, for example, is far more eco-friendly than using recycled plastic for the same purpose. 

Stainless steel water bottles are made by moulding 100% food grade stainless steel into canteen-shaped water bottles. They are extremely lightweight, and highly durable. They are also a more worthy investment when one considers the life-span and attractive characteristics that come with them. 

When looking to buy a stainless steel water bottle, be sure to opt for one that is not lined with plastic, epoxy or resin. Some manufacturers attempt to mask the natural tin-like taste of stainless steel water bottles by making use of these three substances. All three have the potential to release harmful chemicals into your water over long term use, and should therefore be avoided. 

Stainless steel bottles are some of the best dishwasher safe water bottles, and are also great for individuals who enjoy hiking, rock climbing or other outdoor activities. They do not leach any chemicals when left out in the sun (provided they are not lined with said plastic, epoxy or resin), so you can rest assured your water stays perfectly drinkable no matter how long you spend in the great outdoors. They can also take a real beating; stainless steel water bottles have been known to survive falls from cliff sides, and worse!

The impressive durability of stainless steel water bottles makes them among the best water bottles for kids. They can handle the tumultuous, and often aggressive, lifestyle that children’s food and drink containers tend to encounter between school and home life. They can also be easily engraved with your child’s name so that the risk of loss is significantly reduced. What’s also great about stainless steel water bottles is that they are 100% recyclable when the time comes to discard them. 

One of the most significant disadvantages of stainless steel water bottles is the fact that they are not naturally self-sterilizing like other bottles (discussed more below). As a result, stainless steel bottles often develop a moldy smell and taste after use which can be difficult if not impossible to remove. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace your bottle after several months in order to avoid drinking water with a bad taste.

In addition, since production of stainless steel water bottles is energy intensive, they come at a retail price considerably higher than that of their plastic counterparts. Another significant disadvantage is the risk of a metallic-like flavor to your water if the bottle remains unlined on the inside. In addition, if you drop your stainless steel water bottle from a considerable height, you run the risk of denting the body; so goes it with most slim water bottles. 

As far as stainless steel water bottles go, Hydro Flask is the name to look out for. They run a competitive range of products, including one of the best wide mouth stainless steel water bottles on the market. Hydrapeak is a close second, with a product range built around everyday use. They guarantee their bottles as totally leak and sweat proof, which is a big pro when it comes to water bottles that typically heat up when left in the sun. Hydrapeak water bottles also come with a lifetime guarantee — big plus!

S’well is an aesthetically recognizable brand of stainless steel water bottles currently doing the rounds on social media. The charming, pastel-colored casings over their bottles make them more of a statement accessory, as opposed to just a drinking device. In addition to regular water bottles, S’well does a range of portable, leak-proof tumblers, flasks, and what they call ‘travelers’. This is undoubtedly one of the best brands to look at in terms of the best water bottle for travel purposes. 

Klean Kanteen is another name you want to look out for. They make the world’s best single wall stainless steel water bottle, and are fast becoming one of the most recognizable brands of water bottles amongst extreme sport lovers. 

Copper Water Bottles

Ah, the wonder that is copper water bottles; or, as those in the industry like to call them: the best lightweight water bottles since stainless steel!

Copper water bottles emerged seemingly overnight as the most superior form of metal water bottle on the market — and with good reason. The benefits of drinking water infused with copper have long been understood by the Ayurvedic communities and the Ancient Indians. It’s only recently that health nuts in the Western world are taking notice of how these bottles can benefit them, too.

Copper H2O hammered copper water bottle placed on an open magazine

By Copper H2O - Copper H2O

First thing’s first, it is perfectly safe to drink from copper on a daily basis. Copper is an essential mineral within the human body. In fact, copper deficiency is common in most humans and, when left untreated, can lead to certain illnesses and even fatalities. 

Since humans can’t produce copper of their own, they have to rely on regular consumption of the mineral from exterior sources. A daily copper supplement is one way of balancing the copper levels within the body; a copper water bottle is another way of naturally and gently increasing your copper intake.

If your priority is an easy to clean water bottle, look no further. Copper is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-viral and therefore doesn’t need to be cleaned as regularly as other water bottles do. In turn, this makes a copper bottle the best gym water bottle as it offers anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties in an environment usually saturated with foreign bacteria and viruses. 

These lightweight water bottles are aesthetic pleasures. Their alluring facade is difficult to ignore; there is something very satisfying about the appearance of new copper. They are, in some ways, functional works of art. 

When it comes to copper water bottles the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. The only real disadvantage when it comes to multi-use copper is that it will develop a patina with use and exposure to water and air, but many people find that the patina adds a beautiful character to the bottle and prefer not to remove it.

Perhaps the best product in the contemporary market is the Copper H2O copper water bottle. Made with 100% copper, the bottles by Copper H2O feature a mottled exterior that can’t help but catch the eye. These bottles were made with the practice of Ayurveda in mind. Other producers of copper water bottles include the Kosdeg copper water bottle and the Cretoni copper water bottle.

Aluminum Water Bottles

It can be difficult to tell the difference between stainless steel and aluminum when the two are placed side by side. The major difference between these two metals is their strength. Stainless steel is naturally stronger than aluminum, which is why most high-end cooking devices, like pots and pans, are rarely made from the latter. That being said, strength of metal has little to no relevance when it comes to metal water bottles; unless of course you are intending to drop said water bottle from a considerable height. 

Aluminum has been dragged through the wringer when it comes to metal propaganda. People know it as that lightweight silver-looking substance used to make cheap cooking pots, that are usually misshapen and covered in dents when found in the back of grandma’s kitchen closet. 

For years there were rumors surrounding aluminum’s effect on the human brain, supposedly linking the metal to a cause of Alzheimer’s Disease. This has repeatedly been proven untrue, but the stigma remains present in some communities. 

The truth? Aluminum is safe to eat and drink from, and is one of the most environmentally friendly metals available. Aluminum can be used infinitely; one could leave their water bottle outdoors for 50 years and it would remain as intact as the day they first bought it. Aluminum is also 100% recyclable, which makes discarding these water bottles less harmful on the planet in the long run. 

Some aluminum manufacturers will opt to line the inside of their bottles with a type of plastic. This isn’t a problem so long as the plastic is BPA free; be sure to take note of this when researching specifications of a bottle brand in which you are interested. 

Less seasoned hikers might disagree, but we believe aluminum water bottles to be among the best water bottle for hiking out there. Since aluminum is so much lighter in weight compared to stainless steel, the water bottles can be securely clipped to your belt or pants using any sized carabiner you have laying around. Not only will you be hiking hands-free, you’ll also be carrying significantly less weight compared to other types of metal water containers. 

One disadvantage to aluminum water bottles is that you are almost guaranteed to dent them if dropped from as low as waist height. In addition, like stainless steel, aluminum also has the tendency to leave a metallic taste in the mouth if the bottle is not washed out regularly. 

A Sigg water bottle is one of the best quality aluminum products available. They specialize in stainless steel and plastic bottles as well, but their aluminum ones have been bestsellers since their inception back in 1908. 

Brass Water Bottles

Brass and copper water bottles are easy to mistake for one another. While copper is a base metal, brass is actually an alloy. Brass is typically made by combining copper with zinc, but a number of other metal elements can be included as well. 

The easiest way to tell a copper water bottle from a brass one is to hold them up to the light. Copper will give off a red-brown tone, while brass will always be yellow-brown, similar to bronze. Because of the metal fusion, brass is much stronger than pure copper. 

Like copper, brass water bottles are able to offer the same anti-microbial properties. Science has shown that bacteria struggles to thrive in brass pots of water, much more so than it does in plastic or glass. That being said, water contained in brass for a long period of time runs the risk of becoming too highly concentrated with zinc. Consuming too much zinc can lead to nausea, cramps, and eventually vomiting. Sometimes water can take on a chalky appearance when zinc concentration has occurred.  

When it comes to the world of hydration, brass water bottles can be difficult to find. Brass and copper water bottles are closely associated to the wellness industry due to their relationship with Ayurveda. This is a practice that is encouraged in the Ayurvedic teachings from Ancient India, however in Ayurveda it is 100% copper that is recommended for the best possible results. 

Manufacturers have started moving away from making brass water bottles, and are instead focusing on the production of quality pure copper bottles.  

Silver Water Bottles

Silver water bottles, also sometimes known as single wall stainless steel water bottles, are a great choice for anyone wanting to achieve that rustic, outdoorsman kind of aesthetic.

Silver water bottles are made from stainless steel. Usually, stainless steel water bottles are coated in an outer layer with a colorful matte material. The inside remains silver, but the outside becomes a unique and recognizable bottle. 

Some people opt to leave the coating off of their water bottles for a multitude of reasons. There is sufficient research to show that dark colors more readily  absorb the heat of the sun; as a result, a silver water bottle coated in black is probably not the most suitable water container to take along to the beach. Likewise, a silver water bottle coated in a bright white casing is definitely not the best water bottle to clip to your belt during a hunting trip, unless your goal is to be spotted from a mile away. 

As we mentioned above, stainless steel or silver water bottles are best purchased free of any inner plastic layer. Lack of a layer might give your water that metallic taste over time, but at least you won’t run the risk of consuming BPA chemicals if your bottle ever sits in a warm environment for too long. 

Silver water bottles make great companions for children. While it might be tempting to invest in a colorful water bottle for them, consider that these bottles usually require far more time and effort to keep clean, unlike that of a plain silver water bottle that simply needs a wipe every few weeks. When it comes to raising kids, there is nothing better than an easy to clean water bottle — okay, well maybe an unbreakable water bottle. Good thing the silver offers both!

The only real downside to silver water bottles is that they can be easily confused with other silver water bottles. Having no unique color with which to identify your bottle is only an issue if you’re often around many other silver water bottles. Again, the beauty of stainless steel is that it can be easily engraved upon, so you can sort out the identification issue relatively easily. 

The Brita stainless steel water bottle has dominated the silver bottle market since the beginning of their filtered water journey. Not only does the Brita pop top water bottle come in silver, it also features a built in, miniature version of the original Brita water filter. Each bottle purchase comes with a filter replacement to use when the time comes; you’ll be filtering out impurities for years to come. 

Tal water bottles, in the shade silver metallic, boast the ability to keep water ice cold for up to 24 hours. If you need to keep something hot, they do that, too! These are heavy duty water bottles, as you will see from their thick shape, and are made with the great outdoors in mind. 

What is the Best Metal Water Bottle?

It’s clear that all metals, as a production material, make for some of the most durable water bottles on the market. 

As we humans are constantly expanding into more conscious beings, we seem to be becoming more and more invested in health and wellness as a daily practice. Perhaps it’s simply a trend, but, trends aside, one should always give credit where it’s due: wellness makes us feel better, more of the time. 

A quality water bottle is one of the many branches that lead to the tree of wellness, but we need to acknowledge that some water bottles are simply healthier than others. The differences between the many types of metal water bottles are not extremely vast; you’re likely to have a similar physical drinking experience regardless of the metal in question. But it goes without saying that if there is an opportunity to enrich or purify the water itself, before drinking it, then that is not something to be ignored. 

Copper water bottles have the ability to transform otherwise plain water into copper-infused water which is naturally alkaline and also has additional health benefits from an Ayurvedic perspective. 

Let’s also be honest: nobody wants to have to worry about properly washing out a water bottle every single day. With most water bottles, a lazy disinfection regime puts you at risk of illness every time you take a swig. 100% pure copper water bottles and their antibacterial properties mean you’re coming into contact with significantly less bacteria per sip. 

Copper water bottles are not the most high end water bottles out there, but their immense benefits on the body deserve far greater praise than a bottle that can simply keep water colder for longer— in our opinion. 

Glass Water Bottles

We agree — everything tastes better when in glass! There is even research that suggests that alkaline water retains a stronger pH value when stored in glass, when compared to plastic. 

A glass water bottle is definitely not the most practical container alternative to plastic, but, if your lifestyle caters to the nature of these bottles, then why not? There are various shapes and sizes of glass water bottles; a small glass water bottle is considered to be a safer bet as opposed to a larger one that is easier to knock into things. 

Unlike plastic, glass bottles will not leach harmful chemicals when left out in the sun for too long. And, unlike metal, glass bottles won’t alter the flavor of your water at all. Believe it or not, there are a lot of people who struggle with the notion of drinking from something which is not glass based. Some say that the belief in the change in flavor is simply a placebo effect, but this doesn’t change the fact that people want their glass!

Clear water bottles are great because you can see how much water you are consuming in real time. Likewise, if anything noticeable is floating in your water that might pose as a potential health risk, you’ll see it before it is too late. 

The disadvantage of glass is obvious; you bump it (hard enough), you break it. Don’t get us wrong, glass water bottle manufacturers are constantly stepping up their game when it comes to using thick, durable glass for their products. We’ve known some glass water bottles to roll right out of a car and onto the street without so much as a chip. However, the bottom line is that the risk of crack or shatter is always going to be there. In addition, glass bottles are generally not safe for the freezer because they will break as the water freezes and expands.

Risk of breaking aside, glass as a material has a much longer lifespan than plastic of any kind. Plastic might take decades to break down in nature, but glass won’t become scratched, warped or stained over time. 

Another downside of glass bottles is that they do not have the anti-microbial properties of copper bottles. As a result, glass bottles require frequent washing to keep them fresh and free of bacteria and other microbes.

The Ello water bottle comes in many different sizes, which is wonderful for new glass buyers. Their 20oz glass bottle slips perfectly into most handbags. If you’re in the market for something bigger, then look at an Eco One water bottle; their capacities are far more generous white still keeping the glass itself lightweight. 

Plastic Water Bottles

Ah, the dreaded P-word. Plastic and its plague over the planet is something that is becoming harder and harder to ignore, especially once one has chosen to move toward wellness of the mind, body and spirit. 

Unfortunately, the plastic take over of cutlery, crockery and storage occurred long before we were collectively cognizant of what was going on. It’s an industry that has caused a lot more harm than good, and, even so, we still can’t seem to cut it out of our daily lives. 

The truth is that plastic is actually not completely terrible, so long as it’s not single-use. Single-use plastic is what is tearing through our oceans, but infinite-use plastic is most harmful in its production process. 

A quality made plastic water bottle, in many ways, has similar durability to metal ones. They can take a hit, and make for great companions on similar terrains where metal is better suited, namely outdoor activities. They are also the most freezer safe water bottles you’ll find, as plastic can handle both extreme cold and extreme heat without warping at all. 

Since plastic has been manufactured across the planet for decades, it remains one of the most affordable materials. Often people might actually prefer glass or metal for their water bottle, but plastic ones are simply the only ones that are in their price range. 

The downside is the dreaded leaching of chemicals. Many plastics, especially those used for drinking and eating purposes, are made from harmful BPA materials that combust when exposed to sunlight. This leaches into the water, and ingesting them over a long period of time has been linked to the likes of infertility and even cancer. One needs to be very careful when opting to purchase a plastic water bottle. 

When shopping for a plastic water bottle, your options are really infinite. It helps to start by identifying characteristics you value in a water container. If you seek the best large water bottle, a Nalgene water bottle is something of a dream. These are for avid water drinkers who make an effort to consume their 2 liters a day, every day. 

The Camelbak Eddy water bottle is a popular brand, especially amongst kids! They use colorful plastic in a range of different tones, and each bottle is fitted with their signature drinking straw. Their entire range is BPA free. The Contigo Autoseal water bottle has a similar easy-sip nature, with a much bigger capacity. 

The goal of the Healthish water bottle is to help users maintain better hydration during the day through the use of the strategic markings on the bottle itself. They are more retro in shape and interesting to look at. 

Silicone Water Bottles

Silicone water bottles are simply plastic or glass bottles that are coated using a silicone cover of sorts. In terms of glass, the silicone makes the bottle less susceptible to breakage. With plastic breakage becomes irrelevant, but a silicone case can make a water bottle more unique and identifiable; they can also be easier for children to grip. 

What most people don’t know is that silicone is a form of rubber, and therefore a natural insulator. If you’re a fan of cold water, silicone can increase the ability of metal, plastic and glass to keep water cold for longer. 

Insulation aside, silicone definitely has the ability to transform the most basic water bottle from drab to fab. Silicone water bottle covers have become a trend and, the brighter the silicone, the better. What’s more, silicone is relatively easy to print on, so water bottle manufacturers are bringing visual arts right onto the bottles themselves. 

At present, there are no known health risks to using silicone coated cookware on a regular basis. The only downside to a silicone water bottle is that, being a rubber, silicone does break down overtime and becomes susceptible to tearing. 

A glass water bottle with silicone sleeve would be the more preferable item to look out for. BKR water bottles are fantastic glass bottles with creative silicone casings that have made them famous amongst wellness communities. Perhaps you’ve seen their trending “spiked bottle” made from strategically melted silicone. 

Insulated Water Bottles

Like the aforementioned silicone water bottles, insulated water bottles are almost always superior to non-insulated ones.

Sometimes, the coldest water bottle isn’t always the most obvious one. A silicone sleeve is a very overt form of insulation; the market, however, is much more vast than this. The newest trend when it comes to insulated water bottles is to vacuum seal stainless steel water bottles so that they better keep their cold or hot temperature.

Insulated water bottles come in many different varieties. Some insulated water bottles are vacuum insulated water bottles which use the physics of natural vacuums to help minimize the transfer of heat. Other insulated water bottles are double walled water bottles which are not vacuum insulated but use the double wall barrier to slow the transfer of heat to or from your water bottle.

woman on the beach holding blue Bindle water bottle

Stainless steel makes for some of the best insulated water bottles, but it is important to remember that the vacuum sealed caps themselves will usually be made out of plastic. Some brands skip a few steps, and rather than insert a plastic cap into a stainless steel body, they instead wrap stainless steel around an existing full plastic body. 

You’ll have to use your own discretion when shopping for an insulated water bottle. Full stainless steel, with just a plastic cap, would be the healthiest and most durable water bottle to invest in in this regard. If you’re on a tight budget, then accepting a steel wrapped plastic bottle might just have to do — at least these are some of the best leak proof water bottles!

Yeti water bottles, also known as Yeti Coolers, are known for their unparalleled temperature retention. They are made with flask-technology in mind, making them one of the best companions for remote locations. 

RTIC water bottles are also concerned with keeping water cold whilst in the great outdoors. The best part about these bottles is their range of sizes and uses. Each bottle is made with a double-wall minimum, so, if you’re trying to keep a liquid considerably hot or cold, it can do so quite reliably. They even make tumblers for your morning coffee whilst camping!

Speaking of camping, Thermos is a trusted name within this competitive industry. The Thermos water bottle is one of the best quality insulated water bottles on offer. They also happen to be one of the most affordable insulated water bottle retailers on the market!

The Takeya water bottle is our personal top pick for a great insulated product. We love the sleek, clean design of their bottles; the colorful matte finishes make for a pleasing texture. A close second is the famous Ozark Trail water bottle; these are fully insulated stainless steel without all the excess plastic. 

If you’re a cyclist, take a good look at the Polar insulated water bottle. These are plastic bottles that are insulated from the inside, so the outer shape makes it suitable to slide into your bike holster for long journeys. The biggest perk is that you don’t need both hands to open them, which is ideal whilst cycling or running. 

Alkaline Water Bottles

Alkaline water has become one of the biggest products of the decade. When water with a pH of above 7 was discovered to be beneficial to the health of human beings, water retailers couldn’t help but jump at the news. 

Alkaline water can be made the natural way or the artificial way. In order to make alkaline water the artificial way, the water generally needs to pass through a process of electrolysis. This requires relatively expensive machinery and is difficult to do at home, so people are often forced to buy their water from alkaline dispensaries. This can be difficult, or impossible, depending on where in the world it is that you live. 

Alkaline water is therefore usually found only in single-use plastic water bottles, which are discarded and forgotten once the drinking is done. A water bottle with the ability to raise the pH value of the water in question was unheard of until recently. This is where alkaline water made the natural way comes into the equation.

Alkaline water can be made naturally by storing water in an environment where it is able to naturally absorb minerals which increase the water’s pH level. Copper is a mineral that has the ability to change water from regular to alkaline. The copper ionizes the water that it touches, raising the pH and infusing the water in a way that is believed to have significant health benefits.. 

In essence, a copper water bottle is an alkaline water bottle, and vice versa. Investing in a copper water bottle means your days of trekking to the water shop are long gone. Even low valued pH tap water has the potential to be transformed to above pH 7 on the alkalinity scale just by spending a few hours inside of a copper container. 

While there are no significant risks involved in drinking alkaline water in moderation, a sudden shift from low pH water to alkaline can sometimes come as a bit of a shock to the body. While your body was perhaps used to fighting off the harmful chlorines found in your previous water source, the switch to alkaline can come as foreign change, albeit a better one overall. At most, you might experience some mild nausea or even a headache as a result of such water being consumed on a regular basis. Take it slow and consult a medical professional if you experience any negative health impacts.

The Copper H2O copper water bottle remains one of the best alkaline water bottles on the market.

Collapsible Water Bottles

Collapsible water bottles probably deserve more attention than they are currently given. These nifty devices are the most lightweight and best leak proof water bottles available thanks to their bladder-style body that can be rolled up in seconds. 

Unlike rigid-bodied bottles, collapsible water bottles can shape shift as needed. They are fantastic for children, especially if you’re having a pool day and want something that can float on water. 

Collapsible water bottles are equally fantastic travel companions. Often airlines don’t allow passengers to take their own water onboard, but if you’re going backpacking through a foreign country you’ll need to carry a reusable water bottle of your own with you. A collapsible water bottle saves space whilst in transit, and can then be filled up once the destination is reached. 

Hikers and long distance runners love the really thin, sack-like collapsible water bottles. Certain runs and hikes only require one hydration stop, so you can finish the contents of your collapsible water bottle, fold it up, tuck it away, and not have to think about the fact that you’re lugging it around until you’re back at home. The Vapur water bottle is one of the better bladder-style collapsible water bottles. Their sizes range up to 1 liter. 

Nomader collapsible water bottles are probably the most stylish of them all, which is no easy feat. These bottles roll up onto themselves, and fasten at the head, making them a compact and easily transportable companion when all is drunk and done. 

In a similar fashion, the Que water bottle uses a spiral aesthetic to allow the bottle to collapse into itself, rendering it half of the original size. They are the first to claim that no “good looks” get sacrificed in the usage of their product. 

Sports Water Bottles

There is a lot to be said about different sports in contrast to different water bottles. Not only are sporting water bottles left mostly to personal preference, but their pros or cons really depend on the sport in question and the user’s style. For example, some runners detest the idea of a camel pack, while others can’t imagine clutching a handheld bottle for the duration of their run. 

Ideally, your sports water bottle needs to serve you in a way that is optimized and efficient. Some of the best sports water bottles are those with built in insulation. Stainless steel isn’t always the most ideal bottle for high intensity sports, as it is not easy to carry around, but there are great insulated plastic water bottles doing the rounds as sporting companions. 

The best sports water bottles do not require the use of two hands in order to take a drink. Easy-sip technology is advantageous to sportsmen who have but a few seconds to hydrate between activities. 

We mentioned that the Polar insulated water bottle is the cyclist’s first choice thanks to its ability to fit most water holders on bikes. If your sport doesn’t involve a bicycle with a holder, then the Platypus water bottle may be worth taking a look at. This is a comprehensive range of camel packs that offer hands free hydration for sports such as marathon running, cycling or even rock climbing. 

Filter Water Bottles

The biggest disadvantage to investing in a reusable water bottle is that you lose the benefit of consuming a lot of purified waters usually found in disposable store-bought bottles. It’s a no brainer that this is not enough of a reason to continue buying single-use plastics, but it would be nice if the quality of one’s water could increase in their reusable bottle as well. 

Filter water bottles have stolen the show for health nuts around the world. By building conventional filters into water bottles, one no longer has to think twice about the quality of the water that they’re filling into the bottle. 

There are many different varieties of filter water bottles which use different technology to purify and filter water. One of the most common varieties are reverse osmosis water bottles, which use the physics of osmosis to separate water molecules from impurities.

A filter water bottle turns regular tap water into purified H2O with every sip. In reality, we should be filtering all of the water that we consume during everyday life, even the water we use for cooking. Activated carbon filters are able to pull contaminants from water sources, including the harmful chlorine and pesticides found in all tap water around the world. 

If your health and wellbeing are of general concern to you, investing in a filter water bottle puts you one step closer to that tree of wellness we mentioned earlier. Some people even report filter water bottles to improve the overall flavor of their water. 

We mentioned that Brita remains one of the most reliable water filtration companies in the world. Their Brita stainless steel water bottle is an excellent, and surprisingly affordable, rendition of a filter water bottle. You’ll get a lifetime of use from this trusty bottle; the filter is the only thing that has to be replaced every so often, and you can purchase them anywhere that Brita is sold. 

Smart Water Bottles

If you’ve ever considered getting yourself a health coach, you might be attracted by the idea of using a  smart water bottle. 

As the wellness industry continues to expand, so do the theories on exactly how much water needs to be consumed in a day for optimum results. Smart water bottles use modern technology to work one on one with their “drinker”, and they have the ability to feed relevant information to the user throughout the day to help them improve their hydration practices. 

For example, some smart water bottles have sensor-equipped lids that are able to monitor the temperature of your water, and how much of it you still need to drink in order to reach your personal goal for the day. 

Some offer their technology in the body of the bottle instead. There are smart water bottles that will light up when it comes time for you to take a sip, gently edging you toward a more beneficial hydration schedule in the process. Other smart water bottles use lights to track your daily intake. 

It’s clear that smart water bottles can be invaluable to people who aren’t able to hold themselves accountable for the amount of water they drink in a day, or lack thereof. Like we said, these are portable health coaches that only have your best interests in mind — you can never drink too much water!

But we don’t drink too much water, do we? In fact, studies tend to show that most people aren’t drinking even close to the recommended amount of water per day. So, if there is a water bottle that claims to improve drinking habits, we should really be all for it!

The biggest issue with this technology is that it’s never going to be a necessity. No one needs a smart water bottle just to stay hydrated. Another disadvantage is that smart water bottles require regular charging to retain battery life. Amidst the many cellphones, laptops, watches, and even cars that we have to charge everyday, do we really need to charge our water bottle?

Finally, smart water bottles aren’t cheap. They contain innovative technology and complex mechanical parts, and manufacturing these comes at a price. Because of the many components, smart water bottles can be bulky. Drop them too harshly on a regular basis and you could also see the systems start to malfunction over time; these water bottles should be handled with care, just as you would any other smart device. 

Water Bottles with Straws

Being unwilling to drink without a straw is a phenomenon that continues to plague the world. It’s the reason why over 500 million straws are used everyday in the USA alone, and why all 500 million of them will contaminate the oceans when the day comes to an end. 

Reusable water bottles with straws bring us somewhat of a solution to the single-use straw crisis. These appeal as much to adults as they do to children. Think about it: what makes drinking water whilst driving a plausible activity? A straw! 

woman middle of the desert facing front sipping from a water bottle

They are convenience made portable; pure enjoyment with every sip. But what are the disadvantages of having this permanent fixture present in your personal water container? Well, built in straws can be difficult little devices to clean properly. They are susceptible to a build up of bacteria, which can lead to microscopic mold that will escape into your water every time you take a sip. Needless to say, this can be detrimental to one’s health if left to fester long enough. 

Most water bottles with straws are made from plastic. Again, the issue of BPA comes into question, and it is important to look into investing in the safest plastics possible in this regard. For those that wish to avoid plastics, there are also stainless steel water bottles with straws and glass water bottles with straws. For those that wish to combine the benefit of a built-in straw with other features, there are also insulated water bottles with straws.

One major disadvantage to water bottles with straws is that there are no two ways about them. If you’re suddenly no longer into using a straw, your water bottle won’t have the option of functioning without it. You’re bound for life! 

The Simple Modern water bottle is a great brand that has designed their built-in straws to be discreet. They pop out when needed, and tuck away when not in use. You can’t tell that this is a straw based water bottle at all. Camelbak water bottles are another quality range featuring built-in straws; these are bulkier and more obvious, as the bottles themselves are transparent. 

Arthritis Friendly Water Bottles

Few people think about how inconvenient arthritis can be for avid water drinkers until it is them that is in the hot seat with the disease. Think about it: how are people suffering from painful, debilitating arthritis supposed to lift up a heavy water bottle every few minutes just to stay hydrated? 

Unfortunately there are no perfect solutions to this problem, but there are a lot of “better options”. Some argue that a camel pack is actually the best kind of water bottle for a person with arthritis, as it eliminates the need to lift anything altogether. However, not everyone sees the appeal in wearing water on their back all day, and rightfully so. 

Grip is the most important thing to consider when looking at arthritis friendly water bottles. Your best option would be a bottle that curves slightly inward at the waist, making the body smaller and easier to clasp a hand around. Another great solution is any kind of silicone bodied water bottle, as silicone offers a naturally easier grip over typically slippery plastic and glass. 

A water bottle with a built-in straw is another kind of arthritis friendly water bottle. The straw allows the user to drink from as low an angle as needed, and lifting the bottle high above one’s head is no longer necessary. 

Copper is an element that has long been associated with the alleviation of pain when it comes to arthritis and joint disease. Many people around the world make use of copper bracelets, which put pure copper directly onto the wrist of the individual in question. It is thought that through the process of absorption, copper is able to seep in through the skin and target the joints in question. 

A copper water bottle is therefore potentially another form of arthritis friendly water bottle. This is not to say that the holding of a copper water bottle has any effect on the arthritis itself, but consuming copper enriched water on a regular basis could lead to long term changes in one’s pain and discomfort levels. 

See our earlier breakdown of the best copper water bottles on the market at the start of this article!

The Overall Best Water Bottles

Copper H2O hammered copper water bottle placed on an open magazine

By Copper H2O - Copper H2O

When all is said and done, and the contestants have been lined up, poked and prodded for the best results, the findings tend to speak for themselves. 

It goes without saying that any opportunity to move away from plastic to a more sustainable material should be taken seriously. Our section on metal water bottles shows that drinking from stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass offers customers a high quality experience at a generally reasonable price. 

While a silicone covered, collapsible, smart water bottle might sound like a phenomenal device on paper, it remains our social responsibility to make the most environmentally friendly choice moving forward. Essentially, water bottles are all about educating oneself as much as possible in order to make the best decision for both oneself and the future of the planet. 

A copper water bottle is without a doubt one of the healthiest water bottles on the market. When it comes to environment, economy, health and wellness, this water bottle ticks all of the boxes. Copper is a substance that is easy to mine and purify, and then mould into the bottles in question. Even though copper will patina with  use, the copper itself isn’t losing strength through that process, and, in any case, many people find the patina beautiful.

Investing in a copper water bottle remains one of the best things we can all do for our personal health and that of the environment. A double whammy, some might say. Overall, this one comes out on top every time, even amidst the very tough competition that is alkaline water bottles, water bottles with straws or the many other kinds of water bottles on the market. 

Did You Enjoy This Article?

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, you might also like the following articles: Studies Support Use of Copper Water Bottles and Drinking Water: How Much Water Should I Drink?

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Copper Water Bottle

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Moscow Mule Copper Mug

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