In this blog post, we offer the complete guide to raw water and reveal the ways to safely drink live, natural water. Let's dive in!

Introduction

If you have an interest in Ayurveda or other principles of healthy living, you have likely heard about the raw water movement, which many believe stems from the raw food movement. In this article, we discuss raw water’s health benefits and risks and then discuss how using a copper water vessel can permit you to enjoy many of the same benefits of raw water while avoiding the risks.

What is Raw Water and Its Health Benefits?

Raw water, which some people also refer to as live or unprocessed water, is simply water gathered straight from its source, which is generally a water spring. As defined by the Environmental Protection Agency, spring water is a type of water that flows from an underground aquifer and is filtered through rocks before emerging at the surface. Spring water may be fetched directly from the opening of a spring, or through a well. It may be purified, treated, or left in its original state prior to drinking.

In most cases, spring water naturally passes through and becomes filtered by limestone rocks, which are quite soft relative to other types of rocks. The spring water absorbs various minerals as it passes through these soft rocks. Spring water is oftentimes crystal clear, although it may also have a weak tint due to the minerals it has gathered during its journey.

Raw water is said to be naturally alkaline and possesses the right amounts and proportions of essential, health-enhancing elements such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. It is also said that raw water contains probiotics that are otherwise destroyed if the water is subjected to sterilization. Additionally, it is claimed that raw water is free from industrial chemicals and does not undergo any water treatment so as to ensure that its intrinsic minerals and nutrients are not removed.

Raw water is said to have a uniquely smooth feel and is characterized by its mildly sweet flavor profile. Many of raw water’s adherents claim that drinking it in its purest form can bring about a range of health benefits that typical tap or bottled water cannot. Those who drink raw water for an extended period claim that they feel and appear much younger and have fewer joint problems. Moreover, many who drink raw water say that it helped them lose extra pounds and makes them feel less anxious and tired.  

Risks of Drinking Raw Water

Raw water adherents maintain that their water is 100% safe for consumption as it is free from industrial additives and contaminants that arguably make tap or bottled water a less healthy option. Adherents note that various chemicals are applied to tap water to make it drinkable, such as chlorine, ammonia and fluoride. They also argue that treatments such as filtration and exposure to ultraviolet light or ozone gas removes the beneficial minerals and healthful bacteria in raw water.

On the other hand, many water safety experts claim that water only truly becomes potable (i.e. drinkable) if it has been filtered and treated. According to these experts, the real danger lies in the pathogens that get transmitted into the water through natural means, such as droppings from birds and various wild or domesticated animals. Springs, being an open water source, are susceptible to an array of disease-causing bacteria including e. coli, legionella and coliforms, which are the primary culprits for intestinal infections such as dysentery, cholera and diarrhea.

There is also a potential risk, albeit a small risk, of arsenic poisoning if the water has been washed over certain types of rocks that are naturally laced with such substances. Arsenic can enter the water stream either through natural earth deposits or through industrial and agricultural pollution. It is worth noting that simple methods such as boiling and chlorine disinfection are not enough to eliminate such substances from the water; a more sophisticated technology, such as reverse osmosis, ultra-filtration, distillation or ion exchange is necessary if a water source is suspected to be contaminated with arsenic.

Copper Water Vessels

If you want to enjoy many of the benefits of raw water while avoiding the potential risks, you should consider storing your water in a copper water vessel, such as a copper water bottle. When you store water in a copper water bottle, the water naturally and safely absorbs very small amounts of copper. This naturally ionizes the water and causes the water to become natural alkaline water.

As a result, a copper water bottle is essentially a natural alkaline water bottle. In fact, the process for making natural alkaline water in a copper bottle is much like the process by which water becomes natural alkaline water in nature. In nature, water can become alkaline by passing through a mountain spring and absorbing minerals. Water stored in a copper water bottle essentially does the same thing as it rubs against the walls of the copper bottle.

For more information on this subject, read our blog post on the health benefits of natural alkaline water, which also explains the manner in which a copper water bottle can help you create your own natural alkaline water.

In addition, copper has the benefit of being naturally antimicrobial, which means that it helps remove bacteria that may be present in your water. For more information on this subject, read our blog post on avoiding bacterial growth in reusable water bottles, which also explains the manner in which a copper water bottle can help eliminate bacteria in your drinking water.

About the Authors: This article was collaboratively written by our team of researchers and writers with the benefit of all available scientific studies and other relevant literature. Our team of researchers and writers include experienced health researchers including a qualified medical professional. Please note that information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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In this post, we reveal the importance of proper hydration and how to properly hydrate before, during and after athletic activity. Let's dive right in!

Introduction

Whatever your fitness regimen is – morning jogs, burning tons of calories at the gym, or hitting a spin class – keeping hydrated is of paramount importance. Not having enough water before, during or after your workout routine can lead to dehydration, which happens when you lose more water than you take in. Dehydration's effects on your body and performance can range from mild to severe.

The loss of water through sweat produced by exercising makes hydration all the more necessary. But what does it take to be properly hydrated?

Proper hydration is not only necessary during exercise, but before and after as well. Water does a lot of things – it provides lubrication to the joints, transports nutrients all over the body to keep you energized, and, most importantly, regulates your body temperature. Proper hydration means longer athletic endurance and a lower chance of feeling negative symptoms like fatigue, cramps or dizziness while working out.

In this post, we discuss the benefits of proper hydration, dehydration cues to look out for, and ways to ensure optimal hydration and athletic recovery before, during, and after a physical activity.

The Benefits of Proper Hydration

Most people are not fully aware of how proper hydration affects athletic performance. Unlike diet plans and adequate sleep, water is often overlooked and underestimated as part of a good fitness program. Below, we discuss why water is just as important as nutrition and sleep, and why you should start practicing proper hydration for optimum health and athletic success.

Reduces Fatigue

Fatigue is the most noticeable sign of dehydration. Dehydration decreases blood volume, which in turn makes it harder for your heart to pump blood throughout your body. This hampers the transport of much needed oxygen and nutrients to various parts of the body, which in turn makes you feel lethargic and reduces your motivation. Although water does not energize the body in the same way that carbohydrates do, it is crucial to transforming those carbohydrates into energy and transporting them to various parts of the body to fuel your workout.

Aids in Weight Loss

Staying properly hydrated is very important if you are serious about losing extra weight. In fact, not getting enough water can actually have the opposite effect; this occurs because a reduction in water intake diminishes the kidneys' effectiveness. When this happens, some of the kidneys' functions are turned over to the liver. However, when the liver takes over, its efficiency to utilize stored fat as usable energy is consequently reduced. Thus, improper or inadequate hydration can actually mean extra weight gain for you.

Helps Repair and Tone Muscles

Exercise makes muscles stronger by breaking them down and rebuilding them through protein synthesis. However, this process requires sufficient hydration to work properly. If there is insufficient hydration, the process will be hampered and will negatively affect muscle recovery. In addition, water is essential to transporting  needed nutrients to the muscle cells, and, more importantly, in maintaining electrolyte balances. Electrolyte imbalance is one of the main reasons why our muscles get weak and cramp.

Signs of Insufficient Hydration

When you lose more water than you drink, your body becomes dehydrated. Aside from thirst and dark urine color, there are other signs to watch for in order to gauge dehydration. These may include dizziness, nausea, muscle cramping, bad breath, dry mouth and lips, dry skin, minimal to no sweating, and faster than normal heartbeat. Severe symptoms on the other hand are confusion, weakness and loss of consciousness.

You may also try some easy skin testing – pinch the skin at the back of your hand for a few seconds, and then let go. If you are well hydrated, the skin should return to its normal position immediately. If it takes longer than that, then you may need to address your hydration levels.

How to Hydrate Before, During and After Physical Activity

Hydration Before Your Workout

Starting exercise in a dehydrated state can seriously affect your energy levels. It might also cause you to get stiff muscles or cramps. It is advisable to drink approximately 8 ounces of fluid 2 to 3 hours prior to exercise. This will also allow your kidneys to process the liquid and give you enough time to empty your bladder before the exercise starts. Your urine should be pale yellow and not clear.

Drink another 5 to 10 ounces of fluid 30 minutes before the physical activity starts. You should only drink water or nutrient-rich fluids such as non-fat milk, fresh juice or a sports drink. If the exercise will last more than 1 hour, it is advisable to drink a carbohydrate-rich drink to prevent fatigue. Water stored in a copper bottle can offer a lot of help too, as copper ions are known to be excellent electrolytes.

Hydration During Your Workout

Proper fluid consumption during exercise depends on how long the exercise will last. The ideal amount to consume is also dependent on your weight before and after exercise. By knowing your weight, you can estimate how much water to consume to remain hydrated throughout your workout.

For example, assume that you only consumed 8 ounces of water during a 60 minute workout. Upon weighing yourself after the workout, you notice a loss of 2 pounds. As a general rule, you need to drink an additional 16 to 24 ounces of fluid for every pound lost, which means that your fluid requirement during your workout was actually in the vicinity of 32 to 48 ounces. A helpful rule of thumb is to drink between 6 to 10 ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes during your workout.

If the exercise is intense or might last more than an hour, ordinary water may not be enough. In these cases, it may be helpful to consume a fluid with carbohydrates and electrolytes so as to avoid decreased performance, dehydration and fatigue. This can also help prevent hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.

Replenishing electrolytes lost during sweating is also essential. Salt tablets (diluted with water) is always a good solution. Drinking water stored in copper vessels is also a great way to replace electrolytes lost due to sweating.

Hydration After Your Workout

Again, weighing yourself is a helpful way to determine the amount of fluid you need after an exercise session. If your body weight has increased, that means you have overhydrated and need less fluid intake in the next workout.

Thirst is not the best indicator when it comes to measuring dehydration post-exercise. The better way to assess your hydration levels after your workout is to check the colour of your urine. If you have not urinated a few hours after your exercise, or your urine is not pale yellow, you need to hydrate more. It is not advisable to start a new physical activity without ensuring that you have already achieved good hydration levels.

It is also important to replace lost carbohydrates, sodium and electrolytes post-workout. In addition, your fluid consumption should be distributed evenly and continue up to 6 hours after your workout.

Conclusion

The principle of hydration is simple – whatever you put out, you need to put back in. Proper hydration can have a huge impact on your physical and mental performance. Plan ahead and always make sure to hydrate before, during and after your workout. Lastly, keep in mind that you lose more than just water when you sweat, so it would be wise to level up your hydration strategy by also taking into account your electrolyte and carbohydrate levels.

Our handcrafted water bottles are made from 100% pure copper. When water is stored in these copper bottles it absorbs copper ions which can in turn be beneficial in replacing lost electrolytes. Available in two sizes, our water bottles can assist you in staying hydrated before, during, and after physical activity. 

About the Authors: This article was collaboratively written by our team of researchers and writers with the benefit of all available scientific studies and other relevant literature. Our team of researchers and writers include experienced health researchers including a qualified medical professional. Please note that information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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In this blog post, we explain why reusable plastic water bottles can become harmful bacteria traps and why you can get sick reusing a water bottle. We also explain why using a naturally anti-microbial, self-sterilizing copper water bottle can be a great alternative. Let's get started!

Introduction

Reusable water bottles are handy tools to quench our thirst on the go and avoid dehydration. They are easy to carry around and reach to when we need a drink. If you lead an active lifestyle, you probably can’t get by without a trusty reusable water bottle.

If you care about the environment, you also know that using a reusable water bottles is the only way to go. Disposable plastic water bottles comprise the highest percentage of waste found in landfills. In fact, in a recent study it was determined that 50 billion plastic water bottles are discarded each year.

In addition, on average only 1 in 5 plastic bottles are recycled, and plastic bottles take between 400 and 1000 years to decompose. Did you also know that it requires three times as much water to produce a plastic bottle as it does to fill it?

In the US alone, 1,500 plastic bottles are opened every second on average. One recent study also found that an estimated 5 trillion pieces of plastic waste are floating in the ocean, much of which comes from plastic water bottles.

Reusable water bottles are also much more cost-effective than disposable water bottles. According to Earth Day, the average American buys more than 160 plastic water bottles and spends more than $200 each year. One could save thousands of dollars opting for a reusable water bottle instead.

Although reusable water bottles have many virtues, they do not come without risks. In particular, reusable water bottles can pose health risks caused by the growth of harmful bacteria. Since the nature and function of reusable water bottles involves moisture, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria.

In this blog post, we explain how bacteria can proliferate in reusable water bottles and how you can take precautionary steps so that you can continue using your bottle safely. In addition, we will also explain why the special characteristics of copper make copper water bottles naturally self-sterilizing.

What You Need to Know About Bacteria

Before understanding how to avoid the growth of bacteria in our reusable water bottles, we need to understand what bacteria is and how it thrives.

Bacteria are tiny, single-celled microorganisms that are capable of thriving in different environments. They typically appear in three shapes - round (cocci), cylindrical (bacilli), and spiral (spirilla). One of the means by which bacteria proliferates is through binary fission, which is where a single cell duplicates its DNA and the replicating copies are pushed out of the ends of its cell. Bacteria requires certain environmental conditions for it to reproduce. There must be a warm temperature, moisture, a conducive pH level, and oxygen.

While some bacteria is highly beneficial to the human body, other bacteria can cause serious illnesses. An example of helpful bacteria is lactobacilli, which helps in digestion. On the other hand, an example of a damaging bacteria is salmonella, which can cause food poisoning.

In one recent study, research was conducted to investigate the types of bacteria that grow in reusable water bottles. The researchers took swab tests from reusable water bottles that athletes drank from and found that the reusable water bottles hosted both harmless and harmful bacteria. The harmless bacteria that thrived in the containers included bacillus and gram-positive rods. Dangerous bacteria that grew on the bottles included gram-negative rods and gram-positive cocci, which can cause strep and staph infections and can be resistant to antibiotics.

Risks of Using Bacteria-Contaminated Water Bottles

As various studies have shown, reusable water bottles can become environments that are prone to cultivating harmful bacteria. In fact, reusable water bottles that have not been washed for a week have been found to host gram-negative rods and gram-positive cocci. When the water you are drinking is highly contaminated by these bacteria, it can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infection, and sepsis, among other infections and illnesses.

Various research has also been conducted to investigate the link between bottled water and pseudomonas aeruginosa, a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium that is capable of causing diseases in plants, animals, and human. One such study collected bottled water samples after up to 30 days in storage. The results showed a very significant increase in the size of the bacteria colonies. The research also demonstrated that the bacteria were able to increase at a much higher density than they would in other environments.

Another similar study showed the predominance of pseudomonas in reusable water bottles and suggested that outbreaks of diseases caused by bottled waters have more to do with contamination than the quality of the water source. Another study, which had a duration of eight months and tested eight different kinds of bottled drinking water, recovered nine types of pseudomonas from the bottles, among them p. stutzeri and p. diminuta, both of which are harmful bacteria.

Preventing Bacterial Contamination

The best way to minimize your exposure to contaminated water caused by bacteria is to make sure that you are using a water bottle made from the right material. Some materials, such as copper, are far more resistant to bacteria growth than other materials such as plastic, glass, steel, or other metals.

Plastic

Plastic is the most common type of material from which reusable bottles are made. This is likely because plastic is also the cheapest material from which to make water bottles.

Be sure to be careful that any reusable plastic bottle you use is BPA-free. The presence of BPA (bisphenol A) is linked to fatal illnesses like cancer, particularly when the body is exposed to it frequently. BPA has been identified as an environmental toxin which may disrupt the development in humans by advancing the rate of puberty.

Accordingly, if you must use a plastic water bottle, make sure you only use bottles that are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE #2), low-density polyethylene (LDPE #4), and polypropylene (PP #5), as these materials are the least likely to leach harmful chemicals. However, these materials tend to be less durable, and can retain odors and stains, and also leak. In addition, plastic bottles tend to be problematic havens for the growth of bacteria, which make them less desirable.

In addition, the environmental harm caused by plastic water bottles should encourage you to consider other options.

Copper

Water bottles are increasingly made from copper, which has been used since ancient times to disinfect and purify water. Interestingly, studies have repeatedly shown that copper bottles actively kill bacteria that comes into their presence through a process known the oligodynamic effect.

In one recent study, researchers inoculated water samples with e. coli, salmonella typhi and vibrio cholerae and stored it overnight in a copper vessel at room temperature. The bacteria was no longer recoverable when the researchers examined it the next day, which was an incredible result compared to water stored in control glass bottles under the same environment (in which the bacteria continued to grow and flourish).

Copper water bottles also have a variety of additional health benefits, including creating natural alkaline water.

Glass

Glass is another common material from which reusable bottles are made. Water bottles are often praised for being able to retain the natural taste of water. However, glass bottles are not a practical choice if you aim to keep your baggage light, and they can also shatter easily when dropped. In addition, glass bottles are poor choices when it comes to avoiding the growth of bacteria.

One recent study investigated bacterial growth in water stored in glass containers. The researchers determined that bacteria could easily multiply on the glass container’s surface and in the body of the water itself. In the result, the researchers concluded that the number of bacteria grew excessively compared to water in natural conditions.

Stainless Steel and Aluminum

Stainless steel is another common type of material from which to make water bottles. Such water bottles are typically made of culinary-grade stainless steel.

While stainless steel bottles are generally more lightweight durable than glass, a study by Stanley determined that stainless steel is vulnerable to the irreversible attachment of pseudomonas aeruginosa. The researchers found that when the bacterial cells came into contact with stainless steel, they irreversibly attached in less than one minute and then began to multiply. Stainless steel bottles are also not very good at resisting the formation of unpleasant odors.

Aluminum water bottles are crafted through fashioning an aluminum puck into a cylindrical shape using a metal press. Aluminum bottles are generally shock-proof and can resist odor formation. However, aluminum insulates liquids poorly, and condensation can form outside the bottle when cold water is stored within it.

Like stainless steel, aluminum can also be unsafe when exposed to hot temperatures. Aluminum is also reactive with acidic substances and must be lined with an enamel or epoxy layer. Unfortunately, researchers have determined that the epoxy layer used in many aluminum bottles contains BPA, which is one of the primary components used when creating aluminum bottles.

One study was conducted to probe the trace amounts of metals in water stored in metal water bottles. The experiment involved testing 132 different brands of bottled water from different countries. Leaching experiments were also conducted. The researchers found that some of the water had an exceedingly high amount of aluminum, beryllium, manganese, and uranium. The researchers also cautioned against certain metal bottles which contaminated harmful levels of toxic trace metals like antimony and thallium.   

Cleaning your Water Bottle

Regardless of the material from which your water bottle is made, you should never allow it to sit around for days without washing it, with the exception of copper water bottles which are naturally self-sterilizing.

Ideally, you should scrub your water bottle daily with soap and water. Bottles with a wider mouth will be easier to reach inside for cleaning. If your bottle has a narrow mouth, use a brush to scrub the inside of your bottle.

About the Authors: This article was collaboratively written by our team of researchers and writers with the benefit of all available scientific studies and other relevant literature. Our team of researchers and writers include experienced health researchers including a qualified medical professional. Please note that information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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If you have been following social media, you may have seen Victoria Beckham and others sporting a copper water bottle supplemented with ‘vibrational crystal pods’, which look like tea infusers filled with crystals and stones for a variety of different health purposes, including purposes such as enhancement of energy, clarity, focus or concentration.

The crystal water bottle and 'crystal elixir' trend has been growing for the last few years, and now we are seeing crystals used with copper water bottles. In this post, we discuss some of the differences between crystal water bottles and copper water bottles, canvass some of the science behind their use, and then discuss the manner in which crystals can be used in conjunction with copper water bottles.

Similarities Between Crystal Water Bottles and Copper Water Bottles

Crystal water bottles are similar to copper water bottles in that both of them result in the infusion of water with minerals and tend to increase the alkalinity of water, resulting in natural alkaline water.

In particular, when you store water in a copper water bottle, the water naturally and safely absorbs very small amounts of copper. This causes the water to ionize naturally, when means that the water becomes more naturally alkaline. This was confirmed in a recent study in which scientists examined the effect of storing water in a copper vessel. In particular, the scientists discovered that the water's alkalinity level rose steadily the longer it was stored in the copper vessel.

The same should hold true of crystal water bottles, depending on the nature and quality of the crystals used in the water bottle. When water is stored in a crystal water bottle, it should tend to absorb small amounts of the minerals contained in the crystal, making the water more alkaline based on the same scientific principles that apply to copper water bottles.

Differences Between Crystal Water Bottles and Copper Water Bottles

The key difference between crystal water bottles and copper water bottles is their resistance to bacteria and other microbes. In particular, copper has the benefit of being naturally antimicrobial, which means that it helps remove bacteria that may be present in your drinking water. In fact, in one recent research study scientists found that storing microbially-contaminated drinking-water in a copper vessel for a number of hours resulted in complete decontamination of the water, which included removal of dangerous bacteria such as e.coli and salmonella.

Because copper is naturally anti-bacterial, copper water bottles are naturally self-sterilizing and do not require as much cleaning as other water bottles. In addition, studies have shown that copper water bottles can even help kill air-borne viruses and thereby help fight the flu.

Unfortunately, crystal water bottles do not offer this same benefit, because crystals do not have the same anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties as copper. In addition, the crystals used in crystal water bottles often have tiny crevices and cracks which create perfect habitats for the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. Moisture is essential for bacteria growth, so when your water touches the crystal inside your crystal water bottle, the moisture can become trapped in the little crevices of the crystal and give bacteria space to breed and multiply. As a result, crystal water bottles should be used with caution and cleaned very frequently to avoid any adverse health issues.

Using Crystals with Your Copper Water Bottle

Fortunately, some of the health risks associated with using crystal water bottles can be addressed by using crystals in conjunction with a copper water bottle.

In particular, using crystals in your copper water bottle provides you with the benefit of crystal-infused water while also ensuring that there is no bacteria or other microbial growth in the cracks and crevices of the crystals. This is also one of the reasons why copper water bottles are excellent vessels for storing raw water: one can enjoy the benefit of raw water while also mitigating some of the health risks posed by raw water that may contain contaminants.

You can easily, inexpensively and safely use crystals with your copper water bottle. One of the easiest ways to do so is to make a small mesh bag containing crystals which you can leave in your copper water bottle overnight or during the day for several hours.

You can make such a crystal bag for your copper water bottle by obtaining a small sheet of mesh, placing your crystals on top of it, and then lifting the sides of the mesh up and fastening the top with a string. You can then lower the bag into your copper water bottle and tie the string around the neck so that you can pull it out a few hours later. Another method, which was adopted by Victoria Beckam, is to use a tea ball or strainer to hold the crystals.

Apart from naturally making water alkaline and killing bacteria and other microbes, using crystals in conjunction with your copper water bottle can also have other health benefits. Copper is an essential mineral, and copper water (also known as “tamra jal” in ayurvedic medicine, and also commonly known as “copper infused water” or “copper charged water”) can have excellent health benefits. For example, copper acts as an effective anti-oxidant, improves immunity, supports good health, prevents aging, eliminates toxins and free radicals, and stimulates the brain. It is for this reason that copper water bottles have long been prescribed by Ayurvedic medicine. In addition, copper bottles are aesthetically pleasing and convenient, thereby making it easier to adopt healthy hydration practices including mindful hydration.

Choosing Your Crystals and Copper Water Bottle

One important aspect to keep in mind when using crystals with your copper water bottle is that copper is a reactive metal. This means that copper, when combined with certain other minerals or elements, can sometimes create chemical reactions which change the appearance of the copper or have other effects.

This is why, for example, copper tends to patina after being exposed to air and water for an extended period. The patina is the result of a chemical reaction which occurs on the surface of the copper when exposed to water and air. While the reaction is perfectly safe, it changes the appearance of the copper.

Accordingly, you should ensure that the crystals you are using are inert crystals, as opposed to non-inert minerals or other substances. This is an important distinction, because inert crystals are crystals that are relatively non-reactive (like glass), with the result that they should not react adversely with water or copper. Before using your crystals with your copper bottle, you should conduct research and do your due diligence to confirm that they are inert and non-reactive with copper and water to ensure that you are avoiding any negative health effects.

You should also make sure you use a copper water bottle that is made of 100% pure high-grade food-safe copper and does not have any other metals, alloys or lining. Make sure to do your research and ensure that you are avoiding manufacturers who do not sell pure copper bottles. Also make sure to avoid sellers who sell copper bottles that are coated on the interior with a toxic lacquer. Our copper water bottles are 100% pure high-grade food-safe copper and contain absolutely no toxic materials of any kind.

About the Authors: This article was collaboratively written by our team of researchers and writers with the benefit of all available scientific studies and other relevant literature. Our team of researchers and writers include experienced health researchers including a qualified medical professional. Please note that information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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In this post, we reveal everything you need to know about water bottle slings, including tips for buying one and how to make your own. Let's dive in!

Introduction

There are few things better to be “attached at the hip” with than one’s trusty water bottle. The privilege of hydration at your beck and call throughout the day is enough to sell anyone on the idea, and a bottle sling makes it all possible. They are easily one of the most underrated companions in the world.

The industry of water bottle carriers is a labyrinth of both products and information. Use this as a complete guide in preparation to better navigate the market as a prospective buyer. 

In this article we address the following topics:

• What are Water Bottle Slings?

• Benefits of Water Bottle Slings

• Different Style Options for Water Bottle Slings

• Care Instructions

• Tips for Buying a Water Bottle Sling

• How to Make Your Own Bottle Sling

 

What Are Water Bottle Slings?

A water bottle sling, or water bottle holder, is a nifty device used to carry a bottle of water on one’s body with little to no effort on the part of the individual. Essentially, a water bottle sling is somewhat of a unisex handbag, shaped like a cylinder in order to perfectly cradle the bottle within. 

A better way to describe them might be as shoulder strap water bottle holders, as this is where a sling properly sits on the body. Usually made for comfort and functionality, these slings are practical devices intended to make hydration more accessible — especially for individuals who often find themselves in situations that require them to be “hands free”.

Water bottle slings have been an essential item for both adults and children alike, for many years now. Adults tend to find themselves in hands free engagements when it comes to activities such as hiking or rock climbing, while just about everything a child does requires parents to have both hands available at all times. 

Because of the sheer usefulness of these devices, the sling industry is an ever evolving one. A few years ago it would have been considered a rarity to find a water bottle sling made from anything other than neoprene, but today slings have evolved alongside the ‘tech gadget’ industry and are being made in far more functional variations. So much so that water bottle slings are slowly breaking out of their sports oriented shell and into the fashion market. 

Considering that the average human being needs just under 3 liters of water a day, it can be said that water bottle slings are largely helping to close the gap in terms of being able to consume this amount of liquid amidst the busy schedules we juggle in-between. 

What is the Benefit of Water Bottle Slings?

A far shorter tale to tell would be to explain "how can’t a water bottle sling benefit me?". For such a simple, affordable (usually) device there sure are a boat load of benefits that come with it. 

Firstly, as mentioned above, a bottle holder is the most convenient way to begin reaching your daily hydration requirements without having to plan your days around repeatedly finding/buying water. In the past, most water bottle slings were seen as bulky and tasteless, but the modern market is making way for more and more good-looking carriers that become more of an accessory to any outfit, as opposed to an eyesore. 

If you have children, water bottle slings can do the same for them. Kids are notorious for forgetting to hydrate, especially when consumed by the excitement of a playground. No child wants to be the one to repeatedly break from the action in order to run back to their classroom for a quick sip of water. If it’s not within reach there and then, it’s simply not a priority. What’s more, the rate at which children misplace water bottles is alarming in itself. For economical and environmental purposes, a sling could be a fabulous insurance policy!

Of course it is arguable that water bottle slings offer far more benefit to individuals with more adventurous lifestyles compared to those without. For hikers, rock climbers and trail runners, a water bottle carrier with strap is like gold. 

In these instances, having as little to carry as possible is ideal. No one wants to wear an entire backpack unless absolutely necessary, but having access to water while exploring off the grid is absolutely a necessity. With a strap, those who partake in extreme sports can have their water on their person at all times. 

Because of the growing popularity of water bottle slings, merchandisers have been forced to look at the general design of their products and add functionality wherever possible. These days, you’ll find very few bottle carries that don’t have the addition of a pouch or zip pocket as part of the hamper. 

The benefit? A place for keys, cards, cellphones and anything else that you’d prefer not to carry an entire handbag or backpack for.  

Styles for Every Occasion

What you need to firstly understand about water bottle slings is that within the market there are two very distinct branches: the practical, and the fashionable. There are instances where these lines blur and practicality actually meets fashionability — but, for the most part, you will be choosing between one or the other when it comes to style. 

The more practical style of water bottle sling is usually made with the intent to be of service. They are affordable, easy to use and might come with the aforementioned additions of a pouch or zipped pocket. 

Functional styled water bottle slings tend to be bulkier and more obvious on the body. This is because they are made from… you guessed it… functional fabrics! Fabrics intended to not only cradle your beloved water bottle, but also to keep it cold and protected from the outside elements. 

Neoprene, recycled PET fabric and nylon are the most commonly used materials for more industrial water bottle slings. They are usually a single color all round, and appear less creative than their more fashionable counterparts. 

As mentioned, these are the water bottle carriers that your hikers, fishermen and camping-affiliated individuals are more likely to purchase. Even music festival goers, who need to survive multiple days in harsh terrains like the desert, are likely to opt for functional bottle holders because of the advantage of temperature insulation and durability. 

If you’re not spending extensive time in nature, then practicality can be tossed out of the window entirely. Let’s explore the world of fashionable water bottle slings, shall we?

This branch in itself has another two branches: affordable, and the antithesis of affordable. 

Bouncing off of the ever growing trend, many clothing brands around the world have, at some point, made and sold a trendy water bottle sling in line with their individual style. This is where manufacturing materials got a bit more exploratory, and the world started seeing bottle carriers made out of everything from latex to embroidery. 

The water bottle sling was now an accessory, not something to only be used in instances of extreme ‘hands free-ness’. It was intended to be seen, and shown off, rather than stored away until that camping trip you take once a year.

For the most part, fashionable water bottle slings remained affordable. Yes, they were an investment in their own right, especially when purchasing one that was handmade by a designer or artist within a small business, but in no way were they ever considered outrageous style items. That is until the high fashion industry got hold of them. 

In 2019, the Spanish fashion house, Balenciaga, sent a $750 water bottle holder down the runway at their autumn winter show. The model wore the handbag styled sling across her body, with the carrier and bottle resting proudly on her right hip. The carrier was made entirely from black leather, with the label’s name printed in bold white across the body. 

Shortly thereafter, many more elite fashion houses followed the trend, offering different styles of water bottle carriers to the luxury fashion market. Chanel’s stylish bottle and carrier costs an impressive $7990. They’ve been cleverly marketed as an alternative to plastic, which in a sense is an important movement, but it really all depends on how much you’re willing to fork out for style. 

Taking Proper Care of a Water Bottle Sling

Proper care of a water bottle sling depends entirely on the style route you opted to take, and the fabric that was used to make said sling. 

Practically styled water bottle slings tend to require less care and maintenance compared to the more fashion-savvy ones. They are made to last, and even thrive in harsh conditions. While a hike through a rainforest will likely bring an untimely end to a bottle carrier crocheted for that “bohemian look”. 

If your water bottle carrier is made from functional material like neoprene, PET or nylon, simply make sure to air dry the device after every use. Since water bottles perspire, your carrier will likely be damp after a day out. Putting it into a drawer or closet immediately will encourage mold to grow slowly overtime, especially within the seams of the holster. This won’t be the type of obvious mold you find in a refrigerator, but you’re likely to notice a smell developing which can be off-putting when swigging from your bottle. 

Similarly, these materials are easy enough to keep clean on the outside. Give the surface of your carrier and sling a good wipe down should any dirt ever cling to the surface. Almost all water bottle carriers are machine friendly, so a monthly or bi-monthly run through the wash would be sufficient. 

If your water bottle sling has been made using more delicate, artisanal fabric such as cotton, hemp or even wool, then your care routine will be slightly different. These materials naturally collect dirt, and wiping them down is usually not effective. Inquire with your retailer as to what the necessary care instructions are and follow them accordingly. Proper following of stipulated instructions will add to the longevity of your sling. 

Because of the highly consumerist system in which we exist, noticing flaws in items like water bottle carriers might prompt a person to simply purchase a brand new one, and do away with the old. The thing to keep in mind with bottle carriers is that, more often than not, they can be easily mended into being as good as new. 

Splitting seams where the sling meets the carrier pouch is common over time, due to the gravity created by the weight of water. Any tailor or seamstress will be able to easily re-sew these points, or even attach a brand new sling altogether. 

Tearing in fabric is another quick fix, and not something that warrants purchasing a brand new device if you can help it.

What to Keep in Mind When Making a Sling Purchase

The most important thing to keep in mind when making a water bottle sling purchase is your personal expectation from the device itself. 

Are you intending for it to accompany you in nature? Do you fancy the idea of a water bottle sling as a daily accessory? Is this something you want to use on occasion or quite regularly? 

All of these factors will come into play and lead you to the product that best suits your needs. This will also help in navigating the vast online world of available bottle carriers; a rabbit hole of both options and information. 

If you are purchasing a water bottle sling for a child, be conscious of the stipulated measurements stated on the product advertisement. The appropriate sized bottle carrier for children remains a grey area; you will need to compare the size of their daily water bottle to the carriers on offer. 

Something harder to do when shopping online is to assess the comfortability of the water bottle sling itself. Generally, there aren’t many slings that you can’t grow to love with time, but if you’re the type of person who gets easily annoyed by sound or friction then extra thought needs to be applied. 

Some slings will come with the addition of a shoulder pad that slides up and down the sling itself as needed. This is intended to cradle the strap when it is resting on the top of the shoulder, and prevent chafing or stress after long periods of wear. If sensitive skin is something you struggle with, and you intend to wear your water bottle for long periods of time, then a pad is definitely something to keep in mind while shopping. 

For anyone purchasing intending to use the sling during more intense activities, such as mountaineering or camping, one might keep in mind to look out for warranties, especially with more expensive models. Getting a warranty on is rare, but there are heavy-duty water bottle holders available that come with some sort of guarantee, or at very least, a single repair card. 

Finally, something great to keep in mind when shopping for your water bottle sling is whether or not said sling comes with an actual water bottle. Few people remember to even consider this, but it sure makes for a more convenient purchase in the long run. In addition, imagine the frustration of buying a bottle holder online, only for it to arrive and not fit your own existing water bottle. Opting to purchase one that comes with a bottle is a safe way to ensure you’ll always have the right fit. 

At present, copper, bamboo and flask-material water bottles are superior to plastic, and sling makers are quickly realizing this. Purchasing a sling in today’s market is likely going to pose a combined opportunity for you to shift away from harmful plastic, and start storing your water in a healthier, environmentally friendly way. 

For a great water bottle sling that is both fashionable and functional, check out this 100% natural canvas sling.

DIY: Make a Water Bottle Sling at Home

So, what if you’ve scoured the market extensively and nothing has really managed to tickle your fancy when it comes to water bottle carriers? When the perfect sling and holder just doesn’t seem to exist? You make your own, of course!

Water bottle slings were a big hit amongst home-craft communities during the late 2010s, when the psychological benefits of adult arts and crafts fell under global spotlight. Adults, particularly women, began making anything and everything from scratch, including carriers for groceries, shoes and water containers. 

Similarly, the crochet community got on board with water bottle carriers early on in the trend, too. If you are interested in making a water bottle sling at home, crochet is one way to go. There are numerous patterns available for free, or at a small cost, on various websites.

Unfortunately a water bottle carrier is considered more of an advanced item to make through the art of crochet, so you will need a basic understanding of the skill before you’re able to execute this properly. 

So, for those not familiar with the world of crochet, read on! Here’s how to make a basic water bottle sling of your own.

A Fabric Water Bottle Sling

This is a guide for the making of a fabric-based water bottle sling from scratch at home. The execution of this activity requires only basic sewing skills, and you will need to be able to measure & cut accurate lengths. 

While any fabric can be used for this particular activity, it is advisable that you do not use stretchy fabrics or velvet, as these will not last long in practice. Canvas makes for the sturdiest fabric when it comes to home production of bottle slings.

You will need:           

• Half a meter of any fabric that is most appealing to your eye
• A sewing machine or adequate needles for hand sewing
• Thread to match chosen fabric
• Fabric glue

Steps:

1. Cut two identical rectangles from your fabric. They should both be 20cm x 14cm in size. 
2. Cut two identical strips of fabric both spanning 70cm x 10cm. 
3. On the short edge of one side of your rectangles, cut a square from the right corner and a square from the left corner. The squares should be 3cm x 3cm in size. Do this to both rectangles (one side only!).
4. Lay the matching ‘rectangles’ on top of one another, print side inward. Sew three sides of the cuts together (both long sides, and the side with the cut out squares).
5. You will now be able to flip the fabric inside out, to reveal the print on the outside and a cylindrical shaped carrier in the making. 
6. Sew around the top rim of the cylinder to prevent any fabric fraying. 
7. Take your two 70cm strips of fabric and sew them together on their shortest ends. This will make one long 140cm strip that will form your sling. 
8. Fold the strip in half, width-ways, so that the 10cm width becomes a doubled over 5cm. Sew together to reveal your sling. 
9. Attach the finished sling to the cylindrical bottle holder by sewing each end of the sling into either side of the holder’s rim. You can adjust the overall length of your water bottle carrier by either placing the sling deeper or shallower within the holder, and sewing at your most ideal length. Use your fabric glue to get the initial application point right, and sew on top of it. This will provide extra reinforcement. 
10. Once completed, you’ll have a stylish and unique water bottle carrier to use at your leisure. Apply the appropriate care procedures as needed. 

A Ring Water Bottle Sling

If the idea of a full fabric bottle cover doesn’t tickle your fancy, you’ll probably be far more drawn to the simpler ring sling. 

This is one of the simplest bottle carriers to make at home. It is best made with recyclable plastic bottles as the ring in question tends to be universal and fits best. 

You will need:           

• A rubber o-ring from the plumbing section of any hardware store
• Two meters of heavy-duty, woven ribbon (in a pattern of your choosing)
• A needle and thread

Steps:

1. Use your own body as a measuring stick for where to cut your ribbon. Start by slinging the ribbon around your body, making sure that it starts and ends exactly where you would like your water bottle to rest. 
2. Cut when desired length is determined. 
3. Feed one end of the ribbon through your o-ring. Only feed approximately 3cm through, and then bring it back in line with the rest of the ribbon so that it holds the o-ring in place. Sew the ribbon onto itself.
4. Now, with the other end of the ribbon (the open side) do the exact same. The o-ring will then be cradled between two ribbons grasping it securely, and you need only feed your bottle top through the ring in order for it to be held securely. 

Conclusion

We hope this guide to water bottle slings has been of help to you! If you are looking for a fashionable and functional water bottle sling, check out this 100% natural canvas sling.

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