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Oct 16, 2024

The Best Water Bottles of 2024 | The Inertia Tested

We measure every water bottle up against the HydroFlask, which has been our favorite for over a year. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia Regardless of our adventures, we always have water bottles with

We measure every water bottle up against the HydroFlask, which has been our favorite for over a year. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia

Regardless of our adventures, we always have water bottles with us. Our staff spends a lot of time recreating in the sunshine, and as such we’re constantly drinking water to stay hydrated.

These days, there are a variety of water bottle options available: plastic, stainless steel, insulated, collapsible, built-in filter — the list goes on. We tested the best water bottles from leading brands and weighed the pros, cons, and everything in between to determine which options you should bring on your next adventure. Below are our top picks.

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Editor’s Note: We updated this guide in October 2024 with a new pick and improved navigation.

Best Insulated Water Bottle: Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water BottleBest Un-Insulated Water Bottle: REI Co-op Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water BottleBest Value Water Bottle: CamelBak Eddy+ Renew Water BottleRunner-Up Best Insulated Water Bottle: YETI Rambler Vacuum BottleBest Drinking Apparatus: Owala FreeSip Water BottleBest Tumbler: Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

Pros: Incredibly durable, backed by a lifetime warrantyCons: Pricey

Cold Time: 24 hoursHot Time: 12 hours

If you’re looking for a reliable insulated water bottle, look no further than the Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle. Hydro Flask’s TempShield double-wall vacuum insulation ensures your drink stays cold (or hot) for hours, and BPA-free 18/8 stainless-steel construction with proprietary powder coating means this bottle is durable. Available in many different colors, the bottle features a screw top and has a convenient handle for carrying. Traditionally, Hydro Flask only had a wide-mouth lid option, but it recently added more lids, including the Wide-Flex Chug Cap, making it easier to drink from what is a large water bottle.

This bottle is backed by a lifetime warranty. In our testing, we found it to be leakproof and rugged. We have dropped our Hydro Flask, and it does tend to pick up dings and dents. Take note that larger dents can impact the insulation properties, as they might damage the vacuum seal. That said, minor dings have had no effect on ours, and we highly recommend this versatile water bottle. If 40 ounces is too big for your hydration needs, Hydro Flask has plenty of other sizes and colors in its collection.

Pros: Lightweight, durableCons: Not insulated

Cold Time: N/AHot Time: N/A

If you’re in the market for a lightweight, non-insulated water bottle, you can’t go wrong with a Nalgene. And the REI Co-op Nalgene is made from 50% recycled plastic that would otherwise be destined for a landfill. The result is a BPA, BPS, and phthalate-free bottle. At the time of publishing, it also cost a buck less than Nalgenes you can find elsewhere, plus it gets your sticker-collection started with an REI decal.

The wide-mouth design makes it easy to clean, and you can easily insert filtration devices or ice cubes. If you’re not a fan of the wide-mouth design, we recommend using a splash guard. Featuring continuous, straight-shouldered, semi-buttressed threads, the lid is designed to keep water inside whenever the lid is screwed tight.

The only leaking we’ve ever experienced with a Nalgene was with a ten-year-old bottle that desperately needed a new lid. Nalgene bottles are beyond durable: In college, our tester’s Nalgene got run over by a car. While the shape was mutilated, it was still usable and lived to tell the tale. The bottle also comes in a 48 oz option, a 16 oz option, and a narrow-mouth version as well. Nalgene finished right behind Hydro Flask for the best overall water bottle simply because it’s not insulated. But for just $16 at the time of publishing, it’s a super solid option.

Pros: Lightweight, built-in strawCons: Not as durable/leakproof as some other options

Cold Time: N/AHot Time: N/A

CamelBak is well known for its backpack-style hydration reservoirs, but the brand also makes great everyday water bottles. The Eddy+ Renew Water Bottle is made from 50% recycled material and is free from BPA, BPS, and BFT chemicals. The odor and stain-resistant cap comes with a built-in straw and the whole thing is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean. This was our best budget water bottle based on the extras you get (a straw) for the low, low price of $16.

As is true for most bottles with straw-style lids, this bottle isn’t as leakproof as its straw-less counterparts, but it is pretty darn reliable, and we encountered no recurring leaks. For a plastic bottle, the Eddy+ is durable, but it doesn’t feel nearly as solid as a stainless-steel bottle or the thick plastic of a Nalgene. That said, we like how lightweight this bottle is (6.6 ounces) for when we’re packing a backpack and want to cut down on weight.

Pros: Dishwasher safe, heavy-duty lidCons: Heavier than other bottles

Cold Time: 16-20 hoursHot Time: 8-10 hours

YETI knows a thing or two about making coolers, but they deliver in the water bottle department as well. The YETI Rambler is an insulated bottle that achieves top marks for durability and leak-proofing. The two-part cap includes a heavy-duty handle and a clear spout. We love that this bottle is available in multiple sizes and colors, and we’re fans of how well it works at keeping our water ice cold. The icing on the cake? The Rambler is dishwasher safe.

It was hard to decide between YETI and Hydro Flask for the best overall bottle. Hydro Flask has been our go-to insulated bottle for years. As the old adage goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” A water bottle would have to score perfectly to surpass Hydro Flask in our ranking. The YETI Rambler came close. With a chug cap that allows you to use it as a narrow or wide-mouth bottle, some folks may prefer YETI over Hydro Flask. But with the added weight of the cap and bottle, we still prefer the sleeker Hydro Flask.

Pros: Sanitary and easy to use drinking apparatus, cool colors, easy to holdCons: Bottle not dishwasher safe (lid is)

Cold Time: 24 hoursHot Time: Not recommended

It may have taken TikTok by storm, but the Owala FreeSip is a surprisingly capable water bottle. An insulated, relatively inexpensive option that has by far our favorite lid, the FreeSip is a great everyday option.

The “FreeSip” denotes Owala’s excellent lid system. Basically, the lid has a locking, spring-loaded flip top that keeps the part you put your mouth on protected and sanitary. Better yet, the drinking spout features a larger hole and a smaller hole, the latter of which is attached to a straw. The resulting water drink is extremely satisfying—it has a smooth draw if you will.

Beyond the lid, the bottle is insulated and powder-coated, but unfortunately not dishwasher safe (though the lid is). Owala features fun colors in the line, and the overall build quality feels solid. Plus, there are three sizes (24 oz, 32 oz, and 40 oz).

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Pros: Easy to drink from, functional handle, dishwasher safeCons: Not versatile, straw will leak if tipped

Cold Time: 11 hours (or 2 days when iced)Hot Time: 7 hours

We’re not immune to the latest gear crazes: The Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler is a seriously sweet water bottle option. With a large handle, solid insulation, easy-to-use straw, and a narrow base that fits in cup holders, the popular Quencher is an excellent everyday water bottle.

For daily use (think: around the house, at work, or in the car), our editor noted that he totally understood the widespread appeal. The large carrying handle makes it easy to hold what would otherwise be a hard-to-grip bottle. The straw is durable and easy to drink from, and it’s nice in the car or in a hammock because you don’t have to tip the bottle to drink. We also loved how the base was narrow, making it easy to fit in almost any cup holder.

While the insulation properties aren’t quite as staggering as some of our top picks, the Quencher kept our beverages plenty cold through testing. It isn’t recommended to put hot liquids in the bottle (likely due to the plastic cap and straw), but Stanley claims it will keep drinks hot for seven hours. More good news: The Quencher is dishwasher safe, so keeping it clean is a breeze. While we wouldn’t put it in a backpack on a hike (for fear of leaking through the straw), we love this water bottle for work, home, and road trips.

Pros: Versatile cap, made from recycled plasticCons: Heavy for a non-insulated bottle, expensive

Cold Time: N/AHot Time: N/A

YETI has also been stepping up its game when it comes to un-insulated water bottles. The Yonder is made from BPA-free, 50% recycled plastic, and, at 10.7 ounces, is 50% lighter than YETI’s Rambler bottles. The Yonder comes in four different size options: 20 oz, 25 oz, 34 oz, and 50 oz. Plus, it is reliably leakproof.

The lid on the Yonder is super unique, as it allows you to use the bottle as a wide or narrow-mouth bottle (great for filling with ice cubes and drinking). While the cap is versatile, it is on the heavy side. Luckily, YETI recently released its Yonder Tether Cap, which significantly reduced the weight. While the Yonder water bottle is awesome and rugged, it finished just behind Nalgene for uninsulated bottles due to the price and weight. While some may prefer the versatile cap and variety of size options that YETI offers, the classic and affordable Nalgene is hard to beat.

Pros: Includes hand strap, great for workoutsCons: Small, not the best option for daily use

Cold Time: N/AHot Time: N/A

While Nathan’s QuickSqueeze Handheld Water Bottle wouldn’t be our top pick for daily use, it’s a great option for running, hiking, or other activities where you need some hydration on the go.

The bottle is insulated and designed for an easy squeeze, so you can get a quick burst of fluid while moving. The hand strap is adjustable, and the TPU grip ensures the bottle won’t slip around, even when your palms are sweaty. The bottle includes a small zippered pouch for stashing essentials and a phone in case you need to stash it somewhere. The QuickSqueeze is comfortable in your hand, doesn’t leak, and has just the amount of liquid to keep you hydrated during workouts without slowing you down.

Pros: Built-in filterCons: A little harder to drink out of

Cold Time: N/AHot Time: N/A

LifeStraw is an incredible invention, but using one while on the move wasn’t incredibly practical. Until now. The LifeStraw Go Series allows you to do exactly as the name suggests: drink filtered water while on the go.

Made from 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, the bottle has a built-in two-stage filter that protects against 99.99% of bacteria while helping to reduce chlorine, odors, and organic chemical matter. LifeStraw says the filter lasts up to 1,000 gallons or five years of daily use. The straw is a little harder than a normal straw to suck up water through, but it works pretty well, and we love knowing that we’re drinking filtered water everywhere we go.

Editor’s Note: One of our testers noted that, if this bottle has water in it and you’re changing elevation quickly (like on a flight), the straw tends to seep water, likely due to a pressure change in the bottle. It can help to lightly unscrew the cap and re-tighten before drinking if you’ve changed elevation since last drinking from the bottle.

Pros: 25% lighter than original model, insulatedCons: Limited size and color options

Cold Time: 24 hoursHot Time: 12 hours

The Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide-Mouth Vacuum water bottle gives the classic Hydro Flask a run for its money. A part of Hydro Flask’s “Trail Series,” the Lightweight bottle is 25% lighter than the original 32 oz Hydro Flask. That reduced weight makes it much more packable for hiking and traveling. We assumed the weight cutdown would reduce the insulation, but the bottle still keeps liquids cold for 24 hours or hot for 12. The honeycomb wide-mouth cap is slightly more streamlined than the original cap but is still leakproof and insulated.

If you like a mountain of color options, the O.G. Hydro Flask might suit you better, but we really like the sleek metallic colors of the Trail Series. And while well-made, testers did notice the lighter-wall steel was more susceptible to dents, and the coating is a bit more prone to chipping than the original. As Hydro Flask expands its line to include more options, we could see the Lightweight water bottle surpassing the original design. Plus, it’s still backed by a lifetime warranty.

Pros: Super packable, good capacityCons: Limited features, not the most durable

Cold Time: N/AHot Time: N/A

There’s a time and a place for collapsible water bottles, and Platypus SoftBottle is our favorite option. We love throwing this in our pack as a backup while traveling or backpacking, as it takes up almost no space at all and only weighs 1.2 ounces.

While the bottle is a little tricky to use due to its wide, soft-sided design, the small cut-outs in the middle make it easier to hold. One of our testers loves using this collapsible water bottle for his dogs because it becomes more and more compact as they drink from it. The cap is easy to use, the plastic construction holds up well (though it isn’t as durable as something like steel), and the price is just about $13 at the time of publishing. What it lacks in features and durability, the SoftBottle makes up for with a simple, affordable, and lightweight design.

Pros: Insulated, adjustable hand-strap for runningCons: Hand-strap slightly tricky

Cold Time: Claim: 38% longer than traditional water bottleHot Time: N/A

Going on a run can be tricky when water isn’t easily accessible, and most runs don’t require the use of a full-blown hydration pack. In comes the HydraPak SkyFlask Speed IT. This insulated, collapsible water bottle features a dedicated hand-strap with a thumb-loop that makes it ideal for running.

Our testing team loves to run, and the strap system on the SkyFlask running water bottle is really functional (albeit a little tricky to figure out the first go-around). Once you’ve locked your hand in with the velcro strap, you barely need to hold onto the SkyFlask Speed while running. Plus, this version is insulated (denoted by the IT; a non-insulated version is also available), which HydraPak claims helps keep your drink colder for 38% longer than a standard water bottle. We found the insulation works pretty well, but for runs longer than an hour our hand seemed to warm our water.

Overall, we the Nathan QuickSqueeze above is a bit more secure and more versatile due to the included pocket. However, the SkyFlask’s combination of hand-strap, insulation, and quick-fill top make this super convenient to bring along on runs. Plus, this bottle is top-rack dishwasher-safe (just remove the hand-strap first).

Pros: Unbreakable glass interior ensures drinks remain pureCons: Not dishwasher safe, expensive

Cold Time: 25 hoursHot Time: 12 hours

Purist wasn’t a brand on our radar until recently, but we’re glad we discovered them. The insulated Founder Vacuum Water Bottle keeps drinks cold for 25 hours or hot for 12. Made from surgical-grade 18/8 stainless steel, the bottle is designed to be durable.

This bottle’s unique feature is that the interior of the Purist Founder is coated in a thin layer of silicon dioxide, or “unbreakable glass,” which is designed to ward off unwanted metallic taste in your water. The top is insulated to further improve heat retention and includes a handle for carrying convenience. The entire thing is leakproof, and the bottle comes in neutral colors that look clean and sophisticated.

Pros: Lightweight and collapsible, built-in filterCons: Not super durable, not ideal for daily use

Cold Time: N/AHot Time: N/A

Our tester first discovered Katadyn when she was planning a Na Pali coast backpacking trip and needed a solution for filtering creek water. The Katadyn BeFree is a lightweight (2.3 ounces!) collapsible bottle that includes a built-in filter. The 0.1-micron hollow-fiber filter removes protozoa (99.99%) and bacteria (99.9999%) to EPA standards, so you can easily drink filtered water from the creek or the tap.

The bottle is easy to use, filters quickly, and is tested to 1,000 liters. Plus, it’s easy to stash in a daypack as a backup. This bottle isn’t our favorite for daily use because it tips over easily and filtering your water isn’t always necessary, but it’s an awesome option for backpacking and hiking.

Pros: Built-in straw, slim design fits in cup holdersCons: Not recommended for hot beverages

Cold Time: 58 hoursHot Time: Not recommended for use with hot beverages

Made from 90% post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel, the Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated bottle is sustainable, durable, and reliable. The version we tested came with a Leakproof Twist cap, which had a built-in reusable straw and a TK Closure internal thread design to minimize leakage.

Unfortunately, we found that with the built-in straw, the bottle was more prone to leaking than other options. For that reason, we recommend opting for a different lid, like the classic loop cap that we linked. While the bottle is durable and won’t break, our tester dropped it as soon as she got it and dented it (but it remained functional). The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps beverages cold for days, and the slim design of the bottle allows it to fit in cup holders for easy transport.

Pros: Touch-free lid, soft sleeve feels good in your handCons: Not fully dishwasher safe, heavy

Cold Time: 24+ hoursHot Time: N/A

There’s a lot to love about the Brumate Rotera water bottle. For starters, it feels great in your hand thanks to the interchangeable soft-touch sleeve. The Rotera has a built-in stainless steel straw that delivers water well and feels long-lasting.

Another unique feature about the Rotera is the lid. It claims to be “touch-free,” which confused us at first. What this means is, instead of pulling the straw up with your fingers (and thereby transferring hand germs to the mouthpiece), you simply twist the top of the bottle and the straw pops up. This functioned well and we appreciated the thoughtful design. While Brumate recommends cleaning the lid by hand, the bottle itself is dishwasher safe.

Pros: Fits in a cup holder, silicon baseCons: Straw isn’t compatible with hot beverages

Cold Time: 24 hoursHot Time: N/A

The RTIC Journey Bottle is a slim 20 ounce water bottle that easily fits in a cup holder or a water bottle compartment on a backpack. Featuring double wall insulation, the Journey bottle can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours, so if you’re doing a day hike, you’ll have ice cold water the entire time. The Journey has a flip straw lid for easy sipping and a handle that flips up for carrying. Unfortunately, it’s not recommended to drink hot beverages out of the straw, so if you want to sip on something warm then you’ll have to do so directly from the bottle. The Journey also features a silicon base, which is a welcome feature when setting the bottle on hard surfaces. is ceramic lined so everything stays tasting fresh.

The best water bottles of 2024 – these are our top picks. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Our testing was spearheaded by Rebecca Parsons and Nathan Lemin. Rebecca lives on Oahu, Hawaii, where it is regularly warm and sunny, so she really put these bottles through their paces. And Nathan contributed water bottle testing notes from Tucson, Arizona, one of the sunniest cities in the world.

The Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler is an excellent daily water bottle. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia

To get a true sense of each of these bottles, our lead tester did an insulation test. She filled each of the bottles with water and ten ice cubes and left them for 24 hours to see if the water stayed cold. After 24 hours, all ice cubes melted, but the water was still cold in the insulated bottles. It was room temperature in the non-insulated bottles.

She also filled each bottle with boiling water and left them overnight for 12 hours. None of the bottles, not even the insulated ones, kept the water hot for that length of time. However, they were perfect for keeping beverages hot for her morning commute. We did find that all of the bottles were fairly true to the length of time they advertised insulating properties, hot and cold.

With practical, real-world, and comparative testing, we feel confident recommending the best water bottles of 2024.

Durability

As we mentioned before, we take our water bottle everywhere — meaning it tags along while hiking, camping, traveling, and paddling. Because we take our bottle on all of our adventures, we want something durable enough to withstand inevitable wear and tear.

Insulated bottles may seem more durable as they’re typically made from stainless steel, and non-insulated bottles are made from plastic. However, insulated bottles tend to ding and dent easily when dropped, and while they don’t often break, they can look pretty beat up. Non-insulated bottles, like the Nalgene, are virtually indestructible (save for the lid). Drop em, toss them, and let them bump around in your backpack. The worst damage they’ll likely acquire is a scrape.

Our tester’s college Nalgene, after being run over by a car. Photo: Karina Donskoy//The Inertia

Insulation

If you’re a fan of cold drinks on the go, then you’ll want a water bottle that has some insulation. Most insulated water bottles work to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold, although some insulated bottles with straws aren’t recommended for use with hot beverages. The two main types of insulation used in water bottles are foam insulation and airtight vacuum insulation. 18/8 grade steel is typically the best material to look for in insulated water bottles.

Leakproof

Back in the day, we remember our water bottles leaking constantly. Maybe it was user error, but we think it’s safe to say that water bottle technology has greatly improved since the 90s. Our tester regularly stashes her water bottle in her backpack alongside her clothes, computer, and books, so it’s critical that she have a water bottle that is leakproof. Be sure to mess around with the lid and have a good seal to ensure that your bottle doesn’t leak. Flipping the bottle upside-down and giving it a good shake will usually let you know if you’ve got anything to worry about.

Drink Test

Have you ever had a water bottle with a built-in straw that’s a battle every time you go to take a drink of water? We have, and that is not what we’re looking for. We want a bottle that is easy and enjoyable to drink out of and, ideally, won’t result in half of the bottle spilling down the front of your shirt.

Hydro Flasks are our top pick for water bottles. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Filters

Some water bottles have built-in filters. Some are minimalistic filters that will help filter out bacteria and sediments from your tap water, while others, like the LifeStraw bottle, are heavy-duty and can make river water drinkable. Depending on how you use your bottle, a filter can be a nice addition. Filters typically make a water bottle more expensive (and a little harder to drink from), so we only recommend purchasing purchase one if you plan on using it for camping/backpacking or international travel where the tap water isn’t always safe to drink.

Handles

It’s nice if your water bottle has a built-in handle or other attachment point for a carabiner. Although it’s not essential, it’s a great bonus feature that makes it easier to carry your bottle around. If your bottle doesn’t come with a handle, there are third-party water bottle holders available, like The North Face Borealis Water Bottle Holder or the YETI Rambler Bottle Sling.

The Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle is the ultimate water bottle: It’s insulated, durable, has a convenient carrying handle, and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Both the Hydro Flask water bottle and lid are dishwasher safe, and the powder-coated finish (available in plenty of colors) helps protect it from scratches and dings.

Price: $50

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Cleaning

Cleaning is something you might not think of when purchasing a water bottle, but you should. If your bottle is super narrow, it’s going to be more challenging to clean, and you’ll need a brush of some sort to reach all the nooks and crannies. It’s also worth noting if your choice is dishwasher safe — something we seek out in the best water bottles. While many water bottles themselves are dishwasher-safe, not all lids are (though the Hydro Flask bottle and lid are both dishwasher-safe, which contributed to it being our top pick).

Lid Design

When it comes to water bottles, there are a few different types of lid designs. The most common and classic is the traditional screw top lid. From our experience, these tend to be the most durable and leakproof. Another popular design is the flip-top lid with a built-in straw. These can be nice for drinking out of but tend to leak a little bit more and are definitely more of a chore for cleaning. Other types of lids include a pop-top with no straw and a push-down lid.

A lightweight, insulated water bottle is perfect for day hikes. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Weight

Depending on how you plan on using your water bottle, weight can be a big factor. If you intend to use your water bottle for hiking and backpacking trips, then you’ll want something lightweight like the REI Co-op Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water Bottle or the Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle. However, if you simply plan on using your water bottle at home or at your desk, then the weight isn’t as big of a deal. Typically, as insulation increases, so does weight, so be mindful of your use case.

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Editor’s Note: Need something designed for hot beverages? Check out our guide to Best Insulated Coffee Mugs. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.