Pour one out for the pretenders, because these are our readers’ five favorite everyday water bottles. Sip on what everyone had to say about the finalists below, then be sure to vote for your favorite before this Co-Op runs dry.
Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask, various sizes and colors. I have the black 21 oz.
I have mine for 2 years and counting. It’s insulated to keep the liquid cold without condensation, and leak-proof. It’s also very durable. I haven’t been very gentle with it, but it takes all the abuse without complaining. It already developed some dents and some scratches on the lid, but it hasn’t compromise the insulation. - JoshTheBat
Seconded. I have a 32 oz HF that I got for half off at an REI sale (because it was a discontinued color). Keeps ice in water for like two days if I forget to drink it (even in glaring hot sun) Never leaks. Hard to dent. Drinking mechanism flows well, but not so well that it will allow you to load yourself up too fast. Love it. - Cam
Klean Kanteen
For me, it’s gotta be the Klean Kanteen.
I have a few of these in different sizes, and they’ve never let me down.They are durable, the caps are a standard size so I can keep a collection of them to swap in/out, and I’m able to wash them in the dishwasher. - ImJustMatt
I’m a fan of the Klean Kanteen...
With the 32 oz bottle, I can fill it with ice in the morning, then fill it straight from the tap 2-3 times a day without the ice completely melting. On a less-than-thirsty day in the winter, I can fill it with ice in the morning and still have ice left the next morning. I opted to get the sports top, but the regular top is just fine, and all the lids have a sturdy loop for if you like to go hiking/backpacking and want to clip it to your bag (I am not one of those people who does things). According to their website, they will keep hot fluids hot for 24 hours and ice cold for 90. I’m assuming that’s without regular refilling, for obvious reasons). The things sturdy as hell, too, which is good, because I drop the bastard all the time, and save for a few cosmetic things, like dents or chips to the paint, it still works like a charm two years later, and I bring it everywhere I’m allowed to. - DaddyRoundRound
Nalgene
I’m loyal to the classic wide-mouth Nalgene with a guard. The 32oz size means that if I drink 2 of them a day, I’m set (since I also drink coffee + seltzer + etc). I don’t like drinking cold water (sensitive teeth) so the fact that it doesn’t insulate is a plus for me. I’ve tried the skinny neck Nalgenes, but something about them makes me feel like I’m choking on air, and it’s hard to fit big ice cubes in them.
They’re cheap, virtually indestructible, easy to clean, BPA-free, dishwasher safe. Replacement parts are not only easy to find, they’re *also* cheap. They also hold a full bottle of wine, for when you’re having sneaky picnics.
A mouth guard is a pretty vital accessory - it makes a hell of a difference when you’re trying to drink out of the wide neck, and it costs like $3. Plenty of fancier water bottles cost $30 plus, whereas the Nalgene + mouth guard is $15 max (okay, $25, if you buy a branded one from your college or something.)
No, they may not be the prettiest or the trendiest, but you can pry my Nalgene out of my cold, dead hands. - queerveggie
Contigo Autoseal Chill
I absolutely love this bottle. Perfect size, fits in a cup holder, keeps your water cold for 24 hours and has never leaked on me. Don’t have to worry about unscrewing a top. Won’t ever buy another one. - Carnival Wilson
Swell
I always thought the steel bottles shaped like actual bottles were kind of silly, until my mom got me a S’well 17oz bottle for Christmas one year. I started using it one day because I forgot my normal yeti, and I haven’t gone back. I wouldn’t use it for the gym, but for just around the office/house it’s perfect, and there is something deeply satisfying about drinking out of that classic bottle shape. - jdfighter
I have a Chilly’s bottle I got as a birthday gift (same bottle design as Swell) and it really is great for everyday use. I have a separate gym bottle and a separate biking bottle.
I also like that it is a slim profile so it fits into most of my smaller bags and does keep water cold when it gets hot. Also durable af, I never feel bad about it being dropped. - SincereRagrets