If you are determined to get on top of drinking enough water, you will know that having the best water bottle can be a great help. It can be hard to know where to start with so many choices. It's easy to drink a lot of coffee without realizing it, and at the same time not get enough water, with coffee shops seemingly everywhere these days. Live Science has put together a selection of the top choices for you to choose from.
The experts say what they say.
Many of us have multiple water bottles sitting in our kitchen cupboards and while it can be beneficial to have more than one for different activities, the most important thing is that you use it regularly. If you pick a bottle that you enjoy drinking from, you will have a better chance of remaining hydrated.
Health experts like to tell us that we should drink a lot of water, but how much do we actually need? The exact amount is dependent on a number of factors, including your gender, how active you are, the local climate, what you eat and your overall health.
It is important to make sure you are properly hydrated when you are exercising because sweating and dehydration can occur. If you want to keep your liquid topped up, you need to buy the right water bottle.
Dehydration and maintaining optimal fluid balance are some of the biggest concerns we need to look out for.
30 minutes prior to a training session, Hasoon recommends drinking about 300 liters of water, which is about a cup, and between 500 and 2 liters of water after exercise.
If you want to avoid frequent trips to the water fountain or tap, you should pick a water bottle with a minimum capacity of 500 liters or 17 ounces.
If you choose a bottle that is easy to clean, you will be able to keep it fresh for longer.
Now you know why you need a bottle of water, which one should you buy? Live Science has a guide to the best water bottles.
The double-wall design of the Takeya Actives insulated bottle will keep your drink cold throughout a workout and beyond, and it has a sweat-free grip that makes it perfect for gym use.
What users say.
The bottle has a 5 star rating on Amazon and has a score of 4.8 out of 5 on average. Positive reviews say the bottle is ideal for hydration because it keeps drinks cold. One person said that the surface of the table was not slick with condensation four minutes after they filled it. Negative reviews cite problems with the lid becoming moldy and occasional leaking, but another satisfied customer said the lid was well designed.
It is slightly heavier than similar bottles, but has a wide handle that makes it comfortable to carry.
The bottle is protected from bumps and dents with a Silicone base that can be removed to be placed in cup holders or on treadmill trays.
The lid of the bottle is insulated and has a lid hinge lock which prevents it from flapping back and hitting you on the nose. The wide mouth makes it easy to clean or add ice. The bottle is suitable for cleaning on the top rack of the dishwasher, so you don't need to wash it.
There are other sizes for hydration, including 24oz, 32oz, 40oz and 64oz.
The larger bottle of water in the Hydro Flask Standard Mouth will keep you hydrated for up to 24 hours.
What users say.
98% of customers gave the Hydro Flask Standard Mouth bottle a rating of 4 stars or above, and the bottle has gained an average score of 4.8 out of 5 on Amazon. One reviewer mentioned that there is no weird taste transferred by the bottle, and another rated the bottle for its solid construction and pleasing texture. The bottle dents and scratches easily were the focus of the negative comments.
The sides of the bottle will stay dry because of the powder-coated outer that resists condensation. The lid will remain cool because of the honeycomb insulation.
If you don't like drinking from a water bottle's mouth, you can buy a sip lid or straw lid cap from Hydro Flask. You can build a bottle with different coloured parts and different text and graphics.
If you are a keen cyclist, this may be the option for you.
What users say.
80% of customers who purchased this bottle on Amazon gave it a 5 star rating, with one reviewer saying: "I use these bottles in both summer and winter." There is no insulated bottle for cycling. The valve lock function is difficult to use with one hand, and it is much stiffer to squeeze than the non-insulating version of the Camelbak Podium, according to negative comments.
The Camelbak Podium Chill Water Bottle is designed to fit in most bike bottle cages and is designed to prevent rattles or ejections when out riding. It will keep your drink cooler than other bottles.
The flow spout is comfortable in the mouth and you can squeeze both sides of the bottle to get the fluid out. It was difficult when we tried to suck. We shook the bottle for 30 seconds and didn't see any spills because of the self-sealing design of the valve. There isn't a protective cap to protect against dirt or dust, but you can purchase a mud cap as an add-on. If you are someone who tends to get thirsty, you might want to invest in a larger bottle.
It is fine to put the bottle in the dishwasher if it is not at the highest temperature setting.
We fill bottles with tap water.
What is said by the user?
The bottle scored an average of 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon, with 90 percent of customers giving it a 5 star rating. One reviewer said that he had dropped bottled water entirely because of this. Other positive reviews said that with this bottle you don't need to have a water jug at home and that the filters are easy to install. One reviewer disliked that you have to bite down on the mouth to pull it up, and another thought it lacked grip when wet.
With the Brita Active Water Filter Bottle, you can have fresh, pure-tasting water on the move thanks to its built-in filtration system.
The bottle has a replaceable carbon filter microdisk that removes chlorine and impurities from water while retaining calcium and magnesium so that you still get the health benefits of these minerals. If you use a lot of water, the disk should last you around four weeks before it needs to be replaced.
There is a cap that protects the mouth from dirt, but it is fully replaceable so there is a risk of it getting lost. The bottle can be put in the dishwasher, making it easy to clean after use.
We found that the Brita Active Water Filter Bottle cap can be used as a cup, which is handy if you have kids or even pets that might need a drink on the go, and it can also be stored on the bottom of the bottle.
The Welly Traveler Infusing Water Bottle will appeal if you don't like drinking tap water.
What users say.
The bottle has gained a 5 star rating from 84% of users with customers leaving overwhelmingly positive reviewers. The infuser section is too small and having to remove it before drinking is frustrating according to negative reviews.
The option also includes a replaceable infuser that will allow you to flavor water with fruit or herbs.
Drinks are kept cool for up to 24 hours thanks to triple-walled vacuum insulation and the bottle is sweat-free. If you prefer a flip cap for drinking, you can either buy an insulated flip cap or a loop cap.
There is a range of bottle designs to choose from, including terrazzo and leopard print, and it is available in 12 oz and 28 oz sizes. Welly will donate 1% of bottle sales to clean water projects around the world when you purchase a bottle.
The Camelbak Eddy+ is a great value option if you are looking for a durable plastic bottle to use every day.
What users say.
There are 4,329 global ratings of this bottle on Amazon with 82% of customers giving it a 5 star rating and only 8% of people rating it 3 stars or less. Others said it was easy to sip. The flip up straw can be difficult to lift and it can be difficult to get a decent flow of water without biting down hard.
It is made from 50% recycled material that fights against odors and stains which are common bugbears when using a plastic bottle, and there are six colors to choose from.
The Eddy+ has a drink straw that you bite into to release the water. The straw has a strong bite to get a satisfying drink and is designed to prevent leaks when closed and spills when open.
The bottle is too large to fit in cup holders. If this is a dealbreaker, you may want to go for one of the smaller sizes in the range.
For long hikes, the Camelbak Eddy is a great size to keep you hydrated and can fit easily into a backpack bottle holder. The bite-to-drink feature is useful when on the go, as it saves water.
The original, non-toxic, non-leaching andBPA free bottle is a top seller.
What users say.
There are 9,826 global ratings for the S&well bottle on Amazon, with 98% of reviewers giving it a rating of 4 or 5 stars. One customer said that she loved the design and that it was leak proof, and another said that it changed her life. The bottle wasn't worth the cost and several reviewers commented that it dents and scuffs easily.
It is available in three standard sizes of 9 oz, 17 oz and 25 oz and in an array of eye-catching colors and prints. That is not all. The largest bottle in the world has triple-layer vacuum-insulating technology that keeps your drink cold for 48 hours.
It comes with a standard screw cap that makes it hard to take a sip, but the wide mouth makes it easy to drink from and also large enough to hold ice cubes. You can buy accessories such as a sports cap for one-handed drinking, or a soft silicone handle for a more comfortable carry if you want to personalize your bottle.
The one downside of this popular pick is that it isn't suitable for the dishwasher, but you may be willing to overlook the hassle of hand washing this for a high-performing bottle that doubles up as an attractive accessory too.
The Klean Kanteen Classic is a popular water bottle.
What users say.
Customers have given this bottle an average score of 4.5 out of 5 with 81% of reviewers giving it 5 stars. Positive reviews state that it can go straight into the dishwasher when dirty. One happy user claimed that it was perfect. There is a whistling noise when drinking from the sports cap.
It is lightweight and can handle the demands of an active lifestyle.
The bottle is great for outdoor activities because it protects against bumps and bashes, and ice can be added to the opening by removing the lid. A narrow profile means it fits in most cup holders.
There are 10 colors and designs to choose from and it comes with a sports cap that can be removed for easy cleaning. Other compatible caps include a carry loop cap and a sippy cup cap.
The thermos hydration bottle is a great value option for the gym or your commute to work and can be tossed in a bag without the worry of spills.
What users say.
Customers on Amazon have given the thermos hydration bottle an average score of 4.5 out of 5 with positive reviewers rating it highly for ease of drinking and its ability to not leak. The lid can be fragile and the lock pin can break over time, but it is a 5 star product and it is easy to hold.
The locking ring mechanism on the lid will prevent it from popping off in a bag if the lid is not leak-proof. A narrow spout means you can drink from it while walking, and the whole lid screws off so you can add ice or fruit to your water.
If you need to drink more water, there are handy volume markings on the side of the bottle and the lid has a dial tracker so you can monitor your intake. There is a good range of colors to choose from, but the water bottle only comes in one size. The 24 ounce capacity is enough to keep you hydrated until the next refill.
The Aquafit 1 Gallon Water Bottle is the bottle to help you reach your hydration goals.
What users say.
There are 6,796 global ratings for this product on Amazon and an overall score of 4.7 out of 5. The straw lid can be leaking and the bottle can break if dropped, according to negative reviews from dissatisfied customers.
This large capacity vessel holds 128 ounces of liquid so that you don't have to worry about refilling and there is a time marker on the side to track how much you drink and ensure hydration levels are topped up from morning to night.
A carry strap, a spout lid, and a straw lid are included. The large handle makes it easier to drink from, however, we didn't find it convenient to take it to the office since it took up most of our bag. It was a life saver because we didn't have to get up from our desk to refill our glass.
There are eight colors to choose from and each water bottle comes with a brush for cleaning.
Water bottles used to be the same. As people have moved away from drinking from disposable bottles, demand has grown for bottles with different sizes and features. The water bottle you take to the gym may be different from the one you use for your daily commute. Before you buy a water bottle, make sure you think about how you will use it.
It's tempting to not spend a lot on a water bottle, but it can be worth it if it's well made and lasts a long time. A bottle that's insulated to keep your drink at the right temperature can be found for $10 to $50. You should spend more if you want your water bottle to last longer. Should you accidentally drop it, it may come with features that prevent leaking. If you are going to buy one of these top end water bottles, then you need to shop around for the best deals to get the most bang for your buck.
With a lot of information to digest when making your purchase, we have broken down the features and specifications you need to bear in mind when choosing the right water bottle for you.
If you are buying a plastic bottle, make sure you choose a material that is free of the harmful chemical, called BPA. It's also a popular option that's heavier than plastic. A water bottle made of high-quality, food-grade STAINLESS STEEL is both durable and non-toxic.
The amount of liquid a water bottle can hold is one of the most important things to consider. A smaller bottle will be more portable, but you will have to top it up regularly. A bottle with a larger volume will be more cumbersome to carry. The downside of the largest bottles is that they don't fit in the cup holders you will find in the gym or your car.
There is a tradeoff between convenience and ease of cleaning when choosing a lid. You can drink from the mouth of the bottle with a screw off lid. It's not the best choice if you're going to be using it in your car and trying to drive at the same time, because you'll need two hands to open it. It is easy to clean a screw cap bottle.
If you want a bottle that you can use on the go, look for one with a straw attachment or a valve that will keep it from spilling. These bottles have a flip cap to keep dust out, but it's difficult to clean them.
The size of your bottle's opening will have an impact on how easy it is to use. You can pop in ice cubes and fruit with a wider mouth bottle, while you're less likely to get spillage while drinking from a bottle with a narrower opening.
If you have a dishwasher, then a bottle that is dishwasher safe should be easier to clean. If you have bought a handwash-only bottle, or one with a narrow opening, it is worth getting a bottle brush to keep it clean. If you use bottles for fluids other than water, they can start to smell a bit stinky. If this happens and a run through the dishwasher isn't enough to get rid of it, then check the instructions on the box.
If you love ice cold water, then an insulated bottle is a no-brainer as a non-insulated bottle will leave you with water that is not as cold as it should be after a few hours. Double- or triple-walled bottles will keep drinks warmer for longer. Water can be kept cold for 24 hours or more with insulated bottles. If you live in a hot area, these kinds of bottles are helpful.
If you find yourself sweaty during your workouts, you'll be glad to know that some of the best water cans are sweat-free. The body of the bottle will not get damp, making it less slippery and easier to grip. It may feel like an unimportant thing, but also check out the handle to see if it is flexible or rigid. How many fingers do you have? Take a few handles and see what works for you.
The role of a good water bottle is to help you stay hydrated and it is worth remembering that our body cells need water to function properly.
Hasoon said that dehydration can lead to lightheadedness, dizziness, reduced motor function and low energy.
If you don't drink enough water while you are working out, you could hurt yourself.
Adding electrolyte powders or tablets to your water bottle is a good way to make sure you get enough hydration. Your body needs lytes such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium to maintain fluid balance, regulate blood pressure, and more. You should take dehydration seriously because it can lead to electrolyte imbalance.
The article is only for informational purposes, and not for medical advice.
Live Science contributor Rosee Woodland updated the article on April 24, 2022.