As hikers, we have two important missions: to stay hydrated and to reduce our impact on the environment.
One simple and effective way to achieve both goals is by investing in a reusable water bottle that can withstand long hikes, while cutting down on single-use plastics cluttering our landfills and oceans.
But choosing a water bottle isn’t just about grabbing the shiniest or most colorful one from the shelf. Sure, the main job of a water bottle is to keep you hydrated, but for us hikers, there’s a bit more to consider.
Each bottle I’ve included in this guide has been through rigorous testing on the trails, and I’ve taken into account real-life factors such as weight, material, and ease of use. You can’t go wrong with any of them!
What Are the Best Water Bottles for Hiking?
Best Overall: YETI Rambler Vacuum Bottle with Chug Cap | Check Price (26 fl. oz.) | Check Price (36 fl. oz.)
Best for an Overnight Hike: Owala FreeSip Vacuum Water Bottle | Check Price (40 fl. oz.) | Check Price (32 fl. oz.)
Best with Water Filter: Grayl UltraPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle (16.9 fl. oz.) | Check Price
Best Collapsible: HydraPak Flux Collapsible Water Bottle (50 fl. oz.) | Check Price
Best on Budget: REI Co-op Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water Bottle | Check Price (16 fl. oz.) | Check Price (32 fl. oz.) | Check Price (48 fl. oz.)
YETI Rambler Vacuum Bottle
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
YETI has a reputation for churning out top-notch gear that can take a beating and come out looking pretty much unscathed. So, it didn’t come as a surprise to me when their Rambler bottle impressed me with its stellar quality and durability. This thing’s built like a tank, but in the best way possible.
If you’ve been on hikes where your water turns lukewarm by noon or your coffee goes cold before you’ve hit the first lookout, you’ll understand why good insulation is so important.
With Rambler, you’ll have ice-cold water for the whole day, even two or three days later if you forget about it. And for chilly morning starts, your coffee stays hot for hours.
What’s equally important, the YETI Rambler is miles ahead of others in keeping everything sealed tight. Even compared to my old HydroFlask with a flex straw cap (which is considered the best water bottle by many), the YETI wins in my experience for not letting a single drop escape.
Keep in mind that the Rambler’s a bit bigger than some other options with the same capacity. With the dimensions of 3.375 x 11 inches (the 26 fl. oz. version), it can be a challenge to squeeze it into some cup holders or tiny daypack pockets.
It’s also a bit heavier than some bottles, tipping the scales at just over a pound for the 26 fl. oz version.
The standard 26 fl. oz Rambler’s my go-to, but if you’re the type who prefers fewer refills, there’s also a 36 fl. oz size. And for the true hydration warriors, check out the Half Gallon Jug with 64 fl. oz. capacity, ready for your biggest adventures.
Verdict
The YETI Rambler Vacuum Bottle has earned its spot as the best water bottle in my hiking gear.
At around $40 for the 26 fl. oz, it’s a bit of an investment, but with YETI, you’re paying for quality that lasts. I’ve yet to be disappointed by any of their products, and this water bottle’s no exception.
Owala FreeSip Vacuum Water Bottle
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The Owala FreeSip is extremely popular on the trails. Take a peek on the REI website where it’s shining bright with a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from over 9000 (!) reviews.
For me, it was love at first sip with their unique FreeSip’s push-button lid. Though it might play hard to get at first (a tiny bit harder to pop open than expected), it features a hidden straw that makes sipping on the go feel as natural as breathing.
I also love how it kept my ice solid for over 24 hours, thanks to its double-wall insulated construction. This kind of chill power keeps your drink cool, refreshing, and ready when you need it most.
It’s not exactly featherweight at 1 lb. 3 oz., but considering it can haul 40 fl. oz. of your favorite drink, that’s pretty impressive. Sure, it might not snugly fit in every cup holder, but that’s a small trade-off for staying well-hydrated. You can also find a 32 fl. oz. version of this bottle here.
Verdict
All in all, the Owala FreeSip is a great alternative to YETI Rambler. While the Rambler has better durability and is more leakproof, the Owala offers slightly more comfort and ease of use. For around $40 and with a hefty capacity, it’s a contender worth considering.
Grayl UltraPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The Grayl UltraPress is a unique water bottle that can turn out to be a lifesaver in some situations, especially when you’re miles away from the nearest clean water source.
This bottle lets you fill, press, and drink purified water in just seconds. No pumping required, just simple physics at work.
The UltraPress is a powerhouse at removing the nasty stuff you definitely don’t want to drink:
- viruses like hepatitis A and norovirus,
- bacteria such as E. coli,
- and even protozoan cysts like giardia.
It also tackles chemicals, pesticides, and even weird tastes and odors that make you think twice before drinking.
Despite all useful features this bottle offers, it’s still relatively small. With the capacity of 16.9 fl. oz., you’ll probably need to refill quite often. The trade-off is its compact size that fits pretty much anywhere in your pack or cup holder.
It’s also priced at almost $90, so it’s definitely on the pricier side. But considering the peace of mind and convenience it offers, it’s a solid investment. Especially when you’re looking at keeping safe from waterborne nasties without lugging around a bulky filter system.
Verdict
This bottle is a perfect match for backpackers, thru-hikers, and regular hikers venturing off the beaten path into areas where clean water is a luxury.
If you value practicality, safety, and staying hydrated, then it’s definitely for you. For those who often find themselves far from civilization or simply want to be prepared for any situation, this water bottle could very well be your lifesaver.
HydraPak Flux Collapsible Water Bottle
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The HydraPak Flux is perfect for ultralight hiking or backpacking trips – it weighs just 5 ounces and still manages to hold a whopping 50 fl. oz. of water! I don’t know many other bottles that can do the same without sacrificing on flow rate or durability.
This bottle is also collapsible so you can scrunch it down to the size of your pocket when it’s empty. You finish your drink and just squish your bottle down to stash away.
The most important feature is the filter. It can effectively remove nearly all the nasties from your water: 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.999% of parasitic cysts, not to mention getting rid of microplastics.
And it does all this while keeping the flow rate ridiculously high. Drinking from the HydraPak Flux feels just like sipping from your bottle at home, which is a big win for me.
However, as much as I appreciate this bottle, cleaning’s a bit hard as the filter and the bottle both are not dishwasher-friendly.
it’s also a bit more difficult to open than I’d like. It’s a flip and twist situation, but the lip on the cap is tiny. When it’s brand new, you might need to wrestle with it a bit.
Verdict
The HydraPak Flux has earned its place in my backpack whenever I go on an ultralight trip. Its lightweight, compact design, paired with an efficient filter, makes it a practical and reliable choice.
REI Co-op Nalgene Water Bottle
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
Priced between $14-$19 based on the size, the REI Co-op Nalgene offers reliability without making your wallet cry.
I love Nalgene bottles because they don’t make your water taste weird. It’s also lighter than dragging a glass bottle around and doesn’t hang onto odors.
They’ve got three sizes to choose from. Heading out for a quick hike? The 16 fl. oz. bottle is ideal. It’s perfect for 3-5 mile hikes where you want to stay light but hydrated.
For longer adventures, there are 32 and 48 fl. oz. versions. No matter how far you’re going, there’s a size just right for your needs.
This bottle is also a hit when hiking with kids. It’s light enough for them to carry without any fuss and holds enough water to keep them happy. It also fits snugly into a bigger pocket, fanny pack, or sling bag.
It won’t keep water ice-cold like an insulated bottle might, but on a quick hike it’s not a big problem.
Verdict
If you value simplicity, durability, and practicality, then the REI Co-op Nalgene is for you. It doesn’t have complicated features or a hefty price tag. Instead, it does its job, and it does it well.
What Type of Water Bottle Is Best for Hiking?
The ideal water bottle for hiking weighs less than 1 pound, is durable (preferably made from stainless steel), and has a capacity of 24-38 fl. oz. to keep you hydrated without weighing you down.
These are the three most important criteria to consider when choosing a water bottle for your hiking adventures.
Bonus points if it can fit in your backpack’s side pocket or cup holder, is BPA-free and has a leak-proof seal to prevent any unwanted spills in your bag.
How Big Should a Hiking Water Bottle Be?
For quick hikes, a sleek, no-fuss 16 to 24 fl. oz. bottle hits the spot. It’s usually very light, won’t break if you accidentally drop it on a rock, and carries enough water for a few hours.
If you’re planning a full day’s hike into the wild, you’ll want something a bit heftier. Think in the range of 32 fl. oz. This size ensures you’ve got enough water for the long haul while still being mindful of weight. Insulation might start mattering here, especially if you’re hiking in extreme temperatures.
What about all-day or multi-day adventures? For this, you’ll need a durable, insulated bottle or even a hydration system with a capacity of 48 fl. oz. or more.
Yes, it’s a bit heavier and the weight can get up to 2 pounds, but staying hydrated is important on these trips. Some come with built-in filtration systems, making them super useful when you need to refill from a stream or lake.
How Do You Carry a Water Bottle When Hiking?
First off, hand-carrying your water bottle can be straightforward, but after a few miles, your hand might get tired, or you might want to use your hands for, well, actual hiking stuff like using trekking poles or scrambling up some rocks.
That’s why one of my favorite techniques for carrying a water bottle is the carabiner clip. Most water bottles have a loop on the lid. Just clip a carabiner through this loop and attach it to your backpack.
Now your water is easily accessible and your hands are free. Just make sure it’s tightly secured to avoid any spills or loss.
Conclusion
At first glance, shelling out a few extra bucks on a water bottle might not seem like the top priority for beginner hikers.
But, I’m here to tell you, investing in a good one is something you won’t regret. Why? Because these bottles are built tough. They stick by you, hike after hike, keeping your drinks icy cold or warm, exactly how you like them. They also provide useful bonus features that are nothing short of awesome!
Sure, they might cost a bit more than your run-of-the-mill bottle, but when you weigh the perks – durability, temperature control, bonus features – it’s a no-brainer for me. It’s the kind of investment that pays off in every step of your hikes.
Lukas Heller
Hey there! I’m Lukas, co-founder of BigfootHiking.com, alongside my adventurous wife Martha. Originally from Germany, I landed in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2015, where I’ve been scouting out new trails ever since (though they’re getting scarce!). By day, I’m a software developer, but my heart belongs to hiking – I’m always plotting our next trip. When I’m not coding or on the trails, you’ll find me hanging out with our Pit Bull, Zeus.
