Best Hiking Water Bottle of 2024

Reasons to Buy

• Excellent, long lasting insulation
• Durable construction
• Tall, narrow design is ideal

Reasons to Avoid

• A bit pricey compared to other options
• Not as light as some other options

The Hydro Flask Standard Mouth 24 oz is a well built, relatively lightweight double walled water bottle.

It's advertised to keep your hot drinks hot for about 12 hours and cold drinks cold for about 24 hours. In our tests this depended quite a bit on how much liquid (hot or cold) was actually in the bottle. More liquid means the temperature stays more constant.

All of that is just to say, the advertised numbers on keeping your drink hot or cold are approximately correct.

The lid is great. The loop is a thin piece of rubber that's easy to clip a carabiner to. The threads feel good and secure. We're not huge fans of plastic, especially plastic that touches our hot drinks, but HydroFlask does make a replacement metal lid which we personally think is a great investment.

The Standard Mouth version is the one we like best, but there is also a Wide Mouth version that a lot of people do like. The Standard Mouth version is big enough to fit an ice cube through, which is the biggest thing we've ever needed to get in to our water bottle, so we've never seen a reason to upgrade to the Wide Mouth version, but it does exist if you want it.

There are some reports about the rim of the bottle getting quite hot for your lips when hot liquid is in the bottle. We've not personally experienced that, but it's something to be aware of.

The overall shape and design is great. The bottle is narrow enough to fit in to most bottle holders in a car, for instance, and also fits great in the side pockets of most backpacks.

This isn't the lightest bottle, but that is mostly due to the double wall design. You can find lighter double wall water bottles, but one major recurring problem with these water bottles is dents. A very light metal water bottle almost certainly means lighter, thinner metal, which is more likely dent when you drop it on a rock. So a certain amount of weight is really what's keeping your bottle dent free.

Lastly, this isn't a cheap water bottle. It's a bit of an investment, but you're getting a great bottle that, if you don't drop it on too many rocks, you will have for a long time.

Reasons to Buy

• Exceptional durability
• Lightweight
• Solid value

Reasons to Avoid

• Cap loop is smaller than Hydro Flask

The Hydro Flask Standard Mouth 24 oz is our favorite double wall water bottle and the Klean Kanteen 27 oz Classic is our favorite single wall water bottle.

The basic shape is very similar to the Hydro Flask Standard Mouth 24 oz. It's a long, narrow cylindar which is ideal for sliding in to a car bottle holder or a backpack side pocket.

The lid is a simple and effective plastic lid, also quite similar to the Hydro Flask. We like the replacement metal lid that Klean Kanteen offers. The loop on the plastic lid however is a better design that's easier to clip a carabiner to. The Hydro Flask lid loop design is better than either of these, however. Fun fact: the Hydro Flask and Klean Kanteen lids are interchangeable, so ultimately if you like one lid or the other better, you can always mix and match.

Weight is probably where the Klean Kanteen 27 oz Classic stands out the most. It definitely feels like a light water bottle that you won't notice in your backpack. This is thanks largely to the single wall design, which means there is about 50% less metal in this water bottle, compared to a double wall design.

Of course, it probably doesn't need to be said but a single wall design like this one will not keep your drink hot or cold for very long at all. This is our favorite water bottle when we don't care that much about the temperature of our liquids, but when you do care, you want a double walled water bottle.

Finally, the value is reasonable for this water bottle. The simpler single wall design means a lower price, which we definitely like.

Reasons to Buy

• Superior insulation
• Durable
• Easy to clean
• Leakproof cap
• Fits in most cup holders

Reasons to Avoid

• Pricey
• A bit heavy
• Not dishwasher safe

The YETI Rambler 26 is hands down an excellent water bottle for hiking. This rugged stainless steel bottle is designed to withstand just about anything you throw at it, serving as a dependable hydration pal for your outdoor adventures.

The YETI Rambler 26 holds 26 ounces of liquid, hence the name. It's a good mid-range size - not too hefty to carry around but sizable enough to keep you hydrated on a good walk. Plus the wide mouth means it's easy to fill at a hiking water source and to sip or glug from.

What makes it stand out though is the extraordinary insulation. This is a double-wall vacuum insulated bottle, keeping your water icy cold for hours, even in the sweltering heat. Likewise, if you need a flask of hot tea in the winter - this bottle will keep it warm until you're ready for it.

Yeti's craftsmanship shines through in the design of the cap. The leak-proof cap, or as Yeti calls it - the 'chug cap' is quite intriguing. It screws on and off easily, and has a smaller cap on top for easy drinking. Plus, it's dishwasher safe which simplifies cleaning.

But let's talk real-world usage. Those who bought the YETI Rambler 26 are mostly enamored by it. Many buyers noted how the water remained incredibly cold, some stating it was still ice-cold after a full day in the hot sun. This quality alone garnered a lot of five-star reviews.

There were a fair number of buyers who also praised its durability. Stories range from dropping it on rocky terrains to accidentally leaving it to freeze overnight, yet the bottle emerged scratch-less and fully functional each time.

However, it wasn't immune from criticism. A small handful of users claimed it was heavier than they'd expected, despite being aware of its stainless steel build. So, if weight is a significant factor for you, this might be something to consider. Others found the price point on the steeper side, but were quick to note that the overall quality justified the cost.

Reasons to Buy

• Keeps liquids cold or hot for long periods
• Durable design and material
• Easy to clean
• Comfortable to carry
• Wide mouth for easy refills

Reasons to Avoid

• Higher price point compared to some competitors
• May be too large for some backpack pockets

Looking to lighten up your backpack on the next hiking trip? You just can't go wrong with the Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide Mouth Trail Series 32 oz. It's proven to be a favorite among ultralight backpackers who swear by its sturdy design and lightweight characteristic.

One of the first things users notice is its weight - or lack thereof. They appreciate how this model shaves off a good 25% of the standard Hydro Flask weight without compromising on essential features. This is thanks to its innovative design using thinner stainless steel while maintaining its signature double-wall vacuum insulation.

Many users are raving about the bottle's insulation ability. It keeps cold liquids icy for up to 24 hours and warm beverages hot for around 6 hours. This speaks volumes for anyone who wants to enjoy a sip of cold water after a lengthy hike or a hot cup of coffee on a chilly morning in the backcountry.

Furthermore, the wide mouth of this Hydro Flask makes topping up quicker and easier. It even allows for putting in ice cubes, which is a solid plus point in the gruelling summer heat. Users have specifically mentioned this being handy when preparing for hikes or post-workout refreshments.

The Hydro Flask also has its temporary drawbacks, if you can call them that. While the exterior finish is sleek and aesthetically pleasing, it can be a bit slippery when wet. You might want to keep a good grip on this baby when hydrating near rivers or in rainy conditions.

Despite the lightness and slightly slippery grip, users vouch for the durability of this bottle. Some have mentioned it surviving drops onto hard rocks with only minor scratches.

Few people have found the price tag a bit on the higher side, especially when compared with similar products. However, the majority think it's a worthwhile investment given its superior build quality and efficient temperature control.

Another note is the lack of a clip or handle, which some users find inconvenient for quick accessibility when hiking. However, this may simply be preference-based as many others have no qualms hanging it off their bag using a carabiner.

In a nutshell, the Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide Mouth Trail Series 32 oz proves to be a great balance of lightweight design, practicality, and durability. Hikers, climbers, and anyone frequently outdoors, considering going ultralight without sacrificing utility, should probably take a closer look at this gem.

Reasons to Buy

• Legendary Durability
• Leakproof lid
• Graduated measurements on the side
• Wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning
• Fairly inexpensive

Reasons to Avoid

• Bulkier than some other options
• No insulation
• Plastic may wear and stain over time

The Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth is a giant in the hiking water bottle world – and for good reason. Easy to use, indestructible and leak-proof, this water bottle has proven its worth on countless hiking trails, campsites, and climbing expeditions.

The wide mouth, as the name suggests, is bigger than on most water bottles of similar size. This makes it more user-friendly, particularly when you're out hiking and need to refill quickly from a stream or water pump. Plus, it's super handy when it comes to adding ice cubes or mixing in powdered drinks.

Being made of BPA free plastic, the Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth does a great job in terms of sustainability and health safety. The plastic is sturdy and, unlike some other bottles, it doesn't give the water a plasticky taste. It also doesn't retain odors, which is a bonus when you're using it for anything other than water.

An added bonus to the bottle's design is the measurements on the side. These marks come in handy when you're cooking on the trail, or when you just need to keep tabs on your hydration.

One of the recurring praises among online reviews is its durability. This bottle is almost unbreakable. There's numerous people even sharing story experiences of how they've dropped, stomped, even ran over their Nalgene with no damage.

But as with all products, the Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth has its drawbacks. Some people find it a bit too bulky for their liking, and the wide mouth, though useful in many situations, can be a challenge when you're walking and drinking, particularly if you're trying to do both simultaneously. There have also been a few complaints about the cap on the bottle, with some users finding it difficult to screw on properly.

Another common critique is in cold weather conditions. The plastic tends to get quite rigid, making it less comfortable to hold and the water gets cold faster. Additionally, if you fill it with hot liquid, the bottle gets extremely hot to hold as well.

Despite its downsides, most online reviewers seem to agree that the positive features and versatility of the Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth make it a solid investment for any outdoor enthusiast. It's simple, rugged, and at the end of the day, reliably holds your water - which is its main job after all.

Reasons to Buy

• Great insulation capabilities
• Durable
• Easy to clean
• Comfortable to hold

Reasons to Avoid

• Cap may not be as durable as the bottle
• Generous size may not fit in all bottle holders
• Pricier than some alternatives

Wow, when it comes to the Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Vacuum 24 oz, this isn't your old school hiking water bottle! This wonder bottle has a solid reputation that backs it up. The Hydro Flask's vacuum insolation technology gives it amazing heat retention capabilities, which is a huge plus if you're bringing a hot drink or cold drink on your travels.

Since it's made of professional-grade stainless steel, it won't retain flavors from your past drinks, and it's a durable material that's designed to face the trails head-on. You can drop it on a rock, bump it on a cliff, or knock it over in the sand, and it still holds up without a dent.

It comes with advanced insulation that keeps hot drinks warm for up to 6 hours, and cold beverages cool for up to 24 hours. On that long, sweaty walk in the summer or that chilling hike in the winter, having a sip of your favorite beverage at the right temperature is just excellent.

There is more to the Hydro Flask than just insulation. Its powder coat is not only beautiful but also offers great grip even with sweaty palms. Moreover, the standard mouth is just spacious enough to allow for ice cubes adding some nice chill to your sips. Plus, it's a breeze to clean.

Considering the online reviews, most people were appreciative of its performance, design, and durability. Many reviewers have repeatedly mentioned the satisfaction they get from sipping a cold drink even after a whole summer's hiking day or their coffee is still warm after a winter morning climb.

However, no product is perfect. Some online reviewers mentioned that the paint can chip away relatively easily when the bottle is mistreated, especially on surfaces that frequently scrape or scratch. Others pointed out that the price might be a bit steep if you're on a tight budget. But, as the majority has expressed, they found the price justifiable by the performance and quality it brings along.

Reasons to Buy

• Compact and easy to stow when empty
• Eco-friendly material
• Affordable
• Attachment loop for easy carry

Reasons to Avoid

• Limited insulation capability
• Struggles to retain shape when full
• Cleaning can be a bit of a chore

The Platypus SoftBottle is a standout entry in the collapsible water bottle category. It's a flexible, packable solution for keeping yourself hydrated on the trails. Weighing only 1.2 ounces, it has an undeniable advantage for those backpackers who count every gram of their gear.

It has an easy-to-use twist cap, which, according to users, prevents any annoying drips or leaks effectively. It's worth mentioning that some users had trouble with missing caps, but Platypus does sell replacements. The mouth of the bottle is of a decent size, allowing for easy filling and pouring, but cleaning might be a little tricky compared to wider-mouth designs. Washing tabs are recommended to avoid any hygiene troubles.

The bottle collapses down to nearly nothing when empty, freeing up precious space in your backpack. One key benefit that users also love is the ability to freeze the SoftBottle overnight and then enjoy cool water for much longer during their hike.

However, it's important to mention that a few reviewers found the SoftBottle slightly harder to pack away when filled to the brim. When full, the rounded bottom tends to make it roll around, creating a bit of a storage challenge. But considering the lightness and portability of the bottle when empty, many users compromise with filling the bottle just a notch below full capacity.

The SoftBottle's durability seems to be a point of debate among users too. While some people have carried their SoftBottle on multiple trips without any impact on its performance, others reported some wear and tear after several uses. It's wrinkly by nature, which makes sense for its function, but a few users found that it forms creases over time which might eventually lead to leaks.

One user suggested that by inflating and deflating the SoftBottle a few times when you first get it, the creases become less sharp and the bottle lasts longer. It's important to remember that like any gear, how you treat it influences its lifespan.

In terms of environmental and health factors, users appreciate that the Platypus SoftBottle is made of BPA-free and taste-free materials, not adding an unwelcome flavor to their drinking water on long hikes.

Reasons to Buy

• Built-in micro filter
• Large water capacity
• Easy to use
• Collapsible design for compact storage

Reasons to Avoid

• Not insulated
• Difficult to clean well
• Filter may require replacement over time

The Katadyn BeFree 1.0L is definitely a game-changer for hikers on the hunt for a reliable, easy-to-use water bottle with a built-in filter. Sporting a sleek design and weighing a featherlight 63g, this water bottle proves to be a compact and lightweight addition to your hiking gear.

One of the biggest advantages of the Katadyn BeFree 1.0L that users have raved about is its fast flow rate. Say goodbye to tedious sucking or squeezing -- just fill the bottle up and drink straight away. With its unique EZ-Clean Membrane filter, users can enjoy fresh, clean water in virtually no time.

Buyers love the bottle's user-friendly design. The 42mm wide mouth opening makes it easy to scoop water from shallow sources, and makes cleaning the bottle a breeze. The flexible body and collapsible design take up minimal space and it's easy to stuff it in your backpack once you're done hydrating.

The bottle's durability, though, gets mixed reviews. While some users have praised it for surviving numerous outdoor trips, others have reported leaks and wear after heavy use. The bottle is designed with 0.1-micron pore size, which guarantees to remove 99.99% of harmful bacteria and protozoa. However, it's not effective against viruses, and some hikers would recommend using chemical drops or boiling the water further depending upon the water source.

While it's easy to clean the exterior of the bottle, some users also found it slightly challenging to clean the interior, particularly if you fill it with flavored liquid or juice, so it's ideal to use this mainly for water.