The 8 Best Water Bottles for Hiking

Key Specs

• Insulated: Yes
• Materials: Steel
• Volume: 24 ounces

If you can't stand getting a swig of warm water on a sweaty hike, you'd be wise to invest in an insulated bottle like this one. While an insulated metal bottle will typically be a bit heavier than a plastic bottle or an uninsulated metal one, this model is still relatively lightweight, and worth it for the ability to keep your water ice cold for over a day.

Key Specs

• Insulated: No
• Materials: Nylon, polyester
• Volume: 22 ounces

If your idea of a good time is running the trails instead of hiking them, you'll probably want to go for a slightly more lightweight water bottle.

This handheld bottle holds an impressive 22 ounces, and has a strap that fits snugly on your hand, allowing you to move freely without having to grip too hard. It also has a convenient storage pocket which is great for holding a phone, keys, or nutrition.

Key Specs

• Insulated: No
• Materials: BPA- and PVC-free thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
• Volume: 34 ounces

For backpackers who want to conserve all the weight and space they can, this bottle fits the bill. It's collapsible and smushes down into a lightweight disk when empty. When it is being used, it inflates and can hold up to a liter of water. It is also BPA- and PVC-free, and doesn't have a plastic-y aftertaste.

Key Specs

• Insulated: No
• Materials: BPA-free plastic
• Volume: 22 ounces

If you're going to be hiking somewhere that has some sketchy water sources, you will definitely want to bring a Lifestraw.

While Lifestraw famously makes a bottle-free straw that can be used directly in a water source, this one has the filter built into the bottle so you can fill it up and be on your way instead of spending 15 minutes sucking up a puddle.

The filter removes microplastics, chlorine, and organic chemical matter, as well as sand, dirt, cloudiness, and up to 99.9 percent of waterborne bacteria. It can also filter up to 1,000 liters of water before needing a replacement.

Key Specs

• Insulated: No
• Materials: Tritan copolyester
• Volume: 32 ounces

While Nalgene may have lost its overarching popularity to insulated models like the HydroFlask, the company still makes tried and true bottles, like this Tritan Wide Mouth model, that deserve a place on this list.

Nalgenes are quintessential hiking bottles—they have a large capacity, are close to indestructible, and have a wide mouth that encourages chugging. While they won't keep your water cold all day, the large opening means you can easily fill yours with ice to keep it chilled for a while.

Key Specs

• Insulated: Yes
• Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
• Volume: 50 ounces

If you want easy, hands-free access to your water on the trail, a water bladder like this one is the way to go. This model by Hydrapak is insulated and has a long pipe that easily reaches your mouth even when tucked in a vest or backpack. It has a double closure system that ensures there is no leakage, and there is no plastic-y taste, even after hours of use.

I personally own this bladder and have run half-marathons and hiked countless miles in it—it truly does live up to the hype and keeps your water cold for hours on end.

Key Specs

• Insulated: No
• Materials: Plastic
• Volume: 68 ounces

Another minimalist option, this is more of a bag than a bottle, but if keeping your pack's weight low is a top priority, it may be just what you're looking for. It can hold an impressive 2 liters but rolls up small enough to fit in your hand when not in use.

While these don't have a filter themselves, they are compatible with the popular Sawyer Squeeze system, though it can take some practice to get used to.

Key Specs

• Insulated: No
• Materials: Stainless steel
• Volume: 18, 27 ounces

If you’re wary of your water sitting in plastic all day, a stainless steel bottle is a great alternative. This one isn’t insulated, which means it won’t keep your water as cold as insulated models, but it also means it’s significantly lighter than your average insulated bottle. It comes in 18- and 27-ounce sizes, and its slim fit allows it to sit well on the side of your backpack.