Hydration ·

Picking a Water Bottle for The Outdoors


When you find a good outdoor water bottle, it can change how you exercise outside. Whether you’re into hiking, running, cycling, or wild swimming, having a water bottle for the outdoors that is sturdy and unbreakable can be a game changer.

We’re looking at what you need in a water bottle for the outdoors, to help you get the best outdoor water bottle possible.


Which features do you need in water bottles for hiking or other outdoor sports?

Outdoor sports water bottles need to be strong and sturdy, and have the ability to keep your drink cold in different climates. Plus, if you’re hiking long distances or doing other forms of endurance exercise, you need to have a water bottle that is lightweight. There’s nothing worse than being weighed down by your water bottle!

Another feature you might want to look for is a safe material. When hiking, you don’t want something that could smash if you misstep and land on your bag (eg - glass). Spare yourself the nasty injury and opt for something that is safer like stainless steel.

Lastly, a key feature of a water bottle for the outdoors is leak proof sealing. You don’t want your water bottle to leak on your food or extra clothing that you might need for sustenance and warmth if you're going to be outside for a while. In these conditions, a leaky water bottle could be potentially dangerous if it makes you soggy and cold.


How much water do I need for hiking and other sports?

Hydration during exercise is really important, however when you’re hiking or doing outdoor sports you’re unlikely to want to carry litres of water. As a guide, around half a litre of water per hour of exercise should cover you. As you can see, a water bottle that allows you to carry a bigger volume of water could be best if you’re planning on a big hike or all day exercise excursion.

What is the best water bottle material to drink out of when exposed to the elements?

When exposed to the elements, you should opt for a water bottle that won’t hurt you if it gets damaged. For example, if you’re exposed to the elements and you’re carrying a glass water bottle, this has the potential to smash and injure you.

Similarly, plastic isn’t great when exposed to the elements either. When left in the sun, or in warm temperatures, plastic water bottles can release BPA’s which are harmful for us. With side effects that are thought to impact our hormones, fertility and even breathing difficulties it’s not good to rely on plastic water bottles when you’re exposed to the elements.

The best option is stainless steel, which is lightweight, eco friendly and doesn’t have any of the safety risks associated with your other options.


Is it bad to drink out of water bottles once it’s left in the sun or heat?

It depends. If it's plastic, yes. Although the jury is out on whether plastic water bottles that are left in the sun are harmful, there is lots of evidence to suggest that BPA’s are released into the water, which we then drink. These are said to have harmful effects on the body, therefore it should be avoided. Learn more over on our BPA vs Stainless Steel page.

Which water bottles withstand extreme cold the best?


Stainless steel is an amazing material for keeping your drink hot or cold in any condition. Due to it’s sealed nature, you’re able to lock in a temperature which can be maintained in extreme cold. Stainless steel is extremely durable and able to withstand the cold much more effectively than plastic or glass. If you’re in extreme cold and your water freezes, steel is the only material that won’t explode. Glass and plastic are likely to crack, which could leave you without a drink and potentially harm you too.


Features that help our bottles retain the temperature of your drinks

The main reasons that out stainless steel water bottles are able to keep drinks cool are:

- Vacuum insulation means they keep your drinks at the temperature they enter in

- They are not transparent, meaning that temperature finds it harder to permeate

- It doesn’t transmit heat to the inside of the bottle, meaning the temperature stays the same


Which materials are the most hygienic for water bottles?

Stainless steel is most hygienic for water bottles as they are easily washable and don’t retain dirt and grime. Glass comes in a close second, with the ability to be cleaned easily, but the inability to withstand hot temperatures and a lack of durability (how many times have you broken a glass in the dishwasher?). The worst material by far is plastic, as although it looks smooth to us, under a microscope we see that plastic is a rough surface that can hold onto bacteria.


Best water accessory for hiking?

There are so many great water bottle accessories, but by far the best for hiking is the water bottle holder strap which means it can be attached to your backpack for easy access. This is great when hiking or on the go.

Find your perfect water bottle for the outdoors and discover our collection of stainless steel water bottles today!


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