Choosing the Right Reusable Water Bottle for You

12.12.2024 | 3 min read

Filling a reusable bottle is a cheaper and healthier option than using plastic, disposable water bottles. Buying a reusable water bottle is a valuable long-term investment into saving our planet and staying away from harmful chemicals.

A study conducted by the chemistry department of the State University of New York of Fredonia showed that 93% of the plastic bottled waters tested contained harmful chemicals and microplastics. Not to mention over 29 billion disposable plastic water bottles are thrown away in the United States every year, according to National Geographic.

With so many options in the market, you might be overwhelmed with where to begin. When buying a reusable water bottle, you should aim to purchase something that will last and suit your lifestyle.

Where will you be using the water bottle?

If you’re frequently on the move, outside, or engaging in physical activities, you should look for a bottle that is leak proof and insulated to keep your water cold on-the-go. Popular brands include:

Yeti
Hydro Flask
Owala

How big or how heavy is the water bottle?

The size you choose should align with your lifestyle and ensure that you stay properly hydrated. If you’re mainly using your water bottle indoors or for short outings, a smaller bottle could be more practical. Consider the availability of water sources for refills, how often you’re willing to clean and how often you can refill your bottle when choosing its size.

Small-sized bottles:

6-16 oz
Lightweight
Use for office, travel, short walks
Must be refilled multiple times throughout the day

Medium-sized bottles:

20-30 oz
Lightweight
Fewer refills to reach hydration needs
Use for home, work, school, travel, long hikes

Large-sized bottles:

32-48 oz
Heavy
Fewest refills needed
Use for long road trips, camping, prolonged outdoor or physical activity

How much water you should drink can vary by sex and age. The Mayo Clinic recommends for full grown adults, 15.5 cups of water a day for men and 11.5 cups a day for women.

Insulated vs. non-insulated water bottles

An insulated water bottle is designed to keep your beverages at their original temperature for an extended period, whether hot or cold. Insulated bottles typically have double-wall construction, with a vacuum layer between the two walls. Uninsulated water bottles are often more affordable and lightweight, but don’t provide the same level of temperature control as insulated ones.

Stainless steel vs. plastic water bottles

While the benefits of a stainless-steel water bottle typically outweigh the drawbacks, here’s what you should know about the difference in material types.

Stainless steel water bottles:

Durable
Temperature control
Non-toxic
Easy to Clean
The potential to leave a metallic aftertaste

Plastic reusable water bottles:

Lightweight
Budget-friendly
Come in a variety of styles
Not always dishwasher safe
Less environmentally sustainable

Do you want a water bottle with a straw?

Another important factor to consider when choosing a reusable water bottle is what lid type to get. Do you want a straw or chug style lid?

Wide mouth or screw-on lids are easy to clean and maintain, often secure, and easy to fill. However, they have the potential to spill easily on the go and may be inconvenient as two hands are required to open and close a screw-on lid.

Straw lids provide convenience for drinking, reduced spills, and their one-handed drinking operation is ideal for multi-tasking. However, they can be complex to clean. They may require more maintenance to prevent mold or bacteria buildup.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Related: