This Is Still the Best Water Bottle We've Ever Tried

Can a water bottle be playful? The radiant color scheme here suggests so. And why not, this is the tool that should accompany you on a lot of joyous outings, from cycling through country roads to hiking in the woods. Choose from a host of three sizes (24 oz is our preferred capacity) and enjoy the FreeSip Spout, which pivots to and from big gulps and sipping from a straw seamlessly.

The carry loop is ergonomic and folds into the bottle and push-button access means no leaks. While relatively slender overall, we found that the bottle had no problem taking on scoops of ice with the lid fully off. And once that ice is in place, you're set for 24 hours of polar temperatures. About the only scenario in which this bottle struggles is for athletes competing in helmet sports, as the broad mouth can't get through a lot of face guards. But you could also just take that helmet off before hydrating.

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Basic squeeze water bottles for the gym are ok for use, but if you're looking for a much more enjoyable way to stay hydrated while working out then you'll want to try the Camelbak Podium. This water bottle is under $20 (sometimes even lower depending on the sale) and comes with an insulated design that keeps cold water from covering the outside of it—which means no condensation will be soaking your hands in between sets.

The spout and cap design is another huge sell for why we love the Podium for the gym. The top is designed to keep away dirt for mountain bikers, but when transferred to the gym it means there's no leakage when falling over and no gross gym dust and germs floating where you put your mouth. The spout is also similar to drinking out of a Camelbak backpack, which a few of our editors found novel.

The Podium is a little outside the box for what you'd think of as a gym water bottle, but its insulation and high level of leak-proofing makes it seriously good for all types of active settings. It doesn't hurt that it has a cool design, too.

With so many rave reviews in favor of this bottle, it was a little hard to approach it as a skeptic. But that's what good testers do and we came in thinking there was no way it could match the hype. Almost immediately in our testing we were proved wrong. This is a contemporary water bottle for the contemporary world and once you have one, you never want to go back to the old way.

Why does it slap? Aesthetic, durability, and a high-functioning nature. The handle is one of the best we've used, the build is sturdy, and the associated app is all kinds of helpful. It self-cleans in a single minute, insulates for a full day, and there's even a hydration tracker to keep you swigging when you should be.

The handle is detachable and the bottle itself filters the contents, making for a clean sip every time. The look is among the best out there and the color options are great too. Complaints? Few and far between, although the drinking sensors can be a little buggy and the nozzle is tricky to clean. But overall, it's a gem.

Familiar, durable, and affordable is what makes Nalgene so good after so many years. The brand offers a ton of fun colors, designs, and patterns, so you have a full array of ways to express yourself. However, we realize the design of your Nalgene might not matter as much if you plan on layering it with all the cool stickers you collect on your travels.

Does it have insulation or specialized cap designs for sipping? No, but that's not the point. Nalgene water bottles are all about keeping things minimalist. Over time, it might start to leak a little bit or get beaten up by the dishwasher. If that happens, find a way to recycle and buy a new one for less than $20. Overall, this is a modern classic of a water bottle that's about as durable as they come. We've even run them over with mountain bikes and small cars and didn't even put a dent in 'em. The simplicity means it's also noticeable easier to clean.

Toughness with a simple design that appeals to the barebones hydrators out there. We like to think they’re just old enough now they’ve become somewhat iconic, earning a following for all camps, from classroom commuters to weekend warrior backcountry hikers.

You really can't go wrong with any Hydroflask, but this 32-ounce water bottle came to be our favorite from our editors who like to hike and camp, and from those who enjoy a high-capacity water bottle. The wide mouth design at the top makes for fast drinking as well as easy pouring and cleaning. As for the material, you've got insanely durable stainless steel with double wall insulation at your service.

This water bottle fits well in most hiking backpacks and duffel bags, despite its larger size. We liked how secure the cap and handle are too, as it allows for one-handed carry when walking short distances.

You're buying excellence with this water bottle. It's going to stay strong for years, no matter what adventures you throw at it. Outdoorsy types especially should consider this model if they're in need of a water bottle.

If there was a water bottle we might want to bring with to a deserted island, this might be it. That's because it excels in versatility, able to do just about whenever you need it to do. We appreciated the wide mouth, which delivered big swigs after long jogs or paddles on a SUP. There was never any spilling thanks to a leakproof spout and the hinge lock is a nice accent, especially if you're on the active side and like to have your water bottle with you on those adventures.

The extra large clip is nice for outings like hikes and travel and we found the insulation to be pretty good, keeping things chilled for at least 12 hours even in warm conditions. It's easy to clean, whether by hand or in the machine, and it fits in every cup holder we tried, from cars to strollers. If you need an extra nudge of insulation, just pack the thing with ice. We found the bottle to be a bit weaker than others in terms of durability (can dent up if you're hard on the thing) but for the price, it's a nice option indeed.

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There are a handful of filtered water bottles on the market, but no brand has wowed us more than LifeStraw. For starters, the Lifestraw filter is one of the most trusted designs on the market. According to the brand, the two-stage filtration will eliminate 99.999999% of bacteria (including E.coli + Salmonella), and 99.999% of microplastics, sand, and dirt. LifeStraw then packed its filter inside the stainless steel bottle, which we found to be much more appealing than plastic models where you can see the filter inside.

The cost of the Lifestraw Go here is a little elevated, but you are paying for the special filter. You do need to change the LifeStraw filter inside about every 60 days, so that's an extra cost. The payoff though, from what our editors discovered, is the peace of mind you get filling up your water bottle at a public water fountain or from tap water that comes out of a sink.

Grab this water bottle if you're looking for a filtered option with excellent design. There are times when you can’t fully trust your water source but this vessel affords peace of mind (and no bickering of the gut).

We liked the first edition of the Hidrate Spark PRO and the second round only improves on the original. It’s an entire hydration program tied to an ultra-contemporary bottle and helpful sibling app. You can customize your intake based on your activities and track your progress right down to the drop.

The bottle itself is sweat proof. We appreciated the fact that it rarely if ever slipped out of our paws, even amid a grueling workout. The double-insulation does its job and the recycled 18/8 stainless steel is a nice touch. Also, the lid performed well, even outdoors, with a protective lid, a large carrying handle, and a chug spout for when you’re really thirsty.

When you get a higher IQ bottle such as this, it can sometimes be a little demanding, Not the case here. The newest option from Hidrate does insist that you stay hydrated, but in subtle fashion, with the occasional glow or beep. It’s much better than a bottle that nudges too hard, causing the user to revolt and ignore the thing.

Smart as this water bottle is, it still requires some babying when it comes to washing. The sensor is especially sensitive and should be cleaned with care. But that’s a small price to pay for a water bottle that essentially serves as your personal hydration coach.