What To Look For
The main thing to consider when purchasing a refillable water bottle is your lifestyle. There is a wide variety of water bottles on the market varying in material, size, style and purpose. Whether it is a polycarbonate or stainless steel, you want a water bottle that is easy to clean, leak-proof and insulates your water. Your purpose will also determine the size of the water bottle, which typically ranges from 12 ounces to 1 liter.
Common Pitfalls
Consider the fine details of your water bottle, such as the mouth piece. Sports bottles typically have a spout tip, bite valve or straw for easy drinking access. Stainless steel water bottles generally have a twist off cap or loop top. The width of the mouth piece is important. A wide mouth piece makes it easier to refill and add ice but a smaller mouth piece is easier to drink out of. Also, an important factor is to always make sure the water bottle is BPA-free. BPA is an organic yet toxic and harmful chemical. Most water bottles are BPA-free but it is best to check with the retailer.
Where To Buy
The online site, Sportsbottleworld.com, has a wide selection of sports water bottles like squeezable, transparent, metal and many more. Other sites like Amazon.com and Altrec.com feature customer reviews and detailed descriptions of each bottle. Outdoor specialty stores like REI and Sports Authority also carry various water bottles. Additionally, major retail department stores like Target and Walmart carry simple, everyday water bottles for homes and offices.
Cost
Refillable water bottles vary greatly from $5 to $50, depending on size, material and features. Features typically include any design factors like an appealing image or color to a built-in monitor that calculates your daily hydration. Consider shopping around for the best price. Unless you are looking for a unique water bottle, most retailers carry a suitably wide range.
Comparison Shopping
The durable and affordable Nalgene products are clear, everyday-use bottles made from BPA-free, Tritan plastic with measurement markings on the side to help gage your water content. Camelbak has the integrated bite valve as a popular bottle feature which is spill-proof, since it requires you to bite down on the valve to drink the water. Eco-friendly companies like Sigg and Earthlust are known for their creative designs, from graphic prints to simple illustrations. Katadyn is an EPA-approved water purification system which removes all bacteria and viruses from water and holds up to 24 ounces.
Accessories
There are a few accessories available but most are optional and not required. Sports water bottles will often have a bottle cage for bikes, bottle belt, bottle clutch or bottle bag for carrying purposes on hikes, runs or walks. Most retailers will also sell replacement caps in case you happen to misplace or break the original caps. Other accessories may also include cleaning brushes which may be handy if your water bottle has a narrow mouthpiece.
Insider Tips
Certain water bottles--plastic, aluminum or stainless steel in particular--may carry an after-taste. It is important to first wash the bottle with a gentle dishwashing liquid either by hand or in the dishwasher, depending on the product. If the after-taste persists, add a tablespoon of baking soda and fill the bottle with 1/3 of water. Shake the bottle, rinse and repeat if necessary.
Member Comments