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Water is indispensable for life, and this explains our day-to-day use of water bottle. In the recent past, besides the primary purpose of hydration, the water bottle is growing into an activity-specific accessory with varying designs and features that boost comfort and convenience.
Many companies are currently designing special models that take care of different growing human needs and unique interests.
Presently, there are different categories of water bottles in the market and these vary according to size, shape, material, nozzle type, level of insulation, and many more.
This water bottle buying guide provides you with all the essential tips you need to choose the right water bottle for your specific needs.
10 Things Things to Consider To Buy Water Bottles
With the various types of water bottles on the market, knowing what to look for in the best water bottle makes your task easier. Below are some of the factors to consider:
1. Usage
One of the smartest tips to consider when looking for a suitable water bottle is to consider the usage.
A water bottle suitable for athletes differs from that suitable for backpackers and this also differs from the type that’ll use to carry your hot beverage.
So, you may want to check if you want a water bottle suitable for travel, use in the outdoors or around the home.
Around the home
If you want to get more eco-friendly, a water bottle for use around the house may be a good option.
Besides, you have your bottle of water handy, so, you can have a sip anytime you want without having to deal with glass cups or plastic containers.
Travel
Water bottles are one of the basic essentials you’ll need when traveling either by land, rail or air.
A bottle specially design for travel need to be sturdy enough to withstand accidentals falls and recurring bangs from overhead partitions.
It should also have straps or hooks to easily attach it to your luggage for easy reach during moments of needs.
Outdoor mission
This water bottle buying
If you are a backpacker beside getting a sturdy water bottle to ensure that it comes with a strap system to make it easy to attach to your backpack.
Also, when in the outdoors, considering the purification method to use, whether tablets, filter pump or an ultraviolet pen is crucial.
2. Size/volume
The next thing you need to consider is the size of the water bottle. The right size of the water bottle would be determined by your intended purpose of use.
Water bottles that are held by hand have a 12-ounce capacity. The size of water bottles commonly attached by athletes water belts is roughly 6-ounce capacity while hydration packs come in a larger volume ranging from one to three liters.
While you engage in a strenuous exercise, for instance, the ideal thing is to drink between four to six every twenty minutes.
3. Firmness concern
If you are traveling, a portable and lightweight water bottle would be your ideal choice. And when hiking and doing mountain climbing, your best choice would be a sturdy and hard-wearing water container.
4. Transportability
Look for a water bottle with features suitable for your activity. For instance, you need a water bottle strap if you are a hiker, but that won’t be a good idea for an athlete.
Also, a back worn hydration pack may be suitable for mountain climbing and running, but won’t be suitable for use in high altitudes due to the freezing temperatures.
The drinking hose freezes up without sufficient body warmth or an insulating cover.
5. Shape
The best shape of a water bottle for you depends on what you plan to do with it. If you are an athlete, you’ll need a bottle that is slender in shape to fit into your hands. If biking, you’d require more water and, therefore, a larger water bottle.
And when you are looking for a water bottle to fit into your side sleeve, a bottle would be your ideal choice for an easy fit.
6. Weight
Another important feature to consider when looking for a water bottle buying guide is the weight. The weight should be suitable for the intended use. Stainless steel and aluminum water bottles are commonly heavier, but they have their advantages too. While it is good to look for a lightweight option, if you are in a situation where hydration is a major concern, it won’t hurt to tolerate a bit more weight to remain comfortable.
7. Materials
Water bottles come in different materials and each of these comes with merits and demerits and are suitable for different types of activities.
Plastics
Most plastic water bottles sturdy enough to tackle any type of rough handling. However, you must take care that your chosen plastic bottle come in a material that is BPA free. Accidental discharge of such chemical in your drinking water can lead to cancerous and diabetic conditions.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel water bottles commonly come with some sort of insulation due to their dual-walled structure.
These bottles maintain the temperature of the liquid inside for a longer duration compared to the plastic water bottle. They work both for hot and cold liquids and are BPA-free.
The downside, however, is the weight and the ease with which they can dent. Ensure, you get a food-grade stainless bottle. Otherwise, you have to battle with some form of metallic taste when you keep water inside for an extended period.
Aluminum
Although aluminum water bottles are heavier than plastic, they are usually lighter than stainless steel. They also come with films of lining made from either epoxy or plastic resin material to prevent discharge of the metal into the water. Majorities of these liners are free from the harmful BPA.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
PET is a recyclable material obtained from petroleum. They are used in the production of disposable water bottles.
Polycarbonate material
Polycarbonate is a lightweight and snap-resistant material that is used in the manufacture of reusable water bottles.
8. Nozzles
Nozzles on the water bottle appear like small and chunky straws fixed on top of the water bottle. You snap them down to close the bottle and to open, you just pull them up.
They minimize splashing and spilling of water, but can restrict the amount of water you get especially when you’re very thirsty. These types of water bottles are best suited for people who need to drink while up and about like athletes, hunters and bikers.
9. Screw-top
Some water bottles feature screw-top. These serve multiple purposes. Some come with a lid that is attached to the main bottle with a strip of plastic or other material while some don’t come with such strips. They are great for scooping water easily from the stream, but they can result in spillage. However, some feature a smaller opening for gradual sipping of water while others come in a larger mouth.
10. Opening and spout feature
A few other factors to consider when looking to purchase a suitable water bottle includes:
- Ensure that the opening is suitable enough to make it easy for you to refill when necessary.
- Check if you need the spout feature: Some water bottles feature spouts which are cylindrical in shape and come with a tiny ridge that helps you pull it up. These are great for limiting splashes, but they can obstruct the quantity of water you get when you need to quench your thirst fast.
The Wrap Up
In this water bottle buying guide, you have virtually everything you need to make the right choice for your need. Let’s know how you get on. Happy shopping!
