OutdoorHub 2022 Holiday Gift Guide: Water Bottles NOT Made in China
1. Anchor Hocking Life Durable Glass Hydration Water Bottle
These snappy water bottles are some of my favorites because they feature a rock-solid leak-proof design, and also come with silicone sleeves making them easy to grip when your hands are wet or dry! Glass might seem like an odd choice for a backpacking or camping water bottle but the durable tempered glass is quite honestly so durable that even I haven’t managed to break one yet!
The Anchor Hocking 19.5oz Pebble Grey Life Durable Glass Bottle is completely BPA-free. Made of tempered glass, and up to 100% stronger than regular glass bottles. The tempered glass bottle is wrapped in a BPA-free silicone sleeve for additional protection and features an easy-to-grip pebbled texture. The lid is crafted from stainless steel and capped with a BPA-free silicone stopper.
2. Polar Bottle Breakaway Insulated Bike Water Bottle
The Breakaway Insulated water bottle was crafted in Colorado for cyclists by cyclists. The newly re-engineered Tri-Layer insulation takes Polar Bottle’s recognized radiant heat reflective technology to the next level, keeping your liquids cooler, two times longer. Whether you’re biking on dirt or road, you’ll stay refreshed long into your ride. Trusted by cycling adventurers for over 25 years, the Breakaway Insulated bike water bottle offers superior performance. The new bottle shape and size fits securely in a variety of bike cages, and the unique grip groove makes it effortless to grab and squeeze. The high-flow Surge Cap provides a sip or blast of water and self-seals to eliminate spills and splatter, even on your bumpiest rides.
3. Platypus Platy Collapsible Water Bottle
Made in the USA and absolutely the best in its class for collapsible water bottles. Platypus water bottles are great for backpackers and those who love adventure but like to stay light on their feet. Platypus’ original lightweight, collapsible water bottle design, the Platy Bottle holds 2 liters of water or other hydrating liquid. Made of 100% taste- and BPA-free, food-grade nylon and polyethylene that’s pliable and durable, this lightweight and packable water bottle weighs 80% less weight than standard hard water bottles. The bottle features a simple threaded cap that’s compatible with any threaded Platy lid, drink tube, and other accessories. Easy-to-use freestanding design for stable use.
4. Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle
Even if you’re not familiar with the name you’re probably familiar with the shape. Nalgene water bottles are made right here in the USA in New York and are used by nearly everyone who likes to have a convenient source of hydration. The iconic wide-mouth water bottle is perfect for everyday use, outdoor sports, hiking, camping, range day, hunting, and virtually everything else. The wide mouth allows you to easily fill the bottle up with water, ice, and drink mixes and also makes it insanely easy to clean. Every genuine Nalgene bottle comes with a lifetime guarantee and there are tons of color options and customization options if you want to personalize your gift.
5. Nalgene Sustain Tritan 16oz Water Bottle
Kids need water too! These smaller 16oz Nalgene bottles are perfect for kids who like to take water to school or on the road with them and fit conveniently in most backpack-mounted water bottle pouches. Like other Nalgene bottles, the Tritan is virtually indestructable but is made from 50% recycled plastic so they are using even less new material than the original Nalgene bottle.
What Does “BPA Free” mean?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used primarily in the manufacture of polycarbonate (PC) plastics and epoxy resins.
A product that is BPA-free is one that does not use the organic compound Bisphenol A in its construction. In the past, many plastic products such as baby bottles, plastic plates and cutlery, storage containers, and drink bottles have been made using BPA.
Over the years, concerns have been raised about its effects on human health, especially when it is used in food contact materials and articles (FCM). Many jurisdictions around the world now regulate the use of BPA, making it important for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers to understand and comply with the relevant laws and standards for their target markets.
What is the most durable material to use for a water bottle?
Glass water bottles are chemical-free, natural, recyclable, and easy to clean. Glass bottles are also non-permeable, so they won’t break down into the water, affecting taste and your health. UV Rays (the sun) can expose your water bottles to intense heat which could degrade the lifetime of the plastic and also break down the material which could get into your water (microplastics). Another good option is stainless steel water bottles which share a lot of the same characteristics as glass water bottles and likely have some insulative properties as well. However, both of these material choices come at an increased cost.
How long can I store water in my BPA-free plastic water bottle?
If you’re dead set on storing water in a plastic water bottle then its best to only keep it around for as long as you’ll need it. Water technically doesn’t expire but plastic particles can leach into the water over time which affects both the taste and toxicity of the water. If the seal on your water bottle isn’t perfect, outside contaminates can also make their way in there and cause things like bacteria and viruses to grow. Make sure you keep your hiking, camping, and emergency water bottles clean and stocked up with fresh water as much as you possibly can. Most water won’t last well for more than a couple of weeks especially if exposed to the sun.
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