By Alice Tuffery

Published: Monday, 19 December 2022 at 12:00 am


There’s a huge selection of durable and stylish water bottles out there – but some are more suitable for walkers than others. We’ve done the hard work for you and found the very best hiking water bottles combining stylish design and eco credentials with clever features like vacuum insulation and carry handles.

A hiking water bottle would also make a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves getting out in the great outdoors. Our list includes beautiful designs sure to impress your recipient.

Find more beautiful present ideas in our guides to the best gifts for walkers and the best gifts for adventurers and nature lovers

Hiking water bottle buying guide

Price

Reusable water bottles come in at many different price points, but generally of course you’ll pay more for high-quality materials, sustainable construction and practical features.

While you can expect to pay up to £20 for plastic bottles, you’ll see some of the more premium designs selling at up to £50.

Insulated vs Non-Insulated

While insulated metal water bottles can keep your drinks hot or cold for hours – or even days – at a time, the payoff is their weight.

Insulated bottles can also be more expensive and, as they’re made of metal, you can’t see how full they are at a glance.

Weight and Packability

While metal insulated designs are often fairly lightweight at around 300g or 400g, they’re usually more hefty than plastic alternatives, which are roughly 100g.

Most hiking water bottles are easy to slip into rucksacks, but for ultimate packability, why not try a hydration pouch?

Metal vs Plastic Water Bottles

There’s no right or wrong here – the decision between metal and plastic comes down to personal preference. If you’re happy to choose a slightly heavier and more expensive design, a metal insulated water bottle is the clear winner. It’ll be more durable and keep your drinks at the right temperature.

If you’d rather strip out weight and go for a simple, familiar design, a plastic bottle is for you.


Best water bottles

YETI Rambler Bottle

Best hiking water bottle for cold drinks

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