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

ProsSolid price pointBPA-free and made with 50% recycled plasticEasy to clip on a backpackSuper leakproofLightweightConsSome might not prefer the plastic constructionHave to pay extra for the Tether capWill probably want a stainless steel water bottle for camping trips and long hikesThe Yeti Yonder water bottle has been a go-to for several of our editors for a few years now. The chug spout and cap design is perfect for everyday use, not too narrow or wide. The BPA-free plastic construction is so tough that it's been through drops onto concrete from 10 feet high (it accidentally fell off the top of an SUV when one editor was visiting family in Kansas City). Another big reason why we chose a plastic water bottle as our best overall pick is due to weight—the Yonder is much lighter than its metal counterparts. Unless you're doing some serious hiking or camping, the Yonder will essentially serve multiple uses without any questioning of keeping liquid cold or durability.The Yonder hardly ever leaks either, no matter which cap you choose. We personally like the add-on Yonder Tether Cap. It makes the bottle a little more streamlined and takes off even more weight. But, the traditional cap it comes with is solid too and might actually be easier to carry by itself. And we've found the 25 oz size to be the sweet spot.Last detail to point out is price and number of colors available. Sometimes Yeti gear can get expensive. This is not the case with the Yonder water bottles. Pick and choose from all the new colors the brand releases over time. Build a small collection. Gift a few. This is our favorite water bottle we've used over the years.Read More: Best Hydration PacksCapacity20-50 ozMaterialPlastic, 50% recycled plasticWeight9.6 ozDimensions3.1 x 11.1 in.ProsDouble walled insulation keeps cold and hot beverages2-step lock cap helps avoid accidental spillsSleek designComes with a lifetime warrantyConsHeavier than the Yeti YonderSome might not prefer the mouth opening designThis is a more practical version for on-the-go guys who want to see what the Stanley craze is about. The slim design makes it slide into backpacks and gym bags with ease, and its pop-top cap is simple and secure. The cap design actually uses a two-step locking process to help avoid accidentally opening (which is a huge plus for those of us who've used these types of water bottles in the past). But it's not like cracking a safe, as the thing opens with relative ease for that quick pull of water when you need it right away.The Quick Flip Go's double wall insulated design means it can keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. One of our editors has even used it to sip morning coffee from time to time. We imagine it would even keep some white wine chilled in a backyard setting, too.So why is this water bottle not our top pick? It comes down to weight. The Quick Flip Go is just a tad heavier than the Yeti Yonder. If you can get over the weight detail, though, then this pick is just as valid as a top choice.Read More: Hydration Vests Vs. PacksCapacity24-38 ozMaterialStainless steelWeight14.4 ozDimensions3 x 3 x 10.9 in.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsDynamic lid for a variety of drinking approachesEye-catching color optionsLightweight without sacrificing durabilityConsNot compatible with hot liquidsCan 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.Read More: Best Hydration PacksCapacity16-40 ozMaterialStainless steelWeight14.08 ozDimensions10.68 x 3.24 in.ProsBuilt tough, from top to bottomClean aesthetic and great colorsHydration tracking capabilitiesSelf-cleans incredibly fastConsOn the expensive sideCan be tricky to cleanWith 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.Read More: Best Smart Water BottlesFeatures at a GlanceCapacity23, 34 ozMaterialStainless steelWeight15.5 ozDimensions3.27 x 11.26 in.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsUnder $20Insulated design keeps away condensationTop cap keeps out dirt and dustLeakproof spout that's similar to a CamelBak backpackConsSome might not like the spout designBasic squeeze water bottles for the gym are okay 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.Capacity21 ozMaterialPlasticWeight3.52 ozDimensions2.9 x 9.37 in.ProsIncredible value for what you payCan attach loop to backpack or gym bag strapTons of fun colors and designsEasy to washConsNo special features or techFamiliar, 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 noticeably 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.Capacity32 ozMaterialPlasticWeight6.4 ozDimensions3.5 x 8.25 in.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsAmong the best spouts we testedGood valueLightweight and slim, making it great for the gym bagPerfect for active lifestylesConsDishwasher safeInsulation level weaker than someIf there was a water bottle we might want to bring 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.Read More: Best Protein ShakersFeatures at a GlanceCapacity18-40 ozMaterialStainless steelWeight17 ozDimensions3.75 x 11.63 in.ProsTrusted durabilityDouble-wall insulation that can hold hot and cold drinksWide mouth design makes easier drinking for someEasy to cleanConsCan be heavy once fullYou really can't go wrong with any Hydro Flask, 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.Capacity20-64 ozMaterialStainless steelWeight15.52 ozDimensions3.55 x 11 in.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSubtle reminders to stick to hydration programInsulates for entire dayIntuitive and useful associated appTies in with Apple HealthWe 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.Capacity21 ozMaterial18/8 recycled stainless steelWeight1.01 lbsDimensions10.9 x 3 in.ProsSleek designTrusted filter that eliminates most impuritiesSecure caps design prevents leaksConsHave to replace with new filters every couple of monthsTakes more strength to sip due to the filter's designOne of the heaviest water bottles we testedThere 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 and 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).Capacity18-34 ozMaterialStainless steelWeight1.14 lbsDimensions3.35 x 3.35 x 11.02 in.Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon who covers food, drink, travel, culture, outdoors, gear, and tech. He's formally trained in journalism but stumbled into the wine industry just when it was getting good and can't seem to fully let it go. His outlets are many, from Men's Health, Women's Health, and The Manual to Vinepair, SevenFifty Daily, Sip Northwest, and others He's a devout soccer fan and thinks about Iceland daily.Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear, tech, running shoes, and more. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He holds a B.A. in Sport Management and is a Certified Beer Server, having previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.