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Water Bottles

Staying hydrated is key to fitness and overall well-being. And it’s a lot easier when you have a reusable water bottle at the ready. Thankfully, with so many sizes, shapes, colors and materials to choose from, there’s sure to be a perfect vessel for you, no matter your activity. When choosing a water bottle, consider its material, capacity and features:

Water Bottle Materials

Plastic or metal? There are pros and cons to different materials. The right one for you depends on what activity you’re doing and how you’ll use the bottle:

• Plastic bottles come in hard or soft versions and tend to be lighter and cost less than metal bottles.
• Metal bottles are made of stainless steel, which is more durable than plastic but also weighs more. Stainless steel resists odor and residual taste better than plastic.

Water Bottle Capacity

Find the right size bottle, or capacity, for your activity and drinking needs. Capacity can be measured in either fluid ounces or liters and typically ranges from 16 to 32 ounces (about half a liter to a liter). A 40 oz bottle provides a whopping five cups of water for the very thirsty. Smaller bottles can be lighter and fit in smaller spaces better but require more frequent refilling. Also, consider the bottle’s dimensions if you plan to keep it in a cup holder or bottle cage.

Water Bottle Features

Consider other features such as the bottle opening, type of cap and whether it has a built-in loop for easy clipping. You may also want to check its compatibility with your water filter if you plan on taking it in the backcountry. If having really cold or hot water is important to you, pick an insulated bottle.

Why Shop at REI

REI carries mountain bikes by top brands like Klean Kanteen, Yeti and our own REI Co-op Water Bottles. You can also check out our gear guide that shares the best water bottles available