For those who love outdoor activities, hiking is usually somewhere at the top of their adventure list. It is one of the healthier ways to take a break from your monotonous routine and enjoy Mother Nature to the fullest.
While we talk about hiking, we cannot overlook the significance of having the right amount of water to keep you hydrated at all times. However, having the right type of water bottle is essential.
Even if you do not have one of those traditional Hydro Flask bottles, that is all right – there are numerous alternatives to hydro flask that you can choose from these days and in this guide we will tell you how to choose the right water bottle for your next hiking expedition.
Know Your Outdoor Activity Well
First things first, you should have immense clarity regarding your hiking expedition well enough. If your route involves more traveling by car, you might have room to carry a heavier water bottle that gives you more amount of water during a hot summer day.
On the other hand, if you are planning for a backpacking trip, along with other essentials that you are going to carry – in this case you will not like the added weight, so you might have to go with a more light-weight water bottle solution.
Select the Right Bottle Size
Despite the fact that water consumption varies from one person to another and the weather also plays a vital role, it is generally advised that you should have drink around half a liter of water per hour during hiking and around a liter of water per hour during running.
Remember, if you get a huge water bottle, it will add extra weight to your body and eventually it will make you feel exhausted due to which you will need more water. Selecting the right balance is imperative, so make sure you do not go hiking with too less or too much water.
Insulated or Single-Walled
Insulation mechanism can come in quite handy if you wish to maintain the temperature of your beverage for longer periods – specifically under extreme weather conditions like a hot sunny day during summers or a cold, snowy winter day.
Insulated stainless steel bottles can keep your cup of Joe nice and hot for up to 3-4 hours, and a beverages like ice water or an energy drink cold for more than 12 hours.
However, you need to take into account the extra weight of these types of bottles, as they might double the weight as compared to single-walled non-insulated water bottles. So, if you are not hiking under extreme weather conditions, a single-walled bottle might work better.
A Nozzle Always Helps
The modern-day water bottles come in various designs – some with a nozzle while others without one. However, it is recommended that you buy a bottle with a nozzle as it is more practical for drinking water on-the-go, without having to stop during your hiking trail.
Activities like hiking, running and cycling are those where you do not want to take unnecessary breaks and then start over again, it breaks your overall momentum. Also, while you are drinking from a nozzle while your body is in motion, it creates less mess and spilling as compared to bottles without a nozzle.
Mouth Opening Should be wide for Easy Refill
If you plan to refill your water bottle quite frequently during your hiking trip, it would be a good idea to go with a bottle that has a decent mouth opening for easy refill. In addition to this, if you plan to fill your bottle with soup, smoothies or any other similar food or beverage item, you will need a bottle with a large mouth opening for ease of use.
Best Water Bottles to Buy in 2020
Here are some of the good water bottles that are currently available in the market:
Hydro Flask
If you are a regular hiker, you would certainly know about this brand. Hydro Flask has been in this industry for a long time now and have catered to water-related needs of hikers, bikers, campers and kayakers globally.
Their 21oz standard-sized water bottle with the ideal mouth opening is a pretty good option for any outdoor activity. It will keep your beverage cold for up to six hours during an extremely hot summer day.
Simple Modern (S|M) Ascent Water Bottle
This brand is a good alternative to the Hydro Flask water bottles as it comes in similar design and performance standards. The good thing about these bottles is that they are a lot cheaper as compared to rival products and are available in various sizes (12oz, 16oz, 20oz, 24oz, 32oz and 64oz.)
If you are looking for a conventional double-layered stainless steel insulation at an affordable price, the S|M water bottle might work well for you.
Kool8 Water Bottle
This is another renowned brand in the hiking water bottle product niche. With a sleek, and sturdy design, these double-wall insulated water bottles will maintain the temperature of your hot or cold beverages for longer time periods.
Moreover, these stainless steel, fully vacuum-insulated bottles are BPA-free and eco-friendly.
Our Final Thoughts
Once you have narrowed down your options, go for the one that meets your preferences the right way and is well within your budget. However, you will only get to know about the actual performance of these water bottles once you use them on your next hiking trip.
It is advised to check out the user reviews on these products on Amazon or other online marketplaces before making a purchase.
Have a nice, hydrated hiking expedition! ☺
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