11 Best Sports Water Bottles Tested
As runners, staying hydrated is of utmost importance—and it certainly is not as easy as it sounds! When you run in the hot weather or go for longer distances it’s really easy to get dehydrated, which is why you need one of the best sports water bottles.
The best sports water bottles should be easy to use, durable, and carry enough water to ensure you stay hydrated for the distances you choose to run. We have taken the time to find the best of the best, which we have made sure to feature below!
Check them out!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Capacity
Your sports water bottle should have the capacity to hold as much water as you need while you run or workout.
Dehydration is dangerous, so it is important that we stay hydrated while we run or workout--especially if we are outside! Not only do we need to ensure to drink a lot of water before we workout, but we also need to make sure we stay hydrated while we sweat it all out. For our list of reviews, we took a look at the capacity of each of the sports water bottles that we selected for our list
While most water bottles hold a standard 24 ounces, sports water bottles range from 5 ounces to 32 ounces, on average. For our list, we made sure to choose all types of capacities, so all of our readers have something they can choose from. We even chose options that you can choose to mount on your waist belt if you so choose.
That being said, the size and capacity you get will depend on the types of workouts you do, If you are always running and need something that you can keep on you and won't weigh you down, then you will want to go for the lighter options with a smaller capacity so they are easier to carry. However, that does mean you will need to refill them more often.
Use
Make sure you get a sports water bottle that works for you and your needs!
Making sure you get a sports water bottle that you can use and that you love to take with you is incredibly important. You need to be able to take your water bottle with you on your runs, the gym, or wherever you go. Make sure to consider your own specific needs when you are looking for a water bottle to ensure that it will work for you.
Make sure it doesn't leak!
A screw top water bottle is what you want to look for in terms of a secure closing. They are the most secure of all water bottles and have the smallest chance of leaking.
Do you have to stop to get a drink?
Screw top water bottles are much more secure than other types of sports water bottles, but the tradeoff is they take the most time to open and close. They are also very difficult to drink while moving since the mouth is wide open. If you are a runner who doesn’t mind stopping for their water breaks then this is the type of bottle you should consider.
Ease of Use
Your sports water bottle should be easy to use and should not be a hassle to take with you on a run or to the gym.
It’s likely you’ve drunk out of a spout before, either from a water bottle you’ve owned before or a purchased sports drink. Spouts tend to be favored by athletes because they allow the drinker to have more control over the flow. If you are the type of runner who likes to maintain their pace and prefers not to stop for anything then a spouted water bottle is likely a good choice for you.
In turn, if you like to drink a lot of water then you may want to consider an alternative since spout water bottles often have very limited flow. Spouts are also good for quicker paced runners since they allow you to control the amount of leakage quickly. A spout design means you’ll be able to seal the bottle with a simple push and pop motion.
Nozzles are an alternative form of a spout that is a bit more straw-like. You don’t have to have as a drastic angle for drinking with a nozzle design but you do have to apply a bit more pressure since most are bite-activated. Nozzles are also a poor choice if you share water bottles since bite marks tend to accumulate.
Features
Lots of water bottles do more than just hold your water, a lot of them offer a lot of additional features as well!
Nowadays, you have a ton of options when it comes to sports water bottles. Aside from holding your water and keeping you hydrated, many water bottles offer so much more. We rated each of the water bottles we chose based on the features they had to offer and what real-world users have to say about the features offered.
Does it offer any storage features?
If you are on the go and want somewhere to store your stuff in, you will love the sports water bottles that offer additional storage options. The Nathan SpeedDraw Plus, for example, offers a detachable storage pocket where you can store your belongings while you run, bike, and workout--it can even fit your iPhone.
Is the sports water bottle well-insulated?
We don’t blame runners who don’t want to drink lukewarm water. Yes, water is a necessity and you should always hydrate no matter the circumstances but that doesn’t change the fact that drinking warm water when you are thirsty is generally unpleasant. Insulated bottles will keep the temperature of whatever you place in them much longer than a standard bottle, meaning your cold water stays cold.
While this is generally preferable we do want to point out that insulated water bottles require more materials and are often heavier as a result.
Our Favorite Sports Water Bottles
1. Rockay Insulated Bottle
While you might pack a couple soft flasks in your belt or vest for those longer runs, it's nice to have some cold water waiting for you when you get back to the spot where you started. Rockay, a fairly young brand, has launched a sturdy insulated bottled that also uses recycled materials wherever possible in its production. This is a great bottle, but we also believe in this brand's vision, which is to help make something useful while getting some of the waste out of the world's oceans.
Read moreThis is more of a all-purpose drink bottle, with some thought put into keeping the contents either hot or cold for a long time. Whatever you decide to fill up the bottle with, it will hold up to a half litre, which is great for a walk, hike, or at the end of a long run.
The materials are what we like. Falling in line with Rockay's practice, they used recycled materials from legit sources to manufacture these with. Recycled stainless steel and plastic make up the bulk of the construction. Their mission is to help as much as they can with making waste useful again, in turn helping to remove it from the oceans and elsewhere.
As far as insulation goes, the bottle should keep cold stuff cold or at least cool for up to 24 hours, and warm stuff warm for up to 12. As long as you keep the bottle away from the dishwasher (wash by hand), is will last for a long long time. Also don't put it in the microwave... After all, it is made mostly of stainless steel and plastic...
2. Nathan SpeedDraw Plus
Nathan is well-known among outdoor enthusiasts and runners alike because of their amazing running products geared towards runners and outdoor enthusiasts along with their specific needs. The Nathan SpeedDraw Plus sports water bottle offers tons of additional features that make this one the best option on our list.
Read moreWhen it comes to co capacity, this sports water bottle is perfect for all runner—no matter how far or how short you like to run. This option holds 18 ounces of water, which is perfect for runners because it won’t weigh you down while you are out running.
As far as use goes, this is a great option for all types of runners or athletes. Whether you like to go to your local gym or prefer to stick to running in the great outdoors, this sports water bottle is perfect for all types of athletes—no matter who you are.
The best part about this water bottle is that it is really easy to use. It has an easy to use race cap that allows you to easily grab a sip of water without having to stop. It is also incredibly easy to hold onto thanks to the adjustable hand strap that ensures you don’t have to have a firm hold onto it while you run.
This water bottle offers a lot of additional features that make it a top-notch option for you to choose from. It features double-wall insulation that will ensure your water stays nice and cold, so you don’t have to drink warm water on those long days. The best features, however, is the storage pocket that it has to offer. You can stash all of your items in there so you don’t have to leave them behind or put them in a less secure storage pocket.
3. Hydro Flask
The Hydro Flask is the perfect option for those of you looking for a stainless steel water bottle to choose from. It is well-insulated, and BPA free—so you will always have delicious, crisp water right there waiting for you.
Read moreAs far as capacity, we found this was a versatile water bottle. It is available at an 18oz, 32oz, and 40 oz capacity—so you definitely have options so you can pick the best option got you and your needs.
If you want a BPA-free water bottle, then you will love this one. It is easy to take to the gym and has a flexible strap that makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
This water bottle is really easy to use thanks to it wide mouth opening—although you have the option to buy the spout option if you prefer to.
If you are tired of dropping your water bottle everywhere, you will love the slip-resistant grip this one has to offer. This water bottles also offers optimal insulation—especially thanks to the TempShield tech. In fact, this water bottle offers enough insulation for both hot and cold beverages, so you can use it for more than just working out.
4. Contigo Jackson
If you want a more affordable water bottle that will last you the long haul, this one is one of the best options to consider. It is easy to use and comes in several capacity options for you to choose from, so there is something out there for everyone to choose from.
Read moreAs far as capacity goes, this water bottle is available in both 24 ounces and 30 ounces to choose from. This is perfect or those of you who like to hit the gym and want to make sure you stay hydrated—you can even pop some ice in there to keep your water colder longer.
This is the perfect water bottle for all types of athletes to choose from. It is easy to clean and can be washed in the dishwasher—so you don’t have to worry about washing it by hand. It has a wide mouth so you can easily but ice in before you put the top of the lid is leakproof, so you don’t have to deal with it spilling everywhere.
The best part about this water bottle is the push button that makes it really easy to grab a drink even while you are still on the move. It also has a leakproof lid that ensures your water doesn’t spill everywhere while you are working out.
This water bottle has an easy to use carry handle so you can easily bring everything you need into the gym. It is flexible and also comes with a lifetime warranty.
5. CamelBak Chute
Here we have another affordable, see-thru option that is perfect for all types of athletes. If you like to hit the gym and want a water bottle you can easily take with you every day, this one is definitely the way to go!
Read moreWhen it comes to capacity, it’s 33.8 so it’s a lot of water.
It’s made of hard plastic and it’s BPA and BPS free. This is a very extraordinary design when it comes to the mouth. Spout cup is made this way to not get in the way when you drink.
The cleaning is very easy, you can put it in the dishwasher.
Runners say that the bottles look fabulous, especially the lotus color. The price isn’t also very high as it’s about 10 dollars- it depends on the color.
Completely see-thru, this is the perfect water bottles who like to see where your drink is at or who like to make sure you mix all of your drink powder in before you drink it.
6. Polar bottle
If you are on the hunt for a well-insulated water bottle, this is the way to go. It will keep your water nice and cold and is also available in lots of colors and patterns to choose from!
Read moreThis sports water bottle is able to hold up to 24 ounces of water so you can have plenty of water to keep you hydrated!
The bottle doesn’t leave any chemical aftertaste, it’s totally free from BPA and Phthalate. This means that there’s no chemical aftertaste. It will be great for sports enthusiasts and especially for cyclists. It fits a standard cage in the bicycle.
The mouth is wide enough to put cubes inside so you can enjoy your cooled rink whenever you want.
The bottle is very easy to take care, you can wash it in the dishwasher. The price as also very attractive as you can get this one for less than 12 dollars. Runners also noticed that the drinks stay cool for a very long time.
If you’re bored with colors from the other brands and you want something Different, this brand is for you. We were totally impressed by how many colors/ design they have. It’s about 40 to choose from so it may be a big problem to choose only one.
7. Nomader
If you like collapsible water bottles, you will absolutely love this option. This is the perfect water bottle to take with you anywhere you go--whether you are working out at the gym, running outside, or camping this water bottle is the best way to go.
Read moreWith a capacity of 22 ounces, you will love this one. It holds plenty of water and will help you stay hydrated along the way.
The design of this bottle is stunning, it can be broken down to essentially fit into your pocket while act as a normal water bottle when inflated.
Another collapsible offering, the Nomader differs from the Platypus in that it retains the form of an actual water bottle a little more effectively.
The best part about this water bottle is that it is leakproof, so you don't have to worry about it spilling all over the place. It is collapsible, durable, and a great portable option to choose.
8. UltrAspire ISO Versa 2.0
Designed to take on a run, the Ultraspire ISO bottle will carry enough water to last a decent run, as you won't be chugging it down as you go. The whole thing is lightweight, and if you don't mind having one hand occupied, there is a handy strap that will take away some of the effort of hanging onto the bottle as much.
9. Brita
If you are on the hunt for a filtered water bottle, you will love this option. It is perfect for those of you who like to get the best tasting water—because we all know that the public places don’t offer the best tasting water out there.
Read moreThis water bottle can hold 20 ounces of water—the perfect amount for those of you who don’t want to refill your water bottle every 5 minutes but also don’t want to get weighed down.
This water bottle provides you with filtered water that tastes great. It is easy to wash and is even dishwasher safe and has the ability to filter up to 40 gallons of water!
As far as ease of use, this water bottle is easily squeezable and features an easy to use spout, so you don’t have to stop just to take a sip.
The best part about this water bottle is that it helps you reduce the amount of plastic you waste. It can filter up to 40 gallons of water as well—so you always get great tasting water from this BPA water bottle.
10. Nike Hyperfuel
The Nike Hyperfuel water bottle is the perfect option for those of you looking for a water bottle that is easy to use, durable, and available in lots of color options for you to choose from. If you want a water bottle that will last you the long haul and that you can use in the gym and on your runs, this is the way to go.
Read moreIf you want a water bottle that holds more than the average water bottle, you will love the 32 oz capacity option this one has to offer.
The valve is very solid and prevents any water leakage. The flow of the water is very quick
The bottle has a very ergonomic design. It’s very easy to squeeze the bottle as the material is very pliable. And, there are many color options to choose from. The bottle is a little bit pricey but it’s a good investment.
11. Embrava
Embrava water bottles are designed to be durable, easy to use, and function in all kinds of situations and conditions. If you want a good water bottle to take with you on your runs and hikes, then this is the best we have found so far in our hours of research. With over 4,000 reviews on Amazon alone, it is easy to see why Embrava is the brand more runners trust!
Read moreThese water bottles are made free of BPA and other harmful products and elements and are designed to hold 32 ounces of water. You can worry less about running out of the water and focus more on enjoying your run!
The design of the mouthpiece and the flow regulator for this bottle is such that it will hold up well to the sort of wear and tear and use. It helps prevent leaking while being easy to drink from while you are on the go!
The handy wrist strap helps the Embrava stay in place and provides additional grip support while you are out running. The easy release flip top keeps the mouthpiece clean but can still be accessed easily on the go!
The Embrava doesn’t have much in the way of insulation so if it is exposed to sunlight or other heat sources for long periods of time the water will warm up. But it is still a great choice for runners who want a reliable bottle.
Sources
- , How to Choose a Water Bottle, Sporting Website
- , How to Choose the Right Water Bottle, Fitness Blog
- , Your Water Bottle Could Be Making You Sick, Fitness Blog
- , The Best Way to Clean Any Water Bottle, Health and Fitness Website
