How to Choose A Water Bottle
While buying the correct water bottle might not be as exciting as searching for the new mobile phone setup you`ve been lusting after, the choice is still an extremely important one. In some ways, it might be one of the most important purchases you make, because it could be the piece of gear you use most frequently over the course of its lifetime. Little issues like a squeaky lid, heavy materials, or poor lip-to-lid interaction can potentially drive you crazy over tens of thousands of sips. But the journey is worth it: there`s something magical about finding the right one.
Here are my tips for finding the right water bottle for you.
Be Realistic About the End Use
While I could happily geek out on the latest technologies, I don`t think you need to obsess over things like weight-to-insulating ratios unless you`re planning on transporting it deep into the backcountry. If your water bottle will rarely leave your house, state-of-the-art tech that halves the weight and doubles the price doesn`t really offer much utility.
Consider a Quiver
I`m a firm believer in getting gear that pulls double or triple duty, because it`s the best way to lighten up your kit, keep your closets and cabinets uncluttered, and save you money. But for water bottles, I recommend different kinds for different uses. Here`s what`s in my personal rotation: a large 32-to-36-ounce insulated bottle for drinking around the house and stroller running; a smaller 10-to-12-ounce coffee-specific vessel; something really light and uninsulated (like BPA-free plastic) for backpacking, cycling, and ski touring; a handheld for short runs; an