One of the easiest ways to cut down on single-use plastics and go green when you travel is by packing a reusable water bottle. Your wallet will thank you, too. These days, most airports, theme parks, resorts and even malls have water bottle refilling stations so it’s never been easier to fill up for free. We’ve rounded up the top water bottles worth your money, from the best filtered water bottle to the best collapsible water bottle for cramming in a carry-on or diaper bag. Shop our favorites below before your next trip.
1. S’well Traveler
S’well constantly ranks high for best stainless steel water bottle—just look at their nearly 2,000 four and five-star reviews on Amazon. While the brand’s original skinny bottle is fine for the gym or the office, it’s a little too big and bulky for travel. However, last year S’well released the Traveler and it’s a game changer. The 16 -ounce mug is perfect for road trips because the triple-layered, vacuum-sealed insulation keeps drinks icy cold—even in a hot, parked car for hours. But the best part is that the bottle’s exterior features a copper wall that eliminates condensation so it won’t sweat into your cup holder.
2. Nalgene Tritan
There’s a reason Nalgene has been a fan-favorite for decades: They make water bottles that can take a beating. (I’ve dropped, slammed and scraped my Nalgene too many times to count on hikes.) These things are tough. The Nalgene Tritan is a solid choice for campers because the wide-mouth design is great for inserting different water filters or pouring out water for pets or cooking.
Related: Best Water Bottle Brands
3. que Bottle
If you’re all about maximizing your packing space and refuse to check a bag, you need a que water bottle. It’s the best collapsible water bottle for travel because it’s lightweight and the iconic spiral design shrinks down to half its size. Plus, it’s made from food-grade silicone so it’s dishwater safe.
4. LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
If you’re backpacking or backcountry camping, you may not have access to clean drinking water. Your options used to be boiling water or packing water-purifying tablets, but now there are water bottles with built-in filters and—hands down—the best filtered water bottle for travel is the LifeStraw Go. The company’s filters are already recommended by organizations such as the American Red Cross for emergency kits and LifeStraw’s water bottles feature the same technology to filter out water-born bacteria and parasites.
5. Katadyn BeFree
The Katadyn BeFree is another great filtered water bottle for travel and, unlike the LifeStraw Go, it’s soft, hydrapak design is collapsible for easier packing. It’s also incredibly lightweight so it’s great for biking, kayaking and hiking.
6. Bindle Bottle
This nifty water bottle from Bindle features a secret storage compartment to stash keys, cash and more on-the-go. It’s great for short hikes when you don’t need a backpack or for days at the beach when you want to leave your blanket and take a walk.
7. W&P Porter Bottle
This gorgeous terrazzo bottle from W&P is part of the Porter collection, a line of dinerware, drinkware and utensils designed to combat single-use plastics while traveling. The Porter Bottle is made of glass, but it’s surprisingly lightweight and incredibly chic. It’s a great gift for the jetsetters in your life.
8. Stojo Bottle
Another great collapsible water bottle for travel is the Stojo. The foldable silicone material is perfect for squishing, stuffing and cramming into small spaces. But just because it collapses doesn’t mean it’s flimsy. The Stojo screw-on cap has a guaranteed air-tight, leak-proof seal.
9. d.stil Pinch + Carry Water Bottle
If there was ever a water bottle for moms on-the-go, this is it. The Pinch + Carry from d.stil has a handy strap for clipping onto a stroller or diaper bag and the wide mouth was designed to easily add fruit for infused water. Even better: The Seattle company donates proceeds from every purchase to Water.org to help people around the world access clean and safe water.
10. YETI Rambler
YETI coolers have a cult following, but their insulated drinkware is just as praise-worthy. The Rambler is an all-around great choice to bring on vacation. It’s perfect for beach trips, cruises and lounging poolside because the double-insulated wall keeps water chilly all day. Plus, the colorful, carefully-engineered exterior never peels—even after dozens of rounds in the dishwasher.
Related: Best Kid-Proof Water Bottles
Deanne Revel is a travel journalist and host covering the world of theme parks and family entertainment. She loves all things roller coasters, character breakfasts and parades. Deanne is a packing pro (carry-on always!) and is passionate about LGBTQ travel. When not on assignment, you can find her exploring national parks or theme parks with her wife. Follow her adventures on Instagram @revelandroam.
What to Pack for Your Next Trip
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