Best Insulated Water Bottles

Insulated water bottles are made with a variety of materials and come in various shapes and sizes. Here, we’ll compare stainless steel, plastic and BPA-free options as well as “hydration packs,” which are more like water-filled backpacks than water bottles. We’ll also learn about water bottles with built-in filters.

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel water bottles are often made up of two layers of stainless steel with insulation in between. These bottles are sleek and easy to clean. They are typically BPA-free, can be used on hot or cold beverages, and won’t “sweat” or drip.

Plastic: Plastic insulated bottles are great for on-the-go people as they’re more flexible than stainless steel bottles and thus easier to pack in your bag. Some plastic bottles are BPA-free, and many are dishwasher-friendly.

BPA-Free: BPA-free insulated water bottles come in a variety of materials; their common trait is that they lack bisphenol A—a chemical used in the making of certain plastics—which can cause possible health risks. BPA-free bottles are great for those who are health-conscious.

Hydration Packs: Hydration packs are one of the best options for hikers, cyclists, and other people who want a hands-free way to carry a large quantity of water. They’re like backpacks for your beverages! Hydration packs come in BPA-free versions and a variety of sizes.

Filtration: Some insulated water bottles have filters to clean the water before you drink it. These models, although recommended for use within the United States only, are great for campers and others who might need to refill on the go. They filter tap water and even work on stream water.

Based on all of the consumer reviews we've scanned, these are the top things mentioned about their new stuff:

Volume: Consider how often you’ll be able to refill your insulated water bottle, and buy one sized accordingly. Bottle connoisseurs who are physically active often look for really big (over 24 ounce) bottles or packs.

Seal: Many bottles offer some sort of sealing or locking mechanism so that you can toss a full bottle into your bag without worrying about spills.

Easy to clean: Look for a water bottle that’s dishwasher friendly and has fewer pieces. Reviewers say straws and complicated mouthpieces can collect germs or mold whereas simple bottle openings are easier to clean and sanitize.

Insulation: Some of the top insulated bottles boast keeping cold beverages cold for up to 24 hours; others claim to keep beverages cold for twice as long as regular bottles. 

• Consider when and where you’ll be taking your insulated water bottle. If you’re hiking, cycling, or running, a hands-free option like a hydration pack might be your best option.
• Do you plan to use your insulated bottle for cold beverages only, or do you want it to double as a to-go coffee cup? If you want to transport hot beverages too, make sure to buy a bottle that can handle a range of temperatures.
• Check reviews and pay attention to what customers say about the durability of your insulated water bottle. After all, you want your bottle to last without denting or breaking!
• If you hate washing dishes by hand, make sure to look for a dishwasher-friendly insulated water bottle.
• How do you want to access your beverage? Some options require you to open a lid, whereas other water bottle options have a straw or nozzle from which you can drink directly, without using your hands.

Hydro Flask: Hydro Flask is based in Oregon and was founded in 2009. They released the first all-insulated line of bottles, and now they’re expanding to offer insulated beer growlers and food storage containers too.

Hydracentials: Hydracentials’ products were originally sold only on Amazon, but the bottles became so popular that they’re now opening their own online store. The company is known for eco-friendly insulated bottle options.

Polar Bottle: All Polar Bottle products are BPA-free and made in the United States. The company was started in Boulder, Colorado by a couple that made water bottles in their garage.