What’s the Best Travel Water Bottle? 10 Picks for Trips and Long Flights [2022]
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Hydration is an essential part of any trip, especially when you’re traveling by air. Studies show that a 10-hour flight can cause your body to lose up to 2 liters of water—that’s 3x of the qualification for mild dehydration! It’s obviously important to stay hydrated during flights, but it can be challenging (or very expensive) if you don’t bring your own durable water bottle.
We’ve done the research to find the best 10 travel water bottles on the market for your next trip and long flights, so you can stay hydrated and healthy for your next big adventure!
Why You Should Bring A Reusable Water Bottle For Long Flights
The best way to stay hydrated on a long flight is with a travel water bottle! There are several reasons why you should pack a water bottle for your next flight (or any trip, really).
Firstly, bringing your own reusable water bottle is much better for the environment than buying disposable plastic bottles.
Secondly, airports and planes typically charge $3-5 per water bottle (yikes!) —not only is it expensive to buy every time you’re thirsty, but it’s also wasteful!
Lastly, not all airplanes provide free water anymore (depending on the class you’re flying in), so bringing your own water bottle is the only way to stay hydrated.
Types Of Travel Water Bottles
Although there are a variety of options when it comes to water bottles for travel, they all generally function the same way. The primary difference is the material from which they’re made, as well as other features such as size and insulation.
The most important factor in choosing the best water bottle for your next flight is the material from which it’s made. The main difference between most bottles is whether they are insulated or not, but the material is also important for other reasons—it can affect durability and taste!
There are three types of materials that water bottles are typically constructed with: plastic, stainless steel, and glass.
Plastic Water Bottles
Reusable plastic water bottles are typically the lighter option but are also more likely to break. They generally don’t taste like plastic (like most single use plastic bottles!) when they contain water (although some do) and are less expensive than stainless steel alternatives.
If you opt for plastic water bottles, we recommend choosing a plastic water bottle that is BPA-free and doesn’t contain other harmful chemicals. It’s nice to have a lightweight water bottle but make sure to only buy the best water bottle brands.
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Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Stainless steel travel bottles are generally much more durable than their plastic counterparts. Some models provide double-wall insulation, which helps keep beverages hotter/colder for longer periods of time.
A stainless steel water bottle is also less likely to break when dropped and doesn’t retain flavors so it won’t taste like the last beverage you had stored in them. The best stainless steel travel water bottles can be more expensive than plastic but are also less likely to need replacing.
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Glass Water Bottles
Glass water bottles are generally the heaviest and most breakable option. However, they’re also more eco-friendly (and do not contain any chemicals like bisphenol-A or phthalates) and can be easier to clean/sterilize than plastic bottles. Glass water bottles are a great choice if you prefer natural materials! The best glass water bottles are made of borosilicate glass, which is durable and can withstand high temperatures.
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Features To Consider When Picking A Travel Water Bottle
There are several features to keep in mind when shopping for a reusable water bottle, all of which have different levels of importance depending on the type of person you are and how you plan to use your new water bottle.
The best travel water bottles are durable, easy to use, and leak-proof. When choosing a travel water bottle, you should look for a few key things.
Durability & Weight
Since travel bottles will be carried around while sightseeing, it’s important that they’re durable enough to withstand a little wear and tear. It’s also helpful if they’re lightweight so you’re not bogged down by your new water bottle.
The most important aspect is obviously whether or not the bottle will actually hold liquids! The second feature to check is size—if your reusable water bottle isn’t large enough, it won’t fill you up when you’re really thirsty. You’ll also want to look for a water bottle that is leak-proof, as there is no worse feeling than being stuck in your seat with wet pants!
Lastly, you want to check the cap style. Some caps are extremely difficult or even impossible to open when you’re on the go—and nobody wants to struggle with opening their water bottle while they’re thirsty!
Size & Portability
When choosing a travel water bottle, think about how you plan on using it. If you’re mostly going to be drinking while in transit (i.e. on planes and trains), then a smaller, more portable bottle is best.
On the other hand, if your plans include outdoor activities such as hiking or sightseeing, it may be advantageous to have a larger bottle so you don’t need to refill it as often. A great option for traveling is using a collapsible water bottle —you can pack it down smaller when you’re not using it, but it will expand to a regular water bottle size once you need a refill!
Design & Style
Style doesn’t play a huge role in choosing reusable water bottles. It’s important to take your personal preferences into account, however! Branded bottles are the most stylish and classic choice, but if you’re looking for something more unique, there are several one-of-a-kind travel water bottles out there.
While drinking in transit, it’s important to remember that the bottle isn’t the place to show off your personal style—personalized water bottles can be pretty! But when choosing a reusable water bottle for traveling (or any other activity), appearance isn’t as important as function.
Leak-Proof
One of the most annoying things about disposable water bottles—and even some reusable ones—is that they leak. If you’re going to be commuting or traveling with a water bottle, it’s essential to make sure that your water bottle is completely leak-proof.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Since it’s essential to regularly clean your travel water bottles, you want to make sure that the bottle is easy to clean. Look for removable parts so they can be easily washed, and check if you need any special equipment (soap or brush) to ensure that the bottle is hygienic.
10 Best Travel Water Bottles
Now that we’ve gone over the various features to consider when shopping for a new water bottle, check out our list of the 10 best travel water bottles for long flights!
1. Hydrocell Stainless Steel Water Bottle
This fashionable Hydrocell water bottle is one of the highest-rated stainless steel bottles on the market! It’s available in several stylish colors and 6 different sizes. Plus, each bottle comes with an alternate sports top and straw.
The double-wall, the vacuum-insulated design keeps your drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for at least 8. However, reviewers have reported enjoying hot beverages up to 15 hours later! So whether you want your water ice cold or drink your coffee piping hot, this water bottle for travel will do the trick. We think it’s one of the best stainless steel water bottles around.
The included steel screw cap is spill-proof and uses ThermoLock Technology to keep the temperature consistent for as long as possible. We recommend the 24 oz. for travel ease, which is sleek enough to fit in a standard cup holder.
2. Contigo Autoseal Stainless Steel Water Bottle
The 24 oz. Contigo Autoseal line is heavy on convenience, with extra features like a carrying handle, sleek profile, and spout cover. It’s easy to travel with because you can slide it into a backpack bottle pocket, hold it in your hand, or use the handle to transport it. The only downside of this stainless steel bottle is that it’s a bit wide for a standard cupholder.
The Autoseal technology is 100% spill-proof, and the locking feature ensures that the cover stays in place until you push the release button. This keeps your drinking spout dirt and germ-free for the duration of your trip. This water bottle also uses Thermalock Vacuum insulation, keeping the contents cool for up to 28 hours!
3. Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle
The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is a fantastic choice when you need to travel light! In fact, Conde Naste Traveler called it “the ideal travel buddy.” Although it’s a bit pricier than other collapsible water bottles, the convenience and durability of the Hydaway are hard to beat.
This silicone bottle weighs in at just 5.5 oz. and folds down to 1.5 inches when not in use! It’s slim enough to fit in your pocket when empty yet holds 17 ounces when decompressed. Other convenient features include leak-proof seals, dishwasher safe material, and a cup holder-friendly profile.
4. S’well Stainless Steel Traveler
S’well Traveler bottles are always a great choice when you have a long flight ahead. These stainless steel water bottles are designed with travel in mind, so they have plenty of great features to keep you happy and hydrated.
Unlike most stainless steel bottles, the S’well Traveler is triple-insulated, keeping your beverages cold for 36 hours and hot for up to 15 with their exclusive Therma-S’well Technology. The design also includes a copper wall that keeps the bottle condensation-free, a leak-proof cap, and a wide-mouth top for easy cleaning and ice cubes. The final perk is design! The S’well traveler is available in nearly 30 colors and patterns to fit every traveler’s style.
5. Vapur Solid Flexible Water Bottle
For travelers that like the convenience of a collapsible water bottle but not the price of the Hydaway, the Vapur Flexible Water Bottle is a great alternative. For around $10, you can get a Vapur that holds up to 1 liter (33 oz.) of water yet takes up only a few inches of space when not in use!
The Vapur rolls up into a small bundle that you can secure with the included carabiner clip for easy packing. The 1-liter bottle only weighs 1.4 oz when empty, making it perfect for your carry-on! The bottle stands up on its own, can be frozen, and has a wide-mouth top for easy refills. It also comes with a spill-proof flip cap that keeps the spout free of germs and your beverages safely inside the container. The only hold-up is that the Vapur is not safe for hot liquids, so you’ll need to stick to cold drinks.
6. Simple Modern Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle
These Simple Modern bottles are more than just pretty and affordable hydration accessories. They are some of the best-reviewed water bottles on Amazon, with an overall 4.8 stars!
The 22-oz version keeps your beverages cold for up to 24 hours and fits in a standard-sized cup holder. Plus, it only weighs 11 oz., making it one of the lighter stainless steel bottles available! The vacuum-insulated design also has a copper coating for maximum temperature retention without exterior condensation or heat transfer.
The included Summit Straw Lid has a convenient carry handle and is leak-proof when closed. However, it is only recommended for cold beverages. If you’d like to have the option of bringing hot drinks, you can add on a chug or flip lid for just a few dollars.
7. Amiter Travel Water Bottle
For a go-to water bottle that you’ll want to take on every adventure, these Amiter water bottles are hard to beat. While the bottle has the standard features of the other stainless steel ones we’ve discussed, the included accessories really set it apart. It comes with leak-proof straw and chug lids, two straws, a straw brush, and a paracord rope handle. Plus, the paracord handle has several adventure-forward components built in, like a whistle, compass, flint, cutter blade, and a carabiner!
Take your pick of capacity between 22 and 128 oz, then enjoy cold beverages for up to 24 hours and hot ones for up to 12. And with 5 easy options to carry the bottle, it’s the perfect choice for your next long-haul flight!
8. Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle
The 22-oz. Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle is a great middle option for travel convenience and pricing. It holds both hot and cold drinks, rolls up into a portable bundle when empty, and can either slide into your carry-on bag or attach to an outer ring!
The Nomader adds the convenience of a grip-sleeve, making it easier to hold and protecting your hand from hot liquids. The bottle has a leak-proof twist cap, which also doubles as a spout-protector and a wide-mouth opening for ice and easy cleaning. Other great features include a carrying strap, freezable and shatterproof silicone materials, and ultra-lightweight design.
9. Hydro Flask Water Bottle
There’s no denying that Hydro flasks are some of the top water bottles for travel in the market. This customer favorite is suitable for any hydration situation—long flights included! Take your pick of 18, 21, or 24 oz to make sure your water or favorite beverage is always on hand.
Hydro Flask uses TempShield Technology to keep your beverages as hot or cold as you left them for hours on end. It’s definitely one of those insulated water bottles that keeps its promises.
The Hydro Flask bottles also feature pro-grade stainless steel that won’t transfer unwanted flavors to your drinks. The exterior features an easy-grip coating that stays sweat-free and stands up to wear, and the leak-proof Flex Cap has an easy-carry handle for added convenience.
10. Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle
If you hate the thought of filling up at an airport water fountain because of the taste, the Brita Filter Bottle is the perfect solution. Available in 20 and 32-oz models, this stainless steel water bottle comes with a build-in Brita filter that makes your water taste fresh and clean for the long flight ahead.
The double-walled insulation keeps your water cold for up to 24 hours, and the sleek design of the 20-oz. is cupholder friendly. Each filter can handle up to 40 gallons of water and fits seamlessly into the easy-sip straw. Plus, the bottle cap is leak-proof and features a button-release top that keeps your straw clean when not in use!
Bottom Line
We know the search for “the best travel water bottle” can be overwhelming! There are a lot of things to consider when trying to find the best travel water bottle for your needs. However, if you keep a few key factors in mind, you should be able to find a great option that will serve you well on your travels.
First, think about the material of the bottle. Stainless steel is a great option for long-haul flights, as it will keep drinks cold for hours.
Second, consider the design of the bottle. Look for an easy-grip design and a wide mouth opening so that you can easily refill or clean it. Finally, think about whether you want a built-in filter. This can be helpful in getting rid of that airport drinking water taste.
With these factors in mind, you should be able to find the best travel water bottle for your needs.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list and good luck finding the best water bottle for your next trip!
Related: Best Packing Cubes For Travel
FAQs about Travel Water Bottles
Here are some frequently asked questions about travel water bottles:
What are the benefits of using a travel water bottle?
There are many benefits to using a travel water bottle. It can help you stay hydrated, save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and keep you safe in an emergency.
What are the best materials for travel water bottles?
The best materials for travel water bottles are those that are lightweight, durable, and leak-proof. Some good options include stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic.
What should I look for when choosing a travel water bottle?
When choosing a travel water bottle, you should consider its capacity, weight, durability, and leak-proofness. You should also make sure that it is made from safe materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic.
Can I bring any water bottle on a plane?
Yes, as long as the water bottle is empty, you can bring it through airport security. However, you will need to fill it up after you go through security. Keep in mind that glass bottles can break and add weight to your luggage.
Can I refill my travel water bottle at a water fountain?
Yes, most water fountains have a button that dispenses water into bottles. However, we recommend using a filter if you plan on refilling your bottle from a water fountain.
What is the best way to clean my travel water bottle?
We recommend hand-washing your bottle with soap and water. If you need to clean it more thoroughly, you can use a vinegar solution or put it in the dishwasher.
Can you take a stainless steel water bottle on a plane?
Yes, you can bring a stainless steel water bottle on a plane. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the bottle is empty before going through security.
Second, if you plan on filling up the bottle after going through security, make sure to only use bottled water. This will help prevent any contaminants from getting into your water.
Do reusable travel water bottles save money?
Yes, reusable water bottles can save you money in the long run. They are often less expensive than buying bottled water, and they can help you save money on your water bill.
Do reusable travel water bottles help the environment?
Yes, reusable water bottles help the environment by reducing the amount of plastic waste. They also save water because you can refill them as needed. If you are an eco-conscious traveler we recommend staying away from plastic and avoid taking a reusable plastic water bottle.
What kind of bottles can you take on a plane?
You can take any water bottles on a plane as long as they are empty. However, we recommend using a stainless steel water bottle because it is durable and leak-proof.
