Everyday Carry

The Best Water Bottles for EDC in 2017

Authored by:
Adam Molina
The Best Water Bottles for EDC in 2017

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Whether you're hiking outdoors or on your daily commute, one way to beat the heat is by carrying a water bottle. And not just any disposable bottle—a quality container, built like the rest of the gear in your everyday carry. Depending on your needs, you might want a bottle that's super light and portable, something a bit more rugged, or even one that's capable of keeping your water cold and your coffee hot.

In this guide, we'll highlight 15 of the best water bottles to keep you hydrated on the go.

What to Look for in a Good EDC Water Bottle

  • Durable materials: You don't want a bottle that breaks the first time you drop it or something you throw out in a year.
  • Leak-proof: Spilling your bottle inside your bag is a nightmare scenario.
  • Easy to use on the go: Whether going on a walk or rushing to your next meeting you don't want to fumble with complicated spouts or lids.
  • The right size for your needs: Your bottle should be enough to keep you hydrated throughout the day but not take up so much room that it becomes a burden to carry.
  • Lightweight: Minimalism is the key to convenience. A bottle that's a hassle to carry will often get left behind.

Keep these considerations in mind, then pick the right bottle for your EDC out of these 15 solid options below.


Klean Kanteen

If you want a tried and true water bottle that gets the job done, the 800ml Klean Kanteen is the way to go. There are no gimmicks here, just a solid stainless steel water bottle made for the grind of everyday life. It’s easy to clean and the BPA-free cap has a stainless steel bottom so you don’t get any lingering residue tainting the flavor of your next sip. The cap seals tight to prevent leaks, with a small loop so you can attach it to a carabiner when you don’t have room in your pack.

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Vapur Element Bottle

One annoying thing about most water bottles is once you've finished your water, you're left with an empty bottle wasting space in your carry. That isn’t the case with the collapsible Vapur Element bottle. You can fill it up with up to a liter of water, and when you’re done drinking, fold it down to save space. It also has a built-in carabiner which makes it ideal for hikes since you can carry it externally when it’s full and then stuff in your pack when you're done. Ounces in the morning can feel like pounds by evening, and this water bottle is great at keeping the weight down.

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Hydro Flask

For a water bottle designed to keep your liquids cool, check out the Hydro Flask. It has a double wall of insulation that keeps liquids cold for up to 24 hours. If you’re more of a tea or coffee drinker, don’t worry: it can keep hot liquids steamy for up to six hours as well. This stainless steel water bottle comes in four different sizes and plenty of colors so you can choose the one that best matches your lifestyle. It also has a proprietary powder coating along the outside so you can get a good grip even when it’s wet or if you have sweaty hands.

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Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle

A water bottle with a leak is useless, which is why the leak proof cap of the Nomader is so useful. The cap clicks into place with a quick half-twist to prevent leaks and keeps dirt off of the mouthpiece at the same time. Talk about two birds with one stone. It’s made of impact resistant silicone which means that it’s tough enough to survive a drop, but flexible enough that you can roll it into a more compact form when you’re done drinking. Whether you’re looking for a water bottle for the gym or the office, the 650ml Nomader gets it right.

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MIZU M8 Water Bottle

The MIZU M8 is a durable water bottle that’s perfect for outdoor use thanks to its stainless steel construction. It's tough enough to boil water in, as it's completely uninsulated (just be careful not to touch it with your bare hands). You’ll also get a screw on cap with a small loop so you can carry it without worrying about spills. And with a 800mL (27oz) capacity, you'll have plenty of water for those long trips.

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Nalgene Tritan

The Nalgene Tritan is one of the more common EDC water bottles you’ll find thanks to its low price and high quality. It’s made of BPA-free co-polyester which makes it super lightweight and easy to clean. All you have to do is throw it in the dishwasher. There are different sizes ranging from 200mL to 1.5L, and thanks to markings right on the side of the bottle, you’ll always know exactly how much you’ve drank throughout the day.

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CamelBak Podium Chill

CamelBak makes plenty of quality hydration packs and water bottles, and the Podium Chill is one of their best offerings. It’s a 600mL BPA-free plastic bottle designed to avoid leaks with a self-sealing valve cap that only lets water out when you squeeze the bottle. You can also lock it in place when you’re transporting it in a bag so it won’t spill on your gear. You also get a double wall of insulation to keep your liquids cool long after you’ve left the house, making it a great option for anyone on the move in need of a quick, refreshing drink.

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Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug

The Zojirushi Mug checks all the boxes when it comes to an everyday bottle. It has a durable stainless steel construction that won’t break during your day to day adventures, and you can keep sipping throughout the day thanks to its 600mL capacity. The cap also serves as a stopper, so you can be sure that the liquid stays where it’s supposed when you’re not using it. You can also easily take it apart for cleaning, so coffee addicts, this might be the one for you.

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Takeya Glass Water Bottle

If a clean taste is what you’re after, the 650mL Takeya glass water bottle delivers. It has a minimal silicone sleeve with a see-through window so you can see its contents, and the screw-on cap ensures they stay secured in the bottle. The sleek design is topped off with a practical BPA-free plastic loop that you can hook to a carabiner should you find your bag full.

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Sigg Traveller Water Bottle

Most water bottles come in plastic or stainless steel, but aluminum is also a great material thanks to its strength and light weight. So if you want a bottle that will last, then the Swiss-made Sigg Traveller is a good option. It has a minimal design that won’t look out of place in the office, but also gets the job done in the field. You can get one in 400ml, 600ml, and 1L configurations and be confident that none of your drink will spill out thanks to its leak-proof design.

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Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle

The material a water bottle is made of can affect the taste of your water, so for the cleanest taste possible, glass is the way to go. Of course, glass isn’t the most durable material, which is why the Lifefactory bottle is covered in a soft silicone sleeve for added protection (and a better grip). A 650mL capacity means you’ll have plenty of great-tasting water to last the day and it's BPA-free to boot.

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Vargo Titanium Para-Bottle

Titanium is a favorite in the EDC community because it’s lightweight and durable, two aspects that are also important when it comes to water bottles. The Vargo Para is a 1L titanium water bottle strong enough to withstand anything you throw at it. The geometric cap is attached to the body with 7 feet of paracord which can come in handy in emergency situations. The Vargo Para is great if you’re looking for a water bottle that quenches your thirst and comes in handy when you need a (literal) lifeline.

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MiiR Water Bottle

The Miir Water Bottle is a sharp looking stainless steel water bottle made for keeping your drinks hot or cold long after they should be. It features a double-insulated wall that keeps liquids cold for 24+ hours and hot for 12+ hours. That’s more than enough to satisfy your thirst throughout the day whether you’re at your desk or hiking through the woods.

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S’well Bottle

Even if you don’t find yourself going outdoors too often, a cold drink is still enjoyable. The S’well water bottle has a stainless steel construction and double wall insulation. This will keep your drink refreshingly cold or satisfyingly hot for long periods of time. It has a minimalist design at home in the office and rugged enough to take with your on your next adventure.

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Takeya ThermoFlask

The Takeya ThermoFlask is ideal for anyone looking for a sleek and rugged water bottle to help them stay hydrated throughout the day. Its stainless steel construction lets it take a beating, and the spill-proof lid ensures that water stays put until you’re ready to drink it. Its insulation keeps your drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for 12, and a handle makes it convenient for taking on trips or commutes.

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Do you have a favorite water bottle you carry in your EDC? Let us know what you like best about it in the comments!

Adam Molina

Senior Contributor


About the Author
Adam Molina is a product review expert and seasoned everyday-carry enthusiast. They have covered gadgets and niche items for almost ten years and are passionate about exploring the ever-evolving landscape of consumer electronics and everyday carry gear. Having always been drawn towards electronics, they began their career reviewing audio gear and personal electronics for outlets like Soundguys, Android Authority, and Business Insider. They are currently a member of MKBHD network of channels, including an executive producer role on the Waveform Podcast.

In addition to their expertise in the tech realm, Adam possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in everyday carry gear ranging from watches to niche carabiners. He has used more backpacks than he can count, a plethora of different kinds of wallets, all kinds of multi-tools, and many random gadgets that never even make it into a recommended buying guide. Adam has developed a deep understanding of the nuances and practicality that make these items indispensable to modern-day life.

Adam is an avid runner and reader in their spare time and loves to learn random skills. Adam is the go-to resource if you are looking for an expert opinion on a product or want to learn more about everyday carry. They are happy to answer any questions and help you find the best products for your needs.

Discussion (51 total)

I have a couple Yeti cups. I'd take any other brand any day over a Yeti. Tested many, and all so far perform just as good if not slightly better. Yeti is just a fad in the travel mug world. And no this view does not include their coolers, which actually are notably better than anyone else's.
Drew ·
Hydro Flask "Keeps your hot liquids cold" honest mistake but that's funny.
ThreePercenter ·
Thank you for leaving yeti where it belongs. Not on the list.
Will Stubbs ·
Boiling water in a sealed vacuum bottle is dangerous, you shouldn't recommend this to readers. Especially in an "intro to water bottles" article. You CAN boil water in single-wall stainless bottles, but they are not insulators. Think about it for a minute - if a product says it can keep something cold for hours, applying MORE heat isn't gonna work.
Bernard Capulong ·
Thanks for the tip, Will. We've removed that suggestion from the article.
Deerlord ·
WARNING you cannot boil water in an insulated bottle like mizu description suggest. There's a strong chance the bottle will explode and if it does not your insulation qualities will most certainly be ruined.
Jordan LeStone ·
Exactly what I was going to say just as I read the article now, brother. Would have thought this would have been edited to reflect this by now, or at least a quick note by the author to say he's aware and will change it shortly.
Bernard Capulong ·
We've edited the article to remove that suggestion. Sorry for any confusion!
Jordan LeStone ·
Thanks for the update, interesting guide nonetheless and well written.
Jordan LeStone ·
Just to add - the ability to boil water in a single walled stainless steel flask is also not a given. I own a Glugg stainless steel, single walled flask and the manufacturer has advised not to boil water in it - sorry not wishing to flog a dead horse here but I just wanted to highlight that customers should always check with the manufacturers beforehand as even the standard rules may not apply to all water containers, regardless of initial specs - bit of a minefield but hey, we wouldn't want it to be easy would we? 😜
Deerlord ·
Good on you, and thanks to the everyday carry team for making the edit. Had me worried haha.
Bernard Capulong ·
Our mistake. Thanks for pointing that out — we've updated the article to remove that suggestion.
Gabriele Caimi ·
Vapur element is my choice!
Joshua Stieber ·
I EDC Klean kanteen or Hydro Flask. Insulated is the only way to go here in FL.
NUNQUAM NON PARATUS ·
Klean Kanteen does make an insulated version but the most commonly sold version (and what is mentioned here) is all steel and non-insulated.
James R. ·
I love my hydro flasks. I have a 20oz and a 40oz. I like Kleen Kanteen, but I prefer the Hydro flasks. Both do well. I have a Yeti rambler bottle, but I think Yeti is overpriced and doesn't perform as well. It performs the worst at keeping water/ice cold. I tested all three with equal amounts of water and ice cubes. The winner was Hydro flask, then came the Kleen Kanteen, then the Yeti.
Donald Thompson ·
I've been carrying a pair of Nissan "Thermos Vacuum Insulated 18 Ounce Stainless Steel Hydration Bottle, Stainless Steel" bottles for a year now. They work great. I like the locking catch on the pop-up lid.

I pack a 17oz S'Well. Snug fit in my back pocket with a slight heft to it with water. But this baby is great backup should you need a mini-bat for any reason.
METH Review Channel ·
I agree with some of the comments below...Why would you leave YETI off of the list? Popular, widely available, and American company (made in china). It would be one thing if you left them off the list for being too expensive, but at least reference them as one of the highest quality bottle producers you can buy from. Pretty dissapointed in this article.
Amos Chen ·
Its not a water bottle..... Try filling up your Rambler and throwing it in your daypack. Better not pack any electronics.
METH Review Channel ·
Isn't a water bottle? I take it you don't care for quality gear, and would much rather have lightweight gear prone to breaking and failing when the going gets tough. Why are your electronics in the same pocket as your bottle, water could leak. This is also an EDC forum, so obviously these people care about keeping liquids hot and cold everyday and there's nothing better than a YETI for that. Be careful before you attack one of the most successful company's in the water bottle industry. It deserves to be on this list.
1 more comments
Tonkatruck ·
This is a useful list, i carry a nalgene nested inside a tatonka steel mug, but like someone else commented, i would like to see some​ different shaped alternatives, prefably in steel.

Justin W Greene ·
Any suggestions for a metal-styled bottle but with a basic carbon/charcoal filter for tap water? I use a Bobble Sport right now, but it leaks quite a bit. I also hate having to suck through the filter. I have been looking at the Grayl Ultralight, but a bit pricey...
Orwell ·
Would love to see some alternatives to the regular roundshape bottles, like the memobook or the nalgene flask. They 're flat and fit better in my leatherbag.
Jorge Chaves ·
I have been rocking a 1l Tupperware water bottle, now available in black which suits my life style perfectly. Its inexpensive, BPA free, easy to clean, and durable. Very similar to the Nalgene bottle.
17 more comments