The Best Water Canteens for Outdoor Activities

Buying Guide: Water Canteen

Everyone should think about investing in a reusable water bottle because of the numerous advantages it offers. It eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles and it does a significantly better job of keeping your beverage of choice either hot or cold.
However, deciding on the water canteen that’s right for your daily routine is a matter of taste, budget, and the bottle’s functionality. In our buyer’s guide below, we go over the key factors to keep in mind when choosing your next water bottle. Let’s take a look!

How To Choose the Right Water Canteen?

Style

Since you’ll be carrying this around everywhere you go, it’s a good idea to start with style. Water bottles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. A water bottle that you take to school will look very different from the one you’ll take on a three-day hiking trip. Regardless, you’ll want to choose a bottle that speaks to you – whether that’s a certain color, design, or function. If you’re just looking for a bottle to carry around or take to the gym, many of the thinner water bottles come in a variety of colors, making it easy to pick one that complements your own style and fitness.

Size

The smaller the water bottle, the less liquid it can store, which is ideal if you want to take it out for a daily jog. If you need a water bottle to take on a long, strenuous camping trip, you’ll want to choose slightly larger size – but it should still be manageable to carry. Alternatively, you may be looking for a water bottle to put on your desk when you’re at work. Before choosing a size, think about how you intend to use your water bottle.

Mouth opening

It’s useful to have a water bottle with a bigger mouth opening so that you can mix in ice or powdered mixes without spilling. However, if you’re on the go, it’s difficult to drink from wide-mouthed bottles. If you want to avoid spills, look for a water bottle with a cap that unscrews or with a sports top, which makes it easier to drink from.

Material and insulation

Due to their sturdy, stainless-steel construction and double-walled insulation, the best water bottles can keep hot or cold beverages cold for extended periods. Cheaper water bottles are often constructed of plastic, which makes them lighter and more convenient for runners and cyclists to carry, but they will not have the same insulation benefits.

Additional perks

Nowadays, even water bottles are equipped with numerous bells and whistles. You may have to spend a bit more money, but a number of high-end water bottles include customized lighting, smartphone app connectivity, and even built-in water filtration. It’s common for sports-oriented bottles to feature a carrying bag, and some include interchangeable tops and straws.

Why Invest in a Water Canteen?

Durability

You want your water bottle to last, regardless of how much you spend. Stainless steel is the material of choice for the vast majority of durable water bottles. These bottles also feature a vacuum seal and a toggle for easy carrying. Some bottles also come with a straw for easy drinking; however, this may affect the product’s durability.

Performance

The purpose of an insulated water bottle is to keep your beverage cool or hot while it’s hot or chilly outside. The majority of high-end water bottles do well in this area, provided they have insulation properties such as double-walled construction. When choosing a water bottle – especially if you plan to take it camping or on an important expedition – always check the specifications on how long it can keep cold beverages cold (or hot beverages hot) before purchasing.

Drinkability

The drinking spout on these water bottles may be narrower or wider, depending on the user’s desire. Some prefer to use a straw as it allows you to regulate the amount of water you consume. If the bottle has ice in it, the spout might become jammed, making it difficult to get the right amount of liquid out.

How To Thoroughly Clean a Water Canteen?

Dish soap and a bottle brush are all you need to clean a water bottle. Purchase a bottle brush set that comes with a long, thin straw brush. Over time, the scents that are trapped in plastic bottles might become noticeable. To fix this, place a teaspoon of bleach and a teaspoon of baking soda in the bottle, fill it with water, and allow it to sit for a few hours. The next day, thoroughly rinse it out.

Always remember to wipe the lid clean. A lot of lids include nooks and crevices that might store germs if the silicone O-rings aren’t washed properly. Before scrubbing, soak the lid in soapy water for 10 minutes. If you leave the lid off and allow the bottle to air dry between use, you may go longer between cleanings.

How Long Does a Water Canteen Last?

A decent insulated water bottle should last for many years, if not decades, due to its durable stainless steel or plastic construction. Puncture is the greatest danger to insulated water bottles. Your bottle’s double or triple-walled insulation will lose its capacity to insulate if it is punctured. Avoid slamming your bottle against hard surfaces. Insulated water bottles made of plastic are less likely to be dented or punctured, but they are less durable.