Living in the Midwest where the sweat seems to pour off you (usually at the most inappropriate of times) and the heat of Phoenix is met by the humidity of Miami (lower cost of living has some drawbacks), having a beverage on hand is just a way of life. This means my water bottle and I are attached at the hip and between my normal water intake, plus dragging it along for use at the gym, it's quite possibly the hardest working thing in my house. Having decided it was time for a new one, I began searching for a bottle able to stand up to my rugged rules of water consumption. Click through the jump to see my strict standards and which one I landed on.
AT On: The Search For the Perfect Water Bottle
There are many types of water bottles on the market. I know that many people use Sigg bottles and that's fantastic. They are earth friendly, safe, easy to clean and so forth. They just never seem to work out well with me. The same goes for Nalgene bottles (which are now BPA free), but they never quite make the cut.
So follow me through a few rules as to why in my life, there is one bottle to rule them all.
WATER BOTTLE PURCHASING RULES
1) It can't be something that involves screwing off a lid for consumption.
I will admit to the fact that I'm just not talented enough to run on a treadmill and unscrew something. Better yet, be able to screw it back on when I am done without sloshing it everywhere.
2) It can't be something wide mouthed.
Although it allows for ice to be added easily, a wide-mouthed bottle means in the end, I will pour it all over myself while triyng to drink from it and do the elliptical machine. You want comedy? That's golden right there. That's why your gym membership is so high... it isn't to work out on fancy schmancy equipment, or to have a buff trainer from Sweden... it's so you can laugh at the round girl pouring water all down her shirt while still not getting enough to put her thirst at bay.
3) It must have a straw instead of the tip and pour method.
Why is this such a big deal to me? For anyone who has more weight on them than your average bear, jogging/speed walking takes actual concentration. I blame Newton. That whole "objects in motion stay in motion thing"... if you weigh a buck 10, it's not a big deal, but when you've got some meat on your bones, said meat can in fact throw you off balance if you aren't paying attention. So in the long run, trying to pour something down your gullet while not falling off the stair climber (which usually means you are in front of everyone else), can actually prove to be a challenge. And heaven knows I don't need any more of those.
4) It has to be dishwasher friendly and be to disassemble enough to clean properly.
Many water bottles don't have a lid/mouthpiece that completely breaks down. On top of that, they usually require a special brush to reach the bottom. If I am going to use one bottle all day, everyday, I have to be able to keep it sanitary. Being able to go in the dishwasher is a major plus. It has to physically be small enough to fit on the rack without the sprayer arms hitting it and also have a mouth large enough for water/soap to get in to clean it.
5) It MUST be BPA Free
Not all plastics are created equal anymore and making sure something I use year round isn't harmful is a must.
So after an exhausting search online, I forced my poor husband to accompany me to the one place we normally avoid, the sporting goods store. After reading up on the Camelbak Better Bottle, I knew I had to try one out.
Now, sporting goods stores aren't my idea of a good time. And although I'm not against sports or buying products the average athlete needs, finding things in a store of this nature (unless it's a golf club or treadmill) usually proves to be a needle in a haystack. Not to mention the weird looks received because I don't fit the stereotypical "jock" persona or because clerks can't believe I need sporting equipment let alone recreate. To those people I am secretly shooting lasers from my eyes (being an Apartment Therapy blogger gives you super powers didn't you know?). And although I'm sure it doesn't really work, it makes me happy to think it does. Moving on...
Having found the rack containing all the Camelbak Products, I was completely giddy. It had seemed so alluring online and I was excited to see it in person (yes this is my idea of fun).
We located the Camelbak products in the biking department (although we have since seen them in the hiking section at other stores of this nature). After inspecting my new find up and down, I will go on record by saying this bottle is all that AND a bag of chips.
They have a screw off lid to fill your bottle by, which is large enough to take on ice of all sizes with extreme ease. In the lid, there is a flip up bite-straw, (like other Camelbak products), which although seems a little bizarre at first, allows for complete security and safety of the beverage inside. The bite technology allows the water bottle to be spill proof, leak proof, and Sarah proof. So it's fantastic for me all around!
Once the lid is screwed on tight, the straw goes all the way to the bottom, so you get literally every last drop of your bottle before having to refill, and it has a carry loop on the lid so you can tote it around the gym or home easy, or if you do that "hiking thing" you can clip it onto your pack.
Since my purchase of the original Camelbak Better Bottle, they have release a newer version named the "Performance Bottle." It is made of a thinner material that is squeezeable to help better control water flow. The original didn't have bad water flow by any means, but the new version gives you the ability to squeeze water into your mouth as well as using the bite-straw for increased water flow. We might have to check this one out next.
They have proved to be a solid investment (typically around $13) and because of that I wanted to share it with you. I have run mine through the dishwasher, top rack and bottom, dropped it, flung it, froze it, the works and it's still in the same condition it was when I bought it a year ago.
Other bonuses to this bottle include it's ability to attach to most water filters, fit in most cup holders and the lid attaches to most bottles of this size. It also comes in 12 different colors plus 8 new graphic designs, so there is one for every member of your family without getting them confused.
Just in case you don't have a retailer near you, they are also available online.
Photos by: Camelbak Website, Gottaridebikes and Amazon
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AT on..., best products, personal health, eco-friendly, water bottle, BPA Free, camelbak, dishwasher safe, drinkingRelated Links
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thanks for the testing! i hated my nalgene bottle because of it's wide mouth. what a pain.
view Pistachio's profile
what about this bottle. it is brand new, chemical free, snap top, AND it is beautiful.
http://www.korwater.com/
view MFlick's profile
John Tierney had a funny piece in the Times yesterday (includes his water bottle choice):
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/science/29tier.html?em
view Julianna's profile
I have a camelback better bottle at my work desk & I love it.
view Erin K.'s profile
I have this water bottle and I never feel like I can get enough water fast enough when I am working out. Call me silly, but I need a much faster flow when I am running on the treadmill cursing at my trainer. Also it doesn't fit in my bike water bottle holder. Maybe the performance one is better.
Also I disagree with the top disassembling fully. I am always afraid that I havent cleaned the mouth piece fully or left it soapy (never doing that again).
Don't get me wrong, I love this water bottle for when I am at work specially since I haven't splashed myself since I got it. But for working out and sports, I feel it is laking.
view Signe's profile
I am skeptical of using any of these sorts of water bottles anymore...I'd rather just buy bottled water. Today show did a big story on this about how these recyled containers have chemicals and stuff in them that could cause cancer. stay away from those things...they'll kill ya.
view LittleRock's profile
Huh, I've been hunting for a water bottle for the office, and I basically want the opposite of #1-3.
My ideal container would have a glass body but screw-on wide mouth lid. I'd drink out of a Pace salsa jar if it wasn't so obvious that it was a Pace jar!
view ami's profile
LittleRock, I'm not sure if you're joking or not.
view Molly Margarita's profile
@ami---look at VOSS bottles in the grocery store. They are glass, very modern design and only like $4 for some water and a bottle to go with it. They are in the bottled water section of slightly upper class grocery stores. I used mine at the office (I got the larger size) and it was great and I got compliments on it.
http://www.thenibble.com/reviews/main/beverages/waters/images/Voss-group.jpg
view plasticorange's profile
I would be really impressed if I saw someone drinking out of a Pace jar. Put some packing tape over the label to preserve it and go with it.
Half the glasses in my cupboard are jars.
view wally's profile
Signe- They do make one that squeezes (allowing you to increase the flow) and is specifically for bike holders (since they tend to be a bit smaller). You might give that one a try. I do also make sure to rinse the lid pieces in super hot water once I'm done. I'm sure it doesn't need it, but it reassures me that I did remove all the soap.
view sarahrae's profile
Thanks sarahrae, I will take a look at the one the squeezes!
view Signe's profile
I like to use a glass. Or, better, a mug with coffee.
When did we all get so THIRSTY all the time? I mean, I saw someone in church drinking from one the other day? Is that okay now?
Sure, you're hiking up a mountain -- take some water. Sure, you've had your thyroid removed and can't produce saliva -- take some water.
Otherwise, what's wrong with a glass?
I swear I went into a conference the other day and everyone was all tricked out with odd water gear, throwing their heads back and slurping out of straws. We're not in the desert, we're in a air-conditioned conference room in rock. center. The hell?
These same people would laugh at a chubby midwesterner with their Big Gulp but I don't see the diff.
view Julianna's profile
I love my Camelback bottle! It really is brilliant design.
view Casey Dukes's profile
littlerock - have you seen the Penn and Teller BS episode on bottled water. If you think you're better off buying pre bottled water, you might want to check it out, there was a link to it on here not too long ago.
view jmorey's profile
That Kor Water bottle is intimidating. I am so pumped to replace the awful Nalgene. I get water up my nose more than I would like to admit it.
view TCMB's profile
Great review, it made me chuckle :)
view suziegoombs's profile
Nice water bottle, he one I currently use when playing tennis is good for eveything but size....it's only 17 ounces.... it's time for a new water bottle and I think this one fits the bill... thanks for the in depth review...
view Polywood's profile
'I drug my poor husband to the one place we normally avoid'
I'm not usually the strict grammarian, but the above has me cringing:
http://www.getitwriteonline.com/archive/031901.htm
view wig3000's profile
signe, i agree about not getting enough out of this one. personally, i prefer my old model (now made BPA-free):
http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=1223
i feel like it has all the benefits of the camelback, but you can swig more, and is easier to clean the mouthpiece.
view fivealive1969's profile
I stopped using my camelbak when I opened my gym bag to soaked sneakers. Guess you need to empty it instead of leaving it on its side. (?)
view techntools's profile
Question: does condensation accumulate on the Camelbak bottle, or is it insulated? I'm a student and I've been looking for a water bottle to stick in my bag, but I don't want condensation to get on my stuff if I put cold water and ice in the bottle.
Any suggestions?
view PinkFlamingos's profile
I am a Sigg fan - http://www.sigg.ch/
view Thiggy's profile
After seeing this
http://www.normalboy.com/moveabletype/archives/nalgene.jpg
I would never buy nalgene, ever.
view Ana's profile
maybe a bottle brush parents use to clean baby bottles would help to make sure your water bottle is clean enough?
view witchbaby's profile
Juliana - LoL...I am with you and I live in Arizona, where you don't walk to get your mail without a bottle of water in your hand!
Suddenly, we're all dying from thirst 24/7....*sigh* mob mentality.
view copelli21's profile
I've been saying this is the best water bottle ever since they first came out! I've bought tons for friends & turned them into believers. Even got people at work using them at the water cooler.
Good choice!
And to the poster who asked "what's wrong with a glass?"...
This bottle doesn't spill when water all over the place when you knock it off the nightstand by accident at 3am.
view christinanyc's profile
My Better Bottle fits in my bike's water bottle cage... and doesn't fit in my partner's cage. My cage is fairly flexible, his isn't. What I really wanted was a 1L bottle, but I couldn't find one that was designed to go in a standard water bottle cage. And I wasn't about to go hunting for a Topeak Modula cage (the fancy adjustable one) just to get a decently large bottle.
I didn't go with the bike version because the ones I could find didn't mark how much they held. If I'm springing for a durable bottle, I'd like to know how much I've drunk so I can figure out how badly I need to hunt for a water fountain.
view Torrilin's profile
@ana: anybody can Photoshop a logo on anything. Bunnies in boxes suck, but I have to question a staged-looking shoot like that.
view darcidoodle's profile
so people are using these like a sippy cup? or a baby bottle? bcs keeping liquid in a glass is too hard?!
view Julianna's profile
I agree with darcidoodle. Ana's bunny picture looks like it was done by a Seth Godin disciple.
view JustPuked's profile
i have that exact water bottle and love it! also for the wide mouth nalgens you might already own, i just got a cap for the opening so that the nalgene drinks more like a soda can.. it was only two bucks and totally work it.
view hekela9's profile
Agreed, Julianna. I can't remember where (radio, maybe?), but not too long ago I heard a European talking about Americans running around with their baby "bottles" permanently attached to their mouths.
view Caitlin in Seattle's profile
My very well known orthopedic surgeon was a great believer in hydration - until he so diluted his electrolytes that he got sick. He now advises "drink when thirsty."
The "8 glasses a day" maxim has been disavowed.
view Taureg's profile
I don't drag my water bottle around with me everywhere. Indeed, at work, I'm expressly forbidden to have a water bottle, cup or anything like that with me when I'm out on the floor with the customers.
But I do like to have one when I'm at the gym. Frankly, I sweat like a racehorse while exercising, even if my gym is nice and airconditioned.
It's also nice to have a water bottle around, in my bag or wherever, so that when I'm out and about, I can get water from the drinking fountain without having to resort to buying a drink.
I have both a Sigg and a Nalgene with the narrow mouth. The Nalgene is more convenient, because I don't have to unscrew the lid to drink, but the water from the Sigg tastes better.
view RoseCampion's profile
agreed that anyone can photoshop a logo but in this case it's not.
do a search for: nalgene animal cruelty
view Ana's profile
@ana: I stand corrected. Here's a link for anyone who's interested: http://www.rmad.org/nalgene.html
view darcidoodle's profile
I have to chime in on the bottles thing --- adults really do look like children drinking from baby bottles. It's pretty comical and somewhat disconcerting when you're on a bus or something and people everywhere are doing it. But I did enjoy this post -- well written and informative. Thanks!
view Griffin's profile
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=plastic-not-fantastic-with-bisphenol-a
view plasticorange's profile
That Nalgene link made me sick. I'm throwing mine out today.
I've tried Nalgene, Camelbak, and Sigg, and the Camelbak is my fave. Now that it's out with no BPA, I might buy one. I already have 2 Nalgenes, 2 Siggs, and 1 Camelbak. I should just stick with the Siggs, but I do miss the straw feature of the C-bak.
view jooly's profile
Yes. They make lab equipment. Indeed, all kinds of lab equipment. VW was started by Hitler, and beloved by hippies, because they also made a *good product*. Honeywell makes brazillions of different products, and I have no doubt some of them contradict my own moral values. I honestly don't see it as a problem - they make a plastic with some specific uses. I'd rather someone be making a more humane holding pen than using wood & wire mesh or something much more harmful, but maybe that's just my opinion.
view anaximander's profile
thank you so much for this post! I was in the market for a bpa free water bottle, but didn't really like the sigg bottles. When I saw this bottle complete a design proudly displaying my northwestern alma mater, I had to buy it. great decision!
view rach1007's profile