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The best water bottles including insulated, gym and sustainable options
UK consumers go through an estimated 14 billion plastic drinks bottles per year, according to Defra, but single-use plastic is falling out of favour, thanks to efforts from David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg. More people are turning to reusable water bottles and in return, bottles are getting smarter. The best water bottles these days are insulated, leak-proof, filtered and BPA free.
BPA stands for Bisphenol A, an industrial chemical compound used in the manufacturing of strong plastics. Some research suggests BPA can leak into food and drink and cause health problems. “When looking for a bottle, look for non-toxic materials. Stainless steel is one of the most eco-friendly materials for a water bottle. Not only is it safe, but it is very durable and infinitely recyclable,” says Natalie Byrne, marketing manager at Go Outdoors.
For this guide I’ve tested a number of the best water bottles on the market – including gym water bottles, water bottles with straws and even the Air Up water bottle which uses scented pods to trick your brain into thinking you’re drinking squash. Whether you’re looking for a durable water bottle for hiking or simply one that’s dishwasher-safe, you should find something to suit you below.
The best water bottles: At a glance
How we test best water bottles
To find the best water bottle, I tried and tested dozens over the period of a month. I threw them in my backpack on my daily commute to test if they were leak-proof and I sipped them at my desk. I bundled them into my gym bag along with my gym leggings and yoga mat and even took them on runs. I left them for hours at a time to test how insulated they really were, using a thermometer to measure both cold and hot water, and I researched the materials each is made from to check for toxic materials.
I really wanted to find a water bottle that was both lightweight enough to carry around all day, insulated enough to keep water cold for hours and durable enough that it could take a few knocks and scratches. I want one water bottle that does everything, so I don’t have to have a separate bottle for home, work and the gym. I also looked at value for money. You wouldn’t believe the cost of some water bottles I looked at.