* Water Bottle 101 *

How to Choose a Water Bottle
By Chris Weiss

Carrying an appropriate amount of water when you exercise is a healthy practice that everyone should do. While you could simply purchase bottled water, and never worry about having your own water bottle, this creates unnecessary waste and costs more money. Purchasing a water bottle is a low-impact, inexpensive solution.
InstructionsDifficulty: Moderate
Step 1 Get the right size. Remember that the main purpose of buying a water bottle is to carry enough water to keep you hydrated during work-outs. If you have a water source nearby, such as in the home or at a gym, the size of the bottle isn't as big of a concern. However, if you're walking, running or hiking where you won't be able to fill your water bottle, you'll want to get a large enough bottle. Decide the size bottle you need based on the length and intensity of your average workout. Water bottles come in a variety of sizes including 16, 20, 24 and 32 ounces. Step 2 Consider whether you prefer a squeezable water bottle or a rigid bottle. Squeezable bottles are good for activities like running and biking where you might prefer to squeeze the water into your mouth, but they can add a bit of taste to the water. They are durable when it comes to drops and the only worry is a potential puncture. Rigid bottles tend to add less taste to the water; however, they may dent or crack when dropped. Step 3 Choose the right material. Rigid water bottles come in a number of different materials including aluminum, stainless steel, high density polyethylene (semi-rigid) and copolyester (Tritan). Avoid bottles composed of polycarbonate, which contains the chemical bisphenol A (BPA). Most companies now label their water bottles BPA-Free, so there's no mistaking them. Metal bottles are the most durable option but these can transfer the cold temperature of your water to your hand more than plastic bottles. Step 4 Purchase a bottle that will be easy to carry. Whether you're using a backpack or carrying the bottle by hand, make sure that the shape and size of the water bottle make it convenient to carry. Step 5 Consider if you'll want to pack the bottle with ice. If so, you'll want to make sure that the neck is large enough to fit ice cubes through. If not, you'll need to use crushed ice or forego ice altogether. Step 6 Consider the drinking valve. A good, strong valve that securely locks will help prevent any leakage. Make sure the valve is wide enough and provides optimal flow. A bite valve is another option that is easy to get open on-the-fly. However, bite valves may experience leaking issues after time, if they don't include a locking mechanism. Step 7 Check for any additional details. Having measurements on the side of your water bottle can be a handy way of tracking your water intake and measuring the water for other purposes like campground cooking.
Tips & Warnings
For longer hikes or trips where you'd need to carry a very large water bottle or risk running out of water, consider purchasing a hydration pack. Hydration packs generally carry much more water than bottles (as much as 100 ounces) and are easy to carry and use. Consider purchasing a backpack or belt pack with mesh water bottle holder(s) for easy carrying.

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A Knifeless Man is a Lifeless Man
Canadian To The Core
Carry Less by Knowing More
Knowledge Weighs Nothing

Great advice .......Thanks Dave Cool

Good post. Cool

I always have my hydration pack, so no worries here. Cool

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Using dial-up is like riding a tricycle at Indy.

Good to hear Cool

When im out Golfing 18 holes i carry almost 2 litres of Gatorade & water combined.

_________________
A Knifeless Man is a Lifeless Man
Canadian To The Core
Carry Less by Knowing More
Knowledge Weighs Nothing

I am getting Les's one bottle. Very Happy

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	linsleyk wrote:
	I am getting Les's one bottle.

> Cool, i was looking at that one for my next Bottle. Let me know how it is Kim Cool

_________________
A Knifeless Man is a Lifeless Man
Canadian To The Core
Carry Less by Knowing More
Knowledge Weighs Nothing

	Drummer Dave wrote:
	Good to hear When im out Golfing 18 holes i carry almost 2 litres of Gatorade & water combined.

I probably drink more than that. Surprised

'Course, I don't know exactly how long it takes to golf 18 holes. Cool

A few hours I imagine. Smile

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Using dial-up is like riding a tricycle at Indy.

flashlightfreak9 wrote:

	Drummer Dave wrote:
	Good to hear When im out Golfing 18 holes i carry almost 2 litres of Gatorade & water combined.

I probably drink more than that. Surprised

'Course, I don't know exactly how long it takes to golf 18 holes. Cool

A few hours I imagine. Smile

A full 18 holes on a 6700 yard course, around 4.5 to 5 hours. Its a long hike in the sun with a full bag of clubs, it wear's ya out.

_________________
A Knifeless Man is a Lifeless Man
Canadian To The Core
Carry Less by Knowing More
Knowledge Weighs Nothing

I'll let you know how I like it. Very Happy

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	flashlightfreak9 wrote:
	Good post. I always have my hydration pack, so no worries here.

i've always had bad luck with hydration packs... i've had cheep ones, expensive ones, and have had every one of them leak where the bag meets the hose... right now I have a small (about 500ml) sigg bottle... I like it cause you don't get any taste on the water and it is ummmm what do they call it... pba free

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Rules
People to contact if you have a problem

When guns become outlawed only outlaws will have guns.

^ Thats strange ?...ive had the same 2 litre hydra pack for 4 years, no leaks. Are you rough on your gear ?? Razz

_________________
A Knifeless Man is a Lifeless Man
Canadian To The Core
Carry Less by Knowing More
Knowledge Weighs Nothing

My Camelbaks have never let me down. Cool

I wouldn't give them up for anything. Very Happy

_________________
Using dial-up is like riding a tricycle at Indy.

I wish i had as good luck as you guys, the concept of them is perfect... it will take a hard long hike with one to make me trust them now :/

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Rules
People to contact if you have a problem

When guns become outlawed only outlaws will have guns.

Maybe you'll get that " just right one " & it will work out for ya. Cool

_________________
A Knifeless Man is a Lifeless Man
Canadian To The Core
Carry Less by Knowing More
Knowledge Weighs Nothing

	Daffy wrote:
	I wish i had as good luck as you guys, the concept of them is perfect... it will take a hard long hike with one to make me trust them now :/

Sorry to hear that. Sad

You're really missing out on some great gear.

If you had a Camelbak brand hydration pack, which model was it?

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Using dial-up is like riding a tricycle at Indy.

	Daffy wrote:
	I wish i had as good luck as you guys, the concept of them is perfect... it will take a hard long hike with one to make me trust them now :/

I highly reccommend platapus hydration packs. I've had mine for a few months now, its held up to military work, and many SAR missions.

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Qoute: LONGBOW50, from bladeforums:
The boy scouts motto takes on a new meaning when fate steps in and makes you feel like a dummy.

I got Les's one bottle and love it better then the cheap one's I got. thanks Les

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	Daffy wrote:
	I wish i had as good luck as you guys, the concept of them is perfect... it will take a hard long hike with one to make me trust them now :/

I use one of the simpler ones, an omega reservoir with the fabric pouch. I just throw that in my pack, and the hose is rerouted through zippers to where I can always get to it. I've had no issues so far and it's an extra 3L of water that I don't need to pack nalgenes for.

My first choice will always be a stainless steel bottle. It's unbreakable, and you can boil water in it if you need to.

yeah and put alunimum foil around it so it wont ruin the pot or bottle Very Happy

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