Best Travel Water Bottle: A Comparison Guide

Published December 19, 2023

Written by:

Shawn Forno

I’ve been a travel writer with Tortuga (and a few other travel brands) for the past six years, and before that I was a bartender, surf instructor, copywriter, and long-haul travel specialist with nearly 20 years (yikes!) of travel experience in over 40 countries.

I’m currently on my second around-the-world trip, and I’ve had a blast testing all of these water bottles for you guys. I’m honestly obsessed with discovering and testing quality gear and clothing to find a packing list that’s lean enough yet tough enough to keep up with my active traveling lifestyle. I surf, climb, bike, and hike all the dang time.

Angela Rollins

Angela is the Marketing Manager at Tortuga. She has been traveling internationally for the better part of the last decade, typically hunkering down for 3-4 months in one city and living like a local, finding local crafts, and seeing performances. She’s a water fanatic and even filters the tap water when she’s at home.

Edited by:

Jenn Sutherland-Miller

Jenn raised 4 children while traveling full-time for more than a decade– it’s called worldschooling and it’s awesome. Jenn has...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Travel Water Bottle

The reusable, insulated water bottle for traveling.

Pros:
  • Reduce single-use plastic waste
  • Stays Cold (or Hot)
  • Never Sweats
  • Easy to Drink
Shop at Tortuga

Why We’re Water Bottle Experts

Between Shawn and Angela, they’ve tested dozens of water bottles while traveling. This includes more than a decade of hardcore travel, everywhere from the cities of Europe to way off the beaten path in Asia and South America.

We’ve checked out water bottles that do the basics: holding water, and bottles that make muddy stream water safe to drink. Here are 5 of the best travel water bottles you can get for every kind of trip.

Vapur Element Flexible Water Bottle
$19.99


Shop at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 06:41 pm GMT

Who this water bottle is for: Ultralight backpackers and one bag minimalists who hate big heavy water bottles

What We Like: Ideal for Travel

  • Ultralight: It weighs 2 ounces. That’s nothing.
  • Collapsible: Folds up and hides it away when it’s empty for effortless packing and portability. 
  • Carabiner: The built-in carabiner clip is fantastic for securing to a fanny pack or backpack strap for extra versatility on the go
  • Easy to fill: The leakproof cap screws off for a nice wide mouth that’s easy to fill from any tap thanks to the flexible material
  • Price: Vapur is the cheapest water bottle on this list
  • See-through: I like that I can see how much water I have at a glance
  • Freezer safe: Yeah, you can pop this in the freezer. Or the dishwasher

What We Don’t Like: Lacks Some Durability

  • Durability: After over a year of hard daily use (think: folding, filling, rolling, and stowing) the Vapur is showing signs of wear and tear. Some creases have appeared, and while they’re not actually leaking, this water bottle probably won’t make it through another year of heavy use.
  • No filter: I’d love to have a filter for refilling on the trail or from places where you can’t trust the tap, but you can’t have everything especially not in this size (at this price). 

Designed for Travel

Initially, when I started testing it, I was impressed with the Vapur Element .7L, but I never expected this little collapsible water bottle to become my go-to travel water bottle. Yet here we are. After nine months of daily use, the Vapur Element .7L is my main travel water bottle for one simple reason—it’s the most portable water bottle that I actually like to use.

Vapur nailed it with the design of this bottle. It simply folds (or kind of rolls up) and you hold it closed with the carabiner around the nozzle for an easy to pack water bottle that’s ready to go when you are. And that carabiner has come in handy dozens of times, especially when I’m exploring or hiking with just my fanny pack.

The .7L bottle is the perfect size for travel (there’s a larger 1L option, but I don’t think it’s necessary). Everyone is different, but I found that .7L was the sweet spot for me. Twenty four ounces (two soda cans), is usually more than enough water for a long travel day, but it’s not so much that you’ll overfill the bottle and add a ton of weight to your bag.

When it comes to a good travel water bottle, you can look for all the features you want—uber insulation, a built-in filter, wide mouth fill, or a straw—but for me, I just want a lightweight, reliable water bottle that I’ll actually use every day. And this is it.

The snap open flip cap is (surprisingly) leakproof and screws off to give me a nice wide mouth that’s easy to fill, I like that I can see how much water I have left, it’s easy to use one-handed, and I love being able to fold this bottle away when it’s not full. Plus, the collapsible shape conforms to your bag—not the other way around—even when it’s full, which is a bigger deal than you think.

I will say that after a year of heavy use the plastic is showing some creases (mainly from tons of folding) that will probably break someday. So take that into consideration. However, I’ve yet to have a leak or spill, and I’ve put this thing through the wringer on my latest 9-month around the world trip (including time in Europe, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, and Australia/NZ). 

The Vapur is a supremely functional water bottle that won’t take up space in your bag. For me, that’s a no-brainer that makes this the best water bottle for just about any traveler, especially if you’re on a budget.

Katadyn: A Collapsable Option With a Filter

If you really need a filter but don’t want the bulk of a “fixed” water bottle, the Katadyn BeFree ($) collapsible water bottle is a great alternative to the Vapur. It’s around the same size (.6L) and the material feels more durable and resistant to creases from folding. The filter is pretty easy to use—just fill with water and shake then drink through the filtered spout like normal—and it’s rated for 1000L and claims to remove bacteria, cysts, and sediment down to .1 microns (that’s teeny).

I used the Katadyn for a few weeks backpacking around SE Asia, and while I enjoyed the peace of mind that comes with a filter, I didn’t love the taste and honestly didn’t find myself needing it all that often as safe, free water sources were plentiful. 

But it’s still a good collapsible filtered water bottle, and I recommend it if you want to stay hydrated without having to think about the quality of the water you drink.

GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier & Filter Bottle for Hiking, Backpacking, and Travel (Forager Moss)
$89.95


Shop at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 06:46 pm GMT

Who this water bottle is for: Backpackers, one bag minimalists, and off-grid travelers that need to refill on the go

What We Like: Reliable In-Bottle Filtration

  • That filter system: Simply the best water filter bottle we’ve used in a portable size. The filter claims “global protection from waterborne pathogens (VIRUS, bacteria, protozoan cysts), pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals, and microplastics”
  • Easy to use: Just fill with water, press the filter down like you’re making french press coffee, and voila—within 15 seconds you have clean, drinkable water

What We Don’t Like: Heavier Than I Like

  • Weight: At 16 ounces the GRAYL water filter bottle isn’t the heaviest water bottle out there, but it still weighs a pound—without any water—which is heavier than I like
  • Price: $70 puts this on the higher end for water bottles, but you also have to add in the cost of filters (replace every “300 presses”). At $25 a cartridge, that adds up

Pure Drinking Water Just About Anywhere

The GRAYL ultralight compact water bottle is the filter de jour for the Tortuga team because it just plain works.

Several of our writers swear by it, claiming that they love the clean taste (it doesn’t have that weird “filtered” taste you get from some water bottles) and they use it both while traveling the world and in their everyday lives in the real world to filter municipal tap water. Like most quality “travel” gear, the real test is whether you’d use it in your daily life. 

The GRAYL water bottle passes that test with flying colors.

If you’re looking for an easy to use, reliable water filter in a rugged, travel-friendly size, the 16 oz GRAYL filter is a great choice, especially if you plan to filter water from less than trustworthy sources.

To Filter or Not to Filter?

I don’t recommend this water bottle for casual travelers, as it’s a bit bigger and heavier than I typically like to travel with. However, the peace of mind you get from this filter is perfect for road warriors in faraway places, avid hikers, and anyone who wants to save money (and the environment) by avoiding single-use plastic on their next trip.

Hydro Flask 21 oz. Water Bottle
$45.10
Shop at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 06:51 pm GMT

Who this water bottle is for: Backpackers, one bag travelers, and people who really want their water to stay cold all day (or hot for a few hours)

What We Like: All Day Insulation

  • Double-wall insulation: I love that this water bottle doesn’t get all drippy with condensation
  • Good for hot, great for cold: Not the best insulation for all-day cocoa parties, but it’s perfect for adding a few ice cubes to your water before you hit the trail
  • No weird taste: The 18/8 stainless steel insulation means your water will taste like water, and nothing else
  • Leak proof: Signed, sealed, delivered—no leaks
  • Customizable lids: Choose from the standard flex cap (screw top) or a sports top for easier on the go sips 

What We Don’t Like: Bulky Size

  • Size: The 3” diameter can max out some less flexible water pouches and pockets 

All Day Insulation

There’s a reason you’ve probably seen a Hydroflask bottle recently, and it’s not just the cool colors and edgy “powder coat” grip. Hydroflasks are popular because they’re really well designed.

The lids on these water bottles seal perfectly so they won’t leak (seriously, ever). I also enjoy the hand feel of these bottles. That slip-proof powder coat gives it a nice texture, but the double-wall insulation stops condensation build-up which is the real feature. Bottom line: this bottle feels oddly nice in your hand, and the flex strap is great for swinging it around on the go.

I like the Hydroflask because it delivers what it promises—long-lasting temperature control. It claims to keep hot beverages hot for up to 12 hours and cold drinks cold for a full 24. And while I didn’t bust out the stopwatch, I was never disappointed with the temperature. In fact, I actually had to leave the lid off to cool down my coffee after a few hours (I don’t like it piping hot). 

If you’re the kind of person that needs to keep your water cold or your tea hot for hours, this is a great travel water bottle.

Standard or Wide Mouth?

Some people swear by the 20oz wide-mouth Hydroflask, but I prefer the slightly slimmer (slightly taller) standard mouth bottle because it’s just easier to drink from. But maybe that’s just me.

I’ve never been a fan of wide mouth water bottles (looking at you Nalgene), so take that with a grain of salt. The wide-mouth Hydroflask has more lid options, but either way you go, both the standard and wide-mouth Hydroflask bottles are solid versatile travel water bottles for people that are picky about temperature.

Who this water bottle is for: Budget backpackers and frequent flyers

Travel Water Bottle

The reusable, insulated water bottle for traveling.

Pros:
  • Reduce single-use plastic waste
  • Stays Cold (or Hot)
  • Never Sweats
  • Easy to Drink
Shop at Tortuga

Flexible and Lightweight

I’ve already said that I think Vapur collapsible water bottles are simply the best travel water bottle I’ve tested. They’re incredibly lightweight, ultra-portable (both full and empty), reliable (the cap has never leaked), and simply a great way to stay hydrated on the trail or in the city.

Plastic water bottles aren’t as chic as the expensive (and usually heavy) water bottles you’ve seen advertised on your Instagram feed. But reusable plastic water bottles are still fantastic for travel, especially if you’re trying to keep your carry on backpack extra light and mobile.

The three-ply BPA-free plastic construction on the Vapur line of collapsible water bottles means a strong flexible water bottle without any of the chemical smell and taste of other cheaper plastic bottles. I like that these bottles fold flat when empty, but easily stand upright when full, and the clever carabiner design just brings the whole package together.

The Vapur .7L Element is a perfect reusable plastic water bottle, especially if you’re traveling on a budget.

LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
$36.36


Shop at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 06:56 pm GMT

Who this water bottle is for: Hikers, backpackers, and off-grid travelers and anyone who wants to avoid buying single use plastics  

What We Like: Not Just a Straw, but a Filter!

  • Two-stage filtration: The hollow membrane removes the scary stuff (bacteria, parasites, and microplastics) while the activated carbon filters out the chlorine and odor
  • Lightweight: Triton plastic construction means this bottle weighs just under 8 ounces

What We Don’t Like: Filter Replacement Issues

  • Varying filter shelf lives: The two-stage filter is great, but the hollow filter (the one that traps bacteria, etc) lasts for 4000L (good) while the carbon filter is only rated for 100L, (so-so) meaning you’ll have to change the filter sooner (every 3 months) if you want your water to taste good
  • Price of replacement filters: A new carbon filter costs $10, and the whole two-step filter costs $25 to replace which can add up with heavy usage

The Original Straw

If you’re going to get a water bottle with a built-in straw lid, get the one that comes with one of the most reliable water filtration systems on the market. The Lifestraw Go takes the badass water filtering capabilities of their iconic Lifestraw and bottles it—literally, in a lightweight travel-friendly size bottle.

Rated to remove particles down to .2 microns (not quite as small as the GRAYL, but still good) and up to Log 9 of bacteria like E. coli (that’s 99.999999% which is really really good) and Log 5 (99.999%) of other parasites like Giardia. Plus, it even filters Log 5 (99.999%) of microplastics from your drinking water, which is becoming “ubiquitous” according to the WHO.

I like the classic “water bottle” feel of Lifestraw Go and the flip cap straw didn’t leak, which is all I’m really asking for in a water bottle with a straw. It’s great for sipping on the go, especially while hiking, and I found that 22 oz was a decent capacity, especially because I could refill it on the go.

The straw lid is almost an afterthought behind the two-step filter, but if you’re someone that loves to sip on the go without spilling all over yourself, the Lifestraw Go is a great action-focused travel water bottle. Sure, you’ll have to replace the carbon part of the filter more often than you like, but the microbial filter should last for years. And that’s pretty sweet.

MOCHIC CUP Flat Water Bottle
$24.99


Shop at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 07:01 pm GMT

Who this water bottle is for: Ultralight minimalists, chic carry on travelers, frequent flyers, and anyone with a fanny pack

What We Like: Slim & Trim for Every Day Carry

  • Slim profile: Easily fits into just about any bag, including fanny packs, daypacks, and small purses or even a clutch (as well as your coat pocket)
  • Chic as all heck: When you pull this out of your bag, people will ask you where you got your water bottle; it’s even in the name
  • Leak proof design: The wrap around tether provides a nice grip while also keeping the lid secure, which is great for tossing into your bag
  • Lightweight and BPA free: Made from lightweight, BPA-free Tritan plastic, this bottle even has a soft ring for grip and added protection
  • Decent size: This bottle holds over 13 ounces (more than a soda can) which is often what I need

What We Don’t Like: It’s not Massive

  • 13 oz capacity: I actually like the small size of this water bottle since you can easily carry it in any bag, but if you’re guzzling down tons of water every day, this might not be for you
  • It’s a flask: Ok, yes, this is a “flask” but that doesn’t mean it can’t be great for holding water too; I’ve even used this for tea and juice on the go, and it’s been great

More Than a Reusable Flask

You might actually be familiar with MoChic, as their reusable cups (with lids) are fairly common these days. And while the cups and mugs are cute, I’m a bigger fan of their very unique flat water bottle.

The slim form factor and “book” style design are what set this water bottle apart from the rest of the bottles on this list. And thanks to a few small details, like the soft TPU grip (and bumper) case and the leakproof threaded cap, you can actually put this in your purse or bag without worrying about leaks or damage to your phone, wallet, or whatever else you carry every day.

While this might resemble a typical flask, the significant 13 oz size and clever design will immediately set you apart from the tailgating day drinkers. This is a great water bottle, plain and simple, and one that you can easily—and proudly—carry in just about any bag or purse to stay hydrated on the go without a big bulky round water bottle clanging around all day.

Seriously, great design and a good solution for everyday use in a very portable package.

Best Small Insulated Water Bottle: Swell 9 oz

If the flask design just isn’t you, you can actually go with a smaller water bottle for your purse or bag. I really enjoyed the 9 oz Swell insulated bottle for a slim lightweight water bottle for the gym or every day carry.

I mainly used it for stretching my morning coffee into my afternoon buzz, as 9 oz is on the small side for water, but it was great for short day trips as well as topping up at water fountains before a flight. And thanks to the double-wall insulation, you won’t have to worry about condensation in your bag, which is nice.

LARQ Bottle - Self-Cleaning and Insulated
$99.00
Shop at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 07:11 pm GMT

Who this water bottle is for: City travelers who are worried about water quality but don’t need to filter out dirt or sediment

What We Like: Easy to use Purification System

  • Water purification system: It’s great not having to worry about water quality. While I don’t recommend this for filling up in a stream, if you’re a city traveler with clear water and just worried about any bacteria or viruses, this bottle does the trick
  • Long battery life: The battery lasts up to 1 month and charges via a USB cable for easy travel
  • Self-cleaning bottle: The UV light doesn’t just keep your water clean, it keeps the bottle clean too. Most water bottles you want to wash at least once per week. This one I feel comfortable cleaning just once per month for good measure. The UV light comes on every 2 hours automatically to keep it clean
  • Easy to use: Just fill, press the button, and in 60 seconds you have purified water
  • Easy to add to: Unlike the GRAYL, if you like to add things to your water like electrolytes, trace minerals, or just a little lemon, it won’t filter those out after the purification process

What We Don’t Like: It’s Heavy & Expensive

  • Price: There’s no getting around it, this is the most expensive water bottle on this list
  • Weight: This is lighter than the original LARQ, but the 24 oz bottle still weighs over 10 ounces (empty)
  • 99% clean: The bottle’s UV light is built into the cap which extends into the bottle. The downside? It’s not capturing the lip of the bottle that you put your mouth on. So if you got water on the lip of your bottle as you filled it, you might want to shake the bottle as the UV light is on to move the water around and make sure the UV light catches everything.

Pure Water On the Go

Staying hydrated while traveling is important, but you can often find yourself in places with questionable tap water. If you don’t want to deal with the “french press” process of the GRAYL and are mostly concerned with avoiding bacteria and viruses, the LARQ Movement is a great option.

Cheaper and lighter than the original LARQ, this bottle is more ideal for travelers since it packs the same great UV purifying technology. The 24 oz version weighs just 10.7 oz (38% lighter than the original) and comes with a silicone sleeve on the lower half which offers a bit of extra protection to dings. Plus, it’s just nicer to hold.

The main reason it’s lighter (and therefore better) than the original is because they’ve ditched the double-walled insulation—which you just don’t need as much when you travel. I like the lighter bottle, but if you’re a big hot tea or coffee drinker, you’ll want to opt for the heavier original LARQ Bottle.

Finally, I really like the LARQ compared to a traditional filtered water bottle, like the GRAYL, because you can add stuff to your water without messing anything up (which I like to do). Electrolyte packets, trace minerals, or other flavorings won’t get filtered out since you can use the UV filter first and add more to your water after. This is perfect for runners or other athletic travelers who like to add a little extra electrolyte oomph to their water, or people that just like a little flavored water while they work at the cafe.

How Were These Water Bottles Tested?

Over the past 8 months Shawn has used more than a dozen different water bottles while traveling around Europe (Spain, Portugal, Ireland) and all over Southeast Asia (Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, The Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka). Obviously, each country comes 

Both authors use a water bottle everyday to stay hydrated, but also tested each of these water bottles in the most common travel situations including:

  • Day hikes (typically 1-4 hours)
  • Co-working spaces (both write and work remotely while they travel)
  • Thru-hikes and overnights (multi-day hiking in remote locations with unreliable water sources)
  • Long travel days (flights, cars, busses, and more)
  • Flights (packing and filling after security checks)
  • Refilling at kitchen sinks, water fountains, and taps of all shapes and sizes all over the world

Shawn naturally gravitates toward smaller, minimalist water bottles since he prefers lightweight water bottles for hiking and slim water bottles for city use (since you can easily fill them as you go). But that’s just him. Most of the water bottles on this list come in multiple sizes, so if you can usually size up if you prefer a larger water bottle.

Some of the water bottles are more useful in the city at cafes and co-working spaces, while a few are specifically designed for off-grid use and hiking. Some were great for travel days and flights when you have a full backpack. we’ve tried to call out each use case in the reviews below. Obviously, the water bottle you travel with should perform in the situations you need it to, so prioritize the features you need (i.e. two-stage filters vs. UV purifiers).

These water bottles were all tested while traveling with the carry-on-sized Tortuga Travel Backpack and the Outbreaker Daypack. They had to fit into the expandable water bottle pockets on both of these bags for them to even be considered for this list.

Travel Water Bottle
Packing Cubes
Travel Water Bottle
Packing Cubes

Key Features and Considerations While Testing Water Bottles

A really great travel water bottle needs to be light, strong, slim, and easy to use on the go. Here are the main concerns we focused on while testing each travel water bottle: 

  • Weight: Every ounce counts when it comes to travel water bottles. It matters a lot actually. We left some pretty good water bottles off this list simply because they weigh too much and we couldn’t justify the extra bulk even if they pack some great features.
  • Size & Capacity: Does the bottle easily fit into the side pocket of your backpack or day bag (and I mean easily), and can you pack it in something smaller like a purse or fanny pack? Also, can it hold enough water for an average day of use or will you have to refill multiple times?
  • Price: Most of the water bottles on this list are less than $40. Shawn’s favorite water bottle costs less than $10
  • Durability: How does each water bottle handle normal wear and tear while traveling? Does it scratch or tear easily, and how does the lid (and seal) handle travel days going in and out of my bag?
  • Leakproof: We don’t use leaky water bottles. Ever. Every water bottle on this list passed our leakproof testing
  • Cleaning: Does the bottle smell or taste funny and is it easy to clean. Do you need a special tool or can you wash with a normal sponge or brush?
  • Style & Features: Do you want to carry and use this water bottle every day? Are there any useful features like an easy open lid, wide mouth opening, UV purifier, filter, or carabiner?

9 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Travel Water Bottle as a Travel Expert

To help you select the perfect travel water bottle, we’ve gathered nine expert tips from professionals in the travel industry, including travel agents and consultants. Their advice ranges from choosing lightweight and portable bottles to opting for bottles with built-in filters. Dive in to discover their insights and make your travel hydration hassle-free.

  • Choose Lightweight and Portable 
  • Look for Hookable and Insulated 
  • Seek Durable, Leak-Proof, and Easy-to-Clean 
  • Balance Insulation and Weight
  • Select Bottles with Straws and Insulation
  • Prioritize Durability and Portability 
  • Consider Versatile Lid Design for Business Travel
  • Match Bottle to Travel Type and Needs
  • Opt for Bottles with Built-In Filters

Choose Lightweight and Portable 

Being a mother and a passionate cruise enthusiast, I find it essential to have the perfect hydration companions for my voyages. While aboard the ship, I cherish the convenience of an insulated cup that keeps my drinks at the right temperature. Yet, when I disembark to explore new destinations, my preference shifts towards a more compact water bottle, seamlessly slotting into the side pocket of my backpack.

Opting for a lightweight and easily portable water bottle is paramount for me. Navigating through various travel scenarios demands a bottle that doesn’t add unnecessary bulk or weight to my adventures. This way, I can savor every moment without the hassle of carrying around a cumbersome container.

Briana Ramos, Travel Agent, Royally Blended 

Look for Hookable and Insulated 

The first—and key—aspect I look for is a lid that allows me to hook the bottle to my backpack, or to make carrying easier. Second, it has to be slim, so it fits easily into the side pocket of my carry-on, or any backpack. Finally, I look for insulated bottles so drinks can stay cold longer.

Alison Ebbs, Travel Consultant, The Travel Agent Next Door

Seek Durable, Leak-Proof, and Easy-to-Clean 

When choosing a travel water bottle, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, look for a bottle that is durable and leak-proof, as it will likely go through some rough handling during your travels. Secondly, consider the size and weight of the bottle, especially if you’ll be carrying it in your bag for long periods. 

Additionally, opt for a bottle that is easy to clean and has a wide mouth for convenient refilling. Lastly, if you’re traveling as a family or couple, consider getting a bottle with multiple lids or compartments to accommodate everyone’s needs.

Jacqueline Adamkiewicz, Travel Agent, Travelista Travels

Balance Insulation and Weight 

Traveling all over the world has made having a great water bottle immensely important to me.

Since I’m in love with warmer climates, the most crucial feature for me is insulation. However, there’s a catch—the thicker the bottle is, the better insulation it has. This means that bottles with fantastic insulation are often larger and heavier, which is not something you want as a traveler who wants to keep the weight of their backpack at a minimum.

The key is in finding a middle ground: seek models made of modern but lightweight materials that still offer adequate insulation. The famous Hydro Flask bottle is so popular for a reason—it offers exactly that (though I wish it didn’t cost as much).

Anna Krizova, Travel Enthusiast – Therapist, Camino Adventures

Select Bottles with Straws and Insulation

As a travel expert and someone who travels often, I always make sure my water bottle comes equipped with a straw and is insulated. I will be the first to admit that I don’t always drink enough water in a day. But I know the importance of it, especially when traveling, hiking, or camping. You can become dehydrated easily, so it’s important to find a water bottle that encourages you to drink. 

A straw for me makes it easier to drink more water because you aren’t getting as much air, which can make you feel full and bloated and discourage you from drinking more. When you drink water normally without a straw, this can happen.

I also love ice-cold water, which an insulated double-wall water bottle provides. They often keep water cold and the ice doesn’t melt for 24-48 hours. This also encourages me to drink more, and it makes it easier to bring a water bottle to hotter destinations because you won’t be drinking warm water.

Jeremiah Robison, Founder, Roam the Carolinas

Prioritize Durability and Portability 

Prioritizing durability and portability is a key tip for choosing a travel water bottle. This advice is applicable to diverse traveler perspectives, including female travelers seeking convenience, couples aiming to stay hydrated together, families with active kids, and business travelers constantly on the go. 

A water bottle made from sturdy materials can withstand the rigors of travel, whether it’s being tossed into a bag, taken on hikes, or used during business meetings. A compact, leak-proof design ensures easy transportation, fits into bags or cup holders, and caters to the needs of all travelers. 

By selecting a durable and portable water bottle, travelers are prepared to stay hydrated wherever their journey takes them, making their travel experience more enjoyable and sustainable for any travel style or companions.

Jim Campbell, Owner, Honeymoons

Consider Versatile Lid Design for Business Travel

As a frequent traveler for business, choosing a water bottle with a versatile lid design is crucial. 

Look for a bottle that offers multiple lid options, like a screw-on cap for security during transit, a flip-top lid for easy sips during meetings, and a wide mouth for quick refills. 

This adaptability ensures preparedness for various situations—from bustling airports to professional settings. 

Staying hydrated on the go becomes hassle-free, allowing a focus on the journey and business commitments with no unnecessary distractions.

Khanh Tran, Growth Manager, Majorca Villa

Match Bottle to Travel Type and Needs

Water bottles, like travelers, come in all different shapes and sizes. The type of travel you are planning will be an important consideration when looking for your perfect bottle.

For business travelers, a sleeker, more professional-style bottle is the best. Think solid neutral colors, like navy, beige, or black. You don’t want to show up to an important meeting with your teenager’s hot pink Hydro Flask.

If you’re traveling as a family, it’s recommended that everyone have their own bottle. There are a lot of kids’ bottles that are easy to hold and will encourage your kids to drink more water.

Women should consider not only the size of the bottle but also how large the mouth size is. It’s not something that people think of when bottle shopping, but some of them have large mouths that are notoriously hard to drink out of.

Finally, if you’re traveling abroad or on a long hiking trip, consider a bottle with a water-sterilization filter. You never know when that feature may come in handy.

Aiden Higgins, Senior Editor and Writer, The Broke Backpacker 

Opt for Bottles with Built-In Filters

When choosing a travel water bottle, look for one that has a built-in filter. This will help you avoid water contamination and drink cleaner, healthier water. A bottle with a filter will save you a lot of money when you’re traveling because you can simply fill up from the tap rather than having to buy bottled water. 

It can also help to make the water taste better, as some places add different chemicals to clean the water that can have a negative impact on its taste.

Nihan Çolak Erol, COO, Wingie

Shawn Forno

If you want to learn about budget travel, minimalist carry on packing, or how to travel (and even live and work) in dozens of countries all over the world, Shawn is your guy. Shawn is not a New York Times bestselling travel author, but he is a full-time freelance blogger, copywriter, and content manager and is also a published photographer. He likes to rock climb, trek, surf, ride his bike, and read a bunch of sci-fi books.

Read more from Shawn

Angela Rollins

Angela is the Marketing Manager at Tortuga. She has been traveling internationally for the better part of the last decade, typically hunkering down for 3-4 months in one city and living like a local, finding local crafts, and seeing performances. Angela is experienced at traveling with food allergies, having a list of over 15 food sensitivities. Her current favorite luggage set up is the 35L Women’s Setout Backpack & Outbreaker Daypack. She’s been known on the Tortuga team to pack very lightly at times, one time going to a team retreat with just a packing cube to prove a point.

Read more from Angela

Bring everything you need without checking a bag.

Find the perfect pack for your next trip

Shop Travel Backpacks Take the quiz