Whether you are going for a hike, a workout at the gym, fixing up the yard or simply going camping with the family, one mandatory piece of outdoor gear would be a good, portable sports water bottle. Right hydration is a very important factor before, during and after a workout session or any activity that makes you sweat profusely. Therefore, you are advised to spend some time in determining the ideal sports water bottle for your needs.
Types of Water Bottles
There are numerous kinds of water bottles available in the market. If you are wondering about how to choose best sports water bottles, there are certain questions you need to ask yourself. For instance, what type of activity do you want to do? Are you looking for simple daily use water bottles or the best sports water bottles to use while you work out? Do you need your drink to stay hot or cold for a long period of time? Would you be able to fill up your water bottle often or need something with a large capacity? Answers to all these questions will help you determine the kind of water bottle that would work best for you.
Sports Water Bottle Buying Guide
If you need help with selecting the best sports water bottle that is most suited to your individual needs, you need to be aware of the different types available. Let’s take a look at the different types of water bottles available.
Tumblers & Insulated Water Bottles
These bottles are best for everyday use and are great for holding more than just water. This bottle category comes in a variety of colors and has vacuum-insulated stainless-steel lining that will help keep your drinks hot or cold for a longer time than other types of bottles.
Hard Plastic Bottles
Hard plastic bottles are great for outdoor and recreational use. These bottles look similar to glass bottles but are very lightweight and durable. In addition to that, hard plastic bottles are available in practically every color and are very easy to use and clean.
Squeeze Bottles
Squeeze bottles are ideal for team sports and activities like cycling, thanks to their durability, ability to share and easy grip. However, it must be noted that squeeze bottles do not offer as much insulation as other bottle types.
Jugs
Jug bottles are great options for team sports and activities like camping. They are ideal for those who need to have a lot of water throughout the day. A typical version of this bottle would hold a quarter of a gallon or even more at a time. Many jug bottles also have flip-up handles that make them easy to carry and insulation that helps keep the water cool throughout the event.
Shaker Bottle
A shaker bottle is ideal for the gym. These bottles feature a mixer that would help you combine protein powder or supplements with liquid. The mechanism for mixing may be different but they all share the same purpose; to break up and mix ingredients into a smooth shake. Shakers can be made of plastic, or glass and are also available in insulated options.
Hydration Packs
Hydration packs are best for physical activities such as running, biking and hiking. These are the ideal hands-free solution to keep your water flowing while on the go. Their backpack-like straps make them a great option for high energy activities such as running, where stopping for water is seen as an inconvenience as it can slow you down. Some hydration packs also have pockets that allow you to store your activity essentials.
Water Bottle Accessories
Your search for the ideal sports water bottle does not end with finding the right bottle for you. There are many water bottle accessories that can make the user experience a lot more enhanced and personalized. The following is a list of water bottle accessories that can add to the ease and customization factor of your water bottle.
Type of Caps
There are nearly as many cap styles as there are bottle types. For instance, one common cap type is a straw lid. There are two variations with this style – the built-in flip top spouts that can be folded down when not in use or those with just a hole to insert the straw in. Other cap types include chug caps, which have a twist-off lid that reveals a spout for bigger and faster chugs. Flip tops have a flappable tap that can be used to close the cap when the bottle is not in use while slider caps use magnets to protect against spills.
Carrying Devices
There are several commonly available carrying devices for water bottles that add to the ease of use factor. They are great for tailgating, family camping trips and team sports. For instance, if you are planning a camping trip with your friends and family, investing in a multi-cup carrying device or a sling that allows you to carry your bottle hands-free might be a good idea.
Stickers
Even though these are not required as far as the usage of the water bottle goes, they can certainly add quite a bit of personality and customization to your water bottle. They are a great way to add some flair to your beverage holder and make it your own.
Cleaning Equipment
Having the right cleaning equipment for your bottle is essential. Get a bottle brush that is long enough to scrub even the bottom of your bottle. Straw and lid cleaners are also a good investment if your bottle type demands it.
Rubberized Boots
These simple pieces of rubber can help prevent clinking and bumping of your bottle with other surfaces.
Top 10 Sports Water Bottles
Now that you understand the types of water bottles and their accessories, let’s take a look at some of the top sports water bottles available.
