Which model of water bottle to buy and choose for traveling?
Whether for a short stay or a long trip, the water bottle is one of those accessories that we say is essential! But you still have to choose carefully and buy the right one. In this article, I will go over the different models of existing water bottles and give you some advice to help you make your choice and your purchase!
The importance of having a good water bottle when traveling
When traveling, it is essential to have a quality water bottle to ensure you stay well hydrated throughout the experience. A good water bottle should be sturdy, easy to use and designed to maintain the temperature of your drink, whether hot or cold. So you can enjoy a refreshing drink on a hot summer day or a hot tea while hiking in the mountains. In addition, opting for a reusable bottle is an ecological choice that allows you to reduce your consumption of disposable plastic bottles and minimize your ecological footprint. In short, a good water bottle is an essential accessory for any traveler wishing to fully enjoy their adventure and be respectful of the environment.
The different models of water bottles: Functions & Materials
The gourd is a container or container, generally in the form of a bottle, in which water is stored, in order to have something to drink throughout the day and not become dehydrated. And if they all have or almost the same objective, they are not all the same. And before knowing which one to choose, you must identify the right model, based in particular on expectations. Among the existing models, we find:
The plastic bottle
The classic water bottle model, whose sole function is to store water. It exists in different sizes, and has the advantage, unlike the other models that follow, of being lighter. Generally, the plastic bottle comes in the form of a container, and the only thing that could clearly differentiate from one model to another, besides the price and the capacity, is the opening.
The stainless steel bottle
Again, this is a fairly classic model of bottle, which on the other hand is heavier than the plastic one mentioned just before. On the other hand, the stainless steel bottle is often much prettier and aesthetically speaking, it is still classier.
The insulated bottle (thermos)
The insulated bottle, or thermos, which is generally made of stainless steel, has the capacity to keep your drink hot or cold. It is much heavier than the two previous models, due to its coating, which allows good insulation of the drink.
The filter bottle
My favorite bottle model without a doubt. Here, we find it in both plastic and stainless steel, and what will differentiate this type of bottle is the filtration. The filter bottle has the ability to filter and purify water. Ideal for hiking, camping, survival etc.
The infuser bottle (Infusion and Tea)
A water bottle that more and more travelers are taking with them. The infuser bottle allows, as its name suggests, to infuse tea for example or even fruit. Therefore giving flavored water.
The glass bottle
A slightly less common model, the glass bottle still looks great and has its little success. Much more fragile and heavier than previous models, it is not the favorite among people who travel. We prefer to take it for the house.
The baby bottle
A water bottle model this time adapted to a type of person, babies. Much smaller than its counterparts, the baby bottle is still essential, especially if you are traveling with young children. Although a classic model may be suitable, the baby bottle will be more ergonomic and suitable for children.
The water bag
The water bag is a variation of the water bottle. It has the advantage of being flexible, generally made of plastic, or BPA-free silicone. It slips into a backpack, and is generally connected to a hose which allows you to drink easily, without having to take your bottle out of the bag.
The hiking and survival bottle
The hiking or survival bottle is actually very similar to the filter bottle mentioned above. It stands out above all for its ergonomics, its capacity and its design, which are obviously adapted to hikers, campers and survivalists!
The foldable bottle
The collapsible water bottle, as its name suggests, is a water bottle that has the ability to fold. Generally made of silicone (with or without BPA), it is much lighter than others made of glass or stainless steel for example. On the other hand, it is much less practical!
The sports bottle
Finally, the traditional sports bottle, which you guessed it is dedicated to our sporty friends. It will therefore be light, small, and suitable for sports of all kinds. Note that the other models may be suitable for doing sports.
Which one to choose for traveling?
Now that you know all the models and variations of water bottle, it is interesting to take an interest in the choice. And for this you will have to identify the right model, and therefore focus on your needs and expectations.
For traveling we will therefore prefer a lightweight model, excluding glass bottles for example. But you will also need a good capacity, again excluding the baby bottle if you are an adult. For a question of lightness, important when traveling, we would rather turn to the foldable silicone bottle. But above all and finally we will need a quality water bottle!
Depending on the country of destination, the quality of life, health and cost, the model of water bottle to choose and buy differs in my opinion. For a question of economy and ecology we will turn to the filter bottle. But in rich countries, where the water is drinkable, we can very well choose a classic model in stainless steel or plastic.
For sporting activities, such as hiking, trekking, trails and others, the water bag is really good, because more practical, it slips into the bag and you can drink at any time. But the collapsible water bottle does the job very well too.
Finally, if you prefer to think first and foremost about what you are going to put in it, the insulated bottle will be ideal for hot or cold drinks, and in the same way the infuser bottle will be perfect if you like to brew tea or fruits for detox or other while traveling.
What is the ideal size for my water bottle?
If the saying, size doesn’t matter, is just for other objects or things, when it comes to the water bottle when traveling, it’s something else. Indeed, the size or rather the volume and the capacity are important. In fact, your bottle must have the right capacity, depending in particular on your needs. You can find everything, from small bottles of less than 500 ml, to large ones of around 3L, including classics averaging between 75cl and 1L.
If you travel alone, sleep in a hostel and/or have access to a drinking water point often, then a 75cl to 1L bottle is more than enough, no need to think bigger, it would take up space for nothing. . But if you’re traveling as a family, take bigger. 3L if you take for the whole family, and 2 are enough if you are traveling as a couple. Note that everyone can have their own water bottle too, even your child. 😉
Which material is best?
The choice of material for your bottle will also depend on several points. A silicone bottle, therefore foldable, has the advantage of taking up less space and being lighter. If you are traveling light or minimalist, then it will be ideal. But it will not have the same capacities or the same practicality as an insulated bottle, for example made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is much stronger, will damage less quickly and will last longer, but will be heavier and more expensive.
To travel as I told you above, we will forget the glass bottle, which although very pretty, will still be far too fragile and heavy for travelers. Finally, the plastic bottle, the most traditional, I think will be the ideal compromise, and will not be too heavy.
What price should you put in a bottle?
The price of water bottles can clearly vary, you can find them for less than €10 or more than €100. The materials used, the capacity and the function will be the three points that will increase the price or, on the contrary, lower it.
If you have a small budget, opt for a classic water bottle model. Although in the end, the filter bottle for example, even if it is more expensive to buy, will save you money later on when traveling. In terms of price and price, opt for an inexpensive model, made of plastic, which will be very good.
For those who have the means, or who see it as an investment, you will be able to afford quality. A good stainless steel bottle will be robust and durable. The filter, as mentioned above, will allow you to have drinking water all the time.
Conclusion and Opinion
Choosing a water bottle for traveling or not is not very complicated either, we’re not going to lie. Just remember that the function will increase or decrease the price. The material will affect the weight, robustness and durability of your bottle. The capacity and volume will affect the size, practicality and space in your backpack.
The ideal and perfect water bottle for travelers is therefore one that fits your budget, at the right price, large enough to provide you with water all day long, but small and light enough not to weigh you down. It will be practical, good quality and robust!
And you, what model of water bottle do you have when you travel?
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