April 8, 2010 - Find Your Perfect Match

Our five tips will help you find the reusable bottle that is perfect for you.

Reusable water bottles are a symbol of the modern environmentalist, appearing on gym treadmills, slipped into car cup holders and or clipped onto a backpack for a long hike.  But it's not always love at first site with what could be your best accessory - finding the perfect bottle is a near art form.

My first water bottle was perfect, but I had beginner's luck. It was from Nalgene and spent a whole summer hiking New England with me. But, at the end of the summer, fine cracks had developed in the plastic and my water began to taste moldy, so into the trash it went. My next water bottles were a string of disappointments, always leaving pools of water at the bottom of my purse or giving my water a metallic taste.

So how do you find your perfect match?  We've put together a list of five important things to look for.

1.     Go for Metal, Not Plastic

Metal is more durable than plastic and will not develop fine cracks.  Look for a bottle that is BPA-free and insulated.

2.     Pick A Trusted Brand

I'm a sucker for free stuff, but a good water bottle from a trusted brand is worth the splurge.  Pick a brand like Camelbak, Nalgene or Klean Kanteen to ensure leak-free, durable bottles.

3.     The Lighter the Better

Pick a lightweight bottle, especially if you plan on using it for hiking or other outdoor activities.  Water is heavy, so a bottle that is heavy while empty will be add a lot of weight to your bag when full.

4.     Pick the Right Size

Determine your needs before buying your water bottle. This will ensure that you buy the perfect size.  Looking for a bottle for everyday use? 16oz should be enough to get you through the day without weighing down your bag. Looking for a bottle for hiking or other long trips? 32 oz might be a better fit for you. If you plan to use your bottle for biking, make sure it will fit into your water bottle holder before you buy it.

5.     Cap It Off

It's important to pick a cap that best suits your needs.  For the gym or biking, a cap that is easy to open will work best. For an everyday, carry everywhere bottle, a basic screw cap is convenient and easy to wash. Make sure the cap fits tightly and easy comes on and off.