While it may seem like a simple matter, finding the best water bottle can be a difficult task. Which material do you choose? How big should it be? How often will you carry it? Are you looking for one of those water bottles that keep water cold all day?So many factors will determine your choice that you want to take care when you go about making it.
Because the variety of types of water bottles is so vast, it is essential to understand the different categories and some useful definitions before making a decision.
Categories
Here you will find options for normal reusable water bottles, old fashioned water bottles, and alternative water bottles. You will also find important information regarding the health and care for all of these different water bottles. Furthermore, it is essential to understand the most effective elements to fill your water bottle with, and why to avoid plastic at all costs. Be sure to check out the list to see which water bottles review the best.
Useful Definitions
BPA or bisphenol A – An industrial chemical that is used in certain plastics and resins since the 1960’s, BPA has been linked to multiple dangerous health hazards due to exposure from food grade plastics. Disruptions of pheromones and birth defects have been documented for the past 30 years. BPA is found in many food grade plastics and resins, and mainly affects people by leaching into the water.
Phthalates– A group of chemicals that are used to both soften and help the flexibility of plastics, phthalates are also used in beauty products, detergents, medical devices, and more. This group of chemicals has been found to cause cancer and to be detrimental to human reproduction and development.
PET or Polyethylene Terapthalate– This is the chemical makeup of one of the most widely used versions of plastic. This compound is found within all sorts of modern items, from water bottles to the bottle that holds your favorite salad seasoning. It is dangerous as it has been found to cause the hormone estrogen to become disrupted. In infants, it has been found that this type of plastic is toxic and can lead to physical issues as the infant in question matures sexually. This compound primarily leaches into water through constant contact.
Top 10 Best Water Bottles
MIRA 40 oz, 32 oz or 18 oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Wide Mouth Water Bottle | Thermos Keeps Cold for 24 hours, Hot for 12 hours | Powder Coated Travel Flask
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Not many options for dual hot / cold water bottles exist. The options become even smaller when trying to find a water bottle that is also safe and functional. The search can feel futile. As a result, when you do find a water bottle that has it all, you simply cannot turn away from it.
This prestigious water bottle is presented in a food grade stainless steel material chassis. Stainless steel is a great choice for durability as it is lightweight and able to withstand constant wear and tear.
This item is just what you are looking for if you are worried about potential long term health problems. It is free from impurities such as lead and other toxic contaminants, and it comes equipped with a BPA and phthalates free top that insures against issues from contact.
In terms of longevity, this product also comes coated with a special powder to ensure there will be no rusting. The need to change water bottles will be near non-existent. Additionally, this powder can be colored and allows for the customization of a variety of colors.
This bottle is easy to clean and maintain: a little soap and warm water will keep it in good drinking shape.
This water bottle also ensures that whatever liquid you put into it will remain hot for 12 hours or cold for 24 hours with no outside condensation. The double walled vacuum sealed inner insulation covering acts as the perfect barrier against outside temperatures.
This water bottle can be bought in 40 oz, 32 oz, and 18 oz, suitable sizes that allow for a single fill up to last virtually all day.
Kablo Glass Water Bottle 32 or 21 oz, 100% Borosilicate Glass
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Hypoallergenic water bottles are not as difficult to find as they were just a decade ago, but it is still something to take note of when a good quality hypoallergenic water bottle hits the market. If you have been looking for a water bottle that is well made glass, you have found the right bottle.
The Kablo is made of a pure substance called borosilicate glass, an elemental make up that has zero toxic contaminates. While it might not be as physically strong as stainless steel, it makes up for it in its purity. Since you will not find any lead or other contaminates in this water bottle, there is no possibility of your water containing toxins.
Due to the absence of contaminate this water bottle works great for day-to-day use. Not to mention disinfection is as simple as washing a normal drinking glass. This item comes equipped with a silicon based top, which ensures no leaking or accidental spillage will occur.
Due to the elemental nature of glass, it is not subject to physical degradation in the traditional sense. You will not have to worry about rust or oxidation on this item. This water bottle is still glass, however, and can still be broken given enough pressure. As such, take care when using beyond an indoors environment.
This item comes in 2 different sizes, 32 or 21 oz, a larger amount of water than the average person drinks throughout the day. Truly, this is a great bottle for anyone looking for simplicity, beauty, and functionality.
G.I. Army Stainless Steel Canteen Military with Cup & Green Nylon Cover Waist Belt for Camping/Hiking
Made out of stainless steel, this item can withstand drops and scrapes with ease. The high quality of stainless steel is precisely why it resonates so well with outdoorsmen. Due to the food grade level of this stainless steel, there are virtually no toxic contaminants that will adversely affect you. You will not find any type of lead or BPA leaching into your water from this canteen.
Cleaning this bottle is a breeze as well: a mild detergent and scrubbing are all that is needed. Do be sure to let this item dry out though, and be sure it is cleaned regularly. There is no anti rust powder on the inside or outside of this canteen. Due to the high grade of steel, however, it should be able to withstand a bit of water for a good amount of time.
Another special feature of this item is that it can be used as a makeshift soup bowl. Put over a fire, this item it can be heated up with no adverse effects to the steel. The G.I. Army canteen also comes equipped with a built in cup and a green nylon waist belt.
It fills up to about 1 liter, or 33 oz. This alone makes this item something to consider when hiking or traveling for long periods of time. In any case, it is an absolute must have for camping outdoors.
Kemier Collapsible Silicone Water Bottles-750ML, Medical Grade,BPA Free,FDA Approved,.Can Roll Up,26oz,Leak Proof Foldable Sports & Outdoor Water Bottles
This water bottle is composed of medical grade silicone, the kind used in plastic surgery and artificial implants. While it might seem strange, this type of silicone can be used as a substitute for the traditional water bottle material, it has been proven to be a much safer alternative to the normal PET plastic. As such there are no amounts of lead, BPA or even PET found in the chemical makeup, you can be sure long time use will not lead to your water acquiring any unsavory chemicals. Silicone itself is very durable, making it difficult to pierce and tear. At the same time, this item still is relatively fragile when compared to a steel counterpart.
The most interesting ability of the Kemier is that with little issue this item can be tucked away or taken out very easily. It can also hold a relatively large amount of water, coming in at around 25 oz. Conveniently, it is capable of withstanding boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius or very low temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius.
As always, be sure to keep up hygiene; this item can be washed with soap and a sponge with no difficulty. Make sure to empty it out every time it is not in use and allow it to dry. If not left to open air, difficulties can ensue due to microbial growth.
In any case, nowadays having a space saving item can mean life or death in a survival situation. If you have an emergency or are planning for an eventuality, it might make sense to stock up on these types of water bottles.
Iron Flask – 32 Oz or 40 Oz, 3 Lids, Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, Hot & Cold, Wide Mouth, Nalgene, Double Walled, Simple Flow Thermo Modern Travel Mug, Hydro Canteen Powder Coated.
This item has a very useful ability; its insulation is highly sought after. With a vacuumed sealed double insulation wall, it can keep your drink cold for 24 hours or steaming hot for 12. The iron flask also comes with interchangeable tops, a straw lid with 2 straws, a flip lid, and a stainless steel lid.
Again, you will find a water bottle that is also easy to clean. Optimally, you will hand wash this bottle with hot soapy water.
You can purchase the iron flask in either 32 or 40 oz bottles, meaning this bottle can hold more than enough water for the average person to drink on a daily basis.
Stainless Steel Filtration Water Bottle Carbon Block Filter for Hiking, Survival, Camping
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Camping outdoors is always a danger. Even if you are well stocked and ready to survive off the land, emergencies can still happen. As such, anything that can help in that survival will literally be a life saver. For this exact reason, the stainless steel filtration water bottle is the perfect heavy duty water bottle for outdoors that comes with a built in filter. This water bottle is a survivalist’s dream come true
It is once again made out of high-quality food grade stainless steel. The hypoallergenic qualities found within this item are more than adequate; you will not find any type of lead or toxins leaching into this bottle.
The filter itself is made of BPA free plastic, connected to another BPA free plastic top. This ensures that there will be no contaminants coming from this water bottle nor through its drinking reciprocal. Speaking of filters, this item has a very rare and unique feature, it has a built in water filter. The water filter itself is made out of a carbon based block filter that blocks out contaminants like organic sediments, chlorine, and more. This carbon filter block can be changed out once it loses effectiveness, after every 300 liters or over 10,000 liters of water.
The major advantage of this item is the ability to pour in water from just about any source and be able to safely drink from it with little issue. The added benefit of the filter ensures that the water will taste great and not leave any type of after taste for you.
The capacity of this item reaches about 16 ounces of water, which is enough for anyone to comfortably consume throughout the day. For this reason, this item is perfect for camping trips and other types of places where water might be very important if not supplied for long periods of time. It is truly a useful item
KAIKING 24 OZ Collapsible Water Bottle for Camping with LED Light
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Going outdoors is one of the most testing environments for the human being. Many people tend to forget how much we truly rely on day to day uses of electricity to easily access water. If you are looking for the perfect combination of just that, you can find it here in this water bottle.
Made out of silicone, this item is hypoallergenic. Silicone tends to not have any type of major impurities.
This item has two major uses in addition to its function as a water bottle: a flashlight and a portable solar battery charger. It can be filled with water, and the silicone can act as a makeshift lantern. This is done by the process of a solar battery found on the top of the bottle. As it charges, and once filled with water on the inside, this item uses a light embedded into its top. It is also worth noting that it can be used to charge small devices and other items by way of a USB charger also on the top of the bottle.
It is worth noting that because of all the fancy features, it is also slightly less than optimal in terms of the amount of water that can be held inside. At about 16 ounces, it is something to keep in mind. Its many other uses do offset its disadvantages though.
ONEISAll GYBL110 500ML Double-wall Borosilicate Glass Drinking Water Bottle Tea Mug Cup Thermos Thumbler
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If anyone has ever held a cup filled with hot tea, or an ice cold drink; you know it can get very uncomfortable after long periods of time. Having said that you can seldom say you have seen a glass water bottle that is both insulated and well made.
The ONEISA11 is made from high-grade borosilicate glass. This type of glass is known for its heat resistance and relatively durable chassis. This type of material also is hypoallergenic, with virtually no contaminants. You will not find any type of BPA or plastic residue anywhere near this bottle. The stainless steel top is also hypoallergenic and free of contaminates as well. The leak guard made of silica gel is similarly safe for continuous use.
Now the most interesting feature of this item is its double walled insulation. It allows for any type of liquid put inside to stay its necessary temperature for long periods of time. This item can also handle large temperature changes with ease, from freezing to boiling with no danger of cracking. This is one of the few water bottles that keep cold water cold.
This water bottle can hold just about 16 ounces, which is perfect for indoor tea or coffee drinking. While it might not be as functional outside, when considering which water bottle is best, it is certainly useful in an urban jungle setting.
Tan Traditional Handmade Bota Wineskin by La Tienda
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While old fashioned water bottles have been largely replaced with the more contemporary and “normal” water bottle, there is still merit to their unique and well made design. This is one such water bottle that has stood the test of time and for good reason.
This Bota bag is created from the skin of a goat. The skin is tanned and smoothed over, and then it is applied with pitch (resin that is used to glue two different pieces of material together) and finished with special touches here and there. Due to the authenticity of this bag, latex is not used on the inside. As such, this item is needs to be “activated” by a slightly lengthy process.
To activate your Bota bag you will need to leave it in the sun until it is evenly hot. This will allow for the pitch contained inside to be able to distribute evenly. Once it is finished warming up, be sure to blow through the mouth piece of this water bottle. The sides of the water skin should unstick very easily. When this is done, add water to the inside of the bag to full capacity. Leave this water for a couple of days. After this, pour cheap wine into the leather bag, and leave it for one more day. After this, your leather bag can be used at the user’s leisure.
Due to the quality of these types of bags, it is almost always capable of withstanding a lifetime of use. Although there is a bit of time and work involved in this item’s care, you can research thoroughly online to find many multiple wine skin enthusiasts’ blogs and websites.
This item can hold up to 1 liter or 33 ounces of not just water, but also wine as well. These types of materials can best be cleaned with mild detergent swished around like you are stirring a drink, spill it out, and rinse once more.
AQ Water Bladder | 0.8gallon/ 3L Hydration Bag for Cycling Camping Hiking | 3.5” Leakproof Mouthpiece and 43.3” Pipe BPA Free Anti Microbial Medical Grade Tasteless Silicone | Black | 614.2
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While the water bladders of old may not have stood the test of time in the traditional sense, they have been revitalized in the recent innovations of the 21 century.
The AQ water bladder is a water bottle made from medical level silicone that comes in the form of a pill shaped bag with a nozzle that allows for the user to bite down on it to receive water. While the formation of this item sounds strange, in reality it is clean and useful. For example, this item is made from pure silicone, often used in the medical field. As such, this item has virtually no contaminants and is antimicrobial.
Washing the bladder is simple; a small amount of detergent and liberal swishing inside should disinfect the inside of the bag very well.
This type of water bottle is a favorite among cyclists, hikers, and camping enthusiasts. Any of these enthusiasts will give the bladder the best water bottle review. As the bag can hold almost 101 ounces of water, it can definitely keep someone hydrated even in the most rigorous of sports. If you are looking for a high capacity water bottle with few issues other than having to carry a heavy bag of water for long periods of time, this is the bladder for you.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong by choosing one of these water bottles. When it comes to trying to find the perfect water bottle, there is a lot to consider and even more to think of. However, the most important things about a water bottle are the many uses and functions they serve. Because your needs will differ, perhaps greatly, from another water bottle seeker, you will have to make a determination based on what works for you. In any event, you know you will be safe and hydrated for years to come.
Foreword:
Before reading the rest of this article, you can read this informative introduction to buying water bottles and taking care of your own health. Please read at your leisure. This information is split up into different parts, with the traditional water bottles leading, the old fashioned water bottles coming in second, and alternative water bottles coming in last. Be sure to check out the dangers of the plastic water bottle can have on the physical health of the average person. A list of the most used materials can be found at the bottom.
The Great Toxicity of Plastic Water Bottles or PET
As I have researched further and further into the best kind of water bottle, I have made a startling discovery. One of the most widely used and bought type of water bottle material, Polyethylene terephthalate or “PET” is much more dangerous than people realize.
Although this news is not as “mainstream” as it should be, researchers have found evidence to stipulate that plastic water bottles can become toxic as they break down.
Disruptors
A research study undertaken in 2009, “Polyethylene Terephthalate May Yield Endocrine Disruptors,” looked into the possibility that through constant use PET plastic can cause issues to your health. A chemical like benzene-dicarboxylic acid, or phthalates, tends to leach off into the water from the PET surface material. This study also looked into how phthalates can cause deficiencies of sexual maturity in men and women. It highlights the adverse effects that can cause infants to become poisoned if exposed at a young age. Such as decreased sexual maturity, insulin resistance, and anogenital distance. All of which are different forms of stunted growth that leave lasting issues to anyone affected.
Another study was undertaken in 2013, under the name, “Health Risk Assessment of PET Bottles in GCC”. This study went in-depth into the other health dangers that are not known by the public at large. According to M.M Mortula; Acetaldehyde, antimony, phthalates, diethyl phthalate, are just some of the chemicals that are found in plastic water bottles. Interestingly, one of the most used chemicals in the process of creating PET is diethyl phthalate, or DEP. If DEP is ingested it can cause severe issues to the human body neurologically, developmentally, and immunologically. It has also been seen to be carcinogenic to rabbits and guinea pigs.
The Problem
This evidence seems undisputable. The repeated act of using and refilling the water bottle can lead to an even faster deterioration period. This is due to the microscopic breaks in the material of a plastic water bottle. These small breaks can harbor bacterium, and the act of disinfecting your water bottle with warm water can cause chemicals to leach at a faster rate into your water bottle.
Essentially, one can only use a plastic water bottle for about 3 weeks before needing to throw it out. No matter if you clean it and disinfect it every day, it is the contact of water that is causing the bottle to become toxic. This means that even if filtered water is used, the plastic itself will deteriorate as constant wear and tear occur.
If the situation is dire or you absolutely had to buy a water bottle, there are still things to keep in mind. PET might be problematic after a short while, but for the short term, there are more dangerous items out there. Do yourself a favor: check underneath or around the bottle. If there is a 3, 6, or 7 be sure to stay far away from it.
BPA
These numbers indicate that the bottle was made with the bonding agent Bisphenol A, or BPA. This compound is often used as a binding agent to many plastic and bottle items. Many might think this compound is harmless when in actuality it is quite deadly. According to multiple researchers, it has been found that BPA, can cause irregularities in estrogen and the immune system if the person is exposed at a young age. It also heightens the chance of cancer to a significant level.
A number of particles present are dangerous to almost any water bottle. This type of issue can even persist in metallic water bottles, which can suffer the same issues if the inside insulation is also made out of PET. The materials tend to attract and cause certain particles to leach into the water.
Although nowadays it is difficult to buy anything but plastic, BPA inlaid plastic should be avoided if possible.
What is a reusable water bottle?
A reusable water bottle is rather common place. From office workers to stay at home moms, everyone either owns one or knows what it is. To most, it is known as a portable cup with a drinking receptacle on the top that allows for it to be opened and closed at the user’s leisure.
It is unique in the fact that after use, it can be simply cleaned and refilled and reused as many times as the user desires. This item is commonly made out of plastic but can also be found in many different materials.
There tends to be a huge misconception on how reusable water bottles came to be, and many people believe the water bottle is a modern innovation, not something that has been around for millennia.
History
Since water is such a necessity to human life, not having clean or direct access to it could mean death within days due to dehydration. To combat this, early explorers began to invent ways to survive longer periods away from their settlements near rivers and streams.
The first of these primordial water bottles came in the form of water skins or water bladders, created from the skin of animals that were most abundant in the area. It was not rare to find that craftsmen also used the intestines or actual bladder of an animal in order to create a water bladder.
Other organic materials that were often used were horns of goats, bison, and buffalo. Once carved hollow, they were used as primitive water bottles. It was often effective as horns were lightweight and an easy to clean alternative to a water bladder. Plus, you did not have to kill the animal to get it.
As time went on, the next innovation came in the form of water canteens, which were made from leather and other materials, and were very similar to a water bladder. Leather had begun to take hold and was much more durable and clean than the water skins and bladders of old.
Modern Day
However, at the turn of the 20th century, everything changed. The ability to mass produce materials allowed for the boom of the “water bottle” as we know it today. Nowadays water bottles are made from metal, plastic, and even glass.
While the modern person may like to think purely from an economic standpoint, it actually pays to be more thoughtful. Granted this idea is a little far-fetched, but surprisingly the actual evidence of shady issues regarding the public health is more prevalent than one would think.
We are in an age of caution, as often the conspiracies on the safety of using certain plastics and metals have genuine research and fact behind them.
So you find yourself asking, “what will be the best water bottle suited to me?” Not to worry, this article does all the “heavy lifting” for you. All you have to do is take a look through all the possible variations found here. With some informative knowledge on every type of material and variation available, this should be an great buy for anyone!
Qualities of the Best Reusable Water Bottles
When trying to find the perfect water bottle that suits your needs, there are certain things you look out for. Obviously, the qualities of a good reusable water bottle are easy to spot. Being lightweight, a sizeable capacity, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean and maintain are top on the list. You also want to consider what type of material you might want.
Unfortunately, there are water bottles that look good on the surface but are very dangerous when actually put to use. For example, you might see a water bottle that is very nice looking and seems to be made of stainless steel or a similar type of metal. If not looked over carefully and even researched you might be buying yourself a one-way ticket to a hospital due to aluminum or lead poisoning in the near future.
As you can probably imagine from above, not all water bottles are created equally. Trying to find the perfect fit is difficult. So have no fear about being picky or choosy on what kind of water bottle you are looking to buy. It is good to take care with this issue.
Try to be wary of brand names as even though they are from a trusted source they can be badly made. Even in the case where the company is well known and has good quality products, poorly made water bottles can lead to issues with health and safety. Unfortunately, people tend to eschew common sense when buying from a trusted brand name. Due to this, it is not unheard of for the items to be safe to use on paper, but potentially deadly when used on a daily basis. Most companies seldom do more than what is absolutely legal to prove the cleanliness or safety of their item.
Be sure to err on the side of caution, and learn to question all water bottles. There is no compromise when looking for the best choice of your personal type of water bottle.
Unknown Health Hazards of Reusable Water bottles
While it is rare, some companies make their water bottles with materials that can adversely affect your drinking water. Often times it is very difficult to tell if there is an issue due to the lack of physical indicators. The only way you can tell with certainty that an item is safe to use is to take an actual test to ensure the quality.
That being said, many are unaware of the health hazards that can manifest in something as simple as the bottom casing of a metal water bottle, or even the top of a water bottle.
The health issue involving metallic bottles is often due to many having lead used as a soldering bond. Usually found at the bottom, the soldering bond is what holds the water bottle together. It is tricky to tell if an item contains lead at a glance, as there is no real way to discern other than the dull gray surface color.
Lead is classified as a toxin whose adverse effects lead to neurological and physical damage. For this reason alone, it is imperative to not have this element included in any type of material list, or show up in a chemical test. As it is difficult to discern this element, even an educated consumer might buy it. Symptoms of lead poisoning can include cancer, loss of brain function, and sterilization, and it can lead to stunting of bones and mental development. The best course of action to prevent this type of situation is to check by chemical tests that are found within most home improvement stores.
Glass water bottles, fortunately, are the cleanest type of water bottles available, as there are no impurities found within the glass. As long as the item is handled safely and is cleaned thoroughly, the item will remain hypoallergenic. Just know that once any cracks that appear on any length of the water bottle, that will most likely mark the end of its usefulness. Glass can splinter into the water or cause the water bottle to leak. Be sure to also test for any impurities such as lead and cadmium, as there is a small chance of contact during the creation process.
Ease of Use and Storage
Storing and allowing for easy access of your personal water bottle should be something that has a little bit of thought behind it. As the idea of a reusable water bottle is literally the convenience of having water with you to drink at your leisure.
For this first inquiry, take stock of what you will do with your water bottle. It might be fruitful to think logically about it. Common sense dictates that if you were to be walking around for long periods of time, you should have something that can accommodate that. A lightweight bottle that is capable of keeping cool or warm would be ideal.
Other questions you can ask yourself should be more or less connected to what you are looking to get out of your water bottle. Literally, any question can help. Will you be sitting in a chair all day? Do you work indoors or out? Is this for your child or baby? These questions can help immensely, as they will allow you to see more specifically what the best choice is for you.
It is also worth mentioning that having the dimension of your circumference equal to the average car cup holder can be a factor. Having a water bottle too big or small might lead to your water bottle jostling around your console.
What is an Old Fashion Kind of Water Bottle?
As previously stated, the primordial beginnings of water bottles were much cruder and hand made from the materials abundant at the time. For example, before the colonization of North America, the Native Americans created water skins or water bladders from buffalo or bison intestine or skin. While the travelers of Asia and the Middle East made their water bladders or water skins from the intestine of goats, cows, and camels.
While times have changed, and the naturally made items are not found much as they were in the past. The use and qualities of these types of old fashioned water bottles have not been lost to the ages. In fact, there is a huge market and a large collection of choices that can be found within this caste of old fashioned water bottles.
Qualities of Old Fashioned Water Bottles
Old fashioned water bottles are often older types of water carriers that have been given new life commercially. Examples are water bladders, water skins, canteens. While there are other modern variations such as the traditional reusable water bottle, it is still possible to find quality in the past
As with the category before, there are certain qualities that should be present in any reusable water bottle. It should be functional, with little or no hazardous effects on your health. As most old fashioned water bottles were made naturally, it is still worth noting that health hazards existed back in the day. Perhaps more so as modern medicine far superior to what was available in the past.
Remember to take no shame in buying something made recently. As modern times have changed, so have the perceived quality of old fashioned goods. What was made well 100 years ago, nowadays will be different
It is always better to have an old design made with new materials than an old one with old materials. There should be no compromise in quality; leather should be real leather and metal should be solid metal.
Do not be sold on the idea of pleather or synthetic items, unless that is the type of quality you are trying to buy. Do not think that a water bottle that is 50 years old is somehow better than one made in the last year unless you are using it as a collector’s item.
Unfortunately, is has occurred that a buyer happens to purchase an old fashioned water bottle, such as a water skin or water bladder; and is left with a cheap replica or poorly made item. This is most prevalent when purchasing from different third party providers.
Be sure to look into the background of your buyer, such as whether or not it has been satisfactory to other people. Also, check out the materials and if they are mock materials or purely for a recreation.
Making sure the item has been well made and has materials that will not cause danger to health is ideal. For example, a water skin is perfectly fine to use on a regular basis. However, if the skin of the leather is not correctly cared for, the water skin can begin to degrade and leach into the water or fall apart.
Health Hazards
As with anything, there are health hazards that come with drinking from alternative forms of reusable water bottles. Interestingly there are health hazards that are specific to certain old fashioned water bottles.
Water skins or water bladders tend to be made out of leather or similar animal parts. As modern ingenuity has paved the way to modern ways of tanning, chemicals tend to be used more often in the process. One such chemical is Formaldehyde and is very dangerous for the average person. Formaldehyde is used in embalming dead bodies in funeral homes, and if ingested it can be fatal.
However, obviously, you will not be drinking pure formaldehyde, so it is not fatal. But formaldehyde is scientifically proven to cause cancer. Even if thoroughly cleaned, you can still be exposed due to the water leeching on the residue of the inside of the bag. Thankfully, however, this type of danger can be averted by looking into the process of how your water skin was made. If it has chemically induced tanning, it might not be a good investment.
As for different variants such as the canteen, it can be said that there is a fair share of issues for it as well. For example, some types of water canteens can erode over time. The interior can begin to leach into the water. This is due to the material of water canteens, as many companies tend to go for an alloy of aluminum and steel. As such, the most prevalent health hazard in using water canteens tends to be of aluminum exposure.
According to multiple scientific studies, overexposure or constant exposure to aluminum leads to a higher chance of Alzheimer’s in the future. Other symptoms can include kidney failure, anemia, and dementia. This is because aluminum bonds easily to red blood cells, and as they pass through the body, they tend to collect in certain areas, especially the brain, as it bonds with neurons. This is very similar to how radon is dangerous to humans, as the chemical makeup is very similar to calcium and is stored within bones.
What are Alternative Water Bottles?
Alternative water bottles are ones that do not fit in one category. These types of water bottles include edible water bottles, filter water bottles, and cooking canteens. While these type of water bottles might not be what everyone else uses, they still are incredibly useful.
These types of water bottles usually have more than one use or are used for a specific reason. As such, keeping track of what special abilities your items can do should be taken into account. While it may seem strange, there is a reason why there is a market for these types of water bottles.
Qualities of an Alternative Water Bottle
Alternative types of water bottles are those that do not fit into a set type of qualities. These are more along the lines of a free for all in terms of how they are made. This does not mean that quality should be overlooked, in the sense of being well made with little health hazards.
Another quality should be that a water bottle should accomplish or excel in a situation that it was bought for. For instance, taking a reusable filter water bottle on a mountain excursion can be a literal life saver. Taking a canteen that can double as a pseudo pot, that can cook meat and other items in the wilderness, is a must have for camping. This would mean that the water bottle is not only functional, it is a must have.
Last but not least, knowing the quality of the bottle, and how much it can take before the item degrades is important. Although these alternate types of water bottles are those that are either time tested or something recently innovated; all items will degrade in time. As seen in the new concept of a reusable water bottle filter, in which the drinking receptacle constantly filters the water before being drunk. This item would be perfect for an emergency situation; however, the shelf life of the water bottle filter is dictated by how long the built in filter can last.
Cleaning/Hygienic of Water Bottles: Why Do it?
One of the most important duties of owning a water bottle is correctly cleaning it. Disinfecting should be done with hydrogen peroxide in small parts, using unscented bleach, or a mild dishwashing detergent. Keep in mind that as long as you wash your water bottle out daily or bi-daily, there should be little issue in hygienic upkeep. Washing should include all parts of the water bottle, the inside, the outside, and the drinking apparatus (the lip).
When looking for a clean drink, it should be noted that you must make sure the water you are drinking is safe to drink as well. Unbeknownst to many, it is very easy to fall ill due to the lack of care in drinking water.
To ensure you do not accidentally sicken yourself, be sure to clean your water bottle, and throw out water that has been in your bottle after 2 days. In the 2 days since you originally poured yourself that water, you have introduced microorganisms and a chemical process has taken place that made the water go “flat.”
Flat Water
This “flatness” from your water is brought upon due to the interaction H2O has with Carbon Dioxide in the air, causing the average pH of the water to drop. Technically, this water is still safe to drink but is not recommended. Left unchecked for longer than a couple of days, mold and algae will most likely take residence inside your water bottle.
Mold is a type of fungus that is found all over the world and can sometimes find its way into your water bottle. Often times it is useful in making certain cheeses and medicines. With over 100,000 variations, only a couple of hundred are toxic. But the chance that the little green spots growing underneath the top of your water bottle might be toxic is more than enough reason to be careful.
Keep in mind there is no real way to tell what type of mold it is, and whether or not it is toxic at a glance. It is very easy to clean thankfully, as all it takes to clean is a mild detergent such as dish soap. It is also possible to use unscented cleaning bleach, with 4 drops from a pipet it can also be used to successfully kill off any spores and bacteria in a gallon of water. After first encountering this type of mold, be sure to regularly clean your water bottle as most molds will reappear if the area is not cleaned thoroughly.
Algae are a different matter, as the most commonly occurring is incredibly toxic. This cyanobacterium, or blue-green algae, secretes a toxin that if ingested causes severe health effects. Symptoms include liver failure, abominable pain, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney damage, and can promote tumor growth. Due to the severe danger that comes from this type of growth, your choices are limited on your course of action with your water bottle. Either you disinfect the item thoroughly with a mild detergent or bleach, or you simply throw out the water bottle for a new one. It is recommended to throw out the water bottle, as the chance for a resurgence of algae is not unheard of.
What type of water should I be drinking?
People tend to overlook the importance of choosing their drinking water. Since tap water is so prevalent and easy to access, many simply stop there. Unfortunately, it has been found that tap water might be the worst kind to constantly fill your water bottle. Studies have shown that the trace amount of substances found in tap water tends to react to the inside of a water bottle. This can lead to the water bottle becoming laden with materials that are present where you live. This list can include but is not limited to lead, aluminum, zinc, sulfate, radioactive materials, pesticides, microbial content, and salt.
The Remedy
Thankfully there is an easy way to remedy this, simply switch out what you fill your water bottle with. While filtered water can be used, it is not recommended. Filtered water is left with little to no amount of actual minerals. Reverse osmosis leaves a water supply empty of naturally occurring minerals.
Distilled water, as it is evaporated prior to use, similarly has no minerals.A normal person can technically drink distilled water, but again there is little nutritional value and might do more harm than good. This is due to the fact distilled water is acidic, and can cause issues to your body if exposed for long periods of time.
The best type of water is spring water or mineral water. This type of water is the most nutritious for the body, as many necessary trace minerals are found throughout naturally occurring spring water and mineral water.
Keep in mind that for the average person, drinking about 8 bottles of 8 fluid ounces a day is considered to be in the “healthy range”. In reality, the true number lies in what you feel is necessary for your body. As seen in a study undertaken in September 2016 by the Harvard Health Publication. There is no set amount of water needed per day. In fact, Dr. Seifter, who was a consultant during this research, says “There’s no one-size-fits-all answer….water intake must be individualized.” He proposes that while it might be easier to say there is a set amount, it is in fact largely individual.
Nonetheless, it would be useful to track how many glasses of water you drink in a day. This can help to find you the best size for your water bottle. Keep in mind that commercially sold water bottles have the capacity between 8-24 fluid ounces, allowing for a selected water bottle to either have a large part in the amount of water you drink throughout the day, or very little. With this in mind, it might be good to think of the water you are drinking as another part of your daily mineral necessities.
Material Types of Reusable Water Bottles
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Metal
Use in water bottles
Metallic chassis for reusable water bottles have been around for many years. Making their largest debut in the mid-1900’s this type of chassis has been a favorite of both the military and civilian markets. During World War I and World War II, stainless steel was favored as a canteen as it was durable and was relatively easy to store.
Elements used in construction
Most metal water bottles are composed of a stainless steel or aluminum. Accompanying this, there are trace amounts of magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and lead.
Pros
Metal is known for being very durable and tends to be rust resistant. An excellent example is stainless steel, which is used extensively in producing these types of water bottles. If there are any softer metals used, it is often aluminum. Due to the composition of this metal, it is capable of withstanding a lot of physical damage and still be considered usable.
Cons
This type of material is well known for creating health issues. While significantly more dangerous in the past, as of late research has found the dangers associated with using metals for water bottles. Researchers have found that due to a number of elements found within the makeup, almost any amount of water can leach off the inside composition of a metal water bottle. Lead and aluminum are the usual culprits in causing health problems. Both types of metals are dangerous to be exposed to after a long period of time.
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Plastic
Use in water bottles
Plastic reusable water bottles are the most prevalent. The most used type of plastic is polyethylene terephthalate, or PET. This material is used so widely due to the low cost, durability, and lightness.
Elements in Construction
PET is a polymer resin, created through the combination of a few core elements. This is carbo, hydrogen, and oxygen. As such, this item has a relatively high melting point and is relatively strong when exposed to stress.
Pros
These types of water bottles are cheap and are easy to find.
Cons
This type of material is not the best to use on a regular basis, as it can be detrimental to health. Not only does it tend to leach chemicals into your drinking water, it tends to have BPA inlaid into it. Cancer and deformation of hormones are the main issues that are borne with continuous contact. It has also been found in a study that this material has the chance to break down as time goes on, leaching more and more toxic chemicals into your water.
Special Note
I do not recommend using reusable plastic water bottles as the upkeep and health dangers involved do not equate to quality. However, if bought, be sure to use for a small amount of time and throw it out.
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Glass
Use in Water Bottles
This type of material is one of the other most widely used, and historically chronicled. It has been used commercially since the 1600’s, by a bottling company named “Holy Well”. This European business made its money bottling water from a well supposedly blessed.
From the 1800’s on, it was not uncommon for people to use glass bottles more than once as they tended to be much easier to clean and came containing commercially bought sodas and drinks
Elements in Construction
While no two glasses are made the same, there is a specific type of material that is always used as a base. This material is Silicon Dioxide, and its most abundant form is sand. Other items that are included a range from calcium bicarbonate, to several different metallic salts. Trace elements that can also be included are lead, zinc, and aluminum.
Pros
This is a relatively cheap material, with great qualities. As long as the glass was made very carefully, and without too many impurities there are no hazardous health effects. In essence, as long as the bottle does not chip or become stained with a chemical it will remain usable.
Cons
Depending on the composition and place of creation, there is a chance of adverse health effects. For example, there is a composition of glass that is made with lead crystal. Lead is probably the worst thing you can find in your drinking glass. As listed above, water will become contaminated and cause adverse health effects immediately.
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Silicone
Use in Water Bottles
Silicone is mostly used in medical procedures such as plastic surgery to enhance certain areas of the body. As of late, it has been applied to the water bottle market as a safe alternative to plastic. This is due to the fact that silicone is elementally pure, leaving little issue with potential leaching of harmful materials in the water.
Elements in Construction
Silicone is a synthetic polymer made from oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. This type of composition allows this material to withstand high amounts of heat and to be very easy to mold.
Pros
Silicone hypoallergenic, with little hazards of health issues. This type of material is very easy to empty and can collapse in on itself. Water bottles made from this material can be made to accommodate large portions of water. Not to mention this material is very well sealed, guaranteeing that there will be no leakage.
Cons
The material is not as durable as other items on this list. Due to the elemental makeup of this item, there is no real way to create a very durable version without sacrificing benefits such as weight, size, and form.
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Organic
Use in Water Bottles
This type of material is the oldest and was the most widely used. Tanners would take the skin or inner intestines of an animal and construct from it various water holding devices. These included Bota bags and other similar types of iterations. Nowadays this type of water bottle continues to exist, although slightly different from how these old fashioned water bottles were made. Chemicals are largely used in place of natural tanning and drying out skin. This has been both helpful and adversely effective in keeping these types of water bottles functional. These chemicals tend to shorten the time in tanning, but also can cause water to become contaminated.
Elements in Construction
The elements made in these types of materials are always organic, as all elements found within them are in nature. However, due to modern day chemicals used in order to tan at a faster and more profound rate, a chemical residue can be left on the inside of such bags. Chemicals such as formahdyhe and other embalming fluids are usually the most widely used.
Pros
This type of material is wrought with tradition. It has a rustic feel that is very rare to find these days; it also does not have the same type of issues bags in the past did. There is little to no chance you’ll be finding a health hazard due to a still surviving bacteria.
Cons
It is slightly outdated in its use. Unless made from a craftsman, this type of made material is not only hard to come by, but very rare to use. It also tends to hold health hazards, such as potential chemical impurities that can lead to severe health problems.
Size/Shapes
One might think that the shape and size of a water bottle are of little importance. This, however, is very far from the truth, as this further customization can be done with this quality.
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Cylindrical
This is the most prevalent form in which water bottles are created. This is because it allows for most cylindrical water bottles fit into cup holders and be held easily. This type of shape is also useful in allowing for a large amount of water to be held in a manageable size.
Furthermore, cylindrical bottles are easy to cast and create, further lowering the price of this type of water bottle.
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Collapsible
These types of water bottles are definitely good at taking up little space. These are the best kind of bottles to have when you are trying to keep a travel pack light. Keep in mind, however, these bottles tend not to hold as much water as their cylindrical cousins. These types of bottles also only come in plastic or silicone based variants.
As they are slightly more difficult to create, these types of water bottles tend to go for a slightly higher price than a cylindrical variant.
Final Thoughts
As this articles come to a close, it should be noted that the best type of water bottle is the one that suits you the best. It makes no sense to buy a water bottle simply on a whim. Take care in your selection process.
To reiterate, as long as it is taken care of, reusable water bottles best take care of you. While nowadays having water on your person is no longer life or death, it still matters to have some on hand. It has been only fairly recently that water has become so incredibly easy to procure and maintain.
Nonetheless, no matter what the situation, the ability to have your water with you, on demand, is very convenient.
As our reliance on electricity and water is has evolved, so has the need for a water bottle. For example, if there was ever an emergency having the ability to store and carry your water is fantastic. The ability to move around with a water bottle means that you do not rely on your one source of water.
