I’m pretty good but not quite as vigilant as I’d like to be about eliminating my use of bottled water. While it’s something that I feel strongly about, especially when traveling to countries where recycling is not part of the psyche, sometimes a cold bottle of water is so much more preferable to tepid, filtered tap water.
In addition to this bit of admitted laziness, water bottles can take up precious room in the one bag that I pack for a trip. Despite this, lately I’ve tried to always make room for one.
Here are a couple of my recommendations…
The Thermos Under Armour hydration bottles are insulated in order to keep water cold for up to 24 hours. A study done by Thermos, showed that athletes increased their performance when they drank cold water, keeping their energy levels up and their core temps from overheating. While you may not be doing heavy-duty workouts while you travel, it reasons that in hot weather, you’ll feel better if you’re sipping on cool water.
I’m sold on the idea behind this and haven’t come across any water bottle able to do what this one can. Namely live up to it’s name in keeping drinks cold
During an unusually warm spate of weather in Seattle, I was drinking loads of iced tea. One night I left my Under Armour thermos out on the kitchen counter with a few ice cubes along with the remnants of some tea. The next morning, the ice cubes were still intact!
This bottle is spillproof too, with a vacuum seal at the top that not only keeps the temp consistent but doesn’t allow any of the liquid to run out. (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a water bottle spill in my day bag or the floor of my car – ruining guidebooks and other paperwork.)
While I’ve also used it to keep coffee warm, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. It works well. Almost too well. Because the bottle is metal, trying to sip hot coffee from it means you’re putting your lips on the hot metal (if you unscrew the top) or drinking from the bottle’s mouthspout which is just a bit too wide for something hot. Better to let it cool a bit or keep this for cool drinks only.
Thermos Under Armour bottles are available on Amazon for $28.
Another bottle you might consider is from Liberty Bottleworks. If you’re trying to be eco-friendly, drink tap water from one of these bottles and you’re doing well on several fronts – these are made in the U.S. AND manufactured from recycled materials.
Liberty’s got a wide variety of collections that are artistically decorated – really something for everyone. Themes include outdoor sports, topo maps, mass transit, graffiti and some with just simply beautiful artwork (like my personal fave, Sea Me – pictured).
While it’s never spilled on me, the screw top technology (which is patent pending) makes me a bit nervous – seems like the lid might pop off easily at any time. And it doesn’t have the same insulation that the Thermos bottle has.
BUT – it’s still a darned good water bottle – for travel or exercise.
UPDATE – I heard from a friend who has used a Liberty Bottleworks bottle for some time. She said it’s never spilled and that, “You just need to “feel the click” and you are good to go.”
Liberty Bottleworks are available on Amazon starting at about $11.
As always, I suggest you use your own bottle with a SteriPEN water purifier.
Travel Well!
Jillian says
I’ve never tried either of these. I have to admit, my favorite is still the good ole nalgene!
David @ MalaysiaAsia says
Hey Beth, for some strange reason, I never used a water bottle in my entire travel life. Maybe it’s time I started. Great review by the way.