It is important to think about what you will be using the bottle for, as well as the materials used and if they are environmentally friendly,” says Byrne. She notes that the main reason people choose to buy a reusable water bottle is to cut down on single-use plastic and help the environment, so it makes sense to choose a bottle that is environmentally friendly, like the plant-based S’wheat bottle. In a departure from the traditional Chilly’s style, this brand new water bottle has a stainless steel straw with a sporty flip lid and carry loop, designed for use on the go. It comes in either 500ml or a litre.

The best water bottles available you can buy in 2023 1. Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Flex Cap: Best large insulated water bottle I’m often a little wary of water bottles with straws because I’ve previously found they become rather unhygienic. This water bottle uses antimicrobial drinking surfaces and a stainless steel telescopic straw, which comes with its own cleaning brush. It’s just as well, since it can’t go in the dishwasher. Looks wise I can’t complain either. The Hydro Flask features a compact design with a powdered coating and a choice of nine colours. My favourite was the rain colour, a pale blue. The bottom is slightly indented in the middle for a stable base and after a month of using it, I can confirm it’s durable and keeps water ice cold. Some water bottles are dishwasher safe but it is still important to clean the smaller parts with a toothbrush or bottle brush, especially those with built-in straws. If not washed properly, bacteria like E. Coli can grow inside water bottles and lead to gastroenteritis. Mould can also start forming in unwashed bottles. How long can you keep water in a reusable water bottle? BPA stands for Bisphenol A, an industrial chemical compound used in the manufacturing of strong plastics. Some research suggests BPA can leak into food and drink and cause health problems. “When looking for a bottle, look for non-toxic materials. Stainless steel is one of the most eco-friendly materials for a water bottle. Not only is it safe, but it is very durable and infinitely recyclable,” says Natalie Byrne, content marketing manager at Go Outdoors.The body curves inwards around three quarters of the way up so you can wrap the rest of the hand around the body as you press the lid. I’d suggest it really needs to be a little higher, though I do have small hands.

Of all the bottles I tried, the Yeti Rambler had the best insulation which is why I’ve made it the best for hot water. The Chug Cap easily screws off which is ideal for drinking tea and coffee. Unfortunately the lid doesn’t screw directly onto the body - you need the Chug Cap between.

I’m a long time fan of Chilly’s Original Bottle and I’ll admit I was dismissive when the Series 2 bottles first came out. They’re objectively less attractive than the classic design of the Series 1, with a more rugged, squat appearance and a loop handle. But I’m here to tell you I’m a convert. Waterdrop is fast joining the top names in the booming water bottle industry, with ambassadors including tennis stars Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz (Djokovic having reportedly made a fairly sizeable investment in the company). In such a saturated market, Waterdrop has come up with something slightly different to stand out: Microdrink cubes.

Binchotan Charcoal (also used in high-end barbecuing) not only filters out impurities like chemicals and metals but also imparts healthy minerals like potassium. Tangibly, this means tap water is eradicated of bad smells and tastes like bottled water. It takes around eight hours to do so, meaning you’ll get the best results filling it the night before. But the brand’s popularity isn’t all down to its fun designs; S’well bottles are everything you could want in a water bottle. They’re BPA-free, made from long-lasting stainless steel and keep water cool for up to 24 hours thanks to a clever vacuum design. They also keep liquids hot for up to 12 hours so they can be used as both a water bottle and a travel mug. A S’well bottle is far from cheap but is well worth the money if you’re able to splash out, especially if an attractive bottle is likely to make you sip from it more frequently.Warm soapy water and a bottle brush will clean all sorts of water bottles including metal, glass and plastic. I recommend that you use fragrance-free soap, as bottles made of silicone and plastic can take on the scent of the soap. For straws, use a pipe cleaner. If a straw is removable, soak the straw at least once a week,” says Byrne.

I adore the Yeti Rambler, but I couldn’t put it higher on this list because it’s so heavy. The lightest 532 ml version weighs 462g empty. For context, the S’wheat weighs almost half that, at 250g, and Chilly’s Series 2 bottles weigh 390g. Half a kilo may still not sound very heavy, but it sure will take its toll on weaker wrists. If you’re buying a reusable water bottle with the intention of becoming more environmentally friendly, it doesn’t get more sustainable than the S’wheat bottle. The S’wheat is a reusable plant-based water bottle made from wheat straw and bamboo. The wheat straw is the stalk part of cereal plants which remains after they’ve been harvested. Usually, wheat straw would be used as biofuel, animal feed or burnt in the open - causing pollutant emissions. The lip, for me, is well sized. If it’s too large, you risk spilling water all over you clothes; too small and it’s not a comfortable fit for the mouth. Chilly’s is just right. I also find that, while some steel bottles can leave a slight lingering metallic flavour, these ones don’t. I like the textured feel of the bottle, which makes it a little less slippery than some steel options and prevents it feeling too cold or hot to the touch. Water stays hot for a long time – though I’m not sure about the 12 hours claim – and remains cold throughout the day; ideal if you’re on a long walk or a hike.

The best water bottles available you can buy in 2023

Any BPA free water bottle, like all the ones above, are safe. Exposure to the industrial chemical BPA is believed to cause health problems, as I have explained in more detail in the introduction, but thankfully manufacturers are extremely cautious to avoid it these days. Glass and stainless steel are both naturally BPA free. If you’re particularly safety-conscious with your water, consider buying a filtered water bottle. Unlike other sports bottles, it’s also beautifully designed. I love the blue linen colour (shown above). The powdered coating means it doesn’t slip, even with sweaty hands, and the ridged edging on the lid makes the cap easy to twist off. The rather large branding down the side is a turn off for me, though at least it’s subtle in colour. That said, Lululemon is a prestigious fitness brand which I imagine many would be proud to show off.