National Park Water Bottles

Top plastic bottle picks for national parks

National parks are home to some of the most pristine wilderness and beautiful landscapes in the world. Exploring these parks often involves hiking, backpacking, and spending significant time outdoors. Staying hydrated is crucial when adventuring in national parks, which is why having a good water bottle is a must.

Benefits of Using a Reusable Water Bottle

Reusable water bottles have many advantages over disposable plastic water bottles when visiting national parks:

Environmental Sustainability: Plastic waste is a huge problem in national parks. Bringing a reusable bottle reduces your environmental impact and helps keep parks clean. The National Park Service estimates that Americans use and discard more than 100 billion plastic water bottles per year.

Accessibility: Many national parks have limited food and beverage services. Carrying a water bottle allows you to stay hydrated during long hikes or activities where water access may be scarce.

Cost Savings: Filling up from the tap, water fountains, or natural sources is free. Buying disposable bottles from parks or vendors can get expensive.

Taste: Water in disposable plastic bottles often has a plastic-y taste. Carrying your own bottle allows you to control water taste and temperature.

Convenience: Reusable bottles are easy to refill and carry. You don’t have to worry about running out of water or carrying piles of empty disposable bottles.

Water Bottle Material Guide

There are several materials commonly used to make reusable water bottles today. The right material depends on your needs and preferences.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most durable and sustainable water bottle materials. Key benefits include:

• Keeps water very cold for hours. Stainless steel is an excellent insulator.
• No plastic taste or BPA concerns like with plastic bottles. Stainless steel is inert.
• Durable and dent/drop-resistant. Stainless steel bottles last for years.
• Endlessly reusable and 100% recyclable. Much more eco-friendly than plastic.
• Stylish designs. Stainless steel allows for attractive colored coatings and prints.

Potential downsides to stainless steel include condensation on the outside of the bottle making it slippery and the potential for a metallic taste if not properly insulated.

Top stainless steel bottle picks for national parks:

• Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle
• Klean Kanteen Classic Bottle
• Yeti Rambler Bottle

Plastic

Plastic water bottles are affordable and come in soft, squeezable styles ideal for travel. Considerations when choosing plastic include:

• BPA-free — Make sure any plastic bottle is BPA (bisphenol-A) free. BPA is a chemical found in some plastics that can leach into liquids and cause health issues.
• Taste/Odor — Lower quality plastic can impart a chemical taste. Look for bottles made from higher grade plastic like Polypropylene which have less taste impact.
• Durability — Plastic dents and cracks more easily than materials like stainless steel. Opt for flexible soft plastic bottles rather than hard plastic.
• Reusability — While reusable, plastic bottles have a shorter lifespan than stainless steel.

Top plastic bottle picks for national parks:

• Nalgene Wide Mouth Tritan Bottle
• Camelbak Chute Mag BPA-Free Bottle
• Platypus SoftBottle Collapsible Bottle

Glass

Glass water bottles provide a timeless, natural look and feel. Considerations when selecting glass include:

• Taste — Glass doesn’t impart any flavors into water. You get pure, untainted flavor.
• No Leaching — Glass bottles don’t contain BPA or other chemicals.
• Customization — Glass allows for some beautiful designs and colors.
• Weight — Glass bottles are heavier than other materials.
• Durability — Glass breaks more easily than other bottle materials. Protective silicone sleeves can help.

Top glass bottle picks for national parks:

• Ello Pure Glass Water Bottle
• Takeya Originals Glass Water Bottle
• LifeFactory Glass Bottle with Protective Sleeve

Key Water Bottle Features for National Parks

When evaluating water bottles for national park adventures, there are a few key features to consider:

• Mouth Type — Wide mouth bottles allow you to add ice cubes and are easier to clean. Narrow mouth bottles are better for sipping on the go.
• Leak-proof Lid — Flip-top, twist-off and slide-top lids help prevent unwanted leaks in bags and packs.
• Insulation — Insulated bottles keep water cold for hours, which is great for full day hikes and activities.
• Durability — Rugged bottles that can handle being dropped or banged around are ideal for outdoor use. Look for shatter-resistance.
• Size — The right capacity depends on your needs. Small 12–20oz bottles are great for short hikes. 32oz and larger work well for all-day excursions.
• Lightweight — The heavier the bottle, the more weight you need to carry. Lightweight materials like plastic and aluminum are good for longer treks.
• Attachments — Lids with carabiner clips, finger loops or straws make bottles easier to carry and drink from on the go.

Top 10 Water Bottles for National Parks

Here are 10 of the best water bottles to use for your national park adventures:

1. Nalgene Wide Mouth Tritan Bottle — Durable BPA-free plastic, wide mouth design, leak-proof lid, variety of sizes.

2. Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle — Double wall vacuum insulated stainless steel, keeps drinks cold up to 24 hours, powder coated for grip.

3. Klean Kanteen Insulated Classic Bottle — Stainless steel construction, Climate Lock insulation, leakproof cafe cap, electropolished interior.

4. Camelbak Chute Mag BPA-Free Bottle — Angled spout and integrated magnet in lid for easy drinking, durable and leakproof.

5. Yeti Rambler Bottle — DuraCoat color finish resists fading, No Sweat design prevents condensation buildup, keeps ice longer.

6. MSR Alpine Bottle — Durable and lightweight aluminum body, hygienic screw top lid, easy to hold and stow away. Good for backpacking.

7. Takeya Originals Glass Water Bottle — Borosilicate glass construction, protective silicone sleeve, leak-proof spout lid, wide mouth for easy filling.

8. Grayl Ultralight Water Purifier Bottle — Purifies water while filling via built-in filter, ideal for backcountry water sources. BPA-free and durable.

9. Laken Classic Wide Loop Cap Bottle — Premium design, wide mouth opening, chic colors, versatile push/pull cap, glass inner bottle.

10. Platypus SoftBottle Collapsible — Lightweight and collapses when empty, plastic won’t retain odors or tastes, secure closure, great for travel.

Water Bottle Care Tips

Properly caring for your reusable water bottle is important for keeping water fresh tasting and the bottle in good condition. Follow these care tips:

• Clean regularly — use bottle brushes and non-abrasive sponges to wash away any residues
• Change up drinks — alternate between water and other beverages to avoid bacterial buildup
• Dry thoroughly — after washing, allow bottle to completely dry to prevent mold
• Deodorize as needed — use baking soda, lemon juice, UV wands, or other methods to remove odors
• Replace parts — straws, gaskets and caps should be replaced over time as they wear out
• Avoid harsh cleaners — stick to mild soaps and avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade materials
• Check for wear — inspect bottle for cracks or cloudiness indicating damage, replace if needed

Why Disposable Bottles Are a Poor Choice for National Parks

While disposable plastic water bottles may seem convenient, they are a less than ideal choice when visiting national parks due to:

• Huge waste problem — Over 1 million disposable bottles are sold in national parks every day. The waste overwhelms landfills and litters trails.
• Hazard to wildlife — Plastic trash can choke, poison or physically harm wildlife who ingest or become tangled in it.
• Requires frequent restocking — You need to continually purchase new bottles rather than filling up the same reusable.
• Additional trash to haul — Once used, the empty disposable bottles become an added burden to carry out.
• High environmental impact — The production and distribution of billions of plastic bottles consumes significant fossil fuels and emits greenhouse gases.
• Doesn’t save money — The costs add up over time compared to a reusable bottle that you fill up yourself.
• Water waste — Many disposable bottles are not finished entirely and get trashed still partially full.

FAQ

What size water bottle is best for national park hiking?

For full day hiking or backpacking trips, we recommend a water bottle that is 32 oz (1 litre) or larger. This gives you enough capacity to go several hours between refills. For short hikes, 12–20 oz bottles are adequate.

Can you drink from natural water sources in national parks?

It is not recommended to drink directly from lakes, streams or springs without purifying the water first. Bacteria, protozoa and other contaminants may be present. Bring a purification system like a UV pen, pump filter, or purifying bottle.

Are disposable plastic water bottles banned in national parks?

A few national parks including the Grand Canyon have instituted disposable bottle bans to curb waste. But most parks allow them, just encourage people to use refillable bottles instead.

What temperatures do insulated water bottles keep water cold till?

A good stainless steel insulated bottle will keep water chilled at least 12–24 hours on hot days. Higher end vacuum sealed bottles can retain ice for 48+ hours. Wide mouth designs with ice cubes help water stay colder longer.

Can I bring an empty reusable water bottle through airport security?

Yes, you can bring an empty or emptyish reusable water bottle through the TSA checkpoint at airports. You can fill it up once through security. Just be sure to check your airport’s specific liquid rules.

Conclusion

Exploring incredible national parks becomes even more enjoyable when you have a durable, high-quality reusable water bottle by your side. Choosing the right bottle for your needs, from materials like stainless steel versus plastic to critical features like insulation and leakproofing, prevents headaches and allows you to stay optimally hydrated.

Follow our tips on selecting, using, and caring for your bottle to get the most out of it. Say no to disposable plastic bottles on your next national park trip and go reusable. Our planet and the park landscapes will thank you!