Best Reusable Water Bottles

Finisterre x Mizu M8 bottle

EFFECTIVENESS: This water bottle from Cornish company Finisterre holds 750ml of liquid, has a screw-top lid and is made from single-wall stainless steel. The lightness is a real advantage, and it’s easy to attach this to a bag or a belt with a carabiner. It’s cold drinks only, there were no problems with leaks, and it’s BPA-free.
STYLE: Pass on the environmental message – this comes in a cool silver colour with a Cornwall motif, and the message that ‘Single Use is No Use’.
VALUE: This is a great mid-range option and it feels like it should wear well.
PRICE: £20 from Finisterre (finisterre.com)

Ocean Bottle

EFFECTIVENESS: We loved the dual opening for easy filling and cleaning, and how the lid doubles up as a cup – though don’t be tempted to mistake the (removable) carry loop for a cup handle – easily done, but it isn’t. This keeps cold drinks cold and it can also be used for hot, you’ll get spare parts for the life of your 500ml bottle – there’s even a smart chip in the baseplate, which you will be able to use in future via your mobile to access info and offers. BPA-free.
STYLE: Made from double-wall, vacuum-insulated stainless steel and recycled ocean-bound plastic, this compact design comes in a range of matt colours and is dishwasher-safe. It’s lightweight but sturdy and it didn’t leak or dribble in pouring.
VALUE: Ocean Bottle is out to change the world via a link-up with Plastic Bank. Every purchase funds the collection of 1,000 ocean-bound plastic bottles in weight, and collectors in coastal communities in some of the world’s poorest places exchange this plastic for essentials. Coming in at £40 it’s the more expensive option, but it should last a life-time and is helping tackle plastic pollution and poverty.
PRICE: £40 from Ocean Bottle (ocean bottle.co)

Lakeland Woodland Trust Insulated Water Bottle

EFFECTIVENESS: This 500ml bottle keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours (and it can be used for hot too), and is made from double-walled stainless steel with a leakproof screw-top lid. It looks great and kept the water nice and cool.
STYLE: Glossy teal with a buzzy bee motif, this is part of Lakeland’s Woodland Trust range, so it is the perfect pick for nature lovers who want to draw attention to the tree-planting charity while out on their adventures.
VALUE: Lakeland donates £1.50 from each sale to the Woodland Trust, plus you get a three-year warranty with your bottle. An affordable item that does good, looks good and performs well? We’re in.
PRICE: £16.99 from Lakeland (lakeland.co.uk)

Hydro Flask 21oz Standard Mouth Bottle

EFFECTIVENESS: This 621ml bottle is the medium-sized model from Hydro Flask, and one of its best-sellers. It’s not hard to see why. Its double-wall vacuum insulation can take hot or cold drinks though we only used it for cold water, and the powder coat finish makes it easy to grip. We liked the size, the fact that it’s not too heavy and felt comfortable to use with the standard mouth. There is also a carry loop and it’s BPA-free.
STYLE: Standard Mouth bottles come in a whole spectrum of colours, including this snazzy new Carnation shade, and will look sleek and stylish anywhere.
VALUE: These robust products come with a life-time warranty and are superior quality for the price.
PRICE: £32.95 from Hydro Flask (hydroflask.com/uk-en)

Whitby & Co Klean Kanteen

EFFECTIVENESS: This Rustling Leaves bottle from Cumbria-based Whitby & Co holds 800ml of cold liquid and the opening fits ice cubes too. We didn’t have any spills or leaks, the sports cap is ideal if you’re on a run or in the gym, and it’s also easy to clean. BPA-free.
STYLE: With a handy carry loop, sports cap for easy drinking and limited-edition pretty pattern, this bottle looks good as well as doing its job effectively.
VALUE: The single-wall stainless steel design has the smallest environmental footprint in the Klean Kanteen range, and it doesn’t retain flavours or leave a metallic taste. It shouldn’t dent or rust, and feels like a durable product that’s good value for money.
PRICE: £19.95 from Whitby & Co (whitbyandco.co.uk)

Jack Wolfskin Karoo 0.75

EFFECTIVENESS: Juice, tea, water – this 750ml vacuum flask is well able for any of them. Double-wall insulated stainless steel with a carry cord that also ensures you don’t lose the lid, it has a handy drinking spout in the lid, which itself unscrews for convenience when filling or washing.
STYLE: Silver and black with a bright pop of yellow, this bottle is tough enough for all your outdoor adventures and will keep you hydrated on the go. We liked the sure-grip coating on the outside too.
VALUE: A good price for a good product from wilderness kit expert Jack Wolfskin, which you’ll be taking out and about with you for years to come.
PRICE: £22 from Jack Wolfskin (jack-wolfskin.co.uk)

Onegreenbottle Curvy Stainless Steel Bottle

EFFECTIVENESS: This curvy canteen comes from from Shoreham-based Onegreenbottle, a company that’s been providing an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bottles for 14 years. Very comfortable to hold and the classic sports cap means it’s handy if you’re on the move, whether that’s out on a fun bike ride or on the train to work. This 350ml smaller model might be a good option for kids too. Being single-skinned, this is not designed to regulate the temperature of your water, but it is designed to keep it toxin-free and pure in a durable container that should stand the test of continued usage. BPA-free.
STYLE: The curves really give these bubble-shaped bottles feel appeal, they come in a range of bright colours, and if a sports cap is not your thing, there are alternative lids you can buy on the website instead. They’re certified plastic-neutral by the Plastic Bank too.
VALUE: The company is passionate about plastic-free packaging, reducing its carbon footprint, championing ethical production processes and is a proud supporter of Surfers Against Sewage. If you can support them for £14 while getting your kids to stay hydrated, that sounds like a good deal to us.
PRICE: £14 from Onegreenbottle (onegreenbottle.com)

Alpkit Flask 350

EFFECTIVENESS: This double-wall insulated stainless steel flask can be used for hot or cold drinks – we loved that you can get this versatility for such an affordable price. At 350ml it’s only a dinky little flask, and the cup is tiny, but it’s light as you like and will fit anywhere. Maybe the perfect mini-flask for a mini-adventure? Or even just a coffee on a dog walk.
STYLE: Small but mighty. This silver flask is tough enough to take a few knocks and stayed watertight while being jostled about in a backpack.
VALUE: It might not be big, this one, but the price is a steal for stainless steel – only a few quid more than you’d pay for a big single-use plastic bottle. Plus it comes with a three-year Alpine Bond – meaning the company will repair, replace or refund should there be any problem. Alpkit is one of the few B-Corp-certified outdoors specialists in the UK and it donates 1% of sales and at least 10% of annual profit to support grassroots projects through its charity, the Alpkit Foundation.
PRICE: £6.99 from Alpkit (alpkit.com)

For inspiration for your first hike with a new water bottle, take a look at our walks section or pick up a copy of the magazine.