A water bottle is the one piece of gear you use every hour of a trip, so it’s worth getting the right kind. The choice comes down to three types: a light plastic bottle that’s easy to drink from, an insulated bottle that keeps water cold all day, or a single-wall titanium bottle that weighs next to nothing and can go straight onto the stove.
We’ve reviewed ten water bottles: two filter bottles, a light 1-litre straw bottle, four insulated ones and three in titanium, from 354 ml to 2.5 litres. Here’s how they compare.
Quick picks: the best camping water bottles compared
| Product | Score | Capacity | Weight | Insulated | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best overallCamelBak Eddy+ 1L | 9.2 | 1 L | 198 g | No | Check price at Amazon |
Best titaniumTi artisan Titanium Water Bottle (750 ml) | 9.1 | 750 ml | 147 g | No | Check price at Amazon |
Best insulatedKathmandu Straw Lid Insulated Bottle | 9.0 | 950 ml | 431 g | Yes | Check price at Amazon |
Best for hot daysYETI Rambler 26 oz Straw Bottle | 8.9 | 760 ml | 586 g | Yes | Check price at Amazon |
Best for coffeeYETI Rambler 12 oz HotShot Bottle | 8.8 | 354 ml | 428 g | Yes | Check price at Amazon |
Best for creek waterLifeStraw Go Series 2.0 (1 L) | 8.8 | 1 L | 273 g | No | Check price at Amazon |
Dishwasher-safe insulatedHydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth with Flex Straw Cap | 8.7 | 946 ml | 520 g | Yes | Check price at Amazon |
Best collapsibleLifeStraw Peak Squeeze (650 ml) | 8.7 | 650 ml | 102 g | No | Check price at Amazon |
Best 1-litre titaniumBoundless Voyage Titanium Water Bottle | 8.6 | 1,050 ml | 237 g | No | Check price at Amazon |
| 8.5 | 2.5 L | 492 g | No | Check price at Amazon |
Best overall: CamelBak Eddy+ 1L
The CamelBak Eddy+ scored 9.2, the highest of the ten. It’s a 1-litre bottle in Tritan Renew, made with 50% recycled material, that weighs 198 g. The bite valve gives a fast flow without tipping the bottle, it’s leak-proof when closed, and it fits in most cup holders. At about $30 it’s also the cheapest bottle here.
It isn’t insulated, so cold water warms up through the day. The straw can come loose and the lid can be hard to clean. As an everyday bottle for the car, a walk or the camp table, it’s the easiest one to live with. Read the full CamelBak Eddy+ review.
The good
- 1L capacity is a great size
- Leak-proof when closed
- Bite valve provides fast flow
- Made with 50% recycled material
- Fits in most cup holders
The not-so-good
- Straw can come loose
- Not insulated for temperature
- Lid can be hard to clean
Bottom line: A leak-proof 1 L bottle with a fast-flowing bite valve, made with 50% recycled material, that fits the cup holder in the car. It isn’t insulated, the straw can come loose and the lid is hard to clean.
Best titanium: Ti artisan Titanium Water Bottle (750 ml)
The Ti artisan scored 9.1. It’s a pure titanium 750 ml bottle that weighs 147 g, with a leak-proof threaded lid and a removable nylon sleeve. Titanium doesn’t react with what’s inside, and because the bottle is single-wall you can heat it directly on a stove, so it doubles as a small pot for boiling water.
The single wall also means no insulation: cold water won’t stay cold, the bottle gets very hot when you boil in it, and it can dent. It cost about $40. Read the full Ti artisan Titanium Water Bottle review.
Ti artisan Titanium Water Bottle (750 ml)
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.The good
- Ultralight weight (147 g)
- Safe to heat directly on a stove
- Pure titanium non-reactive material
- Leak-proof external threaded lid
- Comfortable, removable nylon sleeve
The not-so-good
- Single-wall means no insulation
- Gets very hot when boiling water
- Bottle is susceptible to dents
Bottom line: A pure titanium 750 ml bottle that weighs 147 g, with a leak-proof lid and a nylon sleeve that doubles as a small cook pot. The single wall gives no insulation, gets very hot and dents easily.
Best insulated: Kathmandu Straw Lid Insulated Bottle
The Kathmandu scored 9.0, the highest of the insulated bottles. It holds 950 ml and has double-wall vacuum insulation, stainless steel inside and out, a fold-down straw and a wide mouth. It weighed 431 g on our scale and cost $55. There’s a 710 ml version too.
It’s made for cold drinks, it’s hand wash only, and it’s a big bottle to carry far. For cold water at camp without paying top dollar, it’s our pick of the insulated bottles. Read the full Kathmandu Straw Lid Insulated Bottle review.
The good
- Fold-down straw: sip with one hand
- Double-wall vacuum insulation
- Stainless steel inside and out
- Wide mouth takes ice cubes
- Carry loop on the lid
- Costs less than the big-name bottles
The not-so-good
- Made for cold drinks, not hot ones
- Hand wash only
- Big to carry: 431 g empty
Bottom line: A 950 ml double-wall stainless steel bottle with a fold-down straw lid and a carry loop, for $55. It’s made for cold drinks, hand wash only, and big to carry. It suits the car, the camp chair and everyday use.
Best for hot days: YETI Rambler 26 oz Straw Bottle
The big YETI is our backup bottle for trips in the outback, or anywhere it’s extremely hot. It holds 760 ml, keeps our water chilled for at least a few hours and is definitely leakproof. The straw cap folds flat and has a carry handle, and bottle and cap are dishwasher safe.
It’s the heaviest bottle here for its size at 586 g empty, it doesn’t fit in the centre console of our Prado, and it costs about $100. Read the full YETI Rambler 26 oz Straw Bottle review.
The good
- Keeps our water chilled for at least a few hours in the heat
- Definitely leakproof
- Straw cap with a fold-down spout and a carry handle
- Dishwasher safe, bottle and cap
- Takes other YETI caps, like the Chug Cap and HotShot Cap
- DuraCoat colour won’t peel or crack
The not-so-good
- Heavy: 586 g empty
- Expensive at about $100
- Doesn’t fit in the centre console of our Prado
Bottom line: A 760 ml insulated stainless steel bottle with a fold-down straw cap and a carry handle. Dishwasher safe and built to last, but heavy at 586 g empty and expensive at about $100.
Best for coffee: YETI Rambler 12 oz HotShot Bottle
The small YETI is the one we use for coffees on the road. It holds 354 ml, and its HotShot cap opens with a half twist so you can sip from any side, like a mug. It’s definitely leakproof, it’s dishwasher safe, and it fits in the centre console of our Prado.
It’s heavy for its size at 428 g on our scale, and at about $70 it’s a lot for a small bottle. Read the full YETI Rambler 12 oz HotShot Bottle review.
The good
- Definitely leakproof: no spills in the car
- Sip from any side after a half twist
- Double-wall vacuum insulation, and an insulated cap
- Dishwasher safe
- Compact: fits in the centre console of our Prado
- Takes other YETI caps, like the Chug Cap and Straw Cap
The not-so-good
- Heavy for its size: 428 g empty
- Expensive at about $70
- Only 354 ml
Bottom line: A 354 ml insulated stainless steel bottle with YETI’s leakproof HotShot cap, which you open with a half twist and sip from any side. Dishwasher safe and built to last, but 428 g empty and about $70.
Best for creek water: LifeStraw Go Series 2.0
The LifeStraw Go cleans the water as well as carrying it. A two-stage filter in the lid removes bacteria, parasites and microplastics and reduces chlorine and bad tastes, so you can fill up from a creek or a tank and drink straight away. It holds 1 litre and weighed 273 g on our scale.
It cost $110, it doesn’t filter viruses, and the carbon filter needs replacing after 100 litres. If you fill up from water you don’t trust, it’s the one to carry. Read the full LifeStraw Go Series 2.0 review.
The good
- Filters bacteria and parasites
- Carbon filter improves taste
- Fill from a creek and drink
- Membrane lasts up to 4,000 litres
- Bottle is dishwasher-safe
- 50% recycled, BPA-free plastic
The not-so-good
- Doesn’t filter viruses
- Takes more suction than a bottle
- Pricey, carbon filter lasts 100 L
Bottom line: A 1 litre bottle with a two-stage filter that removes bacteria, parasites and microplastics and improves the taste, at 273 g. It doesn’t filter viruses, and the carbon filter lasts only 100 litres. It suits hikers and tourers who fill up from untreated water.
Dishwasher-safe insulated: Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth with Flex Straw Cap
The Hydro Flask is about the same size as the Kathmandu and works the same way: a 946 ml double-wall bottle that keeps drinks chilled for up to 24 hours. The fold-down straw gives fast, one-handed sips and is leakproof when closed, the wide mouth takes large ice cubes, and the bottle and cap are top-rack dishwasher safe. The thread takes other Hydro Flask lids.
The straw cap is for cold drinks only, the bottle gets heavy when full and is tricky in backpack side pockets, and the exposed spout can pick up dust outdoors. It cost $80, which is $25 more than the Kathmandu. Read the full Hydro Flask 32 oz review.
Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth with Flex Straw Cap
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.The good
- Drinks stay chilled up to 24 hours
- One-handed, leakproof when closed
- Wide mouth takes large ice cubes
- Top-rack dishwasher safe
- Grippy coat, three-finger handle
- Takes other wide-mouth lids
The not-so-good
- Straw cap is for cold drinks only
- Heavy when full, and tall
- Exposed spout can pick up dust
Bottom line: A 946 ml insulated stainless steel bottle with a fold-down straw cap that keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. The straw cap is for cold drinks only, it’s heavy when full, and the exposed spout can pick up dust. It suits the car, the camp table and everyday use.
Best collapsible: LifeStraw Peak Squeeze
The LifeStraw Peak Squeeze is the lightest bottle here at 102 g, and the only soft one: empty, it goes flat and rolls up. It has a filter in the neck that removes bacteria, parasites and microplastics, and because the bottle is soft you can squeeze the clean water into a pot or a mug.
It holds only 650 ml, it doesn’t filter viruses, and there’s no carbon filter for taste. It cost $80. For hiking and travel, where weight and space count, it’s the one to pack. Read the full LifeStraw Peak Squeeze review.
The good
- Filters bacteria and parasites
- 102 g and rolls up small when empty
- Squeeze clean water into a pot
- Filter also works as a straw
- Fast flow: up to 3 litres per minute
- Filter lasts up to 2,000 litres
The not-so-good
- No virus or carbon filtering
- 650 ml isn’t much for a full day
- Hand wash only
Bottom line: A soft 650 ml bottle with a filter that removes bacteria, parasites and microplastics, at 102 g. You can drink from it or squeeze clean water into a pot. It doesn’t filter viruses, and 650 ml isn’t much. It suits hikers and travellers who count grams.
Best 1-litre titanium: Boundless Voyage Titanium Water Bottle
The Boundless Voyage holds 1,050 ml and weighs 237 g, which is seriously light for its size. It’s 99.8% titanium with a wide mouth that’s easy to fill and clean, there’s no metallic taste, and it can be heated directly on a stove. It comes with a storage bag.
Like the Ti artisan it’s single-wall, so there’s no insulation and it gets very hot to the touch, and the lid threads can feel a bit rough. It’s the one for a full litre at the lowest weight. Read the full Boundless Voyage Titanium Water Bottle review.
Boundless Voyage Titanium Water Bottle
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.The good
- Seriously lightweight for its size
- No metallic taste
- Durable enough to last a lifetime
- Wide mouth is easy to clean & fill
- Can be heated directly on a stove
The not-so-good
- Single-wall means no insulation
- Can get very hot to the touch
- Lid threads can feel a bit rough
Bottom line: A light, durable 1,050 ml titanium bottle with a wide mouth and no metallic taste that can be heated directly on a stove. The single wall gives no insulation and gets very hot to touch.
Biggest: Boundless Voyage Titanium Water Bottle (2.5L)
This one holds a full 2.5 litres and still weighs only 492 g empty. It seals leak-proof with a double sealing system, can go straight onto a stove, and comes with a sturdy nylon sleeve with a shoulder strap for carrying.
It’s quite tall and bulky, it doesn’t fit cup holders, and the titanium dents easily. As a shared bottle for camp, or for carrying a day’s water in one go, it does a job the others can’t. Read the full Boundless Voyage 2.5L review.
Boundless Voyage Titanium Water Bottle (2.5L)
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.The good
- Huge 2500ML capacity
- Very light for its size (492 g)
- Can be heated directly on a stove
- Sturdy shoulder carry sleeve
- Leak-proof double sealing system
The not-so-good
- Quite tall and bulky overall
- Not compatible with cup holders
- Titanium exterior dents easily
Bottom line: A 2.5 L titanium bottle that weighs only 492 g, seals leak-proof and can go straight onto a stove, with a shoulder carry sleeve. It’s tall and bulky, doesn’t fit cup holders and dents easily.
How to choose a camping water bottle
- Plastic, insulated or titanium
Plastic, like the CamelBak, is light and cheap but not insulated. Insulated bottles keep water cold for hours but are heavier. Single-wall titanium is light and can be heated on a stove, with no insulation.
- Where your water comes from
If you fill up from creeks, tanks or taps you don’t trust, a filter bottle like the LifeStraw Go or the Peak Squeeze saves carrying a separate filter.
- Capacity
750 ml to 1 litre suits one person for a walk or a morning. A 2.5-litre bottle makes sense as a shared bottle at camp.
- Weight
The CamelBak weighs 198 g and the titanium bottles 150 to 492 g; the four insulated ones 428 to 586 g, before any water goes in.
- Lid
A straw lid or bite valve lets you drink with one hand, handy while driving, but it’s for cold drinks only and has more parts to clean. A screw lid seals for any drink.
- Where it has to fit
Check the cup holder in your car and the side pocket of your pack. The CamelBak fits most cup holders; the big bottles are tight in both.
- Cleaning
A wide mouth is much easier to clean, and straw lids take more care. The Hydro Flask is dishwasher safe; the Kathmandu is hand wash only.
For carrying the bulk of your water, see our guide to the best camping water containers.
How we test
We buy the gear ourselves and take it on camping trips around Australia to put it to the test in real outdoor conditions, in the 4WD and at camp, and to see how it holds up over a few trips. We weigh everything on our own scale, photograph it ourselves, and score it on five things: ease of use, performance, portability, durability and value. If we haven’t used something, we say so, and if anything fails later on, we update the review.
