Water Bottles

Updated: July 23rd, 2019

Many athletes, parents and health- and environment-conscience people are seeking alternatives to plastic disposable and plastic reusable water bottles.

A few years ago, the trend was to use stainless steel water bottles and mini coolers for toting water and beverages.

Now, there are other choices on the market constructed of glass with plastic lids and silicone protective covers.

Even better, companies are now making them with recycled glass.

Two of the bigger names who offer recycled glass water bottle products are EcoVessel Surf and Zulu Athletics.

Read why glass water bottles are our preferred alternative.

Recycled glass water bottle review

EcoVessel Surf Recycled Glass Water Bottle

EcoVessel, based in Boulder, Colorado, offers this bottle. It is made from an estimated 60% recycled glass.

Their products as safe, sturdy and made of sustainable materials.

The bottles do not contain BPA or phthalate, and the composition materials are non-leaching.

The Surf glass water bottle carries 22 ounces of liquid, weighs 1.3 pounds and has dimensions of 11” tall and a 3” diameter.

It is dishwasher safe.

The bottle’s silicone sleeve comes in five colors: pink, orange, turquoise, gray and black.

The sleeve safely protects the bottle and does not need to be removed for cleaning.

The wide-mouth opening has a color-coordinated loop-top screw top.

For the best selection, shoppers can purchase this product on Amazon.

I have put this water bottle in the dishwasher and after months of use, the silicone sleeve is still intact.

I dropped it once and was thrilled it didn’t break.

The silicone sleeve covers the bottom of the bottle completely.

EcoVessel supports good causes

It’s great that EcoVessel is committed to giving back.

They are partnered with 1% for the Planet and give 1% of every purchase to Water for People.

Water for People is an organization who works to provide safe drinking water in developing countries.

EcoVessel also supports the UNICEF Tap Project.

In the United States, we almost take clean water for granted.

UNICEF works to improve access to safe water in less fortunate areas in more than 100 countries.

They provide water treatment products and water kits, among other things, including improving sanitation facilities.

EcoVessel’s Recycled Glass Water Bottle

After using the EcoVessel Surf Recycled Glass Water Bottle, I found there are a lot of advantages to using a plastic water bottle and stainless steel water bottle.

1. Drinking from the glass bottle helps to preserve the clean taste of water better than stainless and plastic.
2. It is made of safe materials and of recycled glass.
3. Large capacity, carrying 22 ounces.
4. It is durable with its silicone sleeve covering the sides and the entire bottom of the bottle.
5. Easy to grip with its ergonomically-friendly design. It is also easy to carry with the opening in the lid.
6. Large mouth opening makes it easy to put ice in it.
7. Easy to seal, leak-proof cap.
8. Fits most car cup holders.
9. It is easily cleaned in the dishwasher.

Zulu Recycled Glass Water Bottles

Zulu Athletics in Chicago, Illinois markets 20-ounce bottles.

Its products are made from recycled, soda lime glass and its other components are certified PBA, phthalates, PVC and lead free.

The water bottles are dishwasher safe.

Types of Zulu Glass Bottle Lids

Zulu recycled glass bottle is offered with protective silicone sleeves in gray, purple, blue, teal, pink and green.

There is a choice of three types of lids.

The weight, dimensions and price of the bottle are dependent on the type of lid selected.

Carry-Loop: With a screw top lid, this bottle weighs 1.3 pounds with dimensions of 13”Hx3”Wx3.5”D.

One-Touch: This lid (shown above) features a button to pop open the lid, a slide lock, and a soft carry loop.

This is a convenient bottle to use while driving or walking.

You can take hold of the bottle, press the button to open with your thumb, and easily take a drink, all using just one hand.

Quick-Cap: This is designed for rapid liquid intake with side squeeze buttons.

These bottles are ideal for athletes.

Reviews of Zulu Recycled Glass Water Bottles

• They are made from recycled glass and other safe materials
• Clean water taste
• Replacement lids available on Amazon
• Dishwasher safe
• Variety of lid options, including one-handed operation option
• When fastened correctly, the bottles are leak-proof
• Fits most car cup holders.

Make a positive step toward reducing unnecessary waste in our landfills and decide now to stop buying disposable, plastic water bottles.

Making a positive, earth-friendly choice by switching to glass will also help your health and your families’ health.

Whether you choose the Eco Vessel Surf glass water bottle or one from Zulu, most will agree that it is great to have affordable selections that are good for our bodies and our earth.

Recycled glass bottles in attractive, colorful, protective sleeves are a true example of sustainability.

EcoVessel Water Bottles for Your Drinking Pleasure
Best Travel Water Bottle for Kids
Eco Vessel Kids Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle Review
EcoVessel Surf Recycled Glass Water Bottle vs Zulu Glass Water Bottle
Best Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle ~ Top Picks & What to Know
Best Insulated Water Bottle: Guide to the Best Bottles

Best glass water bottles

We absolutely love glass water bottles and and drinking from reusable water bottles.

These are a score on both counts.

When they are made from recycled glass like these are, it doesn’t get any better for us.

Well, it would if they were made in America, but we have yet to find a reusable water bottle made in the USA.

Depending on the user and the situation, we often prefer glass water bottles over stainless steel water bottles too.

For my purposes, I like the flip cap on the Zulu bottle and find myself using it more often; it is my go-to bottle.

It is easier for me to carry and use in general.

I can easily drink it in the car with the flip cap as I don’t need two hands to open it.

I also like that the opening is a little bit smaller than the Eco Vessel one so I can drink from it easier.

Both are great picks.

I tend to bring the EcoVessel recycled glass water bottle when I am putting it in a bag with electronics as there is zero chance of it leaking.

The Zulu bottle’s locking feature is great and also leak-proof, but I always check to ensure it is sealed before putting with my smartphone, etc.

I also use the loop carrier on the Zulu bottle to carry it and like this feature.

EcoVessel Surf vs Zulu glass water bottles

Make a positive step toward reducing unnecessary waste in our landfills and decide now to stop buying disposable, plastic water bottles.

Making a positive, earth-friendly choice by switching to glass will also help your health and your families’ health.

Whether you choose the EcoVessel Surf glass water bottle or one from Zulu, most will agree that it is great to have affordable selections that are good for our bodies and our earth.

Recycled glass bottles in attractive, colorful, protective sleeves are a true example of sustainability.

Updated: April 22nd, 2019

We’ve written so much about stainless steel water bottles We are still on our eternal quest for a water bottle made in the US but that is not a reality yet.

In the meantime, we have our favorite brands, including Klean Kanteen, CamelBak, and Thinksport.

We’ve decided to wrap it up once and compare these stainless steel water bottles in one go.

We’ve put together this post which reviews and compares all of the best stainless steel water bottles on the market.

Below you’ll see which bottles we like best, and why.

Stainless Steel Water Bottles: Smackdown

So what is this post all about?

It’s a Stainless Steel Water Bottle Smackdown.

We compare and contrast the top stainless bottles on the market.

We detail which bottles are best that are insulated, which bottles aren’t made in China, which bottles have straws, even bottles that fit in bike holders.

Here are the Stainless Steel Water Bottle contenders:

Klean Kanteen – You can read our full Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle Review here.

CamelBak – You can read our CamelBak Stainless Steel Better Bottle Review here.

New Wave Enviro – Another popular brand of water bottles.

Thinksport – One of the first insulated stainless steel water bottles on the market.

Sigg – Disqualified! Contrary to popular belief it’s made from Aluminum.

Stainless Steel Water Bottles Round by Round Winners

Insulation:

Want your drink to stay cool and not drip condensation?

We have previously compared all of the best insulated stainless bottles in this post and these were our top choices for bottles: Thinksport and CamelBak both come insulated.

BPA-free:

BPA-Free bottles are a must – you don’t want all of those hormone disrupting chemicals in your bottle.

So, which bottle was the best in this category?

All of our contenders passed tied this round as they are all BPA free water bottles.

Tops/Cap Options:

Do you want to hook your stainless steel bottle to carabiner some days and other days want a sport cap?

We like this option: Klean Kanteen offers 6 different types of tops.

Ease of Drinking:

Don’t like tipping your bottle upside down and risking water dribbling all over you?

We have become huge fans of water bottles with straws.

You can read a full review of water bottles with straws here.

The best choice in this category is CamelBak .

Their Bite Valve and straw system makes drinking easy.

Looks:

Want a good looking water bottle?

CamelBak has some fun designs, but I think Thinksport wins overall for a sleek, yet professional, yet fun look.

Variety of Sizes:

Depending on your activity you may want a large 40 ounce bottle or a small 12 ounce water bottle or perhaps somewhere in between.

CamelBak and Thinksport have two sizes, while New Wave Enviro and Klean Kanteen both come in four sizes.

Bike Water Bottle Holder Friendly:

If you bike a lot you definitely want a stainless steel water bottle that fits in your bike’s water bottle holder.

Which ones do?

With the exception of the 40 ounce bottle, all of Klean Kanteen’s bottles fit in a bike water bottle holder, making the Klean Kanteen the most reliable brand.

I use these while I commute on my hybrid bike.

Sippy Cup Option:

If you have kids, a stainless steel sippy cup is handy.

But check out our list of the best bottles for kids.

If you are looking to transition your child off of sippy cups, read our article about straws.

Price:

We checked out prices at Amazon.com for the size closest to 25 or 27 ounces in a silver color.

Here’s what they were: Klean Kanteen, CamelBak, Thinksport, and New Wave Enviro.

Best Stainless Steel Water Bottles?

So who won the Stainless Steel Water Bottle Smackdown?

It depends on what you’re looking for.

All four contenders offer something unique.

Our personal favorite is the CamelBak because of the straw.

If you want a complete list of the winners by category, here they are:

The Winners: Best Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Best Insulated Bottle with Straw: CamelBak is your best bet.

Best for Cheapest Price and Overall Value: New Wave Enviro.

Best Overall for Brand Reliability: Klean Kanteen.

Stainless steel water bottles made in USA

Best for not made in China: Unfortunately, all stainless steel water bottles are made in China.

You can buy a BPA free Nalgene (plastic) or a glass water bottle if you want something made in the US.

If you want a company with sustainable practices and want stainless steel, we recommend Klean Kanteen.

You may also be interested in our post about ;Eco Vessel Surf vs Zulu glass water bottles.

You also might want to check out our:

Ultimate Collapsible Water Bottle Guide
Eco Vessel Kids Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw Review

It’s always a great idea to use a reusable water bottle whenever possible.

It’s an easy way to go green too.

You can get more fruits and vegetables in your diet by using a fruit infused water bottle for on the go and a NutriBullet while at home.

Check out our post about Best Stainless Steel Cookware: Set Showdown, which will help disentangle the safety issues with nonstick cookware.

Never buy a plastic water bottle again.

There are so many benefits to using stainless steel water bottles while on the go.

They are better for our environment than plastic and will save you money as well.

Bring one with you wherever you go.

Alex Bottle Stainless Steel Water Bottle Review

We love reviewing reusable water bottles because we are so against disposable water bottles consuming our resources and filling up our landfills.

We are highlighting the Alex Bottle as an innovative green travel product because it made from 50% recycled materials.

The Alex Bottle is a new stainless steel water bottle that is so popular because of it’s amazing design.

We tested it, and we have also heard from people who have tested and the reviews have been incredible.

There’s a lot of great reusable water bottle available, and they are easy to find on Amazon.

Here’s what we love about this one.

Why we love Alex Bottle

We only consider bottles that are completely BPA-free.

We absolutely LOVE when our water bottles are dishwasher safe, which this one from Alex is.

Because we use our water bottles every time we leave our home, they get a lot of use.

We like being able to sanitize them at the end of each day.

And again, this one is made from recycled materials which makes it so much better than its competitors.

Even more, this one offers an incredible 2-year warranty.

Most water bottle companies only offer a 30-day warranty.

Alex Bottle stainless steel water bottle features

• Comes ins 20 and 32 oz sizes (but can combine to make a 26 ounce)
• Premium Grade 304 Stainless Steel (50% recycled)
• BPA FREE Polypropylene #5 Cap and CST
• 50% recycled bottle, 100% recyclable
• Eco-friendly powdered paint
• Dishwasher safe
• Fits ice cubes
• Strap made from recycled plastic water bottles
• Fits cup holders
• Cap covers bottle lip to protect from germs
• Conceived in the USA; made responsibly in Indonesia
• Alex Bottle is available in black and white with different color bands

Plus the ALEX Bottle also features a 2 year warranty and there there is no liner (unlike Sigg water bottles and aluminum water bottles).

I cannot tell you how many water bottles do not offer anything but a 30 day warranty, so this is an incredible bonus.

You can also put smoothies, sports drinks, and other beverages in the bottle.

Because it easily comes apart and fits in the dishwasher the drink will come out much more easily than other bottles.

Where is the Alex Bottle made?

There is still a great search out there for stainless bottles made in the USA.

The Alex Bottle doesn’t live up to this challenge. Instead it’s manufactured in Jakarta.

It seems that the compatibility of the ALEX Bottle will make it the biggest selling point for green travelers looking to pack light.

There are a lot of great water bottles on the market, and finding the best stainless steel water bottle is important.

The Alex Bottle is a little harder to find but if you are considering a stainless steel water bottle, it is a great option.

Read about a great water bottle for kids too.

New Wave Enviro: Water Bottle and Container Review

After I wrote Stainless Steel Water Bottle Smackdown, comparing and contrasting the top selling Stainless Steel water bottles on the market, New Wave Enviro Products contacted me and sent me some products to review.

I love water bottles that are reusable and that are made from stainless steel.

Anytime I can forgo plastic and eliminate the need to buy and dispose of consumables — like plastic drink bottles — I’m happy.

That’s why I love reusable water bottles so much.

New Wave Enviro Stainless Steel Water Bottle 40 Ounces

I’ve been wanting a 40 ounce stainless steel water bottle for months.

But I couldn’t find a way to justify shelling out for Klean Kanteen’s 40 ounce bottle, when I had two perfectly good 18 and 27 ounce bottles that would do just fine.

And I didn’t know New Wave Enviro made a 40 ounce bottle until researching for the Smackdown post.

Anyhow, New Wave Enviro was kind enough to sent me their 40 ounces stainless steel water bottle to give it a spin.

I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks and honestly, I love it.

40 ounces is a perfect size for extended car rides, bike trips, hikes, or any sort of sporting event.

When I visit the southwest in the heat of the summer, you can bet I will be bringing and using this water bottle and taking it with me anytime I step outside.

In comparison to a Klean Kanteen, there is really no difference except in price and in caps.

The New Wave Enviro bottles are significantly less expensive.

However, you won’t get the same cap options that you do with a Klean Kanteen (such as flat top, etc.).

And the New Wave Enviro Stainless Steel Water Bottle 40 ounces ships with a stainless steel top, not the plastic top that is worse for the environment.

Another option is fruit infused water bottles.

This has become a big trend as consumers who have stopped buying disposable plastic water bottles are now wanting more flavor in their water.

New Wave Enviro Stainless Steel Food Container

About 2 years ago we ditched our plastic Tupperware in favor of glass/Pyrex.

A good variety set is this 18 piece Pyrex set.

We felt that warming up food in plastics.

Which can leach chemicals and melt at hot temperatures wasn’t worth any potential health risks.

The only problem I’ve found with glass is that it is extremely heavy to carry on a daily commute to work.

But, it never occurred to me that there was an alternative.

Another of the New Wave Enviro Products is the Stainless Steel Food Container.

While you can’t heat it up, it’s great for salads, fruit, sandwiches, or any other dry foods.

I will definitely be using this frequently.

Another brand I use is Lunchbots.

The stainless steel lunch containers I have from this line are perfect for packing my kids’ school lunches.

New Wave Enviro Bamboo Lunch Bag

Another creative lunchware piece is the Bamboo Lunch Bag.

Bamboo is lightweight and sustainable.

And the bag is surprisingly soft.

This is my go-to lunch bag.

Learn about fruit infused water bottles as a way to drink more water.

Whenever you can, work toward eliminating plastic and opting for reusable products.

New Wave Enviro products makes it easy to use reusable products.

You will be doing yourself, as well as our earth, a huge favor.

Updated: July 5th, 2019

Best Water Bottles for Kids – Even before I became a parent I was concerned about BPA in water bottles.

So after my baby was born I insisted that every bottle he used was BPA free.

When my son was a baby, he drank milk from glass baby bottles. But as he became a toddler, I needed to look for an alternative to glass (since he tends to throw a lot of things on the floor).

I sought out a variety of stainless steel water bottles for kids and BPA-free plastic water bottles for kids and the manufacturers were kind enough to send us the bottles to test.

Here’s a round up of what I liked best. Bring your own water bottle

BPA-Free Water Bottles for Kids

It’s a great idea to get children from a young age to use reusable water bottles. This will introduce them to the concept right from the start. They will consider it a habit to use them. This is a way to teach them to be environmentally aware by getting in the habit of using reusable water bottles instead of one-time use plastic bottles.

All of the water bottles listed in this post are BPA-free.

Some of the bottles are plastic, and some are stainless, some contain silicone, some contain other materials.

Most of them have straws.

Best Water Bottles for (by Category)

Camelbak Eddy

The Camelbak is made of BPA-free plastic.

This makes it good choice for a lightweight bottle.

The only downside is that it’s made of plastic and not stainless steel, which we prefer because I feel that stainless is a safer choice than plastic.

Note that the water bottle is only supposed to be for kids 3 years old and older, but we supervise our son (18 months) when using it and have not had any problems with parts that he could potentially break off.

If you compare it to any other Camelbak bottles you’ll realize that the bite valve on the kid’s bottle is actually constructed differently so that kids can’t easily remove the bite valve the way you can on adult bottles.

This bottle holds 13.5 ounces (.4L) and is on Amazon.

You can read a full review of the Camelbak Eddy for Kids here.

Eco Vessel

The Eco Vessel is an awesome water bottle because it’s made of stainless steel.

One thing I really like about the bottle is that it’s a little bit skinnier than the Camelbak which means it’s easier for my son to hold it and it fits a little better in the side water bottle pocket on a backpack backpack.

We take this bottle in the car because it’s insulated and keeps water cool in warmer weather.

The flip-cap straw is hard plastic which my son likes just as much as soft plastic bottle caps/valves.

The bottle is labeled for kids 4 years and older but we supervise our son (18 months) when using it and have not had any problems with parts that he could potentially break off.

This bottle holds about 13 ounces of water.

You can read a full Eco Vessel Insulated Bottle for Kids Review here.

Healthy Human Water Bottles

Healthy Human Water Bottles are a great option for kids. They are completely BPA-free.

They come in many vivid colors which your child will enjoy. The colors are unique which will make it easier for your child to find once he/she starts bringing a water bottle to school.

Oftentimes in school, kids have to put their water bottles together on the counter in the classroom. Other times, when they bring them out to recess, water bottles can be difficult to spot. These from Healthy Human are bright. They also offer interesting marble patterns and other artsy designs.

Sizes of Healthy Human Steins

Healthy Human water bottles are ideal for many ages and activities. They come in many sizes: 16 oz and 21 oz which are perfect for school. They also have them available in 32 oz and 40 oz ideal for activities such as road trips, camping, and sports. 

Healthy Human sent us a Healthy Human Stein water bottle and a Healthy Human Cruiser Tumbler.

Drinks stay cold 

These amazing and state-of-the-art water bottles are uniquely engineered to stay cold for an entire day.

That means that even if the bottle is resting in a hot car, sitting out at recess, or in a backpack, the contents will still be ice-cold 24-hours later.

Kids, especially after playing at recess and other activities, want to drink cold water — not warm or even tepid water on a warm day — so they are perfect to fill in the morning. Their water will still be cold hours later. 

They also keep fluid warm for up to twelve hours, which makes them perfect for just about any season.

Highly rated water bottle for kids

Healthy Human Water Bottles have been around since 2015, and have amassed a following, which is why I wanted to give them a try in the first place.

I was so happy that I did because, in addition to their excellent insulation and guarantee of being completely BPA-free, these bottles are also made out of durable stainless steel so they are hardy enough to go just about anywhere without getting damaged, dented or cracked.

Lids

Another great thing about these bottles is they are leak-proof. 

When you purchase a Healthy Human water bottle, it comes with a screw on/off lid.

You also have the option to purchase a flip lid. This is the lid my children like to use. The lid locks in place. It’s easy for kids to manage.

They will not leak or spill, no matter how much they are shaken up. you can carry them in your diaper bag all day long and you’ll never find stains or leaks on the rest of the items in your bag.

It’s completely fool-proof and kid-friendly.

You will also not have to worry about heat or cold affecting any other items in your bag. 

The standard screw on lid and this flip lid both fit our 32 oz and 21 oz bottles.

Insulation

Even though these bottles are guaranteed to trap heat or cold inside for hours on end, they are still totally insulated so you will never have to worry about reaching inside of your bag and feeling like you just opened up the freezer.

The insulation is great for little hands too. You’ll never need to be concerned your child’s hands will be too cold or too hot.

Money-back guarantee

These bottles also come with a complete money-back guarantee. This is something that I found personally really comforting about the bottles. Many companies will make wild claims, but very few of them will actually back up what they are saying with a money-back guarantee. When a company does that, it makes me think that they are totally on top of their game and that I can trust them completely.

It made me more inclined to take a chance on these bottles, and I am very glad that I did.

If you have little ones and have been searching for a great way to transport their drinks, these bottles are an excellent option.

They keep beverages at the temperature that you want them, are safe and free of chemicals and come in really fun designs that will delight your children.

No BPA

Mine love the colorful and whimsical designs on these bottles. In addition, the water bottles are good for kids because they are durable and easy to open/close and to drink from. 

They are made using 18/8 food grade, high quality stainless steel. 

Their caps and lids are also free from Bisphenol A, also known as BPA. This is a chemical that leeches from plastic, especially over time as it breaks down. These caps are made using polypropylene.

It’s very unique for a water bottle lid to have stainless steel on the part that touches the water. Most lids contain all plastic. The standard lid that comes with Healthy Human water bottles has this food-grade standard steel. This makes it an exceptional water bottle lid for children.

We love that they offer a warranty on their lids and caps. This is huge! So often, the lids on other water bottles we’ve used have cracked or broken over time. Then we have to purchase a new lid. We learned that Healthy Human replaces them for free. 

Easy to clean

They also sent us a cleaning brush which is sturdy and easy to use.

Like all water bottles, you need to wash these by hand. However, this cleaning brush will help ensure the lids and interior of the bottles get clean.

Pura Kiki Stainless Steel Bottle

The Pura Kiki is a bit different from the other kids bottles on this list because while it’s a stainless bottle with a silicone sleeve, it uses soft silicone spouts or nipples instead of straws or traditional hard plastic spouts.

It comes with a silicone spout or is compatible with most major brands like Dr. Browns and Nuk.

This makes it a good transition water bottle for kids who are switching from a milk bottle or sippy cup to a sports style water bottle.

Or if you’re looking for a bottle that doesn’t contain plastics/rubber this is a good choice because there is no plastic straw.

They are available in 5 ounces and 11 ounces.

This one holds 11 ounces and is on Amazon.

A full review of the Pura Kiki is here.

Safe Sippy 2

The Safe Sippy Bottle is also made from stainless steel.

It holds less liquid than the Eco-Vessel and the Camelbak which is good for when you don’t have a long trip ahead of you and you don’t want to carry extra water weight.

The bottle also has handles which my son likes (and they are removable for if you’re child isn’t a fan.)

The Safe Sippy 2 comes with a travel valve to prevent spills while traveling and a straw-less sippy top we always use the straw top though.

It holds 11 ounces of water.

Best Water Bottles for Kids with Straws

My son was never very good at drinking out of sippy cups without straws.

He didn’t understand that he needed to tilt the bottle up; so bottles with straws have been best in our family.

There are actually only a few options available for BPA water bottles with straws for kids.

We tried the Camelbak Eddy, the Safe Sippy, and the Eco Vessel.

If you’re looking for a water bottle with a straw for your child, any of these would be great choices.

They are each a little different, so consider what other features are important to you.

Looking for handles or a bottle that is approved for toddlers?

Opt for the Safe Sippy 2.

Want an insulated bottle with straw?

The Eco Vessel is the best bet.

Want a bottle that doesn’t leak when turned upside down?

The Camelbak is the one for you.

Determine what additional features are important for your kid’s water bottle and read below.

Insulated Kids Water Bottle

The best insulated water bottle for kids is the Eco Vessel insulated bottle.

It is vacuum sealed and actually stays cold for several hours after being filled.

Small Water Bottle for Kids

All of the bottles we tested are smaller than typical adult water bottles.

• Pura Kiki comes in a 5 ounce size.
• Eco Vessel has an insulated sippy cup (no straw) that is 10 ounces.
• Safe Sippy and larger Pura Kiki are both 11 ounces.
• Camelbak and the Eco Vessel kids size both hold about 13 ounces.

Water Bottle for the Carseat

My favorite water bottle to bring along with us in the car and in the diaper bag is the Eco-Vessel bottle.

Because it doesn’t have an outer silicone wrap like other bottles, it slides smoothly into the side bottle pocket of the diaper bag.

Because it has a straw, my son can easily drink it while riding in his car seat.

And finally, it keeps water cool for longer periods of time on hot days.

However, if you’re child likes to make a mess, the Camelbak may be the best fit for you.

Lately, my son William has started turning over his water bottle in his carseat and letting water spill.

He thinks it’s a hysterical game; thankfully it’s just water, but until this phase passes we have just started opting for the Camelbak instead of the Eco Vessel.

The best thing about the Camelbak for kids is that it doesn’t leak.

All of the other water bottles with straws that we tried leaked when my son (inevitably) turned the bottle upside down in his carseat.

It’s actually become a game for him – to turn water bottles upside down and make a mess.

So, we’ve chosen the Camelbak as his bottle for in the car because he can’t spill it all over his carseat.

Most Versatile Water Bottle

If you have a baby or toddler and are you’re looking for a versatile water bottle or sippy cup buy a Safe Sippy 2.

Because of the variety of options – straw, regular sippy top, and travel cap and valve – and extra features like the protective sleeve and removable handles – this is a bottle that will grow with your child.

Around the House Bottle

If you’re looking for a water bottle that does well just being carried around the house – I’d recommend the Camelbak.

All of the other bottles we’ve tried are known to leak if turned upside down or turned on the side in just the wrong spot.

However, the Camelbak bottle has yet to leak on us.

And because it doesn’t leak in any circumstances it’s the go to bottle that I let my son leave on the couch, behind the couch, or on the silk oriental rug.

In the High Chair Bottle or Sippy Cup

We really like the Safe Sippy bottle for when my son is in his high chair.

We like the stainless steel for safety, and he likes the handles.

When he drops it on the floor the silicone sleeve shields the bottle from denting.

If you don’t need a straw, the Pura Kiki is also a great choice.

Least Likely to Leach Chemicals

In an ideal world the water bottle I let my child use wouldn’t let any plastic touch the water for an extended period of time.

But the reality is that my son likes bottles with straws – and every bottle I’ve seen has straws that are made from plastic.

If my son wasn’t so insistent on having a straw, he would use the Pura Kiki bottle all the time.

Because the bottle is made of stainless steel, because there’s no plastic straw sitting in the water, and because the nipple is made of silicone, it is the bottle I would choose as the Pura Kiki as safest of all the bottles I’ve seen.

Water Bottles for Kids Made in the USA

Unfortunately none of the water bottles for kids that we tested are made in the USA.

All of the bottles are made in China.

You can see a lot more about the issue of stainless steel bottles being made in the USA on this post and in the comments; but the bottom line is is that there are no stainless bottles currently made in the United States due to the cost.

Bottom line

All of the water bottles we tested have great features.

They are BPA Free and so which bottle you buy depends on the features you or your kid likes best.

Let us know in the comments if you have any questions about the bottles or if there is another kids water bottle that you recommend.

Updated: July 23rd, 2019

Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle – If you’re in the market for a kids’ insulated stainless steel water bottle with a straw, this look no further than the Eco Vessel kids bottle.

It’s insulated, made of safe stainless steel, attractive, leak-proof, and has a flip straw top.

The folks at Eco Vessel were kind enough to send me one to try out.

My son thinks it’s great, and I love it, too.

Here’s what we like about it.

Safe: BPA- and Phthalate-Free Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

The Eco Vessel kids insulated stainless steel water bottle is made from two layers of stainless steel.

Stainless steel is one of the safest water bottle materials and it’s what I choose of my son.

This bottle is phthalate- and BPA-free, which means it’s safe for your kids.

BPA and phthalates are chemicals that have been linked to a number of adverse health effects, from cancer to asthma.

Not something you want to expose your kids to.

Eco Vessel is Insulated

One of the best features of the Eco Vessel Frost kids water bottle is that it’s insulated.

It will keep your kids’ drinks cold for hours.

Use it for juice, milk, or water.

If you like the grown-up version of the insulated Eco Vessel water bottle, you’ll definitely like the kid version.

Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle has Flip Straw Top

I really like that the Eco Vessel kids bottle has a flip straw top.

Especially for younger kids, a bottle with a flip straw (as opposed to a sport cap) is easier to manage.

I even prefer a straw bottle for going to the gym, traveling, and hiking.

They’re easier to use and less likely to spill.

Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle are Leak-Proof

When the straw is down, this bottle doesn’t leak, which is great.

That said, if the straw is open and the bottle is left on its side, it does leak a little bit, but that’s true of most water bottles.

Great for Kids on the Go

Because this Eco Vessel kids bottle is insulated and leak-proof, it’s great for families on the go.

You can use it for just about anything, including:

• Lunch boxes
• Picnics
• Camping trips
• Hiking
• Travel
• Diaper bag (I like to keep a kids water bottle in my diaper bag for my son at all times)

Fun Designs

This bottle comes in six fun designs to choose from, none of which feature commercial characters (a big plus for some parents).

My favorite is the orange bottle with the tree, but you can also get a purple bottle with a butterfly, a plain blue or silver bottle, a white bottle with a girl reaching for a heart, or a black bottle with flames at the bottom.

Regardless of your child’s taste, you’ll be able to find a design he or she will dig.

Not Too Expensive

At Amazon, the Eco Vessel insulated kids water bottle is a good value.

Theoretically you’ll get years of use out of the bottle.

Personally, I would rather pay a little bit more on the front-end for a product that will last than have to replace a cheaper bottle every couple of years.

Know Before You Buy

For Kids Age 4+

Like CamelBak’s Eddy Kids water bottle, the Eco Vessel kids water bottle comes with a minimum age: it’s made for kids 4 and up.

As with the Eddy, I assume it’s because there are small parts that could theoretically come loose.

But my 16-month-old, who enjoys throwing it on the ground almost as much as he likes drinking out of it, has yet to loosen any of the parts.

Not Made in the USA

As I’ve mentioned before, I have yet to find a stainless steel water bottle that’s made in the USA.

Eco Vessel is no exception and their bottles are made in China.

That said, Eco Vessel strives to ensure that workers and the environment are treated well.

From their website:

We do not know of any stainless steel bottle that is manufactured in the U.S. or in any other country other than China. Having said that, we use very responsible facilities where there is respect for the workers and the environment. We visit them on a regular basis to ensure their compliance with our high standards. All of our bottles are made with premium quality, food grade stainless steel – the same kind many people use for eating and cooking.

If you’re looking for an insulated stainless steel water bottle for kids, this Eco Vessel kids bottle is a great option.

It’s safe and made of stainless steel, insulated, leak-proof, has a straw, and is great for kids on the go.

I would recommend this safe, insulated, stainless steel bottle for kids.

EcoVessel Water Bottles for Your Drinking Pleasure
Best Travel Water Bottle for Kids
Eco Vessel Kids Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle Review
EcoVessel Surf Recycled Glass Water Bottle vs Zulu Glass Water Bottle
Best Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle ~ Top Picks & What to Know
Best Insulated Water Bottle: Guide to the Best Bottles
Stainless Steel Water Bottles Smackdown
Best Water Bottles for Kids (Ultimate) Guide

Stainless Steel Sippy Cup with Straw: Kid Basix Safe Sippy 2 Review

When I started my search for a stainless steel sippy cup with a straw, I assumed I would have lots of options to choose from.

I looked far and wide, and I quickly learned that there is only one option: the Kid Basix Safe Sippy 2.

I felt a bit like I was putting all of my eggs in one basket as I awaited the arrival of my Safe Sippy 2, which Kid Basix was kind enough to send to me to review.

What if my son didn’t like it?

What if it didn’t work well?

What if it broke, or was hard to clean?

It turns out I didn’t need to worry.

The Kid Basix Safe Sippy 2 has been great for my son.

He loves it, and I love the fact that it’s durable, attractive, and made from stainless steel (safer than plastic).

It’s a sippy cup I can feel good about giving to my son.

If you’re looking for a stainless steel sippy cup with straw, read on.

Find out if this is the right cup for your little one with our Kid Basix Safe Sippy 2 review.

Kid Basix Safe Sippy Features At-a-Glance

Three valves for different uses: one for using it as a straw-less sippy, one for using it with a straw, and one for travel to prevent spills.

Removable handles, which make it easy for little hands to hold the bottle and can be removed when your child gets older.

Sleeve that protects the bottle (and your floors) when it’s inevitably dropped — or thrown.

Note: Unfortunately, this sleeve is not made from silicone and instead made from a mix of plastic and rubber.

I prefer pure silicone, as it’s better for the environment and more natural.

Dust cap to keep dirt off the spout and to prevent leaks and spills.

Lightweight: you’ll barely notice the extra weight in your diaper bag.

Safe: BPA-Free and Phthalate-Free

All Kid Basix products are BPA- and phthalate-free.

That’s great news since those chemicals are linked to a number of adverse health effects, from cancer to asthma.

The Safe Sippy 2 bottle itself is made from food-grade stainless steel.

It’s not lined at all (in some bottles, linings contain BPA).

Any plastics — for example, those used in the spout and handle — are #5, which is the safest plastic.

Fun Colors

The Safe Sippy 2 comes in five bright colors: green, orange, pink, purple, and red — all with orange accents.

You’re sure to find a color your kids will love.

We got the green one and our son loves it.

Great Design

I love the design of this kids’ water bottle.

Unlike some other sippy cups, it’s easy to clean well.

It’s also durable, easy for little hands to grab and hold, and attractive.

I appreciate that it’s tall and thinner than a traditional sippy cup, which means it fits easily in the side pockets of my diaper bag.

Affordable

The Safe Sippy 2, depending on color, on Amazon.

It’s money well spent for the peace of mind you’ll have knowing that your child’s sippy cup is safe.

Versatile

As I mentioned above, there you can switch out the valve and convert the cup from a regular sippy cup to a sippy cup with a straw.

That’s great if your child’s preference changes as he grows, or if one kid prefers a regular sippy and your next one likes the straw.

You can also easily remove the handles so that it’s more like a kids’ water bottle than a sippy cup.

I’m always a fan of two-in-one products.

Know Before You Buy

There are Liquids You Should Avoid

The Safe Sippy 2 is best used for water and non-pulpy juices.

Avoid using your Safe Sippy with hot liquids (since metal conducts heat, the bottle could burn your child), carbonated beverages (they can cause leaks), or pulpy juices (which can clog the valves).

That said, those types of beverages are best avoided in most sippy cups.

The Safe Sippy Isn’t Made in the USA

Although many environmentally-minded consumers hope to find a stainless steel water bottle in the USA, those are virtually impossible to find.

For a number of reasons, chief among them cost, most stainless steel bottle producers outsource to China.

We have yet to find a regular stainless steel water bottle (much less a kids’ stainless steel bottle) that’s made in the US.

The Kid Basix Safe Sippy (and all other Kid Basix products) are made in China, but the company does their best to make sure the bottles are as environmentally friendly and socially responsible as possible.

From the Kid Basix website:

We are an American company however our products are manufactured in China. We have done everything to ensure our factories, worker conditions and products are up to our standards. To do so, we visit our factories frequently. The factories are very clean, orderly and humane. Most importantly, they are ISO (International Standards of Operation) certified which is very difficult to attain and comes from an outside agency that audits for manufacturing processes and standards. Finally, we have the independent testing lab, STR, test all elements of our products from the steel and plastic compounds, to FDA and European child safety standards, to the durability of the stainless steel body – just to make sure.

Two Other Minor Downsides

Besides the fact that it’s not made in the USA (which is basically a given with stainless steel bottles), I’ve only found two minor downsides to the Safe Sippy 2.

One is that it leaks when it’s in straw mode and left on its side, which is a bit of a bummer when you have a toddler carrying it around and leaving it on the floor.

We only give our son water, though, so clean up is easy enough.

The other is that pressure sometimes builds up when the dust cap is on, so occasionally when I open it, water explodes out of it.

It’s not a huge deal since only a small amount of water comes out, but it’s a bit of a nuisance.

Overall, I’m thrilled with the Safe Sippy 2.

The safety of stainless steel and the option of using a straw far outweigh the minor downsides of the Safe Sippy 2.

If you’re looking for a high-quality, durable stainless steel sippy cup with straw, I would highly recommend the Kid Basix Safe Sippy 2, which you can buy on Amazon with free shipping.

Updated: April 22nd, 2019

If you’re looking for a BPA-free water bottle that’s great for toddlers and older kids, the CamelBak Eddy Kids is one to consider.

It’s easy for kids of all ages to use, spill-proof, BPA- and phthalate-free, and it comes in fun designs.

In short, your kid will love it and so will you.

Learn all about the best kids water bottle.

I first thought of letting my son try my CamelBak Eddy bottle when I saw a friend’s 12-month-old happily gulping water from her mom’s bottle.

It had never occurred to me that a toddler so young would be able to figure out the bite valve on a CamelBak water bottle, but it turns out, it’s intuitive.

Over the years, I bought my children several of these bottles.

They established healthy drinking habits.

These bottles kept them hydrated with a healthy choice (water) instead of sugary drinks and juice boxes that are so easy and convenient to toss into a bag.

Why not give them water instead?

If you are looking for the best kids water bottle, the CamelBak Eddy Kids is what you’re looking for.

So what makes the best kids water bottle the best? Best Water Bottles for Kids (Ultimate) Guide

Here’s what we love about it.

CamelBak Best Kids Water Bottle Spill-Proof

One of the best features of the CamelBak Eddy Kids is that it’s spill-proof.

I can let my son carry it around or leave it next to his bed, knowing that if (or when!) it gets knocked over, there won’t be water everywhere.

Because of this, it’s the perfect water bottle to take to school, to the park, on play dates, on errands, and in the car.

Perfect for Chubby Fingers

This bottle is easy for little, not-so-coordinated fingers to operate.

When your toddler pushes the button on the back side of the cap, the bite valve will pop up.

Your preschooler and elementary-aged children will be able to easily use it too.

Great for Kids of All Ages

The bright colors, fun designs, and ease of use will make this bottle a hit with any child.

It even fits in most lunch boxes.

Buy it for your little one and use it for years to come.

Note: This bottle is intended for kids ages 3 and older.

CamelBak Eddy Fun Designs

I’m a little bit jealous that one my child’s water bottles features space robots and mine doesn’t.

Although I would probably choose the T-Rex design for my own bottle.

The Eddy Kids water bottle comes in so many fun designs, ranging from skunks acting as DJs playing records, raccoons flying airplanes, puppies, sea turtles, cats, holiday, jungle animals, butterflies, and so many other creative and colorful designs.

You’ll have a great time choosing.

BPA-Free

This bottle is also BPA-free, which is a requirement for all water bottles in our house.

BPA, which is found in some plastics, is a synthetic estrogen and endocrine disruptor that’s been linked to cancer, infertility, obesity, and a number of other serious health risks.

Needless to say, BPA is definitely not something I want my children ingesting.

Phthalate-Free

The bite valve on the Eddy Kids is made from medical-grade silicone, which is does not contain phthalates.

Phthalates are plasticizes found in soft, rubber-like toys; household products; and even bottle nipples.

They’ve been linked to reproductive system harm, infertility, and asthma.

We avoid them.

Downside: Not for Kids Under 3

The one downside is that the CamelBak Kids water bottle is not meant for children under 3 years old.

The bite valve could dislodge and pose a choking hazard.

Keep this in mind, but know the Eddy Kids bite valve is constructed differently than its adult Eddy counterpart.

The kid’s version is longer and actually goes down into the bottle and connects directly to the straw.

So while not impossible, it seems highly unlikely that even a persistent toddler would be able to dislodge it.

Where to Buy a CamelBak Eddy Kids

You can get the CamelBak Eddy Kids on Amazon.com.

Considering the water bottle will last for years to come, it’s an investment worth making.

The CamelBak Eddy Kids water bottle is the best water bottle for kids and toddlers.

It’s BPA- and phthalate-free, comes in fun designs, and is spill-proof.

It’s an all-around great bottle.

Whether or not you have tried CamelBak products, the CamelBak Eddy Kids is a great choice.

It will fit in your child’s backpack easily.

It also fits in car drink holders.

They make cute stocking stuffers and can be a nice Easter basket idea or other gift.

Best kids water bottle

Encouraging your child to use reusable water bottles from a young age will encourage a lifelong habit of healthy living.

It’s just as easy to fill up a water bottle as it is to give your child a sugar-filled juice box or Gatorade.

Save their teeth, and get them enjoying water early on with these fun kid’s water bottles.

CamelBak BPA Free Better Bottle Water Bottle Review

One of the easiest ways to be a greener traveler is to opt for a reusable water bottle instead of bottled water.

However, one crucial concern of using reusable water bottles is the fact that some contain BPA and phthalates.

If you don’t know what BPA and phthalates are, just know they are toxic chemicals found in plastics.

Most reputable companies are eliminating them from their products.

It is important for you to remove them from your home by tossing them into your recycle bin.

We recently tried the CamelBak BPA Free bottle.

CamelBak BPA Free

CamelBak has recently committed to making all of its products BPA and phthalate free and they were kind enough to send us a bottle to test out.

Here are my thoughts:

I tested a 750ml bottle.

The Classic Cap is currently BPA and phthalate free and the bottle with a straw, Better Bottle with Bite Valve, will be BPA and phthalate free.

Here’s what I subjected by bottle to over the course of the weekend:

• Initial dish washing
• Two days at the office
• Health club workout
• Afternoon walk around DC’s Tidal Basin to see the Cherry Blossoms and the festivities for the Cherry Blossom Festival
• Other touristy DC activities throughout the weekend (Air and Space Museum, National Gallery of Art, Botanical Gardens)

After participating in these rigorous activities here’s how the new CamelBak BPA free scored on a scale of 1-5 with 1 as the worst and 5 as the best.

*Please note that these ratings are completely subjective.*

Weight (without water): 4

It feels like a lightweight plastic bottle. It’s technically made out of Tritan, a copolyester.

The company that makes this material is US manufacturer Eastman.

Ease of Transport: 5

I love the loop on the cap; it’s incredibly easy to attach the loop to my bag via a carabiner.

Looks: 4

It’s a fairly attractive water bottle.

Ease of drinking: 2

For some reason the opening was not a good diameter for me.

Whenever I drank out of it it hit the top of my nose.

It’s skinnier than a traditional Nalgene and wider than a Klean Kanteen.

Durability: NA

Since I only used it for a weekend I don’t feel that this I can adequately judge

Taste of Water after two days: 3

This is the true water bottle test.

If you let the water sit in it for a few days does it absorb a weird taste?

In the case of the CamelBak Better Bottle, it has a slight plastic-y taste to it.

Smell of Water in Bottle: 1

Almost as important as the taste of the water, smell can make or break a food or drink experience.

This was the real downside of the bottle; every time I took a sip I smelled a very plastic-y scent in the bottle.

It was just kind of icky.

Overall: 3

I commend CamelBak’s commitment to manufacturing BPA and phthalate free products; however, I just don’t think the CamelBak Better Bottle is for me.

I like it more than a Nalgene, but less than a Klean Kanteen.

If you currently use and like the Better Bottle then I recommend that you look further into purchasing a new BPA-free one.

Here’s more to engage you:

Are BPA Water Bottles Dead?

Eco Vessel Surf Recycled Glass Water Bottle vs Zulu Glass Water Bottle and BPA-Free Water Bottles.

Then you can be sure that you’re drinking to your health!

Do you own a CamelBak BPA Free water bottle?

Please leave your thoughts about it in the Comments below.

CamelBak Stainless Steel Better Bottle Review

Just a few week after pouring my heart out about Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottles, CamelBak emailed me to let me know about their brand new line of stainless steel water bottles.

They offered to send me one to try out and another to give away.

I accepted.

I’m the first to admit my bias towards Klean Kanteen and my initial thought was, ‘What can CamelBak’s bottle have that Klean Kanteen doesn’t?’

Well, turns out that the CamelBak Stainless Steel Better Bottle (BPA Free) has a upped the Klean Kanteen on several fronts.

First, they offer an insulated water bottle.

The CamelBak Stainless Steel Water Bottle is pretty amazing.

It’s been my water bottle of choice for the past few weeks.

The insulation does two things:

1) It keeps the water cool and

2) it prevents “sweating” or condensation build up on the bottle.

While my Klean Kanteen gets hot in the sun, the CamelBak does not.

I had my CamelBak insulated bottle filled with water while gardening in the sun for several hours and the water didn’t get warm.

Or if I fill it with ice water and set it on my nifty roll top desk, I don’t have to worry about water marks from condensation.

Second, the Bite Valve is a nice addition to the water bottle.

At first I was wary of the CamelBak bite valve — the water bottle acts more like a glass with a straw than a traditional water bottle.

But, it turns out the Bite Valve is handy because while driving, working out, or sitting at your desk, you don’t have to turn the bottle upside down and awkwardly tilt your head (dribbling water down your shirt).

CamelBak Stainless Steel Better Bottle: What’s Not to Love

While the new addition to stainless steel water bottles is pretty amazing, the CamelBak Water Bottle falls short in a few ways:

Not 100% Stainless Steel

The straw and cap of the CamelBak is BPA free and Phthalates free, but they are still made out of plastic and silicone.

If you’re looking to get rid of plastic in your life, then you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Here’s what CamelBak says about what’s in the cap:

“The CamelBak Better Bottle caps used on our stainless steel bottles are made primarily from polypropylene, with other plastics that are all BPA- and Phthalates-free.

The bite valve is medical-grade silicone for long life and taste-free performance.

The straw is made of polyethylene, the same material used in milk jugs.”

Not Dishwasher Safe – In our new house we don’t (yet) have a dishwasher, but for folks who do – know that the CamelBak Stainless Steel Better Bottle is not dishwasher safe.

The cap is, but the bottle itself isn’t.

Only holds a .5 Liters

Unfortunately the insulated bottle only holds .5 liters of water.

This is good enough for short treks, but not for longer ones.

The .5 liter insulated bottle is actually the same size as the .75 liter non-insulated stainless steel bottle.

But because of the vacuum insulation the insulated bottle weighs more and holds less.

CamelBak Overall Review

My dislikes aside, I think the CamelBak Stainless Steel water bottles are a great addition to the stainless steel water bottle market.

If you’re already a CamelBak user and like the bite valve, I highly recommend either the insulated version or the regular version.

If you don’t currently have a CamelBak water bottle and are looking for an insulated bottle, the insulated version is definitely worth purchasing.

You’ll no longer have to worry about BPA.

CamelBak Frequently Asked Questions

On the CamelBak website they have a great question answer set about their water bottles.

What are CamelBak® Stainless Steel Bottles made of?

All materials in CamelBak bottles are selected for their safety, durability, and cleanability.

All materials are BPA-free, phthalate-free and safe for use in a hydration bottle.

The new CamelBak Better BottleTM Stainless Insulated .5L, Better BottleTM Stainless .75L, and CamelBak Kids BottleTM Stainless .4L are made with medical-grade stainless steel.

Stainless steel is a special type of steel that is naturally stain-resistant, corrosion-resistant and taste free.

Because of these unique benefits, stainless steel is used in a variety of products from cookware and mugs to medical and surgical devices and food processing equipment.

Stainless steel is strong, scratch-resistant and provides a naturally bright, clean finish without coatings or paints.

The CamelBak Better Bottle™ caps used on our stainless steel bottles are made primarily from polypropylene, with other plastics that are all BPA- and phthalate-free.

The bite valve is medical-grade silicone for long life and taste-free performance.

The straw is made of polyethylene, the same material used in milk jugs.

Why stainless steel and not aluminum?

When we design a product we look for the best material to satisfy customer requirements.

For metal bottles, consumers tell us they prefer the durability and purity of stainless steel.

Aluminum bottles have to be made with an inner coating or liners—often with undisclosed ingredients—to protect the metal, which isn’t required on a stainless steel bottle.

Stainless steel is also stronger, harder and more scratch resistant than aluminum, making a more durable long-lasting bottle for all your adventures.

What is BPA? Are the CamelBak stainless steel bottles BPA-Free?

Bisphenol-A is an ingredient used to make polycarbonate and certain other plastics.

In recent months, there has been increasing consumer demand for a bottles made without Bisphenol-A (BPA).

CamelBak is proud to offer all of its bottles in BPA-free materials, including the Better Bottle, the Classic Bottle, the Podium Bottle and the Performance Bottle.

The new Stainless Steel bottles are also all BPA-Free.

All of our bottle products receive rigorous 3rd party testing to ensure that no harmful chemicals have been detected to come in contact with, or leach into food/beverage surfaces.

Testing is completed to demonstrate compliance with the following US and international standards:

U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) food safety standards

European Community food safety standards

Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare

California Prop 65

What are phthalates (pronounced Thal-ates)?

Phthalates are a component added to some plastics to make them soft and pliable.

None of CamelBak’s bottles have ever contained phthalates.

Some other bottles talk about “extruded” construction.

How are your stainless steel bottles constructed?

Metal extrusion is a process by which a single piece of metal is compressed under extremely high pressures to stretch it into a new shape, like a bottle.

Extrusion processes place a lot of stress on the material and also consume a lot of energy.

Our stainless steel bottles are made with a welded construction.

At the start, a precision-rolled sheet of steel is cut and formed under low pressure into the shape of the bottle, then welded.

Finally the bottle is ground and brushed to provide a finished appearance.

Welded construction gives more freedom and control over product shape and design, and also enables us to create a lightweight double-wall vacuum bottle for our .5L insulated Better Bottle.

What is vacuum insulation and how is it made?

To make our Insulated .5L bottle we first construct an inner and outer bottle which are sealed together and welded shut to be completely air-tight.

Then the bottle is connected to a high-power vacuum pump which removes all the air from the gap in between the inner and outer bottle.

Since there’s nothing to conduct heat across the gap, vacuum insulation is more effective than foam or other common insulating materials.

Vacuum insulation works so well, it is the technology of choice for cryogenic storage tanks and other high-performance insulating vessels.

Our vacuum insulated bottle can keep your beverages cool for hours.

The Better Bottle Stainless Insulated .5L and Better Bottle Stainless .75L are the same size and shape.

Why the volume difference?

Both the .75L and Insulated .5L bottles feature the iconic shape and design of the award-winning original Better Bottle.

The double-wall construction of the Insulated .5L occupies some of the internal volume of the bottle, resulting in the reduced water capacity.

I prefer the Stainless .75L bottle but still want insulation.

What other options do I have?

One option we can recommend is the CamelBak Insulated Bottle Sleeve.

This neoprene sleeve fits the bottle like a glove, insulates the bottle in hot and cold weather, and comes in three color options.

Do I need to clean the bottle before first use?

The stainless steel bottle is easily cleaned by hand with a bottle brush, using warm water and mild soap if desired.

The cap assembly can be cleaned in the top rack of a household dishwasher.

The straw and bite valve may be removed from the cap to help provide better cleaning of the inside passages of the cap.

It’s a good idea to place small parts in a top-rack basket, if available.

What’s the clear thing (or pink or green or blue) on top of the bottle for? Do I remove it or cut it to drink?

The silicone ‘cap’ is the CamelBak Big Bite™ Valve.

This patented feature provides easy drinking and spill-proof safety.

Do NOT remove or cut this piece to drink.

Simply bite it slightly and sip as you would out of a straw.

What happens if I put sports drinks/juice in the Better Bottle?

Use of any of these drinks in the bottle is fine, but thorough cleaning after each use is recommended.

Can I use carbonated beverages?

We do not recommend the use of carbonated beverages in the bottle.

Because of the spill-proof sealed construction of the bottle, carbonated beverages can cause pressure build-up in the bottle.

This is not at all dangerous but can result in an experience like opening a shaken-up can of soda!

If you want to use carbonated beverages with the Better Bottle, we recommend that you remove the straw and drink via “tip and sip.”

Can I put hot liquids in it?

We do not recommend using hot beverages in the stainless steel bottles.

The experience will be similar to drinking hot liquid through a straw, with similar risk of burns.

Additionally, the single-wall metal bottle (.75L and .4L sizes) does not insulate your hand from the heat of the contents.

Is the CamelBak Better Bottle microwave safe?

Like any metal product, the stainless steel bottles should not be used in a microwave oven.

Can I freeze the CamelBak Better Bottle with Bite Valve?

You can freeze the bottle but make sure:

The bottle is not completely full when you do this (we recommend only 3/4 full to allow for expansion of the water as it freezes to ice).

The bottle is right side up

We also recommend that the bite valve stem NOT be flipped up or down if there is any frozen water in the tube.

Wait until thawed.

Does the CamelBak Better Bottle work with filters?

The CamelBak Better Bottle is compatible with filters that adapt to a 63 mm screw top opening.

In other words, it’s compatible with most filters on the market.

What happens if I take the straw off?

Removal of the straw allows a “tip and sip” mode of drinking.

Can I use the CamelBak Better Bottle in high-altitude/ low-pressure environments? (i.e. airplanes, mountain altitudes, etc)

Yes, but with special care.

Keep the bottle right side up with the bite valve in the closed position.

Remove the straw for additional protection.

Expect a bit of “spurt” during the first sip.

How do I clean the CamelBak stainless steel bottles?

The stainless steel bottle is easily cleaned by hand with a bottle brush, using warm water and mild soap if desired.

The cap assembly can be cleaned in the top rack of a household dishwasher.

The straw and bite valve may be removed from the cap to help provide better cleaning of the inside passages of the cap.

It’s a good idea to place small parts in a top-rack basket, if available.

We only recommend products we’ve tried out and liked.

We do link through affiliate links when they are available.

We are not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites, or other topics.

We will only recommend products or services that we believe, based on our experience, are worthy of endorsement.

Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

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CamelBak Eddy Glass Water Bottle Review

I consider myself a bit of a water bottle connoisseur, we’ve reviewed a lot of bottles, but most of my bottles are made out of BPA-free plastic or stainless steel.

I’m a big fan of stainless steel water bottles, but I know some people don’t like the way the water tastes when they’re drinking from a metal water bottle.

That’s where glass water bottles come in.

My BPA-free plastic CamelBak Eddy is one of my favorite water bottles, so I was thrilled to try out CamelBak’s new glass water bottle.

If you want an excellent glass water bottle, CamelBak’s glass Eddy bottle is for you.

And with the holidays just around the corner, the glass Eddy is the perfect gift.

Here’s my review of what I love about the CamelBak glass Eddy.

Also, check out our Eco Vessel Surf Recycled Glass Water Bottle vs Zulu Glass Water Bottle

Glass Water Bottle Review

The Glass Bottle Feels Sturdy

There is something about how the Eddy glass bottles feels in your hand that helps you realize you probably won’t break it.

In fact, I have dropped the bottle numerous times without any cracks or even scuff marks.

The silicone sleeve offers good protection for the bottle and keeps it from slipping out of your hand.

Plus, the bottle is just made of thicker glass than I’ve seen on other (non-reusable) glass water bottles.

It’s sort of like the difference between a wine glass and a glass jar.

The only downside to the bottle’s sturdiness is that it’s a little heavy.

I wouldn’t take this on long trips with me, but I would highly recommend it for around the home or office.

The Water Tastes Better

I’ve heard the complaint about stainless bottles all the time: “the water tastes funny.”

I personally don’t taste any difference drinking from a stainless or plastic bottle, but if you lined up all three — a stainless, plastic, and glass.

I’m certain that most people would prefer the taste of water from the glass water bottle.

It tastes like delicious regular water, without anything extra.

The Glass Water Bottle is Attractive

The silicone sleeve protects the bottle and adds a splash of color and style.

Each of the four color choices (purple, charcoal, aqua, and lime) is vibrant and fun.

A glass water bottle is something you’d rather have sitting out on your desk at work than a stainless bottle.

The CamelBak Eddy is Toxin-Free

The CamelBak Eddy doesn’t contain any BPA.

The container, lid, straw, and bite valve are all BPA-free.

The glass bottle is toxin-free, so you don’t have to worry about what is ending up in your body.

The Bottle is Easy to Drink From

One of my least favorite things about most stainless steel water bottles is that they’re noisy to drink out of.

If you have a sport cap on a stainless bottle, it makes a strange squeaky noise.

Certainly not something you’d want others to hear if you’re at the office or in a quiet coffee shop.

And, if you opt for a regular top, you’ll spill water down your shirt (especially while driving).

The great thing about CamelBak bottles is their bite valve system.

You just bite down on the bottle and suck from the straw.

Right side up.

This means no funny noises from a sports cap, no spills down the front of your shirt, and no spills on the floor.

The valve keeps it from spilling even when it’s on it’s side.

If you’ve previously owned a CamelBak you may have found the bite valve a little difficult to clean.

But you’ll be glad to know that this bite valve is a little bigger and therefore much easier to clean.

Who I Recommend This Bottle For

The Eddy Glass Bottle is the perfect bottle for anyone looking for a reusable bottle for work, home, or the car.

It’s great for anyone who doesn’t like stainless bottles because of their taste, or are worried about other ingredients in BPA-Free plastic bottles.

You can buy the bottle here. As you can see from reading this glass water bottle review, I’m a big fan of the Eddy Glass Bottle.

I know you will be, too.

This post contains affiliate links, which allow us to provide high-quality content for free.

Thanks for your support!

CamelBak was kind enough to send us a water bottle to try out for this post.

Updated: April 22nd, 2019

The Pura Kiki stainless steel water bottle is a great choice for babies and toddlers.

You can use it instead of a plastic baby bottle for an infant, or in lieu of a sippy cup for an older baby or toddler.

My one-year-old, who was slow to catch on to sippy cups, loves it.

Depending on which Pura Kiki style you buy, they come with either the nipple or the straw cup.

They are great for home, car and travel use.

Here’s what I love about the Pura Kiki Stainless Steel Baby Bottle:

It’s Affordable

Some stainless steel baby bottles are pricier than others.

The Pura Kiki is more affordable.

You can buy the 11-ounce Pura Kiki bottle, 9-ounce Pura Kiki bottle, 5-ounce Pura Kiki bottle.

It makes the perfect baby shower, first birthday, or Christmas gift.

It’s Safe and Durable

We’ve written a lot about the merits of stainless steel water bottles, and the Kiki is no exception.

The Pura Kiki is 100% free of BPA, phthalate, lead, and PVC.

It doesn’t leach any heavy metals and, unlike plastic bottles, there’s no risk of the Kiki leaching chemicals or petroleum by-products.

It’s made of solid stainless steel that won’t break when your baby inevitably throws it on the ground.

It’s the Perfect Size

The Pura Kiki bottle now comes in three sizes: an 11 ounce bottle, designed for 6 months+, a 9 ounce bottle, and 5 ounce bottle, designed for 0-6 months.

The 11 ounce size is perfect for my 12-month-old.

I keep it in the side pocket of my diaper bag so it’s accessible when we’re on the go.

It’s also great for travel because it doesn’t take up much space.

Both sizes come with a nipple or spout and a spout travel cover.

We love that these bottles grow with your child.

It Comes in Fun Colors

So many stainless steel bottles come in just one color, but the Pura Kiki stainless steel baby bottle is different.

It comes in 6 bright colors: spring green, aqua blue, pretty pink, grape, orange, and natural stainless.

We have the spring green, and I love the vivid color.

Your toddler will love it, too.

As you can see in the photo above, I also have a Pura Kiki Pebble Silicone Bottle Sleeve on my bottle, which I would highly recommend.

It protects the bottle (and the floors!) when my toddler tosses it off of his highchair tray.

You can buy the silicone sleeve for tall or short.

Many of the Pura Kiki bottles now come with the silicone sleeve attached.

It’s Versatile and Compatible with Many Nipples

I love that the Pura Kiki is compatible with many major bottle nipple and sippy cup spouts.

That means you can save money by using nipples and spouts you already have.

Compatible nipples include: Avent® Sport Spout, ThinkBaby™ Nipples, Born Free Stage 2 Silicone Nipples- Twin Pack, Dr. Brown’s Wide Neck Nipples, Pura Vented Nipple, Pura Kiki Silicone Sip Spouts Pigeon™ Silicone Nipples, and UPIS nipples.

It’s Easy and Convenient to Use

The Kiki has internal markings so you can easily measure ounces and keep track of how much your baby is drinking.

It’s also dishwasher safe — just be sure to wash it on the top rack.

And I love how slim the Kiki is; unlike other sippy cups, it doesn’t take up much space in the diaper bag, which means I can keep it accessible.

That’s especially important when we’re traveling and my son needs to stay hydrated.

The Bottom Line

If you’re in the market for a stainless steel baby bottle or a kids’ stainless steel water bottle for your baby or toddler, the Pura Kiki is a great choice.

It’s safe, durable, compatible with nipples you already have, and comes in fun colors your baby will love.

With the holiday season just around the corner, the Pura Kiki water bottle would make a great gift for your favorite baby or toddler.

Updated: April 22nd, 2019

Ultimate Collapsible Water Bottle – Just about all eco-conscious travelers are aware of the virtues of stainless steel water bottles.

And if you want to know which ones are best, check out our Stainless Steel Water Bottle Smackdown.

But what about the collapsible water bottle option?

At first it might seem a tad gimmicky, but this foldable water bottle variety is here to stay.

Is it a viable green option?

If so, which one should you buy?

Ultimate Collapsible Water Bottle Guide

Pros and cons of the Ultimate Collapsible water bottle

1. Lightweight
2. Packable
3. Foldable
4. Great for backpacking or hiking
5.  Some are made in the USA

Cons:

1. Made with plastic materials
2. Most hold less volume than traditional hard-shelled bottles
3. Foldable: most don’t stay upright easily
4. More seams equate to greater leaking potential

If collapsible water bottles are made of plastic, are they eco-friendly and safe?

Some are not: read carefully before buying!

The options listed below are all BPA-free.

They are all reusable, and all require less energy to pack, carry, and create than heavier stainless steel.

Warning: cheap collapsible water bottles, such as most free promotional ones, will leak!

You’re better off spending a few more dollars on one of the ones below.

BPA-Free Collapsible Water Bottles

Platypus PlusBottle:

The Platypus bottle is BPA-free, made in the USA, and holds a full liter of water.

All Platypus collapsible bottles are made to fit in car bottle holders (though they sometimes fall over) and all the tops in the Platypus line are interchangeable, a big plus.

The PlusBottle is coated with what Platypus calls its Slimeguard antimicrobial treatment, which is a fancy way of saying it’s treated with a natural (and safe) coating of silver ion which keeps the water fresh and taste-free.

The PlusBottle is on Amazon.

The Nalgene bottle is also BPA-free, and holds more liquid at 1.5 liters or 3.0 liters.

It’s stiffer than the Platypus, and instead of folding it, travelers can roll it.

I really like that its wide mouth fits ice cubes and almost all filtration systems.

It’s best for backpackers, as the wide mouth might be a detriment for kids and casual travelers.

The 48 oz version can be found at Amazon.

Vapur Element Collapsible bottle:

The Vapur (also made in the USA and BPA-free) includes what it calls a SuperCap over its wide-mouth, which makes it perfect for adding ice cube and easily sipping from.

According to numerous Amazon reviews (this is the only bottle of the three I haven’t personally tried), the Vapur stands up well while filling, and doesn’t collapse even when only half-full.

When the collapsible water bottle is best

Airport security: easily dump liquids at security, fold and store, and refill at the gate.

Backpacking during which weight (or lack thereof) is important (use a carabiner to attach a collapsible water bottle to your pack)

Packing in luggage for use later during a trip

When a stainless steel water bottle is better

Hiking or backpacking if you dislike hanging a bottle from your pack, and prefer a bottle pocket.

Car trips during which you need water bottles that fit in a cup holder.

Travels with kids for which you’ll need a sippy cup spout on your bottle.

Check out our best water bottle for kids picks.

There are good options for collapsible water bottles and they can work really well for travelers.

Just think about what you’ll use your collapsible water bottle for, then make sure you get one that’s BPA-free and won’t leak.

Do you use a collapsible water bottle?

Which brand do you recommend?

Any pit falls?

Osprey Verve Women’s Hydration Pack

The true test of a great backpack is not in its performance upon first use, but in how often you reach for it afterward.

As a travel gear reviewer who specializes in outdoor gear, I have a lot of backpacks sitting in wait of the next day hike or bike ride.

The folks at Osprey were kind enough to send me a Verve 5 to try out.

Ever since I reviewed the Osprey Verve women’s hydration pack, this is the backpack I reach for.

The Osprey Verve for Women Review

The Osprey Verve hydration pack for womencomes in 5L, 9L, and 13L.

a full-sized hydration bladder, hose, and mouth valve included, this pack is meant to be an all-in-one hydration solution and storage pack for both warm-weather day hikes and bike rides as well as winter sport excursions including skiing, snowshoeing, or cross-country trekking.

It also makes a great companion on travel days with plenty of walking or city touring involved.

Depending on the size chosen, the Verve can comfortably fit your day’s essentials on top of your water needs.

Verve Hydration Pack Design

I tested the Verve 5L, which I assumed would be very small, but was in fact much roomier than I’d anticipated.

I always recommend trying out packs in a brick-and-mortar store before buying online for this very reason.

While the 5L holds less storage room than some hydration packs, and has a sleek, flatter shape, it more than makes up for its smaller volume with numerous compartments to separate your stuff.

In addition to the reservoir pocket, there’s a roomy outer zip pocket with two interior compartments for a cell phone, snack, or gloves.

I’ve fit snacks for my family in this pocket, along with a hat and camera.

Secondly, there’s a stash pocket to stuff a light jacket, base layer, or thick pair of winter gloves.

Lastly, you get a small zip pocket at the top for storing keys, a cell phone, or other small essentials (perhaps sunscreen or chapstick).

On the outside are two side mesh water bottle pockets plus a helmet clip to secure a bike helmet.

I found the pack construction to be superior to other hydration packs I’ve tried: you get Osprey’s AirScape back panel to wick away moisture and provide some air flow, plus the hydration hose is secured with not only a sleeve down the shoulder strap, but a handy magnet that holds it in place.

I assumed this would be gimmicky, but now I get annoyed with any pack that does not include a magnetic valve attachment!

The Verve includes a chest strap as well as a hip belt, and a small front pocket on the shoulder strap.

Verve Hydration Reservoir

The reservoir is one of the easiest to fill that I’ve tried: to fill an Osprey, you open a large valve located on the side of the bladder and hold the reservoir flat under the water stream.

There’s a sturdy handle by which to hold it and load it back into the pack (in its own compartment, of course).

If you already have an additional Osprey pack, it’s a breeze to transfer the Verve hydration system to a large pack.

The dimensions of the 5L Verve are: IN: 18 x 9 x 6 – CM: 45 x 22 x 16

What you get:

In addition to the pockets and features mentioned below, the Verve comes with the following:

• Blinker light attachment
• ErgoPull hip belt
• Lidlock technology on the hydration system
• panel load access

Why a hydration pack?

Why choose a hydration pack over a stainless steel water bottle?

It’s a matter of preference, of course, but in my experience, I simply drink more water when I have the convenience of a hydration pack at my fingertips (so to speak).

So do my kids: when I strap a hydration pack on their backs, they happily drink water due to the ‘fun factor’ alone, whereas I have to remind them to stop to drink from their water bottles.

I also find that hydration packs need filling less often than water bottles (holding an average of 2L-3L), making them the best choice when water sources may be scarce.

Pick up a Verve 5 for day trips, day travel, and shorter outdoor excursions.

Do you use a hydration pack while traveling or experiencing the outdoors?

What model do you recommend?

Updated: July 23rd, 2019

Best Travel Water Bottle for Kids – Parents who travel green are among the most responsible consumers: not only are they committed to eco-friendly products, but they demand the highest standards when it comes to the safety of their kids.

I’d like to think I’m no exception, which is why I did extensive research before purchasing stainless steel water bottles for my children.

The good news is that there are so many safe, non-plastic lined or coated options now available. Best Water Bottles for Kids (Ultimate) Guide

The bad news is that it’s still hard to know which bottles to invest in for your family.

Below, you’ll find my picks for the best travel water bottle for kids.

How to Be Responsible to the Environment with Green Traveling

Best Travel Water Bottle for Kids

Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Bottle

This classic (and one of the first stainless steel options to arrive on the scene) continues to be the most durable in our household.

My kids have been carting Klean Kanteens back and forth to school daily for 2-3 years, and they always survive drops and crashes.

Kleen Kanteen bottles will dent slightly like all stainless steel bottles, but because they’re not lined, no damage occurs from a health perspective.

For families with kids of multiple ages like mine, it’s nice that they come in the most sizes of any stainless steel bottle brand (including the small 12 oz).

As an added plus, additional tops can be purchased and interchanged; my kids prefer the sports tops, but families with babies and toddlers will love the sippy cup top option.

Klean Kanteens has a great variety of colors and sizes for kids.

They are usually less than $20.

Camelbak Better Bottle

I love that Camelbak’s Better Bottle comes with inserted “bite valve” straws for easy drinking (and less spilling!), and it doesn’t hurt that they come in such nice patterns and colors.

Even with their bite valve feature, the Camelbak Better Bottle has no moving parts, which makes cleaning easier, too.

You can get an insulated version as well (though they’re pretty hefty, and therefore a bit less travel-friendly).

A lighter insulated pick is the Hydro Flask, though they’re pricer than most families care to pay and only come in two sizes.

Pick up a Camelbak for between $14-$32, depending on size and features.

Crocodile Creek Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Besides being cute as button, the Crocodile Creek Stainless Steel Bottle, which is made just for kids, has a nifty little cover over the top.

This cover not only reduces spills, but is more hygienic, as kids tend to let their bottles rest in the dirt, sand, and other places I probably don’t want to think about.

The bottle holds over 13 oz. Depending on the pattern and where you buy them, these range from as low as $10 to around $20.

Stainless steel vs plastic water bottle best for kids

While most water bottle brands are featuring BPA-free plastic options now, we still believe in using stainless steel day in and day out.

We’re just not all that comfortable with how the plastic may break down after use.

Also, it’s always in the back of our minds to not drink water from plastic when it’s been sitting in the sun.

So we typically choose stainless steel for kids. 

Our one exception?

Air travel.

EcoVessel Water Bottles for Your Drinking Pleasure
Best Travel Water Bottle for Kids
Eco Vessel Kids Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle Review
EcoVessel Surf Recycled Glass Water Bottle vs Zulu Glass Water Bottle
Best Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle ~ Top Picks & What to Know
Best Insulated Water Bottle: Guide to the Best Bottles

When we travel by air, our kids bring their BPA-free bladder-style water bottles.

They pack very easily (and lightly), making them perfect to carry through airport security empty to be refilled on the other side.

The downside: the cheaper brands tend to leak and use the non-safe plastics, so you definitely don’t want to bargain shop in this department.

Our favorite, which uses only Polyethylene (PET) plastic (which is not known to leach any chemicals into water), is the Platypus.

Do your kids use stainless steel water bottles? Which is your child’s favorite?

Please share your favorite brand and style in the comments!

Photo credit: cogdog and I Love Water Bottles