The 10 Best Collapsible Bottles
This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in October of 2015. You know you're supposed to drink more water, but getting the ideal amount doesn't have to involve expensive and environmentally-harmful disposable plastic bottles. Fortunately, you can stay hydrated without hurting the planet or your pocketbook, thanks to these collapsible options. They're a normal size when filled, but can shrink to fit unobtrusively in a bag, purse, or backpack when empty. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. Skip to the best collapsible bottle on Amazon.
10. Nefeeko Foldable
9. Hydrapak Stash
8. Baiji Bottle
7. Kemier S5-Pro
6. Survivor Filter Collapsible Canteens
5. Hydaway Travel
4. Nalgene Cantene
3. Hydrapak UltraFlask
2. Platypus Platy 2
1. Nomader 22oz.
Special Honors
Smart Bottle Wolverine Cub The Smart Bottle Wolverine Cub folds flat, just like several other models, but unlike most, it has a square bottom that boosts its stability. Plus, it has a tab for hanging that's reinforced with a metal ring, which lets you clip it where you want without worrying about breakage. smartbottleinc.com
Blue Soda Promo H2O On the Go You can keep your customers hydrated — and keep your logo in front of them — with the Blue Soda Promo H2O On the Go. They're screen-printed and even have a space where the user can write his or her name, but you'll need to order in bulk, which can be a little pricey. bluesodapromo.com
Stojo 20 Ounce Standing 7.1 inches tall when expanded, the Stojo 20 Ounce collapses to a diminutive 3.3 inches for excellent portability. It boasts a curvy shape that's modern and eye-catching, and there are plenty of colors to select from, including Carbon, Steel, and Carnation. stojo.co
Editor's Notes
February 28, 2020:
Because of their versatility, durability, and light weight, we have kept several silicone options, but it's worth noting that because of their construction, they can be harder to drink from than a typical, hard-sided bottle. For this reason, you'll want to consider these for times when space is truly an issue, rather than for all-day, every-day use, when a regular water bottle would work better. The exception is the Nomader 22oz., which has a hard ring that makes it easier to grip than some, including the Nefeeko Foldable and the Hydrapak Stash. These silicone types also require thorough cleaning to prevent mold buildup, although all water bottles can become slimy, which is why you'll probably want to invest in a set of bottle brushes.
We've also kept plastic pouch types, including the Survivor Filter Collapsible Canteens and the Platypus Platy 2. Popular with backpackers, these are exceptionally light and don't take up too much space. They work with a variety of water filter straws — with one exception. The Platy 2 may leak a little when paired with the Sawyer Mini, which can mix your dirty and clean water, something to be cautious about. And we've removed the Vapur Eclipse over general concerns about leakage.
Finally, we've opted to add the Hydrapak UltraFlask, which is made for use with hydration vests. It's a useful tool for athletes and hikers who need quick and easy access to their water, especially since it flattens as it empties to prevent jostling and bouncing.
You Need To Drink More Water
Other beverages may have adverse health effects, and nothing will be as good as making sure you've always got a water bottle with you to keep your body hydrated.
You've probably heard the statistic that sixty percent of your body is water, along with a lot of varying recommendations about how much you should be drinking. The idea of needing 8 glasses a day isn't very useful when glasses come in all sizes. People have even died from drinking too much water. So what is the real science behind this? How much water do we actually need, and why?
Water is a vital part of many body processes. It forms saliva, lubricates joints, and flushes out body waste. It's also a major component of organs like the brain and heart, acts as a shock absorber to prevent injury, and delivers oxygen all over the body. Without the water in your system, your body wouldn't be able to absorb the nutrients it needs in order to function.
Dehydration can have ill effects on your body. Cramping, fatigue, and headaches are just a few warning signs that your body isn't getting the help it needs. There are a lot of ways to check if you're consuming enough water, including looking at your urine. But if you need a general rule, an adult male should get 3 to 4 liters per day, and an adult female should get 2 to 3 liters per day.
It's possible to get what your body needs without drinking that much. You absorb water through food, and other liquids can also deliver the necessary H2O to your system. The problem many people run into is that they drink a lot of soda, coffee, or alcohol, and expect that to carry them through. Other beverages may have adverse health effects, and nothing will be as good as making sure you've always got a water bottle with you to keep your body hydrated.
Contamination Can Be Deadly
There are risks to drinking water from an untrusted source. Waterborne diseases account for 1.5 million deaths annually. You shouldn't just walk up to a creek and slurp down a handful of murky liquid. Microorganisms can cause disease, and pollution can introduce harmful chemicals to the water supply.
You can always buy bottled water, but that can be expensive and bad for the environment.
In 2015, it was discovered that the drinking water in Flint, Michigan, had been contaminated by high levels of lead, which can cause mental disabilities in young children. A state of emergency was declared, and citizens were unable to trust the water coming out of their faucets.
Though many cities have safe drinking water, consumers have a right to be skeptical. You can always buy bottled water, but that can be expensive and bad for the environment. Luckily, many types of water filters are available for the home. In addition to those that attach to your faucet, there are simpler versions in the form of a pitcher, as well as under sink units that can help you make sure that what's coming out of the kitchen faucet is safe for your family to drink.
Travelers Should Be Extra Cautious
If you're on the move, it's a good idea to keep a water bottle with you to stay hydrated, but you need to be conscious of what you're putting into it. The quality of tap water varies in different parts of the world, and parasites like cryptosporidium could send you to the hospital and ruin your trip. A lot of travelers like to have a filtration system handy, because bottled water can be expensive or unavailable, depending on how far you are from civilization.
One drawback to standard options is that they can be quite bulky when carried in a purse or messenger bag.
For campers, there are camping water filters that you can use to protect yourself when getting water from a river or well. For the rest of us, there are bottles that have built-in filters. Just make sure you know what your bottle's filter does and doesn't remove before you use it outdoors.
If you're looking for something a little simpler that you can fill up at home and have with you on the go, there are a lot of choices. There are bottles designed for cycling enthusiasts, and even some just for dogs. There are options made of metal and some made from plastic, as well as models with straws and those with caps. Look for a choice that's BPA-free to avoid the possibility of chemicals seeping into your drink.
One drawback to standard options is that they can be quite bulky when carried in a purse or messenger bag. If you're flying or backpacking, you don't want something that's going to take up a lot of space. That's what makes collapsible bottles so handy. They can be packed away when not in use, but have many of the same features as other bottles. You might not need it all the time, but when you get invited on a last-minute hiking trip, you'll be glad you brought it along.
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Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.