How to Pick the Best Water Bottle for your Life

People everywhere are making a commitment to drink more water. But the decision to incorporate more water into your active lifestyle is just the first step. Once you decide you want to drink more water you have to make the decision of what kind of glass or bottle you plan to use. To some people, it may seem that this decision doesn’t really matter. But after drinking water primarily as my only choice for over 30 years, I am here to tell you that there are definite differences and pros and cons for each kind of water bottle.

If you made this commitment to drink more water in 2020, I have some great suggestions to help you pick the best water bottle for your lifestyle.

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How to Pick the Best Water Bottle for your Life

You might notice that I did not say how to pick the perfect water bottle. That’s because I have many water bottles that fit different occasions. There is not a one size fits all when you decide to drink water.

My decision to drink more water started when I was 17 working at a local restaurant fast food restaurant. I chose water because I didn’t want to pay for a soda when I had my break. But I quickly realized that water did not always taste good out of a paper cup at the local restaurant. That’s when I started adding lemon in my water.

Fast forward almost 30 years and I still drink water at every meal and throughout the day. (And I still love adding lemon to my water). But I also branch out and like adding other fruits like strawberries, kiwi, peaches, or blueberries.

Over the years I have used many different types of water bottles and I’m here to help you pick the best water bottle for your lifestyle.

What is your goal?

Some people want to calculate how many fluid ounces of water they’re drinking every day. For these people, it is a daily challenge to hit a certain number. If that is your goal, then you might want to choose a water bottle that has the ounces clearly marked. Then you can easily record your progress as you drink water throughout the day.

Where are you going?

When I am traveling or out on the road, I prefer to use a water filtration bottle. True, most airports and many hotels have filtered water stations strategically located throughout the lobby or concourse. However, I don’t always want to rely on that. Since water in different areas of the country has different standards for filtration with chemicals and various levels of fluoride, I like the comfort of knowing that when I am on the road my water is filtered.

I have used various brands of water filter bottles over the years. Each one has its own particular good points and drawbacks. Back in February, I started using the Seychelle Water Filtration Bottle that offers me the comfort of knowing that the water I drink when I am out traveling is 99.99% contaminant free.

I also use my Seychelle water filtration bottle when I am out on adventures just in case my camping, hiking, or travel takes an unexpected turn. I now have the capability to filter water and not have to depend on bottled water. This gives me peace of mind when I am traveling.

Does water taste bad to you?

If your answer to this is yes then you may need to switch to a glass bottle. When I am drinking water at home, I prefer to drink out of a glass bottle. Glass bottles give a clean taste and a more pure experience. If you don’t believe me, just try it. I use the Love Bottle every day when I am working. Whether I am outside on my back porch patio or working from my treadmill desk, this is my favorite glass bottle.

Another way to improve the taste of water is to add ice. Ice water in a glass or glass bottle has a crisper taste. Again, don’t take my word for it. Just try it yourself.

The third alternative to adding taste to water is to use fruit. You can buy water bottles that have an infuser for sliced fruit. I have found that a slice of lemon, strawberry, or even something like a piece of kiwi greatly enhances the flavor of water.

Think about the last time you went to a hotel or conference center. Did they have a big water dispenser with fruit? It not only looks fancier but also tastes better. When I want something special and don’t want to just drink regular water, I use my fruit infuser pitcher. Just remember to change the fruit regularly. If you leave the fruit in the infuser more than one day it will start to mold – and nobody likes that.

Do you need a portable option?

When we go on family trips, each person has their own water bottle. Each member of the family has a different preference for what kind of water bottle they want to use. When we were on a road trip out west, it was standard practice each morning or one member of the family to go get ice from the ice machine, then we would fill our Contigo water bottles from the reusable filtered water bottle station in the lobby or use bottled water that we had purchased at the grocery store. When we start the day with our water bottles filled then we all end up drinking enough water to keep us hydrated throughout the day.

Do you want a cup that will do double duty?

Some people in my family like to start the day with a hot cup of coffee, then, later on, they will switch to water. There are some cups that are insulated and can be used for hot or cold liquids. You might want to consider an insulated cup if this describes you. Just remember to thoroughly rinse out the cup after using coffee so you don’t have an aftertaste.

Do you prefer straws?

Some people only want to drink out of a cup that has a straw. Others only want an open-top or a flip lid. No matter what your preference, you can get a water bottle that meets those needs.

Is it still spill-proof?

If you use your water bottle at home just sitting on the counter it may not matter if it is spill or leak proof. However, if you plan to take the water on the go, you need to make sure it’s not going to spill. Some cups have tops that are sealed and insulated and don’t leak.

Does it have a travel hook?

If you plan to use this water bottle when you’re out running errands, traveling, or on a road trip then you may want to pick one that has a hook or strap. This is especially handy when you are going through security at the airport or carrying the water bottle to school or activities.

Does it Support a Good Cause?

One thing we take for granted is the privilege of having clean water at our fingertips, but not all people live with the same blessing. If clean drinking water is important to you, then look for water bottle companies that are making a difference in the world around them.

What is it made out of?

Water bottles come in an assortment of materials. You can buy them in glass, stainless steel, plastic, or any combination of these materials. The key is deciding which one fits your particularly at that moment.

A stainless steel water bottle is great for keeping water cold, does not break when dropped, and may be spill-proof. However, stainless steel tends to be a little heavier and does not always offer a filter system.

Glass bottles don’t leave an aftertaste, have zero plastic and are better for the environment. They can be open mouth or have a ceramic top that locks down to keep it from spilling. However, glass bottles could potentially break and are not suitable for security checkpoints through the airport.

Plastic bottles run the full spectrum from completely disposable and to those made of recycled materials and ready for rugged use.

The bottom line is that we all need to drink more water. Since we all agree on that, then the fun part is just picking the right water bottle. I have many water bottles and each of them is perfect for different functions. What is the best water bottle for you and your lifestyle? I’d love to hear how you decide which bottle to use.