Water bottles and hydration while hiking

Rigid, insulated or flexible

The rigid plastic water bottle without bisphenol A, like Tritan, is lightweight, sturdy, and doesn’t retain the taste of drinks. The insulated stainless steel bottle with double-wall vacuum keeps water cool for hours in summer, or hot drinks in winter, at the expense of a heavier weight. The flexible bottle rolls up when empty and takes up almost no space, ideal as a supplement for a stretch without water access. Aluminium, being lightweight, is reserved for water, as acidic or sweet drinks can damage its inner coating. A capacity of one litre is a good starting point for a day trip.

Water bladder and filtering bottle

The water bladder, ranging from 1.5 to 3 litres, fits in the back of the bag and is drunk through a valve tube, allowing for sipping without stopping: this encourages more frequent, smaller sips, which is ideal. Its wide opening makes filling and cleaning easy. The filtering bottle, equipped with a hollow fibre membrane with pores of about one-tenth of a micron, captures bacteria and parasites from stream water, making it a great asset for hiking. It does not filter out viruses or chemical pollutants, so you should collect clear, flowing water, upstream from pastures and houses.

How much water to take

When hiking, it’s often suggested to have half a litre of water per hour of walking, more in high heat, uphill or at altitude, where dry air speeds up dehydration. It’s better to drink before feeling thirsty, taking small regular sips rather than a large amount during breaks. Look on the map for water points, fountains, and shelters so you don’t carry more than necessary, since every litre weighs a kilo on your back. A bottle should be rinsed with hot water after use and cleaned with baking soda; a water bladder should dry open, upside down, to avoid mould.

Other accessories

The bottle is complemented with navigation accessories, GPS watches, caps, hats, beanies, headbands, neck gaiters, balaclavas, all available on the accessories page.

Good deals and new products

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Frequently asked questions

What is the lightest bottle for hiking?

The foldable flexible bottle is the lightest, weighing just a few dozen grams for half a litre to one litre. The rigid plastic bottle remains light and sturdier, while the insulated stainless steel bottle is noticeably heavier.

Is an insulated bottle worth its weight for hiking?

In the height of summer, it keeps water cool until evening, and in winter it carries a hot drink for breaks. For a short outing in mild weather, a lighter plastic bottle is sufficient.

Filtering bottle or purification tablets: which to choose?

The filtering bottle provides drinkable water immediately and enhances the taste but does not filter out viruses. The tablets treat viruses after a waiting time, without filtering particles: when hiking, both can be combined.

Can you put energy drinks in a water bladder?

This is possible, but sugar encourages mould in the tube and valve. Rinse thoroughly with hot water after each outing, or reserve the bladder for water and keep the sugary drink in a separate bottle.

How to prevent water from freezing while winter hiking?

An insulated bottle keeps water liquid, and a bottle stored upside down in the bag freezes first at the bottom rather than at the neck. The tube of a water bladder freezes quickly: blow the water towards the bladder after each sip.