One of the most important ways to prepare for any outdoor excursion is to carry enough water, and the most efficient way to do that (besides bringing water filters) is to use collapsible water bottles. The standard rule is to bring 1 liter for every two hours of hiking, but it’s never a bad idea to pack more, especially if the forecast is hot and you’ll be sweating more than usual.
However, the sheer bulk and weight of bottles can be a limiting factor to how much water you bring along. Sure, you’ll need 3 liters of water for that 10-mile hike, but now most of your pack space is stuffed with heavy, clanking bottles–and when they’re empty, they continue taking up room and jabbing your back at awkward angles. Even if you trade out a stainless steel bottle for a lighter weight plastic rigid bottle, it’s still using up valuable real estate inside your backpack.
This is where collapsible water bottles save the day. Typically made of silicone, nylon, and plastic, they are more lightweight than traditional bottles. Plus, once they’re empty, gone is the bulk; they fold into themselves to free up space in the pack. So whether you’re going for a short hike or compiling camping gear for your next backpacking trip, consult this list of the best collapsible water bottles so you can hydrate properly.
