In today’s fast-paced world, staying hydrated is more than a necessity—it’s a style statement and a reflection of our health-conscious choices. Whether you’re a busy mum juggling the demands of parenthood, a fitness enthusiast, or someone who simply understands the importance of hydration, finding the right water bottle can be a game-changer. In this comprehensive review of 5 Water Bottles for all occasions, we dive into the world of water bottles, examining their features, functionality, and flair. From innovative designs like built-in hooks and water measurement markings to practical considerations like leak-proof capabilities and ease of cleaning, we’ve left no stone unturned.
But first, it might be helpful to know a little more about me, Eliza, and my lifestyle. I’m a mum of three boys, and a postnatal fitness specialist. I’m constantly moving about – chasing my kids to school, doing my local Park Run, visiting personal training clients or teaching group fitness classes. My water bottle either gets thrown into the cup holder on the buggy, or placed unceremoniously into my bag; this could be a sports bag, tote bag, or plastic bag. So my gear has to be sturdy. And leak-proof! Some of these I’ve tried, and for those I didn’t so I haven’t included “My experience”.
Contigo Ashland Autospout, £17, 1.2l
The official information: The Contigo Ashland straw water bottle combines innovative AUTOSPOUT™ technology for supposedly 100% leak-proof confidence with a one-handed design for easy use during activities such as spin classes, treadmill sessions or when pushing a buggy (in my instance). It has a squishy spout which pops up when you press a button, but you can also lock it to prevent it accidentally opening up in your bag. The spout has a cover to help protect it from getting dirty too. Plus, it’s got a clip handle so you can carry it more easily or hang it off places, such as buggy hooks.
My experience: My kids love this water bottle and they could use it easily, even my 18 month old. It fitted nicely into the buggy cup holder and also survived being tumbled about in my bag – without leaking at all. I did find that sometimes the mechanism to flip open the spout was a little temperamental and required a helping hand though. I also thought I should ‘lock’ the spout when I put it into my bag, but always forgot, but it never came open unexpectedly. I was a little nervous that the handle would break off quite easily but the bottle seems pretty sturdy. If you’re someone who wants to keep an eye on how much you’re drinking, then measurements down the side were a nice touch.
The verdict: I had put money that someone would have broken on this after a week, but a month down the line and it’s still going strong. It’s a fantastic all-round bottle which is also kid-friendly too. One thing I’m not so keen on however, is that if it’s in a tote bag, even with the spout protector on, it can get a little gritty – but as long as you keep it in a side pocket or in a cup holder, it’s absolutely fine. This may say more about the state of my bags than the water bottle itself!
Bottle Up, £3 – £6, 500ml
The official information: Sleek and stylish, Bottle Up is the most affordable refillable water bottle we’ve come across. Not only is it 100% BPA-free (which means no nasties!), but it’s also designed for endless refills. Whether you’re gearing up for the daily grind, heading on a weekend cycling adventure, or even – dare we say it – reviving a goldfish in distress, this bottle has got you covered. Bid farewell to single-use bottles, because once you’ve got Bottle Up, you won’t look back
Here’s a sweet twist – Bottle Up’s unique design stems from sugar cane – yup, that very same sweet stuff. This renewable material is not only eco-friendly but also uses less water in its creation compared to its single-use counterparts. The perks? Carbon-neutral, fully recyclable, and infinitely reusable.
My experience: These are so much more stylish than your usual plastic water bottle and I love that they’re reusable and more sturdy. Plus, they come pre-filled with water! They’re slimline which means they fit perfectly into my backpack side pockets and I don’t have to wrestle with it to fit it in. They’re also easily available – I know that if go out without water and I find one of these in my local store, I’d be more likely to invest in this than a usual plastic bottle of water. My boys played with these and they
The verdict: My boys spent some time playing ‘flip the bottle’ (where they try to get it to land and stand) and they stood up well to the test. I like that they’re so much more stylish than an ordinary plastic water bottle and more sturdy too. The one downside, is that when you’re in a hurry or in the midst of chaos, trying to screw the lid back on can require some concentration as it can be a little fiddly.
SHO Water Bottle, 750ml £30
The official information: The SHO Bottle, a blend of function and style, is constructed from high-quality Stainless Steel with a robust, powder-coated paint finish which comes in many many different designs. It claims to be 100% leak-proof and also comes with the assurance of a SHO Lifetime Guarantee. As well as being a water bottle, it’s designed to keep your beverages cold throughout the day or your tea and coffee hot on chilly mornings. Beyond its practicality, the SHO Bottle stands out with its vivid colors and style, making it an ideal reusable water bottle that combines everyday functionality with an eco-friendly approach to reducing single-use plastic.
My experience: The bottle is slimline enough to fit into the side pocket of my work rucksack which is great, plus its super sturdy and has taken many knocks with little damage. I’ve not tested it with hot drinks (I always think it’s a little awkward trying to clean it properly after) but it does keep my water cold enough. You can buy a straw lid which would make it easier to drink on the go, but I figure that’s one more thing I could break so I’ve not tried it, but I’m happy with the lid it comes with which is a chunky screw top.
The verdict: I have this water bottle, my eldest has this water bottle. I’ve also got their food flask too. I know they’re potentially like many other metal water bottles on the market, but I like their designs, the fact they’ve got a lifetime guarantee, and if you sign up to their newsletter, they often do some very good deals. Their smaller sized water bottles are also great for kids too. There’s also options to customise it too with different lids and designs.
Næo Time Water Bottle, £29, 1 litre
The official information: This isn’t just a bottle; it’s your personal hydration coach. With its savvy time markers, you’re not just sipping; you’re on a mission to smash that “2 litres a day” goal. Each swig, each hour, you’re one step closer. Crafted from eco-conscious borosilicate glass, bamboo, and cork, the næo Time Bottle is all about leaving a minimal footprint on our precious planet.
The verdict: This is a beautiful bottle and gets top marks for being sustainable and eco-friendly. They’re a brand which is trying to do good – for every bottle you buy, £1 finds its way to water.org. So, while you’re quenching your thirst, you’re also making a difference, ensuring someone, somewhere, sips on clean water too. However, it looks slightly too wide for me to be able to fit into my buggy cup holder, and a little too chunky for the side pockets of my rucksack. Because it’s made from glass, it’ll also be heavier and it’s handwash only. BUT, it does look beautiful. So if you want to drink from something beautiful, this is the bottle for you.
NOTE: I’ve not personally tried this out.
Halo Insulight Nomad Water Bottle £30, 500ml
The official information: Founded in 2018 in Fulham, the Halo Bottle was developed to tackle the common issue of bottle owners frequently leaving their bottles at home due to bulkiness and weight (this is my sister – I moan at her every time I see her with a plastic bottle but she says they’re just too heavy…). As a solution, Halo Bottle introduced the UK’s lightest insulated bottles, which are up to 40% lighter than comparable brands. They have a compact design, easily fitting into bags or coat pockets. They also boast a dishwasher-safe body, chip-resistant paint (I’d really need to test this out as I’m a pro at chipping bottles!), and a unique style highlighted by the signature Halo lid grip. Functionally, they keep drinks hot for up to 12 hours, cold for 24 hours, and iced for 48 hours.
The verdict: I like the range of colours and the simplicity of the design. I think the grippy lid is great, especially when you’re out in cold weather as I find normal metal lids super slippy, especially when wearing gloves. I’d wonder however, if the grippiness can come off easily, or lose its grip. I’ve not tried this, but I imagine it would fit easily into my buggy cup holder and side pockets of my rucksack.
NOTE: I’ve not personally tried this out.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that the perfect water bottle isn’t just about holding water—it’s about enhancing your daily routine, supporting your health goals, and even expressing your personal style. Whether you’re seeking a reliable companion for your fitness journey, a practical solution for your busy days, or a sustainable choice for your eco-conscious lifestyle, the options are vast and varied. Remember, the best water bottle for you is one that meets your specific needs, encourages you to drink more water, and seamlessly fits into your life. I feel like every single water bottle which gets made now should be leak-proof, but aside from that, it’s very much how it feels to drink from and how convenient it is to carry around.
Out of these 5 Water Bottles for all occasions, which one would you go for? Do you have one which is even better? Let us know in the comments.
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