Thirsty for the world’s best collapsible water bottle?
Stay hydrated with the Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle!
Durable, thoughtfully designed, and boasting both a lifetime warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, this top-rated water bottle unites the best elements from both collapsible and rigid designs.
Collapsible water bottles are distinct from traditional water bottles in one crucial aspect: When empty, they can be rolled, folded, flattened, or twisted into a smaller shape. This makes them ideal for anyone who likes to travel light – whether the destination is the office, the gym, or the airport.
Table of Contents
- What To Look For in a Collapsible Water Bottle
- The Advantages of Collapsible Water Bottles
- Methodology
- THE BEST COLLAPSIBLE WATER BOTTLES ON THE MARKET TODAY
- What are the benefits of hydration?
- What are some myths about hydration?
Recently, collapsible water bottles have grown in popularity. The reason for this is simple: Keeping a water bottle handy means a healthier, more hydrated you. And a collapsible water bottle is more convenient and travel-ready than its rigid brethren. But you need to know what to look for.
Some collapsible water bottle designs are quite innovative, but not always practical. And while the ability to shrink a gallon-sized container into the size of a coaster is a neat party trick, this feature might hurt drinkability. (Imagine sipping from a gigantic zip-lock bag.)
That’s where this ranking comes in. Here, we’ve picked out the 10 Best Collapsible Water Bottles for you – and none of them are over 30 bucks!
The Collapsible Water Bottles We RAVE About
What To Look For in a Collapsible Water Bottle
Collapsible water bottles aren’t as popular as their sturdier, more shapely competitors. There’s a reason for this, and it comes down to a single word: practicality. Or, more specifically, 2 words: drinkability and washability.
Drinkability
Collapsible water bottles are just a little more difficult to drink from.
Sure, a collapsible water bottle can be rolled up or folded to take up less storage space. But once there’s liquid inside it, it can be a bit like drinking from a zip-lock bag – which seems like a lot of trouble for a quick drink. (For this reason, some of the water bottles will include a straw – or a “drink tube,” as it is called when it’s attached to the cap.)
However, several of our top-ranking collapsible water bottles on this list reach that spot because they manage to overcome this obstacle.
Washability
Collapsible water bottles are typically more difficult to clean and dry. You have to take more time to do it. However, just as with drinkability, the highest-ranking collapsible water bottles on this list are as easy to clean and dry as their rigid counterparts.
The Advantages of Collapsible Water Bottles
Although still less popular than rigid alternatives, collapsible water bottles are gaining ground. And it’s easy to see why — consider these perks:
Minimum storage
Where does your water bottle go when you don’t need it? Wherever it is, it’s taking up more space than it needs to. On the other hand, some collapsible water bottles can fit right in your pocket.
Lightweight
To maximize “collapsibility,” these water bottles are usually made of a light, flexible material like silicone or plastic. Not only do they take up little room, but with such a light weight, you’ll hardly notice they’re there at all.
Reduced environmental impact
Okay, technically, rigid water bottles have this same appeal. But still! Cleaning and reusing the same water bottle means there will ultimately be fewer plastic bottles ending up in landfills. No matter your preference on collapsible or classic water bottles, that’s something we can all get behind. But the most immediate advantage of collapsible water bottles? Staying hydrated! In fact, keeping a water bottle handy is a best practice to a healthier, more productive you. (We’ll dive more deeply into the benefits of hydration after we cover the 10 best collapsible water bottles below.)
Methodology
We’ve ranked our winning products using the criteria below. We believe these criteria best reflect your interests as a consumer and will help you decide on the absolute best product for you. These are the factors you should consider before purchasing a collapsible water bottle:
- Price: Price should either match up with or undersell the quality of the product.
- Size: There is such a thing as a standard size for a daily-use water bottle, and it’s around 22-25 ounces (650-740 ml), give or take a few.
- Durability: Water bottles don’t just sit on your counter. They’re likely to go with you on all sorts of adventures, which makes them susceptible to: harsh elements, blunt trauma, accidental drops, etc.
- Easy to Wash: Let’s face it, if it’s difficult to wash, then you won’t use it.
- Style: A water bottle is something you should always have on hand, so it matters that it looks good.
- Unique Features: A rubber sleeve for gripping, loops for carabiners, and other extra features can reflect a thoughtfully designed product.
- Perks: Perks aren’t directly about the product itself so much as the benefits that come with it. Does the manufacturer offer a satisfaction guarantee? A lifetime warranty?
- Safety: Plastic products like water bottles might carry BPA, BPS, lead, PVC, phthalates, or other potentially harmful chemicals. Health and safety is, of course, a top priority for all of us here at RAVE, and we know it is for you too.
- Versatility: A quality water bottle can store either hot or cold liquid.
THE BEST COLLAPSIBLE WATER BOTTLES ON THE MARKET TODAY
Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle
This award-winner is usually the first on anyone’s list of “best collapsible water bottles,” and for good reason. Designed for the frequent traveler by a frequent traveler, the Nomader is innovative in every aspect.
The Nomader is a collapsible that acts like a rigid. Made of BPA-free silicone, it is thick enough to take a beating but flexible enough to roll to a third of its size. Once unrolled, it retains its shape, making it easy to grip, drink from, or clean. It offers the best of both worlds!
What really puts the Nomader ahead of the others is how thoughtfully designed it is. This is reflected in some great features, including a rigid rubber sleeve for gripping, a carry loop, and multiple color options. Besides BPA, it’s also free of BPS, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals, and it’s safe for either hot or cold liquids.
Pros
- Patented leak-free screw cap
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- A bit pricey
Baiji Bottle Collapsible Silicone Water Bottle
This is the latest and most-improved in a line of collapsible water bottles by Baiji, a company committed to minimizing plastic waste with their products. The bottles may look generic, but this product offers fantastic value for its price.
The Baiji includes a carry loop for easy transport and is available in 2 colors (blue or pink). These water bottles are tough, colorful, and retain their shape even when empty, making them easy to use, clean, and dry. Like many of the top-rankers here, the Baiji overcomes the natural vices of collapsibles.
The smaller price tag might just be the incentive you need. Customer service is excellent — in fact, many happy customers buy from Baiji more than once. The high-quality silicone is 100% BPA-free, and 10% of all proceeds go to dolphin rescue and protection organizations.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Excellent value
- Company supports conservation
Cons
- Tricky to drink one-handed
Vapur Eclipse BPA-Free Foldable Water Bottle
Vapur is a company on a mission “to make disposable bottles obsolete and clean water more accessible than ever.” All of their bottles are BPA-free.
The Eclipse, just one collapsible design by Vapur, is the picture of simplicity: no frills or gimmicks. This should be a favorite for minimalists, but that doesn’t mean it lacks some useful design elements, such as an integrated clip and a flattened oval-shaped cap to minimize storage space. The bottle also stands upright when full instead of lying flat on its side.
The manufacturer prioritizes style with this design. The Eclipse offers deeper tones like navy, olive, and charcoal instead of your standard cotton-candy-colored fare, so it looks good in every setting – even a business meeting. Although this is an excellent collapsible water bottle overall, its limited durability pushes it lower down the list.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Freezable
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Less durable
- Difficult to drink one-handed
- Hot liquids inadvisable
Platypus Platy 2-Liter Ultralight Collapsible Water Bottle
Clocking in at half a gallon, this isn’t really a water bottle. It’s more of a water jug, which makes it ideal for excursions in the wilderness where there might be long stretches without access to a water supply. It’s lightweight enough to compensate for the extra water.
This collapsible water bottle design was established decades before the current craze for collapsibles. Long-time campers and backpackers swear by the Platypus brand for its ability to hold up under duress. Some seasoned campers have used the same bottle for several decades, and not just for hydration. On cold winter nights, campers have filled it with boiling water and used it as a warmer. It doesn’t hurt that the bottle is BPA-free.
Though not a first choice for casual daily use, this is a great alternative for toting larger amounts of liquid instead of purchasing multiple bottles. And on that score, it’s the backcountry standard.
Pros
- Ideal for hot and cold liquids
- Screw-cap to prevent leaking
- Pairs with certain water filters
Cons
- Difficult to clean and dry
- May be cumbersome
- Unsuited to casual daily use
Survivor Filter Collapsible Canteen
This is a water bottle for anyone who enjoys a good stomp outdoors. Designed by Survivor Filter, this water bottle is less a flagship item than an accessory.
Targeting high-adventure types, this canteen carries a number of perks in the form of pairings with other merchandise by Survivor Filter. It is designed specifically with one of their filters or kits in mind, so treat it like one item in a set. If you’re going beyond a water bottle, but looking to build up your collection of outdoor gear, this might be a good choice.
Survivor Filter stands by their canteen with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a lifetime warranty. Their products are BPA-free and each bottle comes with a free carabiner. These bottles are meant to be fully practical, so they offer little in the way of style. No color options here: just good ol’ transparent plastic.
Pros
- Freezable
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- A bit large (33oz.)
- Unstylized
- Hot liquids inadvisable
HYDAWAY Collapsible Pocket-sized Travel Water Bottle
By far the most uniquely designed product on this list, the Hydaway collapses into a coaster-shaped disc with a mere 1.5 inch profile. It just as smoothly “telescopes” out, saving you the hassle of folding, rolling, or squashing your bottle.
Of the many ways to make a collapsible, travel-friendly hydration product, someone was thinking outside the box when they devised this piece of silicone origami. The make would ordinarily be heavier than most collapsible bottles, but Hydaway clocks in at a mere 6 ounces when empty. Its distinctive pear shape makes it easy to grip, and it’s available in various bright colors.
Hydaway has partnered with no2plastics.org to reduce single-use plastics. The product is BPA-free, high-grade silicone, so you don’t get that gross rubbery taste in your water — and it makes a colorful coaster when not in use.
Pros
- Carbon filter compatible
- Dishwasher safe
- Great for gym bags
Cons
- Most pricey item listed
- A bit small (18oz.)
Valourgo Collapsible Water Bottle
This bottle gives you a lot of bang for your buck. It offers only the essentials. The design isn’t patented, which is why you see this model of collapsible being manufactured by multiple companies.
But while a bit generic, the design is practical. For a day of hiking or cycling, this is a no-nonsense choice. Rather than adding a sleeve for an easy, no-slip grip, the designers incorporate ridges into the body itself. The bottle also includes a handle and a silicone strap for easy carrying, and it is available in several bright colors.
This bottle behaves like the Nomader in the sense that it is made of high-quality, BPA-free silicone which is designed to be rolled up for storage and, when unrolled, is shapely enough to stand freely while empty. But this bottle cannot take much damage – the cap, in particular. Don’t expect it to survive many drops.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Silicone leak-proof valve
- Easy to clean and dry
Cons
- Hot liquids inadvisable
- Holds up poorly under stress
- Cap may break
Tap Antibacterial Collapsible Water Bottle
Ever accidentally forget your water bottle in the gym bag, only to discover weeks later that the contents has become rather…lively? Made from a complex material that prevents the growth of bacteria, staphylococcus aureus, and salmonella, this water bottle might be the most sanitary one on the market. That makes this a safe option for kids’ lunch bags.
In fact, this bottle seems to have been designed specifically with kids in mind, as reflected in its Capri-Sun-like shape and its smaller size (less than 17oz.). And if your child misplaces it (which, let’s face it, is likely), the low price tag makes it no great loss.
If you’re looking for a bottle to keep your child hydrated all day without fear of mold growth because your child forgot to wash it one or 3 times, this bottle might be your best bet. The bottle stands freely when full and is available in 2 colors — orange or navy.
Pros
- Free carabiner included
- Dishwasher safe
- Freezable
Cons
- Not very durable
- Difficult to drink one-handed
- Hot liquids inadvisable
Wide Mouth Cantene
Do you know who drinks from Nalgenes? Boy Scouts and Park Rangers. If you like to camp, that’s a pretty strong recommendation.
Weighing in at 32oz. in its smallest size and 96oz. at its largest, this water bottle is on the larger side, which makes it perfect for storing mass quantities of water in the car or deep in a backpack on a hiking trip. It also features a large mouthpiece, which makes it easy to collect water from a spout or river. This is a real bonus, since the canteen is also compatible with most travel-sized water filters.
This canteen can withstand temperatures from -29ºC (-20ºF) to 104ºC (220ºF), which means it can hold boiling water without dissolving or losing its shape.
Pros
- Compatible with most filters
- Suitable for boiling water
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Unsuited to casual daily use
- A bit pricey
- Unstylized
HydraMate
This bottle is intended to be a classic collapsible, and regrettably, it is. Every vice of collapsibles is present here. Though it has the smallest price tag of any product on this list, you get what you pay for.
Purchasers will find included in their package a free key-ring bottle opener with the HydraMate logo. Why, you may ask? According to the manufacturer, it is “because we know you don’t always want to drink water.” You might be game for free stuff, but tossing in a totally unrelated (and branded) bonus item feels a lot like compensating for a sub-par product.
Some have reported that after only a few uses, leaks begin to spring and the cap comes loose. Although technically freezable, this puts stress on the bottle which drastically decreases its lifespan. This product isn’t a bad choice if you want to try out a collapsible water bottle with minimum investment, but be prepared to upgrade.
Pros
- Free carabiner included
- Free bottle opener included
- Freezable
Cons
- Breaks easily
- Issues with leaking
- Difficult to drink one-handed
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What are the benefits of hydration?
Collapsible water bottles are certain to become more commonplace as we all start to take personal health more seriously. You are mostly water. Like, 60% of you, give or take. And it’s flowing through every part of your system. There isn’t a square inch of you, inside or outside, that isn’t demanding some H2O at this moment.
And the majority of us aren’t drinking enough water, according to most experts. While it’s no miraculous snake oil good-for-what-ails-you, there are scientifically based reasons to make hydration a priority.
Quick Takeaway! (If you don’t want to read the rest, here’s the summary) Hydration cures dehydration. And they have proved this with science! The evidence is in. The conclusion: Drinking water offsets the nasty symptoms of not drinking water. But jokes aside, keep reading. Hopefully, spelling out the benefits can be the motivation you’ve been waiting for to get healthier. HYDRATE!
Hydration prevents achy, cracky joints.
Water is a natural lubricant. Cracky joints, especially post-workout, are often to blame on a lack of fluids (stretching helps the water get in).
Hydration boosts muscular performance.
Water is inside and outside your muscular cells. With enough water in your system, it’s easier for nutrients to flow into muscle cells, and it’s also easier for cellular waste to flow out — all of which helps your muscles run more efficiently.
Hydration promotes cardiovascular health.
When you’re dehydrated, there’s less water in your blood. As a result, your “blood volume” is lower and your blood itself is thicker. This means your heart has to work harder to pump all that blood and enrich it with oxygen, which the blood then deposits to your cells.
So when you’re dehydrated, less oxygen is getting pumped through your system. This is why a symptom of dehydration is sluggishness. It’s also why hydration is linked in studies to improved mental clarity, focus, and processing.
Hydration helps regulate body heat.
Ever wonder why your face gets red during exercise? As you build up heat, your body is expanding blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. This helps the blood to flow, which in turn releases body heat through the skin. But when you’re dehydrated, it’s more difficult for your blood vessels to expand, so you feel hotter more quickly and have a harder time cooling down.
Hydration cleanses your body.
We’re not just talking about showers. The fact is your body is creating toxins and waste as quickly as it is creating energy. Water is the great cleanser your kidneys need to filter the rubbish out of your blood.
A good litmus test to determine if you are hydrated is the color of your urine. If it’s pale yellow to totally clear, good job: You’re hydrated! (Interesting fact: Severe dehydration can cause your kidneys to shut down. It’s not the lack of water that kills you — it’s the build-up of toxins you can’t flush out.)
What are some myths about hydration?
Water makes up most of your body weight, and it’s constantly cycling out of your system. It’s imperative to keep up by restoring your reserves. To do that effectively, you need to unlearn some myths about hydration.
You will feel thirsty when you’re dehydrated: FALSE.
Avid hikers know what it’s like: Halfway up the mountain, their vision may blur and their footing might get clumsy and sluggish. They might assume it’s because they’re fatigued. The real reason is dehydration, but they may not realize this immediately because they don’t feel thirsty.
The same goes for the guy sitting at his desk all day: He might have drowsiness, a headache, or difficulty focusing and mistake it for a lack of sleep. Misdiagnosing dehydration is so commonplace that it’s the main reason health specialists recommend that you sip constantly during the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
You’re not likely to be dehydrated if you don’t lead an active lifestyle: FALSE.
Your body is constantly using water. While individuals who frequently exercise, play sports, or have jobs that involve manual labor will use up water more rapidly, the only ingredient for dehydration is time. In fact, individuals who are less active are actually at a greater risk of dehydration because they are less likely to drink water regularly during the day.
You don’t need more than a cup or 2 of water a day: FALSE.
Most folks assume a glass of water with each meal, give or take, is sufficient hydration for the day. However, health specialists recommend up to half a gallon a day for the average adult. We’ll say it again, in case you forgot: Experts suggest that you constantly sip water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
