The travel essential I always have with me, whether I’m headed camping, on a sun-soaked day at the beach, or on a cross-country road trip, is a reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is crucial for beating jet lag, boosting your immunity, and keeping you going on your most active days. Not only are plastic water bottles harmful to the environment, but they don’t offer the same perks as a good reusable bottle does, like keeping your water cold on a hot day. The best reusable water bottles are well-insulated so they stay cold for hours, durable enough to handle some accidental tumbles, and completely leakproof so you can toss them safely in a backpack or tote bag. To narrow it down, we asked our editors for the water bottles they never travel without. Some of our favorites even have cool features like caps that lock for added protection, wide handles for easy carrying, and self-filtering capabilities. Below, the best reusable water bottles from editor-approved brands like Owala, Hydro Flask, Yeti, and more.
The reusable water bottles that earned our editors’ stamp of approval have a few things in common: They hold enough water so that we’re not constantly refilling them, they’re easy to carry around, and they’ve held up well over time—with only minor bumps and scuffs to show for it. Most of our editors’ favorite water bottles are insulated, too—ensuring our water stays cold all day long. We also considered each bottle’s standout features, like slim silhouettes that help it fit in cup holders, easy-to-sip straws, and lightweight designs.