| Water is an absolute must when outside and active. | | | | to drink from the bag, without having to take it off, |
| The last couple years have seen new water bottles | | | | or even use your hands. It has clips that attach easily |
| options on the market. Here are some things that | | | | to any other pack. The pack is fully insulated and |
| might be helpful to know when you are trying to | | | | made rugged to prevent wear and tear and leaks. |
| decide which type of water container would be the | | | | The pack is designed to be lightweight and lays down |
| best for you on your next outing: | | | | the length of the back, to prevent drag when cycling. |
| Nalgene BPA- Free Water Bottles- These are | | | | This is an excellent choice for long excursions, but |
| traditional style water bottles with some really great | | | | might be overkill for a walk on the beach. |
| features. The BPA-Free plastic is non-leaching, which | | | | Collapsible Water Carrier-This is a large plastic water |
| means that your beverage will not have that "plastic | | | | container that has two handles for easy carrying and |
| flavor" added to it. It fits into standard cup holders | | | | pouring. The bottle has a spout that makes it easy |
| and mesh pockets on back packs. The size of the | | | | to dispense the water. The lining is treated for with |
| bottle makes it great for a trip to the gym or a | | | | an anti-microbial to help prevent organisms form |
| short walk, but not practical for long excursions. Note: | | | | growing inside it. This is a great container to have at |
| the older Lexan water bottles have been found to | | | | the activities sight because it holds so much water. |
| leach chemicals that can affect hormone levels, so | | | | However this container is not insulated and is too |
| make sure you get the BPA-Free bottles. | | | | clunky to carry any long distance. |
| Aluminum Water Bottles-This bottle is made from | | | | Built-in Purifier Bottle - The Katadyn purifyer water |
| recyclable aluminum. The aluminum makes it lighter, | | | | bottle features an internal EPA-registered Virustrat |
| more durable than its plastic counterparts, and allows | | | | cartridge and carbon filter to remove microorganisms |
| for some amount of insulation. The interior of the | | | | and all viruses from any water source. The bottle is |
| bottle has a non-leaching lining to help prevent residue | | | | designed to fit in most bicycle water bottle cages or |
| from building and make it easier to clean. There are a | | | | cup holders, but has a carry loop as well. This 26-oz. |
| wide variety of colors and images to choose from. It | | | | bottle weighs less than the smallest backcountry |
| is not fully insulated but is able to maintain beverage | | | | microfilters and no pumping is required, making it |
| temperature for short periods. This type of bottle is | | | | perfect for extended backpacking or mountain biking |
| good for both short and medium length outings. | | | | around questionable water sources. |
| Insulated Bottle-Carrier- This bottle carrier is an | | | | Disposable Water Bottles- Don't forget the boring, |
| insulated pouch that allows you to place a water | | | | unsexy but convenient disposable water bottles. Get |
| bottle in side. The insulation helps maintain the | | | | a 24-pack from Walmart and grab and go in an |
| temperature of the liquid inside the bottle. It has a | | | | instant. This is my family's choice of water bottles, if |
| strap attached for easy carrying on hikes and jogs. It | | | | only because my kids keep losing their water bottles. |
| also has a clip that allows you to clip it to a backpack. | | | | Would I rather they leave behind a 25 cents Poland |
| It's great for short and medium length excursions. | | | | Spring water bottle, or a $19.99 aluminum Sigg water |
| And for carrying cold drinks. | | | | bottle? |
| Hydration Packs - This is a small backpack with plastic | | | | Stay hydrated, it's better to drink smaller quantities |
| bladder inside. A long tube is connected to the | | | | frequently than one big jug between long stretches |
| bladder and runs through the exterior of the pack to | | | | of time. |
| clip onto one of the arm straps. This tube allows you | | | | |