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