Regular hydration is imperative. Whether we're at work, hiking outdoors or running a marathon, water is what allows our body to perform at any level. Although drinking lots of water is important for our health, buying loads of plastic bottles of water each day is expensive and unfriendly to the environment. The solution? Using a sports water bottle to support your healthy lifestyle.
As you may have noticed, the range of sports water bottles available on the market is vast. So, how do you know which one to choose? By considering the purpose, the material, ease of use and special features you should be able to choose a reusable water bottler that suits you.
Purpose
Different individuals lead different lifestyles. While we all need to drink lots of water, each of us has different ways of reaching this goal. Fortunately, we can find bottles to suit every special purpose. Whether you need a bottle for camping and hiking, or are a cyclist, or a gym-goer, or need something serious for the office, here are a few ways to choose your bottle based on how you are going to use it.
If you need a water bottle for sports, for example, you should consider a see-through, easy-drinking type with a measurement on the side to help you keep track of how much water you are drinking. For added value, get a bottle that fits on your bike holder or comes along with a hand strap, vest or best. For drinking water while driving or commuting, you will need an easy pop-up top (one-push bottom types are best). If you need a reusable water bottle for the office, you may want to choose one that is good for hot/cold drinks and has a spill-proof top. You wouldn't want to have an accident at your office computer or get water on your important paperwork and files. Whatever the purpose, once you know what you will be using the bottler for, you will be on the right way to choosing the best water bottle for you.
Material
The next element to consider on your quest for the perfect reusable water bottle is the type of material used. Weight, design and insulation are important factors to consider base on the needs listed above.
Plastic
If you decide to go for a bottle made from plastic material, make sure it is BPA free. BPA is a chemical compound often found in water bottles - it is the result of the manufacturing process. Exposure to BPA could result in adverse health impacts, such as brain and prostate gland problems. There is also evidence that exposure to could impact the behaviour exhibited by children. Some research even highlights the connection between elevated blood pressure and BPA. By drinking water from water bottles bpa free you will be eliminating the main source contributing to higher BPA levels in your body.
Stainless Steel
One of the best water bottles bpa free options, stainless steel bottles are seriously on-trend these days. While these bottles may be a bit heavier than plastic bottles, these will never leech any chemicals into your water. These bottles are also great at not 'sweating' or getting condensation on the outside. This means you can throw a stainless steel bottle in your gym bag and not worry about getting your clothes wet. Available in a range of colours and designs, these bottles are the leading favourite for sporty fashionists these days. Another great thing about these bottles is that they also look great at the office and show that you are a serious water drinker.
Glass
If you are looking to reduce your environmental footprint, glass is a natural material that helps you with that. It also leaves your water chemical-free. This makes glass a great material for water bottles. However, glass is prone to break and to protect your bottle and yourself you will need a sleeve in silicon or make sure to get a bottle made of shatterproof glass. If you lead an especially active lifestyle, a glass bottle may not be the best option for you.
Easy of Use
In order to get a bottle that is both easy to use and clean you will need to keep things simple. Wide-mouth bottles are easy to clean as well as easy to drink from, but they are also easier to spill than narrower-mouth bottles. Bottles with built-in straws or spouts can be great, especially when on the go, but the extra mechanisms can be difficult to clean. So, think about all these to choose what works best for you.
Special Features
Nowadays, bottle makers are adding more and more features to attract shoppers. If the feature fits your lifestyle and you don't mind the added cost, then go for it. Just make sure to consider the ease of cleaning mentioned above. One great feature to consider is a built-in added filter. These filters allow you to use tap water, giving you added safety and protection by filtering out chlorine and other chemicals. Keep in mind that changing the filter cartridges represent an added expense.
