Water Bottles

What capacity in litres?

Volume comes down to how long you'll be walking and how easy it is to find water along the way. For a short outing, a 0.5 to 0.75 litre bottle is plenty; for a big day out or a hot one, go for 1 litre or more, even if that means carrying two bottles. In summer and in the mountains, don't skimp on water - dehydration can ruin a walk fast.

Which material should you choose?

BPA-free plastic (light and affordable), aluminium (tough and lightweight), stainless steel (durable and doesn't affect taste) - each material has its own strengths. Stainless steel and aluminium stand up better to knocks on the trail, while plastic stays the lightest option. To keep drinks hot or cold, go for an insulated bottle.

Weight, practicality and opening

A hiking water bottle should be easy to grab and drink from on the move: a reliable cap, a wide opening for filling and cleaning, and a shape that slips into your rucksack's side pocket. Weight matters on a long trek - every full litre adds its weight to your load. For drinking without stopping, a water bladder is a handy alternative.

Staying hydrated and rounding out your kit

Drink regularly, in small sips, rather than waiting until you're thirsty. If you're topping up from a river, a filter bottle keeps your water safe. Find the rest of your kit in our hiking accessories and equipment. Plan your hydration before you set off: a bottle that's easy to stash in your rucksack or a side pocket makes it effortless to drink little and often, helping you avoid overheating. Some people prefer to carry it in hand for a quick swig on the go, others clip it to their pack - either way, a few regular sips are all it takes to stave off fatigue and heat exhaustion on long days out.