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  Top 10 Reusable Water Bottles

  Posted by Gina, brand communications - February 13, 2012

  At Speck Design we tend to be fascinated by elegantly designed kitchen appliances, new technology trends, and objects of fancy that provide hours of entertainment, not to mention well-engineered bikes and cars, kids’ toys, and even delicious ice cream toppings.  As part of our “Top 10” series, Speckies share what’s cool, clever, and just neat all around.  Check out what we have to say!

  In spite of having easy access to clean water, the United States is the world’s largest plastic bottled water consumer, according to Un-Habitat and UNEP.  This is why you’ll always see me toting around my hot pink reusable water bottle as a personal effort to be more “green”.  I was happy to discover that many water bottle companies are teaming up to donate partial earnings to various social causes.  Here are my top ten picks for eco-friendly reusable water bottles.

  1. Brita

  We are all familiar with the hefty Brita pitchers that fit in our refrigerators.  Now they have portable ones too!  The Brita Bottle filters tap water as you drink, so that you have a clean water taste anywhere you go.  Brita Bottle is BPA free, just like the rest of the bottles that have made this list. 

  

  
   

   

   

   

   

   

  2. Camelbak

  Of course the pink bottle I use every day had to make the list: the CamelBak Eddy.  What I love about the design is the cap and bite valve.  It provides faster flow and enhanced durability - flip, bite, and sip.  I find myself drinking more water because of its ease of use; I don’t have to tip back my head or the bottle in order to drink.  Camelbak Eddy has an innovate design and is completely spill proof.

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

  3. Kor

  Since I prefer my water chilled, the Kor Water Hydration Vessel has a wide-mouth that’s perfect for fitting ice cubes.  Kor Hydration Vessels are more than simple water bottles.  They feature unique disc-shaped tokens that fit into the cap with motivating messages like “Imagine” and “Be the Change” Kor not only has an iconic design, but also is a beacon of sustainability.  Through their Thirst for Giving program, Kor seeks to inform and encourage consumers to support  critical water-related issues of container recycling, ocean and watershed protection and the global water crisis.  Buy this bottle and 1 percent of sales support nonprofits that are committed to environmental issues like ocean protection 

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

  4. Thermos

  The Thermos Think Green Hydration bottle is great for humid climates to keep your water cool. My friend in Hawaii introduced me to this one.  The sweat proof design eliminates water or moisture on the outside. It also has a unique push button lid with a pop-up straw that’s pretty neat.  Just like my Camelbak Eddy, the straw allows for easy use and is spill proof.  Despite the stainless steel material, it is lightweight.

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

  5. Takeya

  I love the stylish brand Takeya, which specializes in innovative food and beverage containers.  The Japanese-inspired designs are modern and high quality.  Their water bottles are even made out of glass. The silicone sleeve provides a soft grip and protects the glass.  Takeya bottles may be heavier than plastic or metal bottles, but the benefit is that there is no metallic taste to your water.  The silicon sleeves come in several soft pastel colors, including green, pink, blue, and gray. My pick is the Breast Cancer Awareness with the iconic pink ribbon.  $1 of every sale is donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer.

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

  6. Platypus
  
  Great for outdoor adventurers, this collapsible bottle (pouch) is tough enough to handle freezing to boiling temperatures.   Made from a durable laminate, the bottle is lined with a taste-free anti-microbial SlimeGuard coasting.  The compact and flexible bottle can be flattened when empty and rolled up to fit practically anywhere in your backpack.  The Platypus stands upright when full and is 80% lighter than standard hard-plastic bottles.  The push/pull cap allows for quick and easy drinking and the carry or hang loop adds convenience.  Add Platypus accessories such as the hands-free drink tube or screw-on cap to increase the bottle's versatility.
   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

  7. Bobble

  Bobble delivers a lightweight and stylish bottle that also filters while you drink, similar to the Brita bottles.  But, the Bobble Bottles, which are modern and sleek, come in different sizes and colors.   The only downside with Bobble is that replacement filters need to be purchased every so often.  My pick is the “Sophia Bush” limited edition medium bobble where 50% of earnings will go to The Nature Conservancy’s fight to protect nature. Oprah recommends these little guys, and so do I.

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

  8. Amphipod
  
  The Amphipod Handheld Thermal Lite Bottle with pocket is ergonomically designed to let the hand relax in its natural position.   The bottle comes with a removable sleeve and strap that can be adjusted for all hand sizes.  A zippered pouch can be attached to your bottle for carrying things like snacks or chapstick.  I love that this bottle has so many unique features.

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

  9. Gaiam
  
  The All Purpose bottle from the lifestyle company, Gaiam, screams eco- friendly.  Made from renewable bamboo on the outside, this bottle is durable and stylish.  The interior is made from recycled glass and is protected and insulated by a bamboo sleeve.  This first-of-its-kind design is great for hot or cold beverages. 

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

  10. Sigg

  One of the most well-known brands that has been around for more than 100 years is Sigg.    While I don’t care for the unattached twist cap and narrow mouth of their bottles, I do appreciate the artistic appeal that this Swiss brand incorporates into their bottles.  Each year Sigg introduces 100 new designs, from floral prints to teddy bears.  Two of their collections have become permanent exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.  Most recently, Sigg has made the bottles available for customers to create their own designs with prints and a custom message.  I also like their large collection of smaller bottles for children, with cute drawings and bright colors.

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

  *Side note: Read our other top 10 lists: Top 10 Design Products from Italy and Top 10 Smartphone Applications.