We’ve compiled a list of the best collapsible water bottles for your next trip, whether you’re constantly thirsty or travelling light with limited space.
So, you’re looking for the perfect collapsible water bottle for your next trip. Well, you’ve come to the right place! The benefits of a shrink bottle include that you won’t have to lug around a big empty bottle all day, they’re more likely to fit in a sling or day bag, and they’re usually lighter than a regular bottle.
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best collapsible water bottle for your next trip. More minor is better, but that doesn’t work in every situation. The most miniature bottles are often made from lightweight materials that don’t hold up over time. Additionally, we’ve found that the smaller the bottle, the harder it is to hold, which is a big plus if you have small hands or mobility issues. Small size, when broken, is important, but it’s not the only thing to consider: comfort also plays a role.
Vapur Eclipse Water Bottle
The Vapur Eclipse Water Bottle has been one of the recommended collapsible water bottles on the Hacker Pack for years, and for good reason. It’s very small when folded, making it easy to slip into a bag, coat pocket, or backpack when travelling. The clip is perfect for hanging on the outside of your bag and helps you fold the bottle when you’re done drinking. The simple details can be a pain to get used to; however, we think it’s worth considering how small the bottle is when broken down.
Because of the lightweight material that allows it to fold very little, this bottle doesn’t do well in the flex test, scoring seven out of ten. As we mentioned, it can be hard to grasp, but we don’t find ourselves spilling water when using glass like other participants in a similar test. However, it can sometimes happen, especially if the bottle is full and you’re trying to drink quickly. Regarding flavour transfer, the Vapur scores well, earning a four out of ten, which we think is on par with other non-biodegradable plastic bottles we’ve tested. It won’t be as clean as glass, but it’s not far off.
DiFOLD Origami Bottle
The DiFOLD Origami Bottle is one of the most unique bottles we’ve ever seen. As the name suggests, it folds like origami when not used. It’s essentially made of thick plastic with a built-in crease so that it can be folded like an unfolded box for transport. The apple and cap are metal, which makes an unforgettable clanking sound when opening and closing. It has a small metal ring that can be easily hung or attached to a bag with a carabiner. The bottle stands up independently without any problems, and the exterior is sturdy enough to withstand the knocks and bumps of travel.
The DiFOLD Origami Bottle scores very high for flexibility, scoring two out of ten. The plastic is thick and not very flexible, which gives the bottle structure when you pour it back into your drink. In addition to the origami design, the glass folds slightly without sacrificing stability. It also didn’t do well in the taste test category, scoring six out of ten. It’s entirely doable; however, sensitive drinkers may want to avoid metal mouthwashes. It’s probably all in our heads, but what does it mean it’s not real?
LifeStraw Peak Series 1L Collapsible Bottle with Filter
When most people think of the best collapsible water bottles, filtered water is probably not on their radar. Introducing the LifeStraw Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze Bottle. LifeStraw makes a range of water filters and is one of the few reputable companies that has dipped its toe into the collapsible water bottle game at the time of writing.
The bottle is made of plastic and looks like a cake topper on top of a ketchup bottle that you might see in an old-fashioned restaurant. The breather is removable, so you can quickly fill the bottle and attach a water filter to the bottom of the lid to ensure that the water you drink is clean, no matter where it comes from. While we like using a collapsible glass filter, it didn’t perform well in the flexibility test, scoring an eight out of ten. It’s nearly impossible to drink from when filled to the max without spilling a little, even after a few rounds of exercise.
We learned not to fill it too high, which would turn it from a 1-litre bottle into something like a 950ml bottle. The LifeStraw works surprisingly well in flavour transfer, which is not surprising considering it’s filtered water.
Cnoc Outdoors 28mm Vesica 1L Collapsible Bottle
The Vesica CNOC Collapsible Bottle is 28mm in diameter and has two plastic caps and a handle between them. The sturdy base allows the bottle to sit firmly on a table or counter, while the other has a convenient spout for drinking. It opens like a regular disposable water bottle, and the top is sealed so you don’t lose your drink. A small ice-like cord at the top acts as a handle and allows you to hang the bottle from your backpack with a carabiner (if you have one). The sign is so big that it’s hard to miss; we’re not big fans, although it doesn’t show when the bottle breaks.
The bottle is not small when it falls apart, and there’s nothing to hold it together. Other bottles have a carabiner or strap to hold the bottle together, but the CNOC doesn’t. If you take a small hit, it’s not a problem because the edges of the bag will stick together. However, if you’re throwing a large bag around daily, nothing stops it from expanding.
The CNOC bottle performed fine in our testing. We scored a seven out of ten on the flexibility scale, meaning it was one of the more flexible models we tested. When filled with water, it feels like one of those plastic tubes you’d find in museums and travel stores in the 1990s. It’s drinkable, but it can be hard not to spill a little when full. The bottle imparts flavour well, scoring a five out of ten. If you regularly drink from plastic bottles and don’t care about the taste, you probably won’t notice the difference.
CamelBak 21oz QUICK STOW Flask
There are a few good things about the CamelBak emergency bag. First, we like the nose. In the past, we’ve seen helmets like the CamelBak with soft rubber over the teeth or lips to keep water out, prevent leaks, or twist the cap to keep water out and regulate flow. This comes in handy for setting up and checking the tightness of your device. The bottle is also very lightweight and compact when folded, fitting into small pants pockets. A small eyelet on the end allows you to attach it to a carabiner or rope; however, I’m concerned about the long-term durability of the lightweight plastic.
Although the bottle is thin when not in use, due to the thin material, it failed the flexibility test, scoring a nine out of ten. This bottle is usable; however, you must understand how and when to use it. If you’re riding the NYC subway (think getting out from under the East River), that may not be the best time to use the bottle, as you may spill it. However, more experienced users can handle terrain using a hose, so keep practising. This bottle scored well in flavour transfer, earning a three out of ten. That’s unsurprising for a company like CamelBak, one of America’s most popular moisturizer brands for years.
Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle
When the HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle fell apart, it became one of our favourite travel water bottles. It folds in on itself to form a plate shape. It’s small, easy to handle, and carries a case. While the case adds bulk, it ensures that the silicone exterior doesn’t clutter your bag or pocket. When expanded, the bottle has a unique shape. It’s small at the bottom, large in the middle, and cut off at the top. It’s not the best design for people often on uneven surfaces; however, it’s much easier to hold than other silicone bottles we’ve tested, which often close in the middle. We’ve got so much going on here, and we love it. The breather is simple but effective: We drill a small D-ring into the top of the bottle to attach it to a carabiner or strap on our bag.
The unique design helps the HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle score higher than the other silicone bottles on this list, earning a score of six out of ten. It’s imperfect, but you can easily handle the other bottles on this list. This bottle delivers flavour well, earning a three out of ten. The silicone and nozzle ensure no plastic taste in your mouth, even if it’s not the same as drinking from a glass container. Plus, it comes with a carrying case; what more could you want?
Stojo 20 oz Bottle
The Stojo bottle isn’t as small as some of the bottles on this list; however, we think it’s one of the prettiest, and that’s saying something, right? The pastel-coloured lining and silicone exterior look natural and easily fit into any stylish travel style. It all comes down to the small packaging; however, it’s larger than many of the big-name bottles on this list. However, the design, efficiency, and attention to detail may be a plus for some travellers.
The Stojo bottle scored four out of ten on the flexibility test. The middle section, where the silicone folds are located, is easy to squeeze and spray water onto your face; however, if you hold it from the bottom or top, it’s unlikely to leak. The bottle also scored four out of ten in the taste transfer test. There is some residual plastic taste; however, it doesn’t outperform other silicone bottles we tested. Combined with the efficiency of the design, this collapsible water bottle could be perfect for your next trip. Plus, it will be compatible with any Stojo device you already own!
Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle
At first glance, the Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle looks like a regular bottle. If you pick it up, you might not know it’s a broken glass. However, it comes in a tiny package that’s perfect for travelling. The spout is similar to a regular sports-style bottle that you’d find at Dicks or Walmart. The bottom of the bottle has some structure, although it’s very easy to handle, which is how you’d make a small bottle. It folds up, and the strap on the top of the bottle holds the folded items together. It’s not the most miniature bottle when it comes to collapsing; however, it has more features of a regular water bottle than most of the models on this list.
Regarding flexibility, the Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle scores a three out of ten on the scale. While the products are soft, they don’t fall off when you don’t want them to, and the spout makes it easy to control spills. The bottle doesn’t do a great job of imparting flavour, scoring a six out of ten. It’s manageable; however, sensitive users may not like it. However, this is probably the most common bottle on this list, so it’s worth paying attention to.
