I recently lost my Nalgene bottle and was about to get a new one. However, after a conversation about microplastics, I’m not convinced it’s the best option. Does anyone have recommendations for non-plastic alternatives that are durable, lightweight, and good for multi-day backcountry hikes? I’ve looked at SIGG bottles, but I’m unsure about their bottle linings.
You already have microplastics in your body. It’s in the air, water, and food. Don’t stress too much about plastic bottles.
Dezi said:
You already have microplastics in your body. It’s in the air, water, and food. Don’t stress too much about plastic bottles.
Sad but true.
Dezi said:
You already have microplastics in your body. It’s in the air, water, and food. Don’t stress too much about plastic bottles.
Haha, true! But still worth trying to avoid where I can.
HydroFlask makes a lightweight one I like, but when cutting weight, I still prefer plastic.
They make stainless Nalgenes too. But keep in mind, metal isn’t lightweight. Most ultralight hikers use plastic vessels like Smartwater bottles, Platypus, or CNOC.
Keir said:
They make stainless Nalgenes too. But keep in mind, metal isn’t lightweight. Most ultralight hikers use plastic vessels like Smartwater bottles, Platypus, or CNOC.
Plastic Nalgenes aren’t super light either.
Not all plastics are bad. HDPE (the thick, frosty white ones) is food-safe and sturdy. It’s used in milk bottles and extensively studied. Aluminum bottles might have questionable coatings inside, though.
You could go for a random cheap aluminum bottle with a flip/straw cap or a metal screw cap.
I mostly use stainless steel Klean Kanteens, but when I’m really worried about weight, I switch to Nalgene. It’s all about harm reduction, not elimination.
Nalgene is still fine. I also use a metal CamelBak bottle, which keeps water colder in summer.
Check out titanium bottles and canteens.
I use the CamelBak Chute stainless steel bottle. It’s a bit bulky because it’s double-walled, but it’s a great bottle.
The Vargo EDC titanium bottle is pricey but nice. You can even boil water in it, which is useful on ultralight trips.
I use a single-wall stainless Klean Kanteen, and it works for me.