Last Updated on 18 June 2024 by Cycloscope
The best cycling water bottles in 2024
Insulated, stainless steel, large or lightweight – for pro-cyclists, bikepacking, MTB, Gravel, and more
A guide to the top bike bottles, thoroughly reviewed
If you love to go on long rides, youโll need the right gear to do it. Road Cycling, mountain biking, bikepacking, gravel cycling… For all of these disciplines, you’ll need the right bike, but also the proper water bottle.
In this article, we are going to discuss the best cycling water bottles for each riding style and occasion.
Whether you are exploring new sights on a cycle tour or riding in a competitive race, you need to keep yourself hydrated.
With overwhelming options available on the market, choosing the right one can become a daunting task.
To make things easier for you, we have compiled this list of the best bike water bottles, reviewed them, and created a buying guide to help you navigate the world of cycling bottles.
Weโll explain all you need to know before choosing the best bike water bottles.
So letโs start with a quick comparison, and then dive into the reviews.
The best cycling water bottles in 2024 – Insulated, Stainless Steel, Non-plastic, for cycle touring and pro cyclists. The top bike bottles, thoroughly reviewed
Disclosure: Some of our articles contain affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost for you and helps us keep this website up and running. (as Amazon Associates we earn commission from qualifying purchases)
How we compile our gear guides: during the almost 10 years of cycloscope.net our team personally tested dozens of similar pieces of gear. For what we can't test personally, we involve other people in the cycling community to give their feedback and opinion about gear they have used. Our decade-long experience in bicycle touring enables us to find the key cons and pros of every product we mention.
Product | Insulation/ Capacity | Materials |
Contigo Best Water Bottle Overall | Double-Wall Vacuum 0.7 l/ 24 Oz | Stainless Steel BPA-Free 14 Colors |
Super Sparrow Tritan Best for bikepacking | None 1.0l/ 34 Oz | Tritan BPA-Free 14 color + 14 matte options |
Tiibo Best Steel Bottle for Road Cycling | Double-Wall Vacuum 0.7 l/ 24 Oz | Stainless Steel BPA-Free 2 Colors |
Takeya Best Water Bottle for Value | Double-Wall Vacuum 0.7 l/ 24 Oz | Stainless Steel BPA-Free 8 Colors |
Hydro Flask Best for Premium Quality | Double-Wall Vacuum 0.7 l/ 24 Oz | Stainless Steel BPA-Free 16 Colors |
Embrava Best for Competitive Cycling | None 0.5 l/ 18 oz | Tritan Polyester BPA-Free 4 Colors |
Coleman Best for cycle touring | Double-Wall Vacuum 1.2 l/ 40 oz | Stainless Steel BPA-Free 7 Colors |
Camelbak Best Lightweight Option | Double-Wall 0.73 l/ 25 oz | Polypropylene 6 Colors |
Schwinn Best cheap bike bottle | None 0.7 l/ 24 Oz | Polypropylene 1 Color |
Zorri Best cycling bottle for size options | None 4 options from 14oz(0.4 l) to 36oz(1 l) | Tritan Polyester BPA-Free 9 Colors |
Polar Best insulated cycling bottle | Double-Wall 0.7 l/ 24 Oz | Polypropylene BPA-Free 12 Colors |
11 Best Bike Water Bottles
[Insulated/Stainless Steel/BPA-Free]
Our Reviews
Contigo AutoSeal โ Best Stainless Steel Cycling Water Bottle
Editor’s Pick – New Design for 2023
Contigo is leading the pack of best water bottles on the market. The stainless steel construction makes it durable and the Thermalock keeps the water cold for a long time.
AutoSeal
The AutoSeal button of this stainless steel cycling water bottle seals the lid between your sips. It will prevent any leaks and spills while you drink.
Thermalock
With its double-walled vacuum insulation, you can conveniently keep your drinks cold for up to a whopping 28 hours. For this reason, this bottle is a good choice for long rides.
Protective cover
The spout of this lid also comes with a protective cover. It will keep any germs or dirt away from the mouthpiece so you can have a clean drink. This protective cover also makes the cleaning process easy.
Pros
- It comes with Thermalock insulation for maintaining temperature for up to 28 hours.
- The AutoSeal button prevents any spills and ensures easy one-handed operation.
- The spout comes with a protective cover for clean and healthy drinking.
- A carrying handle is there for easy transportation.
- The lid is dishwasher safe and you can wash it with your hands.
- Integrated handle
Cons
- The bottle tends to leak if you place it on its side.
Super Sparrow Tritan Sports Bottle 1L โ Best Water Bottle for Bikepacking
2024 favorite water bottle!
Super Sparrow is a new player in the sports bottle market with a range of high-quality products that are great value for money. The Tritan Sport 1000ml and 750ml are my new personal cycle touring water bottles for 2024.
It’s ergonomic and the matte version is even more grippy, opening it one-handed is easy, and the strap handle makes sure you won’t lose it.
The 1 Liter version fits perfectly in a standard bottle cage and, even on my small frame, It fits also in my under-tube cage with ease.
It also makes a great sustainable gift even for the non cyclists thanks to its versatility.
Tritan BPA-free – the best plastic in the world
Tritan is a 100% non-toxic, heat resistant, and shatterproof plastic compound used also in medical grade devices. It has the look and feel of glass, is neutral in taste, and it’s free from BPS (bisphenol S) and all other bisphenols.
Fast flow
When you are thirsty and out of breath cycling up a hill, you don’t want to suck for a drop you’ll need fast and effortless flow. Achieved in this cycling water bottle by a clever air-hole on the lid
Removable strainer
As I love putting aromatizing herbs, such as mint or tea, for my long cycle touring days, this ultralight strainer comes in handy.
Pros
- affordable
- high-quality materials
- neutral taste
- spare seals
- leak proof
- carry strap
Cons
- not insulated
Tiibo vacuum insulated stainless steel – best steel bottle for road cycling
An outstanding new entry in our best cycling water bottles list is the Tiibo Vacuum insulated stainless steel.
An efficiently designed water bottle with a snug fit on any bottle cage. What we love about it is the steady water flow, given by the intelligent air vent – great to take in big gulps on hot biking days.
Quite light for a double-wall stainless steel bottle at a dry weight of about 320g or 11.3oz.
The cap is BPA-free polypropylene, a food-grade plastic that stands at high temperatures. The nozzle and tube are made out of food-grade silicone.
Capacity is an average of 23oz (0.7 liters), which, together with the absence of a nozzle cover to protect it from dirt, makes it catered more towards road rides than MTB or bikepacking.
Pros
- vacuum insulated
- stainless steel
- great water flow
- fit any bottle cage
Cons
- Nozzle not protected from dirt
Takeya Originals โ Best Water Bottle for Value
This BPA-free food-grade water bottle will not transfer any flavors. You donโt have to worry about any leakages.
Double-walled insulation
The double-walled insulation of this water bottle will keep your beverage cold for an entire day. It will also keep your hot beverage in the same way for twelve hours. It is highly effective if you are riding in warmer or colder climates.
BPA-free
Takeya has used food-grade and BPA-free materials in the construction of this bottle. The bottle will not transfer any unwanted flavors into your mouth and it wonโt sweat either.
Leak-proof lid
The spout of this water bottle is entirely leak-proof and has a very innovative design. You can easily operate this spout with one hand and there is a hinge lock as well that will keep the cap away from your mouth when you are having a sip.
Pros
- It can keep your drink warm for half a day and cold for an entire day.
- Stainless Steel
- This bottle comes with a spout that is leak-proof and prevents any spills.
- You can open the lid with one hand.
- Available in different colors and sizes.
Cons
- It is a bit wide and you will need a larger bottle cage.
Hydro Flask โ Best for Premium Quality
This bike water bottle does live up to the claims of keeping the water cold for a day and warm for half a day.
Food grade materials
This bottle features high-quality phthalate and food-grade BPA-free materials. With any temperature irregularities, it wonโt become unhealthy for you.
TempShield Technology
This flask is able to maintain the temperature of the contents of your bottle for a long period of time. The bottle is double-walled and vacuumed to prevent heat exchange with the surroundings.
Powder coating
With powder coating, the bottle becomes a lot easier to grip. The bottle also stays sweat-free because of this coating.
Flex cap or Sport Cap
The flex cap is firm and highly flexible. It features stainless steel pivots and features an easy-to-carry strap.
It is best for your drinks when you stay. If you are looking for an on-the-go option, then choose the Sport Cap. This will allow you to hydrate yourself one-handed.
Pros
- Conveniently maintain the temperature of the fluids with its double-walled construction.
- The stainless steel used in the construction is free from phthalate and BPA.
- You can use the Sport cap for one-handed use on the go.
- Multiple colors and sizes are available.
Cons
- The sport cap is not leakproof and it is not for hot fluids
Embrava Sports โ Best Water Bottle for MTB
If you are looking for a great mountain bike water bottle, then you cannot ignore Embrava. A protective cap, easy one-handed operation, and a great grip made it my choice for the trail.
One-click opening
You can easily open the bottle with one click during the action. Just slide your hand into the strap and take a sip. Apart from cycling, it is also a great option for the gym, running, yoga, tennis, Crossfit, hiking, and MMA.
Eco-friendly and non-toxic materials
Embrava has used eco-friendly materials in the construction of this bottle and they are non-toxic. The Tritan polyester plastic is not harmful to your body as well as the environment.
Premium quality construction
The shape of the bottle is ergonomic to ensure an easy one-handed operation while also featuring a tough protective cap and rugged carrying strap. This is a very durable water bottle meant for outdoor abuse.
Pros
- This is the perfect water bottle for outdoor activities.
- Durable construction
- It keeps the contents cold and warm for long periods.
- No use of any harmful chemicals for your body or the environment.
- Quick one-handed functioning
- Great for MTB thanks to the protection lid
Cons
- The lid of the bottle tends to sweat in a warm climate.
Coleman AutoSeal Water Bottle โ Best for leak-proof construction
Looking for a large-sized bike water bottle for your cycle touring adventures? Go for the Coleman. This 1.2-liter stainless steel water bottle is durable and it is designed for people who love to spend their time bikepacking across entire countries.
Vacuum-insulated
This flask is vacuum-insulated and has a double-walled construction. Now your cold drink will remain that way for up to 58 hours and your hot beverages will stay the same for 20 hours.
High flowing spout
The spout of this large cycling water bottle allows high flow. You can quickly hydrate and get back to focusing on the road without wasting any time.
AutoSeal
This water bottle also comes with the AutoSeal feature and it will keep the fluid from spilling during your sips. The protective cover for the spout is also there to prevent germs and dirt from entering your mouth.
Pros
- 1.2 liters and it fits in a standard bottle cage!
- Coleman has used BPA-free materials.
- The protective spout will keep the mouth of the bottle free from any germs.
- With AutoSeal you donโt have to deal with any spills during your sips.
- The double-walled construction makes the bottle properly insulated.
Cons
- You have to press a button for opening the valve each time you sip.
Camelbak โ Best Lightweight Option
Editor’s pick for road cycling
This fancy-looking water bottle from Camelbak is extremely lightweight and it can keep your water cold for long periods. The bottle has an easy-to-clean design and it’s definitely among the best cycling water bottles on this list.
Self-sealing jet valve
This bottle features a self-sealing jet valve. With this valve, you wonโt experience any spills or splatters during your sips. So drink as much as you love.
Lightweight
This bottle is extremely lightweight because it is not made of stainless steel. Moreover, you can easily squeeze it to increase the flow of water.
Removable nozzle
The removable nozzle and cylindric shape make it easy to clean it.
Pros
- Lightweight design for easy carrying and one-handed use.
- You can squeeze it for increasing the water flow as per your needs.
- The jet valve is self-sealing and it wonโt allow any splatters.
- Effortless cleaning.
Cons
- It doesnโt keep the fluidโs temperature for long hours.
Schwinn โ Best cheap water bottle
If you do cycling occasionally and donโt want to spend too much on a water bottle, then this is the right option for you to consider.
Hold your carbonated drinks
This budget water bottle from Schwinn is able to hold a carbonated drink for you. Furthermore, it is able to maintain a steady water flow so that you can quench your thirst.
BPA-free
Schwinn has been around for a long time in the bicycle industry and for this reason they understand the needs of a regular cyclist. Cyclists need to remain active and well-hydrated during their rides. So the company has used food-grade plastic in the construction of this bottle to keep it healthy.
Easy to clean
This cheap water bottle is very easy to clean as it is dishwasher safe. However, if you prefer to use your hands for cleaning then this will be slightly awkward for you.
Pros
- This bottle is easy to squeeze and is dishwasher-safe.
- Your purchase will include a bottle cage as well.
- The spout comes with a lid and it prevents any spills and leakages.
- The bottle is very easy to use on the go with one hand.
Cons
- If you prefer to wash using your hands then this bottle is not the right option for you.
Zorri โ Best cycling bottle for size options
If youโre looking for some color variety and a bottle with a pop-open lid, then this water bottle from Zorri needs to be on your checklist. The great thing is that Zorri makes these bottles in four different sizes: 14oz (400ml ), 17oz (500ml ), 24oz (700ml), and 36oz (1000ml)!
Pop-open lid
The traditional pop-open lid is still going strong and Zorri understands that. With this lid, the bottle becomes 100% leakproof.
No plastic-tasting water
Zorri has used BPA-free plastic in the construction of this bottle and you wonโt get the taste of the bottle in your drinks.
Durable filtering layer
This bottle features a highly durable filtering layer and it is the ideal choice for infusing fruits into your drinks.
Pros
- This water bottle has a filter right next to the lid and it allows you to infuse a variety of fruits in your drinks.
- Available in a range of colors and sizes.
- The bottle is very easy to use with one hand as it features a pop-open lid.
- The plastic that this bottle is BPA-free and the lid is leak-proof.
Cons
- You have to have that filter in place otherwise the water flow will make a mess for sure.
Polar Water Bottle โ Best insulated bike water bottle
If thermal protection is your top priority, you need to go for the Polar water bottle. You can find different colors and it is available in two sizes.
Pioneered Insulation
When it comes to insulation there is no one better than Polar. The company was the first one to introduce this feature in water bottles. Therefore, these water bottles can keep the temperature of your fluids twice as long as the competition.
Freezer and dishwasher safe
This bottle is freezer as well as dishwasher safe you can conveniently use the dishwasher to clean it and can also place it in your freezer.
Free from any toxins
This water bottle is made of BPA-free plastic and throughout the production process; the company hasnโt used any harmful chemicals.
Pros
- You can find different colors of your choice to suit your style.
- This bottle is excellent when it comes to thermal protection.
- There are no hazardous chemicals or materials used in the production process of this bottle.
- This water bottle is safe to be cleaned with a dishwasher.
Cons
- It does tend to leak at times when you are drinking from it.
Buying Guide – How to choose the right water bottle
In the search for the ultimate bottle for cycling, we shall start by understanding our needs. This will help narrow down the options and only focus on the products that are most suitable for your requirements.
Here are some of the critical features you must consider when looking for the best bike water bottles.
Materials
This is arguably the most important feature of a bike water bottle. You can either go for a plastic water bottle or stainless steel. If you want plastic, then make sure it is BPA-free. Plastic bottles are lightweight and they are good for hot climates.
Insulation
No matter which material you choose for your bottle, it needs to be properly insulated. This is important for the purpose of keeping your drink cold or warm for long periods.
You might have heard a lot about double-walled vacuum insulation. This technology allows you to maintain the temperature of your drink for several hours.
With this feature, your cold drink will remain cold, and warm drinks will remain warm for long hours.
Spout operation
Spout operation is key if you are going to keep your bottle in a cage and drink on the go. You will need a bottle that has a spout and it needs to pop up with just a push of a button.
No-hands operation is even better as you can focus on the road while you have a sip. A screw-top lid is a better option if you plan to stop and have a drink.
Leak-proof
Leakproofing is imperative because you donโt want to end up with an empty bottle when you stop for a drink. You must consider different leak-proof features. The lids or spouts need to be lockable.
Easy to clean
Donโt go for a bottle that is an absolute nightmare when it comes to cleaning. This is particularly important if you are looking to use your bottle for drinks other than water.
Consider bottle components that are dishwasher safe. If you prefer to wash everything with your hands, then your bottle needs to come apart fairly easily. This will enable you to access every component for cleaning especially the spout.
Size
When you are looking to carry the bottle in your bike cage, make sure the bottle fits right in.
Many bottle holders are pretty flexible but not every cage will accommodate every bottle. Those oversized 40 oz bottles are the real ones to watch out for!
Check Also
Frequently Asked Questions – Cycling Water Bottles
What size water bottle do pro-cyclists use?
The size of water bottles that pro-cyclists use ranges between 500ml and 750ml. most of them come in standard size and they fit most of the bottle cages too.
The reason behind that is they vary in terms of length and not in width. You can choose any size based on your needs.
How do you install a water bottle holder on a bike?
Installing a water bottle on your bike is not a big deal. You just need to have the right tools at your disposal. You will need an L-shaped Allen wrench (4mm), a cage for your water bottle, bolts (braze-on) already on the frame, and your water bottle.
Start by removing the cage bolts that are there in your bicycleโs frame. Make a decision on which tube you will mount your bottle in and focus on those two bolts only. Now position the cage against that braze-on and hand-tighten the bolts to keep the cage in place.ย
Tighten the bolts using your wrench. You might have a hard time tightening the top bolt if you use a Y-wrench so you need to go for the L-shaped wrench to get the job done. Your cage is now secure and you can place your water bottle in it.ย
How much water should I drink during my ride?
There are various factors that can influence the amount of water you drink. These include the climate, the intensity, and length of your ride, and your own physiology.
However, on a hot day, you need to drink 1 to 1.5-ltr water roughly.ย
On a cold day, the amount will be less but you should drink less than 500ml hourly. It is advisable to go for an electrolyte drink to gain electrolytes that you’ll lose during the ride. Small regular sips are better and donโt consume a large amount at once.ย
Conclusion – what’s the best cycling water bottle?
The winner of this roundup of best bike water bottles for 2024 is still Contigo, which also wins the best stainless steel option. A few new entries though have quite impressed me.
For large-size bottles, the options are the lightweight Super Sparrow Tritan and the Coleman Autoseal, great for touring and bikepacking. Polar bottles keep the crown for the best insulation.
So what do you think about our list of best cycling water bottles? Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comment section below!
Stay hydrated!