9 Best Collapsible Water Bottle Options For Eco Hydration On The Go
The water bottle is fast becoming a cultural symbol of health consciousness. And using a reusable water bottle shows that you care for the environment as much as you do yourself.
Collapsible water bottles you can stash in a bag or pack for travel provide portable convenience alongside replacing the need for water in single-use plastic bottles. But before you get one, read through our list of some of the best that you can easily stash in a backpack or purse and fill up on the go.
Before we go into the details about why we recommend these nine bottle brands, let’s look at reasons to choose one over a solid reusable water bottle.
Benefits of using a collapsible water bottle
When you can easily collapse your water bottle, it can make staying hydrated sustainably on the go easier. More so, it provides an eco-friendly alternative to disposable plastic bottles. You will most likely save a few dollars if you switch from buying disposable plastic bottles to a reusable type.
Despite its flexibility, an excellent collapsible bottle is durable and will not leak water. And the best we’ve listed will last for a long time with a bit of care.
Space-saving
People often want to take as little as possible on a trip, and lugging a stainless steel or glass bottle around is not convenient. A disposable PET water bottle is often the solution they choose instead. And it is no news that plastic bottles are bad for the environment.
Whereas one you can collapse won't take up a lot of space in your bag. It is ideal for packing light for a trip or long hike while keeping hydrated. You’ll even find that some collapsible water bottles have multifunctional options when you fold them.
Increased mobility
Reducing the size of a water bottle to a pocket or palm-sized item makes it super easy to move it around. You can use some of the bottles as key holders in their folded state so you carry them around with your keys.
The shrinkable size also makes it easier to travel by air with a collapsible water bottle. It is lightweight and won’t add to your luggage's weight. You may not be allowed through airport security with enough water to sate your thirst after touching down. But with a collapsible water bottle in your hand luggage, you can easily fill up on the other side of security.
Eco-friendly
The essence of a refillable water bottle is to encourage reuse and promote sustainable water consumption.
They make most collapsible water bottles from silicone, which is more durable than plastic. When silicone can no longer be recycled, processors downcycle it into mulch, beauty products, and lunch trays. We can also recycle waste silicone multiple times through particular recycling companies.
Unlike plastic, silicone is more eco-friendly and does not break down into microscopic pieces that end up polluting the oceans. Even in liquid form (PDMS), silicone does not pose a threat to aquatic life. Sedimentation removes it from the water column, a natural cleansing process. Furthermore, the large molecular size prevents it from passing through the biological membranes of fish.
Another advantage is that food or medical-grade silicone does not contain Bisphenol A and other harmful chemicals found in plastic.
9 Best Collapsible Water Bottles
Below are essential details about the water bottles on our list that collapse to a fraction of their size. We discuss capacity, weight, material design, durability, and convenience. Additionally, we have included a commentary on the things we love about these collapsible bottles and why we’ve chosen them.
Quick links to the best collapsible water bottles:
1. Nomader
Material: silicone
Capacity: 22 oz
Weight: 198 g
The 22 oz Nomader collapsible water bottle is a popular choice among eco-conscious folks. When filled with water, the silicone water bottle is rigid but becomes extremely flexible when empty.
The water bottle has a 100% leak-proof cap with a wide mouth design and drinking spout. It completely collapses into a tight roll. A cover on the narrow drinking spout prevents dust particles and tiny organisms from getting into the bottle.
This shatterproof silicone bottle comes with a lifetime warranty. The bottle is durable and dishwasher-safe, while the wide-mouth screw lid makes it easy to wash with a bottle brush. With its strap, you can carry the filled bottle around easily and secure it when folded.
The Nomader water bottle safely handles hot drinks and is freezable. As such, it is excellent for a long walk on a hot day. Freeze the water the night before, and providing you don’t need to drink it straight away, you’ll have a cool drink when you reach your destination. For extra convenience, it features an ergonomic grip sleeve. The lightweight design is great for air travel and hiking for just a few hours.
Why Nomader Tops out List
The Nomader collapsible water bottle is BPA-free and made with food-grade silicone. It contains no lead, PVC, latex, BPS, or phthalates. The product is certified by the LFGB, which is the toughest silicone food container standard in Germany and France. Even better, Nomader bottles come with a lifetime guarantee.
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2. Hydaway
Material: silicone
Capacity: 17 oz, 25 oz
Weight: 8.8 ounces
At a water capacity of 17 oz, the Hydaway collapsible water bottle collapses to just a little over an inch and sports a unique avocado shape. This flexible bottle stretches and folds almost like a telescope. While the silicone ring under the lid of the ergonomic flask prevents leakage.
A collapsed Hydaway water bottle can easily fit into a pocket, purse, or car cup holder. It comes with its own travel case that keeps dirt away and also prevents leftover liquid drops from escaping the flip-up straw lid and staining other items in your bag. The travel case has a clip that you can attach to your bags or belt loops.
If the thought of always carefully folding a collapsible bottle bothers you, the Hydaway water bottle is perfect for you. All it requires is a squash, and it's folded. Cleaning the bottle is easy; you can place it in the dishwasher or hand wash it with hot soapy water through the large opening on the lid.
The bottle can hold extremely cold and hot liquids but make sure the temperatures are safe to carry. The product comes with a one-year guarantee.
Best Collapsible Water Bottle for Travel
Hydaway makes its bottles from BPA-free silicone that is free from phthalates. Also, they manufacture the product in Oregon, USA. As a locally manufactured product, it has a smaller shipping carbon footprint. The brand also contributes to the local economy.
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3. Nefeeko
Material: silicone, metal
Capacity: 550 ml / 18.6 oz
Weight: 198g
Nefeeko doesn’t fold up completely, but the 550ml water bottle can go from 24cm to 14cm. The silicone bottle can hold hot and cold beverages with temperatures ranging from -40 degrees F to 140 degrees F. Its silicone seal ring and solid metal cap make it leak-proof.
This collapsible water bottle recommendation comes with an aluminum carabiner for easy attachment to backpacks and waist belts. Sized 2.8 inches wide, it fits nicely into a bicycle bottle cage and is durable enough to withstand accidental drops, and is dishwasher-safe.
Nefeeko comes in four colors and has an ergonomic anti-slip grip. The wide mouth with a liquid-safe screw cap makes it easy to clean. However, be careful when filling the bottle with liquids hotter than the recommended maximum temperature, as these can put you at risk of sustaining scalds. It can also degrade the strength of the bottle.
Why we recommend Nefeeko
The platinum food-grade silicone used to make Nefeeko water bottles is BPA-free. It does not contain PVC, phthalates, or BPS either. The bottle is safe to drink from and makes drinking water from reusable bottles easier to do anywhere. Its collapsed height can save about 50% of full-height space.
4. Platypus
Material: Polyethylene
Capacity: 2 liters
Weight: 1.6 ounces
Platypus looks more like a water pouch than a water bottle. It can hold up to 2 liters of water, making it perfect for camping trips or long hikes. Platypus balances its high water volume with being extremely lightweight. When it is empty, you can store it flat or folded, and you will save space either way. It can fold small enough to fit in your pocket with no heavy sagging weight.
The fold-up water pouch has a flat base, so you can place it upright when it’s full. It has a narrow-necked screw top that you can pair with water filters and the Platypus GravityWorks water filtration system. You can also swap the closure cap with different Platypus caps or drink tubes.
You can freeze the pouch, and it will hold liquids at temperatures around 203 degrees F. The food-grade polyethylene lining does not affect the taste of water, and it does not retain the aftertaste of beverages.
The platypus collapsible water bottle is so durable it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Why we like Platypus
Platypus helps hydrate sustainably in places where there are no water fountains to supply constant refills. They make it from BPA-free, BPS-free, and phthalate-free polyethylene.
Manufactured locally in the USA, they reduced shipping emissions and boosted the local economy.
They also support organizations like Evergreen MTB and IMBA that work to provide outstanding outdoor experiences.
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5. Mountop
Material: silicone
Capacity: 20 oz
Weight: 3.6 oz
Minimalist and straightforward, Mountop collapsible water bottles are ideal for use at work or school. They also work great for travel, sports, and outdoor events. The bottles can hold liquids with temperatures from -50 degrees F to 200 degrees F. At a maximum capacity of 20 oz, the bottle can contain enough water to last through a workout session at the gym.
The bottle collapses to a palm-sized roll, and the silicone hoop attached to the cap acts as a binder for easy storage. The Mountop bottle stands upright whether it is empty or full. You don’t have to worry about it collapsing on itself and spilling water.
You can easily clean the rectangular water bottles by hand, and they are dishwasher-safe. The foldable bottles are leak-proof and come with a twenty-four-month warranty.
Why we like Mountop
Mountop is not only stylish but made with BPA-free silicone that makes it safe to drink from. The bottle is sporty but still works great for office and everyday activities.
6. Anntrue
Material: silicone, PP
Capacity: 18 oz
Weight: 5.6 oz
Anntrue is a rugged collapsible water bottle that can hold hot or cold drinks. It can endure temperatures of up to 248 degrees F. The shatterproof silicone used for Anntrue’s foldable water bottle will remain intact if it falls from almost any height.
The silicone water bottle only folds to about half its size when stretched. The cap has a large opening for quick refills and adding ice or lemon. There is also a smaller drinking spout to aid spillage-free drinking. The bottle seals tightly and won’t leak water even when pressed.
Thanks to the wide-mouth cap, it is easy to hand wash the bottle. The manufacturers advise that customers wash the bottle with a soft brush and avoid filling it with strong acids or alkali liquids. Those things can damage the durability and safety of the bottle.
Why we like Anntrue
Anntrue water bottles are non-toxic and safe to drink from. The silicone material is food-grade platinum that is FDA-approved. So you can be assured that your health is not at risk while trying to reduce plastic bottle waste.
7. Vapur
Material: blend,
Capacity: 16 oz, 24 oz, 1 liter, 300 ml, 750 ml
Weight: 0.03 kg
Vapur refers to itself as an anti-bottle brand. The silicone water bottle is more of a pouch than an actual bottle. Vapur gives you a choice of sizes, unlike most collapsible water bottles. They make the bottles with a 3-ply material that contains no phthalate, BPS, or BPF.
The super lightweight bottle doesn’t take up much space. It can be stored folded or flat. Vapur bottles feature a patented leak-proof flip cap. The Super Cap guarantees zero leaks when closed.
The bottles come in different functional designs. The After Hours bottles for storing alcohol are highly durable and freezer safe for an overnight chill. It can hold water or be filled with alcohol with no material damage or aftertaste. The brand has bottles specially designed for kids and dogs as well.
The carabiner attached to the bottle also serves as a binder when the bottle is folded. Vapur is dishwasher safe, and you can also hand wash it with a bottle brush. Vapur also offers water bottle accessories like a water filter cap for sale.
Why we like Vapur
To make sure you drink safe water from their bottle, the Vapur brand uses a BPA-free blend of materials.
Also, they manufacture the bottle in California, USA. We love locally manufactured products because they cut back on production shipping emissions.
The Vapur Hydration Program sets up water refill stations at subsidized rates for participants. So far, the program has prevented the use of about 1 million single-use plastics.
Vapur is passionate about giving back, and the brand donates thousands of bottles every year to charitable organizations through its Drops of Hope program.
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8. Special Made
Material: silicone, polypropylene
Capacity: 20 ounces
Weight: 135 g
This collapsible silicone water bottle folds to 20% of its fully expanded size. It has a non-slip base and a patented leak-proof lid. It has a strong carry strap that doubles as a binder. You can drink from and fill the bottle easily as it has both a spout and a wide mouth.
Special Made makes this water bottle from shatterproof silicone. It is heat resistant, and you can safely hold liquids up to 158 degrees F. You can also freeze them and clean them in a dishwasher.
Like many silicone water bottles, Special Made needs preconditioning with boiling water for 10 minutes. That will help get rid of unpleasant odors or tastes.
Why we like Special Made
Special Made manufactures water bottles from food-grade organic silicone. The material is BPA-free and certified by the SGS, FDA, and LFGB for safety. The bottle has zero traces of PVC, BPS, latex, and phthalates.
You can drink safely without fear of harmful chemicals leaching into your drinks.
9. Hydrapak
Material: Thermoplastic Polyurethane, HDPE, PP
Capacity: 1 liter, 1.5 liter, 750 ml, 500ml
Weight: 0.2 pounds
Stay hydrated with Hydrapak’s range of collapsible water bottles. The bottles come with varying water capacities and designs. They make these water bottles with abrasion-resistant Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
The Hydrapak stash twists to collapse to one-quarter of its full size. The other bottles can fold to a palm-size or small enough to fit in a purse. The bottles will fit in most water bottle filters.
The RF welded seams provide elasticity and durability. The bottles will stand upright when filled up completely and have a carry handle for ease. Hydrapak promises that its water bottles have a beyond-lifetime warranty.
Why we like Hydrapak
All Hydrapak bottles meet the FDA and EU safety regulations. They contain no PVC OR BPA and are safe for you.
Also, the brand is helping to keep plastic bottles out of landfills with its RECON rigid water bottle series. They make their bottles from 50% recycled material.
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How to choose the ideal collapsible water bottle for you
There are so many choices of collapsible water bottles available in the market. To find the perfect fit, you need to look beyond reusability.
Otherwise, you may end up with a bottle that you soon have to throw away. Throwing away reusable water bottles too soon only amounts to waste that cancels whatever environmental benefits it ought to bring.
Below we share a few tips to help you find the perfect fit to replace your typical water bottle.
Capacity
The ideal capacity depends on daily water needs and lifestyle. For example, if you work at home, a small bottle is fine as you can easily refill it.
A medium-sized collapsible water bottle is excellent if you go out to places where water fountains are easily accessible. It won't feel too heavy to carry around when it's full and will not deplete too quickly.
However, if you frequently go on long hikes or camping trips, you should choose a large-capacity bottle.
Durability
Many things determine how durable a collapsible water bottle is. The most important things are how brands made it and how you use it. They make the best collapsible water bottles with quality materials. These materials can withstand stretching and collapse multiple times a day for a long time.
Liquid temperatures also affect the durability of a foldable bottle. They make the bottle soft to enable folding, but this implies the temperatures the bottles can withstand. Using the collapsible water bottle to hold liquid temperatures higher than recommended can damage the bottle and injure you.
Materials
The materials used in making your water bottle have both health and environmental consequences. They make some collapsible bottles with plastic and silicone parts. Some plastics contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a toxic chemical that can interfere with hormone functions.
The brands we’ve listed make the best collapsible water bottles with food-grade materials. They are safe to drink from, whether you fill them with cold or hot liquids. Always choose a collapsible silicone bottle that is free from BPA and other toxic chemicals.
Wrapping up our collapsible water bottle best-of list
Stay hydrated sustainably while saving space. With collapsible bottles, you can enjoy the unobtrusiveness of disposable bottles and the environmental benefits of reusable bottles.
Jen’s a passionate environmentalist and sustainability expert. With a science degree from Babcock University Jen loves applying her research skills to craft editorial that connects with our global changemaker and readership audiences centered around topics including zero waste, sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity.
Elsewhere Jen’s interests include the role that future technology and data have in helping us solve some of the planet’s biggest challenges.
