Buyer's Guides

BEST WATER BOTTLE BUYER’S GUIDE 2021

BY MyGolfSpy
Sep 2nd 2021
Read all comments

Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

2021 WATER BOTTLE BUYER’S GUIDE

Wherever you may be in the world, there’s one item that you always need to survive and that’s a water bottle.

I know you may think we have lost the plot at MyGolfSpy by testing water bottles but what if I told you 480 billion plastic water bottles were sold in 2019 according to BioPlastics.com? That’s nearly one million bottles sold every minute.

As the environmentally conscious among us try to rely less on single-use plastics, the water bottle industry is booming. Not just in golf but the same bottle is being used for your morning coffee, lunch drink and even at dinner.

So we had to test them to provide you with the best water bottle information in 2021.

Whether you’re looking to buy a Water Bottle today, some buying advice to get started or just want a closer look at what’s on the market, this guide will help you find the right bottle to fit your needs.

Winner: Hydro Flask Wide Mouth

If you want the best water bottle, look no further than the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth. It may just seem like any other water bottle but it performed well in all categories. It has a robust design making it one of the best water bottles for durability. The Hydro Flask comes with a straw to regulate the amount of water you get, ensuring you don’t get a face full of water when tipping it. The flask comes with a carry loop. These are just a couple of reasons why Hydro Flask was crowned Most Wanted Water Bottle of 2021.

2nd in durability
3rd in performance
2nd in drinkability

BEST WATER BOTTLE WITH A STRAW - Contigo Ashland

The Contigo Ashland is a water bottle for everyone. Its straw system is incredibly smooth allowing for a consistent amount of water to be distributed. The shape and size allows it to fit in most cup holders and golf bags. If it doesn't you can always clip it on to your bag instead.

The Best Water Bottle – Features That Matter

Durability

Whether you buy a cheaper or more expensive water bottle, you want it to last. Most of the water bottles tested were made from stainless steel. However, where we see differences is in the vacuum seal and toggle for portability reasons. Some come with a straw for easy drinkability which can play into the durability.

The Yeti Rambler 26 oz and Orca Hydra are great examples of high durability. Those who like water bottles with straws should consider Hydro Flask Wide Mouth.

Performance (Hot and Cold)

What’s the point of an insulated water bottle if it doesn’t keep your drink cold on those hot days or warm on the winter nights? Luckily for you, most water bottles tested performed well in this category. It should be noted that not one bottle kept the water cold for the whole 24 hours but, let’s face it, who needs it to be cold for 24 hours?

If keeping your drinks hot or cold is one of your main priorities, check out the RTIC Water Bottle and Yeti Rambler 26 oz.

Drinkability

Depending on your personal preference, the water bottles tested had either a straw or a wider spout for drinking. We found the straw was better as it is a controlled amount of water intake. We found that bottles with wider, more open spouts, don’t regulate the amount that comes out and, if there is ice in the bottle, can become blocked.

Water bottles that performed well were the Contigo Ashland and Hydro Flask Wide Mouth.

EXPERT TIP - Insulated Water Bottles

If you want to keep your drink cold or hot hot a long period of time, you should consider water bottles that are insulated.

BEST WATER BOTTLE 2021 - FEATURES

Product	Material	Colors	Sizes	Straw Option
Contigo Ashland Check Price	Stainless Steel	9	24oz	Yes
Corkcicle Classic Sports Check Price	Stainless Steel	23	12-25oz	Yes
Hydrapeak Flow Check Price	Stainless Steel	15	32oz	Yes
Hydro Cell Check Price	Stainless Steel	19	14-64oz	Yes
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Check Price	Stainless Steel	10	32oz	Yes
Iron Flask Wide Mouth Check Price	Stainless Steel	24	14-64oz	Yes
Mira Check Price	Stainless Steel	9	24-40oz	No
Orca Hydra Check Price	Stainless Steel	8	22-66oz	No
Polar Bottle 20 oz Check Price	Plastic	3	20-24oz	No
RTIC Water Bottle Check Price	Stainless Steel	18	16-26oz	No
Simple Modern Wave Accent Check Price	Stainless Steel	12	40-128oz	Yes
Takeya Originals Check Price	Stainless Steel	9	18-40oz	No
Taketau 32 oz Check Price	Stainless Steel	12	32oz	Yes
Tempercraft 22oz Check Price	Stainless Steel	10	18-40oz	Yes
Thermoflask Amazon Basics Check Price	Stainless Steel	7	16-64oz	Yes
Yeti Rambler 26 oz Check Price	Stainless Steel	13	26oz	No

BEST WATER BOTTLE WITHOUT A STRAW - Yeti Rambler 26 oz

The Yeti Rambler may not have a straw but it has what they call a Chug Cap. It allows water to funnel evenly without coming out too fast and ending up all over you. It is also dish washer friendly which makes all our lives easier.

More Tips

If you plan to sip while exercising, you’ll probably want a model with an easy-open mechanism that you can operate with one hand.
A larger water bottle is beneficial as you do not have to refill it as often. The downside is the water bottle will be heavier than most standard-sized water bottles.
Whatever you use your water bottle for, make sure you check the specs so that it fits your bag, cup holder, etc.
Drinking plenty of water is good for your health. It helps with your kidney function, makes your skin look healthy and helps maintain healthy bowel function.
If you tend to carry your bag during your round, you should consider a water bottle with a clip system to attach to your bag.

How We Test

We're here to help you find the perfect water bottle to fit your needs.

To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no detail unchecked, and no stone unturned.

Our Metrics

Water bottles are tested head to head using rigorous protocols.

The metrics we consider when rating water bottles include Durability, Performance (hot and cold), Drinkability, and Portability.

BEST WATER BOTTLE 2021 - RESULTS

Product	Durability	Performance (Hot + Cold)	Drinkability	Portability	Total
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Check Price	3rd	3rd	2nd	10th	93.5
Yeti Rambler 26 oz Check Price	1st	2nd	6th	14th	93
Corkcicle Classic Sports Check Price	4th	3rd	6th	8th	92.5
Contigo Ashland Check Price	7th	14th	1st	1st	92.5
RTIC Water Bottle Check Price	4th	1st	14th	3rd	92
Orca Hydra Check Price	1st	3rd	8th	16th	91.5
Hydrapeak Flow Check Price	11th	3rd	3rd	14th	91
Iron Flask Wide Mouth Check Price	7th	14th	3rd	10th	91
Taketau 32 oz Check Price	11th	8th	3rd	10th	91
Takeya Originals Check Price	4th	8th	10th	3rd	91
Simple Modern Wave Ascent Check Price	14th	14th	8th	1st	90.5
Tempercraft 22oz Check Price	7th	8th	10th	3rd	90.5
Thermoflask Amazon Basics Check Price	11th	3rd	10th	8th	90
Hydro Cell Check Price	7th	8th	15th	3rd	89.5
Mira Check Price	7th	8th	10th	10th	89.5
Polar Bottle 20 oz Check Price	16th	16th	16th	3rd	74.5

EXPERT TIP - Extra Features

Some water bottles have extra features . For example, some bottles have built-in fruit infusers that allows you to integrate fresh fruit with your beverage.

What Do I Need to Know About the Best Water Bottles?

Q. Is my water bottle dishwasher safe?

A. Most are dishwasher safe. However, always check the specifications from the manufacturer before throwing it in the dishwasher.

Q. Do I need an insulated water bottle?

A. Depending on where you live, or preference for that mater, will determine if you need an insulated water bottle. An insulated water bottle will keep your cold drinks cool and your hot drinks warm. If you were to take a chilled water bottle on a hike or run on a hot day, an insulated variety would keep your H2O cool.

Q. Should I get a water bottle with a wide or narrow mouth?

A. Whether you prefer a wide or narrow mouth comes down to personal preference. Wide-mouth bottles fill faster and the water comes out faster, too. Occasionally, it might come out too fast, causing you to spill it while you’re drinking.

Support Unbiased Testing.

DID YOU KNOW: If only 1% of MyGolfSpy readers donated $25, we would be able to become completely independent in 12-months. With every donation, you create change.

Would you be willing to help by giving a donation? Every dollar will help. Make a donation to support our independent and expert golf equipment research. A PayPal account is not required in order to donate.

comments

Join The Discussion

Andrew the Great!

2 years ago

Funny how so many of the complaints and sarcastic comments seem to have COMPLETELY ignored the INSULATED aspect of these bottles. Read much??

This review is helpful not just from a golf perspective, but from an overall fitness or lifestyle perspective. You can take a water bottle with you to the office, to your workout, when you run around the lagoon, when you’re out cutting the lawn, sitting by the pool, in the airport and on the plane, the opportunities are seemingly endless. That so many commenters are utterly bereft of imagination is worrisome.

FWIW, I didn’t even know this review existed until this morning. And yet a week ago I did my own research (so to speak; not like yours) and bought:

The Hydroflask Wide Mouth! 24oz, though, because I want it to fit in a car’s cupholder, and because the 32oz would be too uncomfortable to hold in my hand while running or just carrying.

Anyway, I’m glad to know that my own review and research has been confirmed and validated by your reviews.

INSULATED, guys. Plastic water bottles, refilling Gatorade bottles? Puh-leeze. Try THAT here in Puerto Rico. See how long before your water is as warm as urine.

Ari Gutierrez

I own two Coleman Freeflow bottles: The 24 oz with straw and the 40 oz with a “chuging” valve. They both work amazingly well keeping water cold and no leaks at all (up to 24 hours with ice)… Also, the 40 oz cap is the easiest to clean up. Cons? The 24 oz one does not support hot beverages (because of the straw at the cap), and the bigger one even though it supports hot beverages, its size is a bit “clunky” and it does not fit into cup holders.

jbsdaddy

I live in the deep south. year round golf. also year round heat. And most courses don’t want us brining coolers on to the course. I think this is a good topic. I looked at the winning bottle, the Hydro flask wide mouth, at D****. It did not appear to come with the straw, which was packaged separately for $10-12. That’s a deal breaker for me. If the straw is a plus for the bottle, it should come with it.

leftright

Is this article and type of comparison really necessary or did someone at MGS needs a water bottle?

Dean

3 years ago

I suspect that if you considered the Standard Deviation between all of the scores in each of the categories, you would find that all of these products are about the same.

Steve Willow

Size of the water bottle should be considered heavily too. If you go with a 16 oz. water bottle and realize after a couple of rounds that 24 oz. of water would be a better amount you are not going to fit 24 oz. in a 16 oz. bottle. But you can fit 16 oz. in a 24 oz. bottle so going with the larger bottle makes sense. I’ve been utilizing a 3 size system and I base which one to use by the projected high dewpoint temperature for that day.

Pete

Come on. Water bottles? Is this where we’re at?

As per my previous comment when you reviewed the ring you wear to sleep….Can we please do a review on which felt tip marker is best for writing on your ball?

Abraham

Wow, who knew water bottles could be complex. I am a cynic. People think they are doing the right thing for the environment by using these fancy water bottles versus a plastic bottle. The reality is that most of us lose or misplace these bottles with alarming frequency. The amount of energy required to produce one of these bottles likely outstrips any environmental gain over using plastic water bottles (the same is true for reusable grocery bags). Perception is reality for most people.

Consider using disposable plastic water bottles but try to refill them from the tap as much as possible. before recycling them.

Thilo

Alright you make fierce jokes about iron covers, which make sense to me if you have expensive irons and plenty of nerves to put them on and off without getting annoyed by the task, but you test with incredible seriousness many things that are just not as nearly as reasonable as iron covers.

Ryan Moszynski

contigo for the straw yeti otherwise.

Ian

Great to see you guys testing things other than clubs or balls, but there is no data in this buyers guide? How can you claim the durability, hot/cold performance, or drink-ability with no actual tests? This is basically a glorified list of water bottles.

Mike

Guys, need to understand, which water bottle is best for high speed swing vs low swing speed players? Also, which water bottle is the most forgiving There are times when I’m rushing a drink and I don’t put the bottle opening exactly in the sweet spot of my mouth and I spill some, so I need to know which water bottle thus would be best for me.

Personally, as my game has improved, I really will only use a water bottle with a urethane cover. The ones with the surlyn covers, if I drop them on the ground, they roll too much and don’t check up.

Finally, I like a water bottle with a hardshell cover because, “soft is slow”. I actually have no idea how that relates to the conversation here but considering this article is an exercise in complete lunacy, why not?

Adam

You guys are really scraping the bottom of the barrel for content. Maybe do a deep dive on spike designs and replaceable/aftermarket spikes? Something other than water bottles.

Eric Granata

Personally I don’t like drinking water out of stainless steel. Maybe it’s me but it doesn’t taste right. I actually prefer a plastic water bottle over steel and glass is the best (I have a couple) but I get the durability is a concern

Scott

The best bottle on the market is the one that comes with water all ready in it. It’s the plastic bottle. it’s a one and done. Pro’s ..the cost is what ever you paid for the drink…. you can throw it way or refill it. ….if you lose it it doesn’t cost you anything . Cons……it doesn’t keep your drink cold.

Not surprising to see a comment like this, but seriously? This comment dates your age and generation. Get with the times, I am no hippie by any means but get a reusable water bottle and stop using single use plastic. Pathetic.

Well said Ian. All got to do our bit with single use plastic.

Charles Leu

Just wanted folks to know that Zojirushi makes excellent (quality, performance) water bottles. I live in AZ where the temp exceeds 100+ degrees F many days, and my Zojirushi bottles have never let me down (even after 24 hours liquids remained cold). If you include Zojirushi in a future test, you might have a new top pick.

sirhc

Agree with the zojirushi recommendation. Excellent product, both hot and cold. Have grown to like Hydro flask, though (easier to clean that zojirushi). Also, I’ve lost a Zojirushi from a backpack (they are narrow and can more easily fall out).

Chris

I with they’d included a big gulp cup with a lid and straw in this buyers guide. Just as affective and free with any purchase! Sort of a nod to having a range ball in ball test….

Bob

This is specifically for reusable bottles and reducing single-use plastics (i.e. Big Gulp cups). C’mon Chris, half the country is presently on fire, and the other half is underwater…

Isaac Ward

This test should have included photos of each brand in a golf cart cupholder as that’s the ultimate dealbreaker/most important feature! I know the widemouth Hydro Flasks don’t fit but their tumblers do. Have to include carts from Yamaha, Club Car, and EZ Go too since they all vary with the sizes of their cupholders. Also, knowing the weight of each one is important for those that walk as every ounce matters in terms of weight you’re carrying. That’s where a brand like Camelbak can excel as they are typically lighter.

Dave Tutelman

I have been reusing my finished Gatorade bottles (or other sports drinks). I get dozens of uses out of one bottle. All sorts of advantages, and it works just fine. Free. Fits my cart’s cup holder. Fits my hand and mouth well. Fits in the refrigerator better than most expensive sports bottles. I have a few of the special sports hydration bottles I’ve acquired over the years. Used Gatorade bottle beats ’em all for convenience.

Duffer E

You seem to prefer bottles with straws, because they limit spillage. However, I find my drinking skills more than adequate to prevent spilling. On the other hand, the annoyance of the straw, cleaning it, and the fact that most straws can’t handle hot liquids makes the straw a deal breaker for me.

John

One of the most important considerations here, at least for the golf application, is whether the bottle will fit in a standard golf cart drink holder. I have found that many of these do not fit well and will tip over or fall out. of those golf carts that use the two cup side holder (as opposed to the two or four cup center holders). This should have been part of the test, or at least a consideration since this a golf focused testing group.

Harry Nodwell

We considered incorporating fitting into a cup holder into the protocol but after looking at the vast amount of sizes each model offers, it was decided that you cant dig a bottle that was larger because it is offered in smaller sizes.

Dan Zimmerman

Meh. My STANLEY is slim enough to fit in any cart or car drink holder, and keeps my water colder than any of your tested water bottles without wasting wasting capacity with a straw.. One handed press and gulp, spring action seal, easy to clean. Yeti price is a joke. Your #1 will not fit in any normal cart or car drink holder. — deal-breaker for me!

Canned response, Harry… Did you test Stanley? I’ve tested several of the ones you rated high, and none of them keeps ice cubes from completely melting longer than my slim fits-in-every golf cart AND auto cup holder Stanley. No straw, no lid or cap that has to be removed before I drink, no leakage, no sweating, and easy to clean.

$25 @Home Depot: Stanley Classic Neverleak 20 oz Travel “Mug”

Imafitter

Next test should be which brand of tees should we buy.! Or which ball marker should you buy. MGS… LOL.

teeduke

Hey, okay, do your thing. It’s your website. Review what you want to get views and clicks. But this has now gotten to the point of absurdity. What next? Best shoelaces?

Justin Purvis

He just mindlessly drinks water out of any container. Like a cave-man. It’s just a water bottle, right? He has mastered the concepts from the book Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. On second thought, maybe not… otherwise why take the time to post here. Go troll somewhere else.

Webster

Ha, that was my reaction to seeing this as well. I’m still waiting for “best ball marker”.

Kenneth

You didn’t test it, but I have several sizes of Camelback Chute bottles that are great. Different tops and different sizes all interchangeable. Also available in plastic or insulated SS. And always on sale somewhere.

These are great, but I’d recommend the Zulu Ace 24oz water bottle over these.
– One-touch fast opening top
– Perfect size opening to allow water to flow fast, but keep ice in. Can drink while I walk without spilling all over myself.
– Removable base to make it easy to add ice and easy to clean
– Vacuum sealed
– Fits cup holders and the side slot of my golf bag
– It does not have a straw (straws are a pain to clean anyways)
– It does not hold hot liquid

Michael Pasquill

I like my S’well water bottle the best large mouth and keeps both hot and cold water

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Driver Ping G30	Hybrids PXG 0317
3/4 IRON PXG 0311XF	5-GW Srixon Z 565
SW PXG 0317	LW PXG 0311
Putter EVNROLL

Buyer's Guides

BEST WATER BOTTLE BUYER’S GUIDE 2021

2021 WATER BOTTLE BUYER’S GUIDE

Winner: Hydro Flask Wide Mouth

BEST WATER BOTTLE WITH A STRAW - Contigo Ashland

The Best Water Bottle – Features That Matter

Durability

Performance (Hot and Cold)

Drinkability

EXPERT TIP - Insulated Water Bottles

BEST WATER BOTTLE 2021 - FEATURES

BEST WATER BOTTLE WITHOUT A STRAW - Yeti Rambler 26 oz

More Tips

GET FIT FOR YOUR GAME WITH TRUEGOLFFIT™

How We Test

Our Metrics

BEST WATER BOTTLE 2021 - RESULTS

EXPERT TIP - Extra Features

What Do I Need to Know About the Best Water Bottles?

Support Unbiased Testing.

Donate to MGS

For You

For You

Irons

Apr 24, 2024

PXG Irons: Model By Model

Putters

Apr 23, 2024

PING 2024 Putter Line Extension

News

Apr 23, 2024

Nelly Korda Deserves Her Caitlin Clark Moment, So Why Isn’t She Getting It?

MyGolfSpy

MyGolfSpy

MyGolfSpy

MyGolfSpy

MyGolfSpy

MyGolfSpy

MyGolfSpy

MyGolfSpy

comments

Andrew the Great!

Ari Gutierrez

jbsdaddy

leftright

Dean

Steve Willow

Pete

Abraham

Thilo

Ryan Moszynski

Ian

Mike

Adam

Eric Granata

Scott

Ian

Dean

Charles Leu

sirhc

Chris

Bob

Isaac Ward

Dave Tutelman

Duffer E

John

Harry Nodwell

Dan Zimmerman

Harry Nodwell

Dan Zimmerman

Dan Zimmerman

Imafitter

teeduke

Justin Purvis

Webster

Kenneth

Justin Purvis

Michael Pasquill

Leave A Reply

Irons