First, the science: hydration is important. Very important. In fact, if you’re serious about exercise (which we assume you are), then you should know that losing just 2.5 per cent of your water weight results in a 45 per cent decrease in your performance during HIIT. Your calorie burn literally dries up.
New research has revealed that refilling unwashed Evian bottles exposes you to 900,000 bacteria per square centimetre
(Related: This edible water bubble wants to replace plastic bottles)
The common prescription of six to eight cups is outdated, too. Research conducted by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine determined that men need an average of 3.7 litres of fluid per day – that’s more than six full pints.
But simply refilling the old plastic bottle at your desk won’t cut it. Although many companies have removed harmful BPAs from their products, new research has revealed that refilling unwashed Evian bottles exposes you to 900,000 bacteria per square centimetre. And not the good kind.
(Related: Why dehydrating your body to look good is dangerous)
There is now a glut of reusable bottles on the market – even Pret is in on the act – but not all beakers are created equal. The product team at the Good Housekeeping Institute tested the flasks hoping to clean up your drink problem.
1. Klean Kanteen Reflect
With no paint nor plastic, this is simplicity at its best. Thanks to its polished interior, this bottle doesn’t retain or impart flavours, keeping your water fresh. Plus, it’s backed with a guarantee, so you can return it if you break it.
Ratings
Performance 7/10
Design 6/10
Ease of use 8/10
Expert verdict: The uninsulated design held this one back. Although it made no claims to the contrary, cool liquids warmed by 6.4ºC after 12 hours. It was also uncomfortably icy to the touch when filled with cold water. However, the bottle was leak-free and dishwasher safe.
BUY IT NOW, £27.10, Amazon.co.uk
2. LifeStraw Go Filter Bottle
This bottle allows you to fill up at a river, stream or puddle and sip filtered water. Plus, for each one purchased, a child in a developing country will receive safe drinking water for an entire school year.
Ratings
Performance: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Ease of use: 7/10
Expert verdict: The rubber mouthpiece is easy to use, but you have to suck quite hard. It didn’t leak and is pretty tough – although the filter gives the water a plastic taste. Worth the outlay for wild weekends.
BUY IT NOW, £32.48, Amazon.co.uk
3. Joseph Joseph Dot
Made from BPA-free plastic, this cleverly designed bottle helps you track your hydration goals. The lid displays a new dot each time you refill, so opt for the 600ml version and mark off seven in one day to hit just above your H2O RDA.
Ratings
Performance: 7/10
Design: 8/10
Ease of use: 7/10
Expert verdict: The dot system was useful for tracking your daily goal, but it was easy to accidentally increase dots when securing the lid. There was no leakage, even when upside down, and although it’s not designed for hot liquids, temperature only decreased by 5.2ºC in 12 hours.
BUY IT NOW, £5.99, Amazon.co.uk
4. CamelBak Chute Vacuum
This vacuum-insulated bottle keeps liquids cold for 24 hours and hot for six. Its steel shell keeps condensation at bay and the narrow mouthpiece stops spillages. Plus, at 1.2L, it’s a beast.
Ratings
Performance: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Ease of use: 7/10
Expert verdict: Being so sturdy, there was no leakage – but it is heavy and hard to grip when full. The star performer in the heat tests: cold liquids lost only 2ºC in temperature in 24 hours and hot liquids lost just 9.6ºC after the advertised six hours.
BUY IT NOW, £22.84, Amazon.co.uk
5. Corkcicle Canteen
Stylish and crafted from stainless steel with triple insulation, this bottle makes bold claims of keeping drinks ice cold for 25 hours and hot for 12. Smart extras include a wide opening to fit ice cubes and a slip-proof bottom.
Ratings
Performance: 6/10
Design: 8/10
Ease of use: 8/10
Expert verdict: It’s comfortable to sip from, but would benefit from a mouthpiece for drinking on the go. Its capacity is small due to the insulation, which was hit and miss in our test. Over 12 hours, hot liquid lost 28ºC of warmth; over 25 hours, cold only gained 2.8ºC. Save this for sunny days.
