These water bottles are filled with extras
The simple plastic water bottle has had a makeover. New designs incorporate comfort, safety and convenience features that will be appreciated by serious athletes, adventure travelers, naturaldisaster survivors -- and almost anyone who works up a thirst.
-- Roy M. Wallack
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Drink and eat -- at the same time
Gel-Bot: A bottle that dispenses water and energy gel, the latter from a hidden compartment.
Likes: Especially convenient for cyclists who consume gels during their workouts. Clever design -- featuring a 24-ounce bottle with built-in 3.2-ounce gel flask inside the lid -- eliminates the hassle, mess and littering involved in tearing open a gel packet. Three-stage drinking valve gives you the choice of accessing water only, gel only, or water and gel together.
Dislikes: Requires some planning; you must fill the gel flask before you begin your ride -- then clean it out when you’re finished.
Price: $15.95. (720) 317-5454; gel-bot.com.
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Taste of elegance
CamelBak: A model with a built-in straw.
Likes: Clean taste; polycarbonate material does not attract odors the way the softer plastics of most bottles can. A built-in handle shields the valve from dirt if you drop it. Liquid is visible through the clear 26-ounce bottle. Stylish design looks OK in non-athletic situations, such as the office.
Dislikes: Not suitable for outdoor cycling. The rigid, non-flexing polycarbonate won’t fit in many bike bottle cages. The bottle requires two hands to open (mouth alone won’t do it). No liquid comes out if you tip it; you must always sip from it straight up. You can’t access last ounce of fluid without unscrewing the cap and tipping the bottle.
Price: $12. (800) 767-8725; camelbak.com.
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Bottle that babies you
Ultimate Direction: A bottle with a soft, pacifier-like spout.
Likes: Pliable “Kicker Valve,” made of a medical-grade silicone, is quite comfortable. Very easy to open and close with your lips and teeth; won’t freeze up over time like conventional pull-out spouts. Offers a uniquely voluminous water flow when squeezed hard.
Dislikes: None.
Price: $4.95 for 20-ounce. (800) 426-7229; ultimatedirection.com.
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Clean water anywhere
Katadyn Exstream: This one has a built-in filter cartridge.
Likes: Peace of mind anywhere the water is suspect -- mountain streams, lakes, foreign countries, post-hurricane/earthquake tap water. Very simple operation compared with typical purifiers, which require pumping or dissolving tablets: Just unscrew top, scoop in water, lift the spout to your lips and squeeze. Only dip-and-sip bottle that can remove viruses. A filter attached to the inside of the cap removes nearly all (99.9%) common microbial contaminants, such as waterborne cysts, bacteria, viruses and protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Holds 21 ounces of water and easily fits in a bike cage. Treats 26 gallons, roughly 200 fill-ups.
Dislikes: Replacement cartridge costs nearly as much as the bottle: $32.95
Price: $44.95. (800) 755-6701; katadyn.com.