A reliable water bottle is a must-have for every scout. Staying hydrated on campouts, hikes, and day activities is critical for health and safety. This page offers guidance on choosing the right water bottle for scouting.
Considerations
Durability – A scout’s water bottle needs to survive being dropped, stepped on, and tossed into a backpack. Look for bottles made from durable plastic, stainless steel, or aluminum. Avoid flimsy bottles or disposable water bottles that can leak or crack.
Capacity – For typical outings, a 1-liter (32 oz) bottle is a good size. Scouts should bring at least two bottles to each campout or hike — one to carry, and one as a backup. For longer hikes, especially in summer, hydration bladders or larger bottles may be needed.
Material
- Plastic – Lightweight and affordable. BPA-free Tritan is a common and safe material.
- Stainless Steel – Very durable and insulated options can keep drinks cold or hot. Heavier than plastic.
- Aluminum – Lightweight but can dent. Usually lined to prevent taste issues.
Wide Mouth vs. Narrow Mouth –
- Wide-mouth bottles are easier to fill, clean, and use with filters or drink mixes. However, they may spill more easily.
- Narrow-mouth bottles are easier to drink from on the move but harder to clean and fill with ice.
Insulation – For most scouting trips, non-insulated bottles are fine and lighter. Insulated bottles are useful for hot-weather outings or when you want to keep liquids hot (e.g., tea or cocoa during winter campouts), but they add weight and cost.
Hydration Systems – Some scouts like hydration bladders (like CamelBak or Osprey) that fit in a backpack and have a hose for sipping while hiking. These are convenient but can be harder to clean and are more prone to leaks or mold if not cared for properly.
Recommended Features
- Easy to clean
- Leak-proof lid
- Loop or handle for attaching to a pack
- Compatible with water filters (important for backcountry trips)
Options
Here are some popular, scout-tested options:
Plastic Bottles
- Nalgene Wide Mouth 32 oz – Durable, affordable, and nearly indestructible
- CamelBak Chute Mag – Good drinking cap, leak-proof
- Hydro Flask Lightweight Trail Series (plastic lid) – Insulated, but lighter than standard Hydro Flask
Stainless Steel Bottles
- Hydro Flask Standard Mouth 21 oz or 24 oz – Keeps water cold, very durable
- Klean Kanteen Classic – Stainless steel, with various cap options
Hydration Bladders
- CamelBak Crux 2L or 3L – Easy to use and clean, fits in most packs
- Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir – Good for day hikes and longer treks
Budget Options
- Ozark Trail (Walmart) – Decent insulated bottles for a lower price
- Contigo Autoseal – Spill-proof plastic bottles for younger scouts
Where to Buy – Local
REI – www.rei.com
Eastern Mountain Sports – www.ems.com
Target, Walmart, or your local sporting goods store
Where to Buy – Online
Amazon – www.amazon.com
Campmor – www.campmor.com
Sierra Trading Post – www.sierra.com