Even in winter, you will sweat a lot while hiking, so staying hydrated is essential. However, in a freezing environment, drinking only cold water will chill your body. Furthermore, when hiking in low temperatures, cold water often freezes. In such cases, a warm drink can help soothe your body, which has been chilled to the core, and revitalize your mind and body
Water bottles with excellent insulation properties are handy for winter outdoor activities. Many people store them in the side pockets of their bags. As the name suggests, they keep drinks hot and cold, making them useful not only in winter but also in summer. Unlike in the past, in recent years there has been a wide variety of models available for everyday use, camping, leisure activities, and even serious mountain climbing. Each has its own unique design and functionality, but this time we've tried to determine the best water bottle for outdoor and mountain climbing
table of contents
- About the insulated and cooled bottles compared this time
- Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
- Impressions of each model
- It's not just the design that's surprising: the FLSK bottle
- Total perfection: Hydro Flask 18 oz Wide Mouth
- Combining design and ease of use: SIGG Hot & Cold One 0.5L
- The Klean Kanteen TKPro 0.5L: A simple, sturdy and functional beauty
- Not only high performance but also environmentally conscious: MiiR WIDE MOUTH 16oz
- High performance, lightweight, and durable: Mont-Bell Alpine Thermo Bottle 0.5L
- Multi-use: STANLEY Go Series Vacuum Bottle, combining high performance and ease of use
- A long-selling product with a proven track record in mountaineering: Thermos Mountain Stainless Steel Bottle FFX-500
- Detailed review of each item
- summary
- We are looking for reviewers
About the insulated and cooled bottles compared this time
As I mentioned earlier, a wide range of models have recently been released to suit various needs, not just for leisure, but also for everyday use at work, camping, light outdoor activities, etc. For this reason, I have narrowed my selection to models around 500ml that are primarily released by outdoor brands and can be used for outdoor activities and leisure, and have selected the following eight products with a wide variety, from classics to the latest models, and from well-known manufacturers to venture brands
- Thermos Mountain Stainless Steel Bottle FFX-500
- Mont-bell Alpine Thermos Bottle 0.5L
- STANLEY Go Series Vacuum Bottle, 0.47L
- MiiR Wide Mouth 16oz
- Klean Kanteen TKPro 0.5L
- SIGG Hot & Cold One 0.5L
- Hydro Flask 18 oz Wide Mouth
- FLSK Bottle 500ml
The following five indicators were set as evaluation items
- Insulation: The fundamental function of a water bottle. Keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. You want your drinks to stay hot for as long as possible
- Portability: Since you'll be carrying a water bottle around with you, you'll want one that's highly portable. Here, portability is measured by factors like lightness and storage. Whether you're in the mountains or in town, the more portable the bottle, the better
- Design: Because water bottles are often used not only outdoors but also in everyday life, the bottle shape, ease of drinking from the sip, and ease of gripping the bottle are important points. We judged designs that are user-friendly
- Maintenance: Depending on the size, structure, number of parts, etc., maintenance can be easy or troublesome. Since it is something you will use in your daily life and outdoors, this is an important point that cannot be overlooked
- Usability: We judge ease of use taking into account the environment and the user's situation and condition, such as simplicity of structure, high durability and impact resistance, and ease of use even while wearing gloves
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
If you find it difficult to see the table on the lightweight display for smartphones, click here.
| comprehensive evaluation | AAA | AAA | AA | AA | AA | AA | A | A |
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| Reference price | 5,292 yen | 4,320 yen | 4,752 yen | 5,184 yen | 4,752 yen | 3,780 yen | 3,564 yen | 5,940 yen |
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Heat and cold retention |
★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Portability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Design | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Care | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Specifications | ||||||||
| item | FLSK Bottle 500ml | Hydro Flask 18oz Wide Mouth | SIGG Hot & Cold One 0.5L | Klean Kanteen TKPro 0.5L | MiiR Wide Mouth Bottle 16oz | Mont-Bell Alpine Thermos Bottle 0.5L | STANLEY Go Series Vacuum Bottle, 0.47L | THERMOS Mountain Stainless Steel Bottle 500ml FFX-500 |
| capacity | 500ml | 532ml | 500ml | 500ml | 473ml | 500ml | 470ml | 500ml |
| weight | 315g | 325g | 325g | 520g | 272g | 265g | 335g | 280g |
| Body dimensions (width x height) | 70×250mm | 74×205mm | 69×265mm | 74.7×260mm | 70×220mm | 70×240mm | 77×200mm | 70×235mm |
| Body material | stainless steel | 18/8 stainless steel | 18/8 stainless steel | 18/8 stainless steel | 18/8 stainless steel | stainless steel | stainless steel | |
| Heat retention effect | 78°C or higher (6 hours) *1 | Keeps warm up to 6 hours | 68℃ (6 hours) | 79°C or higher (6 hours) *1 | 78°C or higher (6 hours) *1 | Over 57°C (6 hours) | 77℃ or higher (6 hours) *1 | |
| Cooling effect | Below 6℃ (6 hours) *2 | Keeps cold for up to 24 hours | Below 6℃ (6 hours) *2 | Below 8℃ (6 hours) *2 | Below 8℃ (6 hours) | Below 10℃ (6 hours) *2 | ||
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*1 Heat retention effect (6 hours): The temperature of hot water after filling the product with hot water at 95°C±1°C and leaving it for 6 hours at room temperature of 20°C±2°C
. *2 Cool retention effect (6 hours): The temperature of hot water after filling the product with hot water at 4°C±1°C and leaving it for 6 hours at room temperature of 20°C±2°C.
Impressions of each model
It's not just the design that's surprising: the FLSK bottle
FLSK boasts impressive heat retention and design. Its simple parts and slim opening are also appealing
This water bottle has a stylish design unlike any other. Our editor-in-chief fell in love with it at first sight at this year's ISPO , and finally gave it a try. In addition to the manufacturer's unique stainless steel vacuum double-wall construction, the copper-coated interior walls further enhance heat retention. The manufacturer claims it will keep drinks hot for 18 hours and cold for 24 hours, and that's almost certainly true. It was by far the best-performing water bottle we tested. Made with high-quality stainless steel, it's resistant to rust and easy to clean. It also resists common stains and odors, such as coffee stains. Its simple design consists of only the bottle itself, lid, and gasket. While the slim bottle can be a little tricky to clean, it's manageable with some ingenuity, and the dedicated cleaning beads make it incredibly easy. If I were to be greedy, I'd like the body to have some grip.
Total perfection: Hydro Flask 18 oz Wide Mouth
Despite its wide mouth, it has excellent heat retention and is easy to care for and use
This water bottle features a charming logo design. Its double-walled stainless steel vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 6 hours. Condensation does not form on the surface due to temperature differences. It's made of durable, rust-resistant 18/8 stainless steel. The cylindrical shape preserves the deliciousness of your drink and makes cleaning easy. The material is completely free of bisphenol A (BPA), which is harmful to the human body. The bottle surface is treated with a unique powder coating, making it easy to grip even with wet hands and non-slip. The flexible, durable strap is just the right size for easy hooking. The honeycomb insulated lid maintains the temperature inside the bottle. However, one downside is that the lid tends to drip when opened
Combining design and ease of use: SIGG Hot & Cold One 0.5L
In addition to its basic high performance, it also has ingenious features such as a spout that makes it easy to drink with just one touch
SIGG, a Swiss manufacturer specializing in metalworking, was founded in 1908. Their water bottles boast exquisite designs, even winning the German Design Award 2016. They offer exceptional usability, allowing for one-handed operation (even while wearing gloves). This makes them particularly appealing for outdoor activities. They're crafted from durable, rust-resistant 18/8 stainless steel, featuring a double-walled stainless steel vacuum structure for enhanced heat retention. The zirconium in the body combines with oxygen and moisture in the vacuum layer, enhancing the vacuum's ability to trap heat and cold. Furthermore, the inside of the vacuum surface is coated with copper for even greater heat reflection. They retain heat for six hours at 68°C. While the one-handed operation is highly appreciated, cleaning can be a bit of a challenge
The Klean Kanteen TKPro 0.5L: A simple, sturdy and functional beauty
It has a heavy and rugged construction, but its appeal lies in its heat retention and simple, easy-to-use parts
It's a bit large and the heaviest of the bottles on this list (unsurprisingly). This water bottle boasts a simple yet rugged design. The cap features pour-through technology, allowing for pouring with a slight twist. It can pour from any angle. The double-walled cup fits comfortably in your hand, making it easy to handle even while wearing gloves. The Klean Coat™ coating is four times stronger than traditional powder coats. The textured surface provides excellent grip, which is also a plus. It's completely plastic-free, featuring Climate Lock™ double-wall vacuum insulation made entirely of 18/8 stainless steel and silicone. The inside of the bottle is electropolished, eliminating harmful manufacturing processes and, of course, BPA-free. It's odor-resistant, and its large size makes it easy to clean. If you're looking for a water bottle with a cup, this should be your first choice
Not only high performance but also environmentally conscious: MiiR WIDE MOUTH 16oz
It cools down a little quickly, but it's simple and easy to use
This simple water bottle features double-wall vacuum insulation. The interior is made of 18/8 medical-grade stainless steel, eliminating any metallic odor. The exterior is finished with a hard-shell powder coat for a comfortable grip. It's BPA-free and features a lid that easily hooks onto your hand. It's also versatile for outdoor activities. The bottle's Temp Deflector™ technology prevents heat loss. While its simple design is appealing, the wide mouth allows for ice cubes to fit, resulting in a greater exposure to the outside air and a somewhat weaker insulation. As part of its efforts, a portion of sales goes toward traceable clean water and health projects, supporting areas around the world lacking access to water, education, and other resources. This is a rare bottle
High performance, lightweight, and durable: Mont-Bell Alpine Thermo Bottle 0.5L
It is easy to handle even with gloves on, is shock-resistant, and is extremely easy to use in the mountains
This is a compact mountaineering bottle with a cup cover. It features a double-walled vacuum structure, with the exterior made of durable SUS304 stainless steel and the interior made of corrosion-resistant SUS316 stainless steel. It also features a reflective finish to reduce heat loss, ensuring it keeps drinks hot or cold for around six hours, just as expected. Its simple design, even with the included cup, makes it easy to use both in everyday life and in the field. To use, simply loosen the inner cap, pour the contents into the cap, and then drink. The cap and bottom cover are made of silicone, providing excellent stability when placed down. This is a nice detail for outdoor use. One drawback is that it's a little difficult to tell how tightly the inner cap is loosened, which is a drawback
Multi-use: STANLEY Go Series Vacuum Bottle, combining high performance and ease of use
The design and ease of drinking are outstanding, but the heat retention is inferior to other products
Stanley's multi-use Go Series model features vacuum insulation and can keep drinks hot for six hours at temperatures above 57°C. While it can keep drinks hot for six hours at temperatures below 8°C, it may be a little weaker than other brands. The spout is large, measuring 6cm in diameter, allowing for easy insertion of household ice cubes. Consisting of just the lid and bottle, it's easy to clean. It's also dishwasher safe. However, it may be a little too large for storing in a backpack's side pocket. The lid is made of Tritan, a cutting-edge synthetic resin. Its skeletal design allows you to see the contents, and it features a finger loop for easy portability. Considering its lifetime warranty, it's reasonably priced at around 3,500 yen. While it's an affordable entry-level model, it could benefit from a little more in-depth improvement in heat and cold retention
A long-selling product with a proven track record in mountaineering: Thermos Mountain Stainless Steel Bottle FFX-500
Regardless, it is a long-selling product that has quenched the thirst of mountaineers for a long time
The Mountain Thermos features a body ring that's easy to handle even with gloves on. The body has a 36mm opening. Its stainless steel, double-walled vacuum structure keeps water at 77 degrees or higher for six hours (at room temperature of 20 degrees). The silicone ring on the body makes it easy to grip and reduces damage in the event of a drop. The silicone bottom cover also reduces impacts in the event of a drop. The body is designed to prevent scratches. The wide, stable base and the non-slip cup provide a firm grip, making it easy to handle even with gloves on. This bottle excels in a variety of functional aspects suited to outdoor use. However, despite its double screw design, it's still more complicated than other brands, making it less convenient to clean. It would be nice if they also pursued simplicity
Next page: Detailed review of each item
On the previous page, we introduced the rankings of the compared models, a list of their ratings and specifications, and our recommendations based on those. From here, we will provide additional information about the ratings (especially usability), the criteria used for the evaluation, and the reasons for the ratings we came up with
Detailed review of each item
Mouthpiece
Due to their structure, the larger the opening, the greater the chance that the drink will be exposed to the air. I think a slim opening is better, not only for ease of drinking, but also for keeping drinks hot or cold. In this regard, FLSK and SIGG are designed to be less exposed to the air, have a high level of airtightness, and the drink inside is less affected by the outside temperature even when the cap is opened and closed. However, don't forget that they require a bit of effort to maintain
Models with a wide mouth are easy to pour from and drink from, but keep in mind that the more you drink, the less heat retention the cup will have
Grip
In autumn and winter, we often handle water bottles while wearing gloves. Therefore, the grip when holding the bottle is crucial. In this lineup, many bottles have a textured surface to enhance grip. Klean Kanteen and Miir have a coating on the body and cap, while Hydro Flask and STANLEY only have a coating on the body
The powder-coated surface makes it easier to grip. Klean Kanteen uses Klean Coat, which is even more slip-resistant and durable
Simple structure
The simpler the bottle structure, the easier it is to use and clean. Having to disassemble it can be a bit of a hassle and it can be a bit of a pain to clean. Considering the overall specs, my top pick is FLSK, and if it comes with a cup, then Klean Kanteen
The Klean Kanteen is made entirely of stainless steel and has few, simple parts with few bumps. The FLSK has a narrower spout, but the parts are very simple
Of course, Hydro Flask, Miir, and STANLEY also pass the test in terms of simplicity
Shock resistance
There doesn't seem to be much difference in the body material of the new lineup, but Thermos and Mont-bell have silicone covers. Especially when used outdoors, there are fields that lack stability. By preventing scratches on the body surface due to drops, the body itself will last longer. It's also great that the silicone cover can be replaced!
Thermos and Montbell come with silicone covers on the base and lid, which are prone to scratches. These can be removed to reduce weight
summary
My top pick is FLSK. I was impressed by its refined, stylish design and outstanding heat retention. Hot coffee stays hot enough to be felt even after 24 hours. Other points worth mentioning are the cleaning beads and the high-quality stainless steel that is stain-resistant and rust-resistant
Hydro Flask and SIGG are also recommended high-quality bottles. The choice between Hydro Flask, with its charming logo and wide range of colors, and SIGG, which can be used with one hand, comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for a bottle with a cup, we recommend the Klean Kanteen TKPro 0.5L. It's a little large, but has a simple, eye-catching design. Its thermal insulation is also decent. Meanwhile, Miir and STANLEY excel in portability and design, but their thermal insulation, which is a significant feature of water bottles, could use some improvement. Conversely, Thermos and Mont-bell excel in thermal insulation, but their portability and design could use some improvement
Kenji Okuyama
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