I have a love hate relationship with collapsible water bottles.
- they are light
- they take up little space
- they are cheap
- but you often need two hands to use them
- they flop around in the side pockets of backpacks
- they can be a pain to keep clean
The best collapsible water bottles are not as durable as stainless steel water bottles. Still, they are lighter, way cheaper, usually carry more water, and might be a better option for long distance hikes with fewer places to refill water.
Out of the ten I have reviewed, the Nomander is my favorite.
However, carefully consider which folding water bottle you want to get. I tried to make it easier for you by picking out the ten best collapsible water bottles.
Staying hydrated is vital to keeping up your energy levels (and staying healthy). But packing light is just as important. An ordinary PET bottle may help you stay hydrated, but it’s fragile, leaks plastic, and starts leaking water after a few uses.
A flask like Hydro Flask is a better solution as it will keep your drink clean and refreshing. However, these are heavy. You can also check Hydro Flask alternatives to choose your favorite flask. But the bigger the flask, the more room it will take up in your backpack, even when it’s empty.
The Advantages of Collapsible Water Bottles
Collapsible water bottles were first invented for backpackers, hikers, and campers. But, due to their convenience and durability, they have become popular among thrifty, eco-conscious travelers.
Portability
The best collapsible water bottles are easy to transport. When the bottle is empty, you can simply fold it or collapse it and put it in your pocket. Since you can’t bring large amounts of water through a TSA checkpoint, foldable water bottles are especially handy when you are traveling by air.
You don’t have to pay ridiculous prices for a bottle of water at an airport shop when you have a collapsible water bottle. Simply take it out and fill it at a water fountain.
Size and Weight
When a collapsible water bottle is empty, it doesn’t take up much space. Whether you hang it on your belt or put it in your backpacking backpack, you won’t even feel it’s there.
Stainless steel bottles, on the other hand, can be quite heavy. Collapsible bottles are made of light, flexible materials like plastic or silicone.
My Top Pick: Nomander
Features
- 22 oz
- Highly durable
- Innovative
- Lifetime warranty
- Dishwasher safe
Honorable Mention: Hydaway
- 17 oz
- Collapses down to 1.5”
- Innovative design
- Dishwasher safe
- Highly durable
Collapsible Water Bottles Reviews
Nefeeko Collapsible Water Bottle, 750ML Reusable Foldable
Specifications
- Capacity: 26 ounces
- Material: Silicone (BPA free)
- Weight: 12 oz
Pros
- Carabiner include
- Solid lid
- Leakproof
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Four color options
Cons
- It doesn’t fold down completely
The Nefeeko is a lightweight, collapsible water bottle that can hold both hot and cold beverages (-40°F to 140°F). It’s made of durable and flexible silicone. The Nefeeko is leakproof, thanks to its solid cap and silicone seal ring.
The bottle comes with an aluminum alloy carabiner that allows you to carry it on your belt or backpack. It doesn’t fold down, but it folds to 5.5” and can always stand on its own. The Nefeeko has a wide mouth making it easy to clean, although its wavy shape can make cleaning a bit tricky. This is my favorite for staying hydrated.
Silbyloyoe Silicone Water Bottle Foldable Collapsible Anti Leakage
Specifications
- Capacity: 26 oz
- Material: Silicone (BPA free)
- Weight: .36lbs
Silbyloyoe offers a simple solution for a quick, convenient, and inexpensive foldable water bottle. It’s made of medical-grade silicone that’s heat resistant, so it can be used for hot and cold liquids. The material is resistant to temperatures ranging from -60°F to 200°F. However, that doesn’t mean you can comfortably hold really hot beverages. Don’t mistake heat resistance for insulation.
Remember that this is a budget option, but it will serve its purpose. It comes with a nice lock catch and vacuum release valve. The type of cap makes it a bit more challenging to clean, but it’s much easier to use when you’re on the go.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great for air travel
- Leakproof
- Pocket-friendly
Cons
- Cap difficult to clean
Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle BPA Free, 22 oz
Specifications
- Capacity: 22 oz
- Material: Silicone (BPA free)
- Weight: 7.2 oz
One could say the Nomader is the Hydro Flask of the collapsible water bottles. When it’s full, it acts as a rigid bottle; when it’s empty, it’s incredibly lightweight and portable.
It has a wide mouth screw cap with a narrow spout. The feature makes it great for both drinking and cleaning. It has a nice spout cover that prevents germs from getting onto the mouthpiece.
The build is high quality and above average. The food-grade BPA free silicone is highly durable. The Nomander is built to survive harsh conditions. There’s even a nice carrying strap that also helps keep the bottle folded when it’s empty. This is my choice as the best collapsible water bottle.
You can throw it in the dishwasher and even freeze it. It’s also heat resistant. The model comes in 11 colors.
Pros
- Durable
- Leakproof
- Lifetime warranty
- Carry strap
- 11 color options
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- A bit pricey
HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle, 17 oz Spout Lid
Specifications
- Capacity: 17 oz
- Material: Silicone (BPA free)
- Weight: 5 oz
The Hydaway may be the most unusual collapsible water bottle. It’s highly portable, super small, and incredibly durable for a collapsible water bottle. You don’t need to roll, fold, or squash. It smoothly telescopes out!
The Hydaway collapses to 1.5”. Despite its size, it’s effortless to clean and convenient to drink out of on the go. The bottle is also easy to grip, thanks to its unique pear shape. The wide mouth makes it easy to clean by hand.
It can fit in your pocket when folded and in a car cup holder when unfolded. The Hydaway is a brilliant example of thinking outside of the box.
Pros
- Leakproof
- Collapses to 1.5”
- Lightweight
- Simple to clean
- Nice grip
- Durable
- Unique, innovative design
Cons
- Limited color options
Platypus Platy 2-Liter Ultralight Collapsible Water Bottle
Specifications
- Capacity: 2 L
- Material: Silicone (BPA free)
- Weight: 1.3 oz
The Platy is more of a collapsible jug than a water bottle. This makes it a great choice for really long day hikes. Its weight compensates for all the extra water it can hold. Regarding weight and capacity, no other bottle can beat the Platy. I would instead go for a hydration bladder if I weren’t sharing the water, something like a Camelbak.
The Platypus brand has been a friend of hikers and campers for decades. This bottle does come with a few trade-offs. It’s not as easy to clean as other bottles, and it’s not designed for casual use. But it can still last you a long time if you take good care of it. The Platy is the right choice for those who would rather carry more water than refill their bottle frequently.
Pros
- Huge capacity
- Incredibly lightweight
- Durable
- Leakproof
- Great build quality
- Reliable outdoor gear brand
Cons
- Not so easy to clean
Mountop Collapsible Silicone Water Bottle
Specifications
- Capacity: 20 oz
- Material: Silicone
- Weight: 3.6 oz
The Mountop is another affordable collapsible bottle that delivers excellent value for money. Even when half-full, the Mountop can stand on its own. It’s dishwasher safe and very straightforward to clean by hand.
The cap is small but convenient for both drinking and cleaning. The cap is wide enough for adding ice cubes. The bottle can endure temperatures between -50°F and 200°F. Its silicone body is highly durable and leakproof.
Pros
- Leakproof
- Lightweight
- 18-month warranty
- Durable
Cons
- It comes with a rubber odor that washes off
Anntrue Food-Grade Silicone Portable Leak Proof Travel Water Bottle
Specifications
- Capacity: 18 oz
- Material: Silicone
- Weight: 5.6 oz
When collapsed, the Anntrue is only 5.12” tall. The bottle is made of shatter-proof silicone. Its flexibility and narrow cap make it great for use on the go.
The Anntrue can endure temperatures between -58°F to 248°F. Its rugged design makes it an excellent choice for hikers and campers. It will survive almost any drop.
The loop cap allows you to attach it to a carabiner. The spout and screw cap are surprisingly easy to wash, considering their size. This particular model comes in 6 colors.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to use on the go
- Leakproof
- 12-month warranty
- Lightweight
Cons
- Wavy design makes cleaning difficult
Farielyn X (2 Bottles)
Specifications
- Capacity: 26 oz
- Material: Silicone
- Weight: 6 oz
The Farielyn is a great option for those who want a simple solution for staying hydrated on the go. It doesn’t come with many bells and whistles, but it does come at a more than fair price. When unfolded, it acts as a classic rigid water bottle. It has a wide mouth that makes cleaning a breeze and a narrow cap that makes it convenient for drinking on the go.
The cap has an air return valve. It also comes with a metal protective lock. The lock is a double leak-proof measure and keeps the germs away from the spout. The cap features are handy, but it’s important to note that it is more likely to break when packed with accessories.
Pros
- Leakproof
- Lightweight
- Folds easy
- Great for drinking on the go
- Heat resistant
Cons
- Cap is difficult to clean
Biange Collapsible Bottle
Specifications
- Capacity: 24 oz
- Material: Silicone
- Weight: 5 oz
The Biange is all about convenience. It’s ergonomic, lightweight, easy to carry, and quick to clean. It comes with a narrow mouth, but since it looks like a traditional soda bottle when unfolded, it’s easier to wash by hand than most other narrow-mouth water bottles.
You’ll certainly need a bottle brush if you want to wash it by hand. Luckily, the Biange is also dishwasher safe. Aside from the loop cap, it comes with a carabiner. When unfolded, you can use it as a standard, rigid bottle. You can even put it in a bicycle bottle cage.
Pros
- Durable
- Ergonomic
- Leakproof
- Versatile
Cons
- The loop on the cap seems flimsy
Vapur Eclipse Collapsible Water Bottle
Specifications
- Capacity: 24 oz, 34 oz (1 L)
- Material: Silicone
- Weight: 3.6 oz
One of the best things about the Vapur eclipse is that it comes in two sizes. Surprisingly, not many foldable bottles come in different size options. The Vapur Eclipse is famous for its durability and portability.
The bottle folds up flat for optimal packing and folds smaller than most other models of this type. The bottle comes with a versatile, self-compressing carabiner. The carabiner is designed to hold the bottle’s body when folded.
Even though it’s not rigid, cleaning is still reasonably simple. The Vapur Eclipse is even dishwasher safe, which is a huge plus for such a highly compressible water bottle. The brand even sells some accessories for the bottle, such as a water filter cap.
Collapsible Water Bottles Buying Guide
You want to be sure your best collapsible water bottle will serve its purpose. Here are a few factors you should consider when buying a collapsible water bottle.
Water Bottle Capacity
It’s hard to say how much water you’ll need on average. Still, when you’re hiking or doing any other strenuous physical activity on a hot day, you’ll need to drink more water than you usually do.
If you’re walking a route like Camino de Santiago in summer, you don’t want to stop to refill your water bottle too often. So, you would want to get a bottle with a capacity of at least 1 liter. The bigger, the better.
Since collapsible water bottles don’t take much room when they are empty, it may be best to get two bottles just in case. One could be bigger and the other one could be smaller. Whatever option you go for, always prioritize the capacity.
The Material
Most collapsible water bottles are made of plastic. You want to be sure the bottle you get is safe for long-term use. Get a bottle that is BPA free silicone. It is also worth considering a bottle that is good for hot or cold liquids.
BPA stands for Bisphenol A. It is a chemical that can interfere with the hormones in your body. Many products made of hard plastic contain BPA, including some water bottles.
Luckily, most reusable water bottle manufacturers make BPA free silicone products. Nevertheless, it’s better to be safe than sorry and double-check whether the model you are considering buying is BPA free. This especially goes for suspiciously cheap products.
Durability Over Time
Collapsible water bottles are not as durable as stainless steel bottles, but your collapsible water bottle can serve you well for a long time if you buy a high-quality model. This is another reason why the material really does matter. However, stainless steel is better for keeping liquids hot or cold.
Some manufacturers offer generous warranties, but a generous warranty doesn’t automatically mean that the product is very durable. Although, water bottles backed by a warranty are usually at an advantage.
But, the best way to tell whether a bottle is durable is by reading online reviews. They can be pretty revealing. Look for a bottle that is likely to survive accidental drops, blunt trauma, harsh elements, etc.
Extra Features and Perks
The only two features that are an absolute must are spill resistance and an easily removable cap. Extra features are usually a double-edged sword. Having more helpful stuff on your bottle is excellent, but the chances of something breaking are higher when there are more features.
Such extra features may include loops for carabiners, straws, ergonomic squeeze caps, or rubber sleeves for gripping.
Do note that not all collapsible bottles pack the same. Some can fit in your pocket when they are empty, but not all of them. Be sure to pick a bottle that collapses down to a convenient size. Moreover, not every bottle is designed to be carried around the waist. It’s best to get a model that you can attach to your person.
Narrow mouth bottles are more convenient to drink from. They allow you to drink while you are moving. You don’t have to worry about water splashing down your chest. But wide-mouth bottles are much easier to fill and clean. They are also compatible with a wide variety of water filters.
When choosing a model, check what perks the manufacturer offers. Do they offer a lifetime warranty? A satisfaction guarantee perhaps? Again, even a lifetime warranty doesn’t mean the product is super durable, but it can tell you a lot about the quality of the product and the manufacturer.
How to Clean a Collapsible Water Bottle
To prevent your collapsible water bottle from smelling or tasting funny, try to clean your bottle every time you’re done using it. But before trying any of these methods, check the cleaning instructions on your bottle. Here is how you can wash your bottle:
Hot Water and Soap: Use warm water and soap to scrub the reservoir of your bottle. You can use a bottle brush to make it easier. The OXO Good Grips water bottle cleaning set is a good solution. When you’re done washing it, wipe it, and make sure to let it air dry completely. This goes for every method.
Baking Soda: Pour a couple of teaspoons of baking soda into the bottle and fill it with hot water. Let it sit for a couple of hours. After the soak, use soap, warm water, and a bottle brush to clean it vigorously.
Vinegar: Pour a couple of teaspoons of white vinegar into the bottle, fill it with hot water, and let it sit overnight. Again, use soap, heated water, and a bottle brush after the soak to clean it vigorously. Don’t let the slight smell of vinegar worry you; it will dissipate quickly.
Cleaning Tabs: Before you use a cleaning tab to wash your water bottle, first clean it with soap, warm water, and a bottle brush. After that, fill the bottle with water, add one cleaning tablet, put the lid back on, shake it, and let it sit for 5 minutes. When the time is up, empty the bottle and rinse it.
I love hiking, backpacking, and camping. From the Camino de Santiago to the West Highland Way in Scotland or simply a great day hike on the weekend. Hiking refreshes me, my mind, and keeps my body reasonably fit. So far I have walked three Camino routes and many other long distance hikes in the UK, Canada, and around the rest of Europe. One of the best was my hike up Ben Nevis.