Staying hydrated is critical to your health, especially for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities or exercise. Your body requires more water intake when your activity levels are up and after sweating. Most people don’t drink enough water, especially after intense activity, which is why anyone who lives an active lifestyle should always have a refillable water bottle on hand for staying hydrated.
Most reusable water bottles are made from glass, plastic, and aluminum, all of which can be heavy and bulky to carry around and easy to break. But, to skip those problems, you can choose the best collapsible water bottle that the market can offer, and that fits all of your hydration needs on the go!
The solution? A collapsible water bottle that folds up to save space in your pocket or backpack while you’re not using it and unfolds into a lightweight and easy to use a full size water bottle when you need it. Collapsible water bottles are great for on-the-go traveling, biking, camping, hiking, backpacking, regular indoor exercise, and other outdoor activities.
The good news is there are tons of models out there to meet every individual’s needs. Explore our list of the best bottle models to find the one that best suits your travel needs and activity levels, even for families who need several collapsible water bottles for road trips or soccer games.
Our Top Picks
| Product Name | Weight | Dimensions | Special Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vapur Element | 1.3 oz | 10 x 5 x 1.5 inches | BPA-free, integrated carabiner, lightweight, easy to use | Check price on Amazon |
| Beckly Collapsible | 0.15 oz | 10 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches | Air tight cap, attached carabiner, virtually unbreakable, dishwasher safe | Check price on Amazon |
| Baiji Sports Camping | 0.3 oz | 9.25 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches | Stain, odor, taste resistant; comes in set of 2; metal carabiner | Check price on Amazon |
| Mylivell | 0.3 oz | 9 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches | Foldable, BPA free, lightweight, attached clip, dishwasher safe | Check price on Amazon |
| Aquabod Collapsible | 0.1 oz | 10 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches | Leak proof, shatter proof, easily collapsible, dishwasher safe | Check price on Amazon |
| Nalgene Wide Mouth | 0.8 oz | 6 x 11 x 0.25 inches | Wide mouth, dishwasher safe, lifetime warranty, guaranteed leakproof system | Check price on Amazon |
| Baiji | 1.6 oz | 11 x 7.4 x 2.3 inches | BPA-free; stain, odor, and taste resistant; comes in a set of 3 | Check price on Amazon |
Features to Consider Before Buying
If you are an outdoorsman, athlete, or frequent traveler, you might be considering purchasing a collapsible water bottle that is lightweight and takes up little space when you are on the go and that expands into an upright durable water bottle when full.
This is a wonderful product to own, but you want to make sure you get one that suits your needs. Here are some of the most important features to consider before you purchase a collapsible water bottle.
Weight
You want your collapsible water bottle to weigh as little as possible so that it doesn’t add unnecessary weight to your gym bag or backpack, especially when it’s full.
Water weighs enough without adding the extra weight of a heavy water bottle when you are carrying one around for long periods of time.
Volume
Consider how much water you need to carry with you at any given time. Will a small water bottle suffice at the gym or will you need a larger water bottle while hiking to last you a few hours from one water stop to the next.
Dimensions
In addition to volume, you should consider the dimensions of your collapsible water bottle to see how much room it will take up in your gym bag or backpack. Most collapsible water bottles, fold up pretty small, so it’s more important to focus on the dimensions when it is lying flat or full.
Does It Fold or Roll Up?
The point of a collapsible water bottle is that it collapses into a very small size when not in use.
Make sure your water bottle is easy to fold or roll up when empty so that it only takes up a few inches of space in your bag.
Materials
It’s important that your water bottle is safe to drink from. Look for bottles that are BPA-free and non-toxic. If you can find one that is also eco-friendly, all the better!
Durability
You want to make sure your water bottle holds up in tough conditions, especially if you are a hiker or enjoy backpacking through other countries. Read reviews to see how well collapsible water bottles have held up for other users in instances where they accidentally dropped their bottle or had it packed into a very full backpack.
Longevity
Not only do you want your collapsible water bottle to be durable under tough conditions, but you also want one with longevity that lasts for several years even under easy conditions.
Carabiner Clip
Check if the collapsible water bottle you want to purchase comes with an attached carabiner clip.
This isn’t a necessity, but it’s a convenient feature to consider so that you can clip it to your backpack or belt loop to save space and have it easy to access.
Taste and Odor
Some water bottles retain strange tastes and odors from the materials they are made from. Read product descriptions and reviews to make sure you are buying a water bottle that won’t make your water taste or smell bad because then you won’t want to drink from it.
Leakproof
When your bottle is full and stowed away in a backpack or banging against your hip as you walk you don’t want it to start leaking. Make sure you purchase a collapsible water bottle with a reliable cap that won’t cause any leaking problems, especially if you are traveling with it.
Easy to Clean
It’s important to clean the reusable water bottles frequently to make them safe to drink from. Make sure you choose a water bottle that is easy to clean and maybe even dishwasher safe. A wide mouth makes any bottle easier to clean so that is a good feature to watch out for.
Top Models on the Market
Vapur Element Bottle
Price: Approx. $7
Weight: 1.3 oz
Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 1.5 inches; 0.7L or 1L volume
Specific features: BPA-free, integrated carabiner, lightweight, easy to use
Best use: Best for outdoor activities with its tough cap and ability to withstand rigid conditions. Take this water bottle camping, hiking, or backpacking for days at a time without fear of it breaking or leaking.
Description: Vapur’s Element Bottle is made 100% in the US with a BPA-free bottle that can be folded, rolled up, or flattened when empty, and stands on its own when full.
Choose between a 0.7L or 1L bottle size when purchasing. An attached integrated carabiner allows you to clip the bottle to your backpack or belt loop for easy transportation. Lightweight, with an easy to use flip top cap, this water bottle is perfect for drinking on the go.
With a mouth wide enough to fit ice cubes into and a freezer safe bottle, this water bottle suits all of your outdoor hydration needs. This water bottle absorbs impact better than competitive products and has a special flip top with a small spout that allows you to drink while on the move.
If you’re an outdoorsman, this water bottle might suit you better than others for drinking while hiking and providing a rigid, durable water bottle that won’t break on you.
PROS:
- Easy-open cap with wide mouth, very practical to drink
- Easy to wash in the dishwasher
- Integrated clip makes it easy to carry around
CONS:
- Doesn’t fit in the average cup holder
- Won’t keep water cold
- Not as durable as advertised
Related: The BuckleGear Backpack Straps are a common related purchase to this collapsible bottle, as they can be added to any backpack or even used as a strap onto which buckle the bottle.
Beckly Collapsible Water Bottle
Price: $6 – $10
Weight: 0.15 oz
Dimensions: 10 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches; 20 ounce volume
Specific features: Air tight cap, attached carabiner, virtually unbreakable, dishwasher safe
Best use: This water bottle is best used by travelers. Frequent travelers provided great reviews, commending the air tight cap and calling this water bottle “virtually unbreakable.” If you are a frequent traveler, carry this lightweight, water bottle that takes up little space when rolled up and never worry about it spilling in your bag while on the move.
Description: The Beckly Collapsible Water Bottle is an eco-friendly, non-toxic, BPA-free reusable water bottle. Rated as one of the best in its market. Enjoy the included carabiner for added convenience, and fold or roll it up when empty to save space in luggage or backpacks.
When folded it really takes minimum space inside any backpack or bag. The airtight cap prevents any spilling when the bottle is full. As a matter of fact, it’s a bit tricky to drink at the beginning; you must squeeze the bottle for the water or liquid to come out of it, proving that it won’t be spilling easily.
Also, it is dishwasher safe making it easy to clean after any camping trip or travel where it was frequently used. Made of silicone, this bottle is leakproof, tough, durable, and beats other competitors in offering a water bottle that won’t break on impact or leak while stored in a bag.
PROS:
- Dishwasher friendly
- Durable
CONS:
- Difficult to drink when not completely full
Related: The Coghlan’s Bungee Clothesline is a good add-on for this bottle, as it can be used to tie it or join it with the carabiner and make it easier to carry the bottle around, especially when full.
Baiji Sports Camping Canteen
Price: Approx. $20
Weight: 0.3 oz
Dimensions: 9.25 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches; 20 fluid ounce volume
Specific features: Stain/odor/taste resistant; comes in set of 2; metal carabiner
Best use: This water bottle is best used for hikers, travelers, or couples who need to carry more than one water bottle with them. The product offered in convenient two-pack only.
Description: Baiji’s Sports Camping Canteen can be rolled up or folded with a retainer band for storage and an attached metal carabiner for clipping it onto your belongings.
It comes in a set of two, so you get the advantage of a two for one package, in case you are traveling with a partner, or simply one to save one for a future occasion or for further on during your trip if the first on gets damaged or lost.
Made of stain, odor, and taste resistant silicone, you’re guaranteed a functional and convenient water bottle that is dishwasher safe and easy to clean. This bottle is also freezable to keep your drink cold for hours. Baiji bottles are named to commemorate the Baiji Dolphin which went extinct in 2007.
With many species of dolphins still in need of help, Baiji donates 10% of all bottle profits to dolphin rescue and protection programs.
PROS:
- Comes in a set of two
- Stands upright when full
- Carabiner or clipping and unclipping
CONS:
- A bit too floppy when full
- Carabiner tends to break
Related: The Baiji Bottle is usually bought alongside the Mpow Waterproof Case, ideal for keeping dry and safe valuable items during your travels, for example your phone.
Mylivell Water Cantene
Price: Approx. $46
Weight: 0.3 oz
Dimensions: Short bottle: 7 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches; Tall bottle: 9 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches; 11 or 17 oz. volumes
Specific features: Foldable, BPA free, lightweight, attached clip, dishwasher safe
Best use: This water bottle is best used for families who enjoy traveling or outdoor activities. Families can purchase a 4-pack set of the water bottles with two 11 ounce bottles and two 17 ounce bottles, all in different colors to keep track of who each bottle belongs to.
Description: The Mylivell Water Cantene comes in four different bright, fun colors and two sizes, 11 or 17 ounces. Foldable and unbreakable, the soft silicone bottle can be rolled up and attached with a silicone band to keep it secure and save space.
BPA free and suitable for all temperatures, this environmentally friendly bottle won’t leave any odor or bad taste in your mouth, even on the first use. Take this lightweight bottle with you anywhere, using the convenient attached clip to secure it to your backpack or belt loop, and never worry about spilling guaranteed by the tight, leak proof cap.
In case something happen or you’re traveling with more than one person, the other three bottles can become extremely handy. Avoid any unpleasant surprises, such as losing one of them, and be prepared packing at least one more. In the end they fit pretty much anywhere, and they’re extremely lightweight, so it’s a good idea to take advantage of the four pack.
PROS:
- Comes in a four pack
- It can be frozen
- Stands steady when full
- Heat resistant
CONS:
- Not as easy to drink from
- After using the for a while, they might have an odd taste
Related: The Wild Life Outfitters Pocket Blanket is a food match for these bottles, as it turns into a picnic blanket, suitable for any outdoors trip.
Aquabod Collapsible Water Bottle
Price: Approx. $15
Weight: 0.1 oz
Dimensions: 10 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches; 17 oz. volume
Specific features: Leak proof, shatter proof, easily collapsible, dishwasher safe
Best use: This versatile collapsible water bottle from Aquabod is perfect for hiking, camping, biking, running, working out, travel, and living an active lifestyle.
Description: Lightweight, versatile, and easy to use, the 26 oz. Aquabod Collapsible Water Bottle is a must-buy product for active types. Made from non-toxic, BPA-free silicone, you can easily collapse the bottle to 1/5 its normal size when it’s not in use.
Travel safely with this leakproof and shatterproof bottle offering a wide mouth for quick and easy cleaning, even in the dishwasher. As a matter of fact, is rated as one of the easier ones to wash due to the wide mouth. Aquabod’s water bottle is made from higher quality medical grade silicone than other market competitors, allowing their bottles to collapse and expand easier than other silicone bottles.
They also offer superior customer service and a money back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with your product. Anyone who enjoys outdoor activities or indoor exercise will find this to be a useful water bottle that saves them space when transporting it.
PROS:
- Made of medical grade silicon
- Wider mouth than others, easier to wash
CONS:
- A bit too small compared to the rest
- Too much of a plastic taste
Related: Customers have also purchased the ChargeTech MicroUSB Keychain with this bottle. This is a portable USB charger, ideal for traveling.
Nalgene Wide Mouth Cantene
Price: Approx. $17
Weight: 0.8 oz
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 10 inches; 48 oz. volume
Specific features: Wide mouth, dishwasher safe, lifetime warranty, guaranteed leakproof system
Best use: This water bottle is best used for the outdoorsman who needs to carry a water bottle with them that is lightweight, takes up little space, and won’t leak or break.
Description: The Nalgene Wide Mouth Cantene is made using the finest plastics and metals. Made of multi layered material for stiffness, strength, and stand up capability, this water bottle is also soft and flexible so it can be rolled up or folded when empty.
Offering a guaranteed lifetime warranty, this Nalgene bottle provides a leakproof system with its loop-top cap for reliability and versatility, plus a gusseted bottom to help it stand upright when full.
This bottle is dishwasher safe, safe to use in temperatures ranging from -20 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and comes with a wide mouth that fits ice cubes and accommodates all major water filter systems, making it a great water bottle for outdoorsman or travelers in areas where clean drinking water might not be available.
PROS:
- Stiffer than most, makes it easier to drink from
- It can fit ice cubes inside of the mouth
- Accommodates major water filter systems
CONS:
- They might leak after a few weeks of use
Related: The Aquamira Treatment Drops are ideal to buy alongside this bottle, that way you can pour them in the water to get rid of bacteria and even a bit of the plastic taste, if there is any.
Baiji Collapsible Water Bottle
Price: Approx. $16
Weight: 1.6 oz
Dimensions: 11 x 7.4 x 2.3 inches; 16 oz. volume
Specific features: BPA-free; stain, odor, and taste resistant; comes in a set of 3
Best use: The Baiji’s Collapsible Water Bottle is best used by someone who needs to carry multiple water bottles at one time.
Description: The Baiji Collapsible Water Bottle is BPA-free and has an FDA-approved polyethylene inner liner that is stain, odor, and taste resistant. Conveniently carry this small and lightweight bottle on the go by folding or rolling it up, and use the attached metal carabiner for clip on storage. The bottle is also designed to stand upright when full.
This bottle is freezable, to keep your water cold for hours and comes in a set of three different colors. Sold in a pack of 3, hikers and backpackers will find this product to be very useful to them so they can carry multiple bottles of water at one time without adding too much weight to their packs or taking up too much space.
Baiji bottles are named to commemorate the Baiji Dolphin which went extinct in 2007. With many species of dolphins still in need of help, Baiji donates 10% of all bottle profits to dolphin rescue and protection programs.
PROS:
- Portion of profit donated for dolphin protection
- Comes in a pack of three
- It can be frozen
CONS:
- Smaller than usual
- Sometimes they leak
Related: The Purefly Travel Neck Pillow is commonly bought alongside these bottles, being another practical travel item.
Wrapping It Up
Remember, staying hydrated is important, especially if you enjoy the gym, traveling, biking, camping, hiking, or outdoor activities as a family. Anyone who enjoys these kinds of activities likely carries a reusable water bottle with them.
However, most reusable water bottles are made of glass, plastic, or aluminum all of which can be heavy and bulky materials. However, there is a better product out there – the collapsible water bottle!
Collapsible water bottles are typically made from silicone, a lightweight and durable material that can be folded or rolled up when your water bottle is empty to save space and make it easy to store.
There are a lot of collapsible water bottles on the market, so make sure to pay attention to what features work best for you. Consider things like weight, size, how it rolls or folds up, whether it’s safe to drink from, how long the product lasts, and make sure it won’t leak when stored.
Do you think we missed any other great collapsible water bottle products? If so, please let us know in the comments so that we can improve our list.
Amazing products for air travel! They can go through easily from security and I was able to fill it up before my flight so I had fresh water throughout my flight. I have tested it with daily use as well and it seems robust, however, I have spilled on myself many times while filling, as the flexible sides tend to squish out water at times. Overall, I love it!
Always choose collapsible water bottles that are made of safe, BPA-free materials. Most of what I’ve listed above this site comes from reputable manufacturers. They can be relied on and their products are so user-friendly and provide for what we need. These space-saver collapsible water bottles save on space and are easy to wash, too.
When I am hiking, I don’t want to carry anything that will take up unnecessary space in my backpack. That is why I was so happy when I discovered the Nalgene Wide Mouth Cantene. This water bottle keeps enough water to last me some good time and once it is empty, it compacts so it takes negligible space in my backpack.
Thanks for the great input Mark. The Nalgene Wide Mouth Cantene is an excellent product and it is also BPA-free. The wide-mouth feature also makes it easier to clean, which is important. Isn’t it great that you can either fold or roll it easily? The lifetime guarantee given by the manufacturer is also a huge plus.