A look at safe water bottles

When the old, white high-density polyethylene (HDPE) Nalgene bottles gave way to the smoky-gray Lexan (polycarbonate) bottles in the early 1990s, I thought it was a godsend. Unlike the original HDPE, the new Lexan bottles didn't absorb flavors, nor did they give off any flavors or odors. Today, as the whole world seems to know, those polycarbonate bottles are bad juju.

That attractive, indestructible, inviolate plastic isn't so safe and stable, it seems. New studies suggest that during regular use, the bottles tend to leach out trace amounts of bisphenol A (BPA). Among the potential side effects, BPA has been linked to breast and ovarian cancer, as well as to developmental problems in kids.

Fortunately, bottle makers have acted quickly and there are a slew of alternatives to BPA-containing water bottles today.

Nalgene, the leading maker of outdoor water bottles, has yanked BPA-containing plastics from most of its line. The new Nalgene bottles are called the Everyday Line, and they use BPA-free Tritan copolyester. See www.nalgenechoice.com.

Camelbak, the leader in the hydration bladder market, also offers a range of BPA-free water bottles, from its version of a sport bottle, the Camelbak Podium Bottle, to its sipper-tube bottle, the Better Bottle (made from Tritan plastic). The Podium has the fastest flow rate of any bike-compatible bottle we've tried. See www.camelbak.com.

Given that the concerns about BPA took years to uncover, some folks worry about any plastic material. For those with such concerns, there's a host of metal options as well.

Sigg long dominated this market and the Sigg Sports is a bike-compatible 22-ounce bottle. The aluminum bottles are lined to prevent aluminum from leaching into water, and if the bottles get damaged, they can be tossed into any aluminum recycling bin. See www.mysigg.com.

For hikers, Klean Kanteen stainless-steel bottles are a good alternative. With a wider mouth than the Sigg line, the Klean Kanteens are easier to drink from, and to fill (www.kleankanteen.com). Likewise, the stainless Guyot Backpacker bottle is ideal for hikers. Since its opening is the same as a standard Nalgene bottle it is compatible with all water filters and specialty tops. It's also nearly indestructible. See www.guyotdesigns.com.

Finally, Seattle-based Stanley offers a Triton plastic Stanley Canteen (two sizes available) that is broad and somewhat flat, so it won't roll away, and it fits into narrow gaps inside packs. They also recently introduced a stainless-steel bottle that boasts one flattened side, again to prevent rolling, and a standard Nalgene-sized lid. See www.stanley-pmi.com.

Regardless of the bottle you choose, remember two things: (1) Those old Lexan bottles (regardless of manufacturer) should be considered unsafe; and (2) Cheap, throwaway bottles of water are an incredible waste of resources and should be avoided.

— Dan A. Nelson, special to The Seattle Times

Freelancer Dan A. Nelson, of Puyallup, is a regular contributor to Backpacker magazine, and an author of outdoor guides with The Mountaineers Books. For the purpose of review, gear manufacturers lend products, which are returned after a typical use of four to six weeks. There is no payment from manufacturers and they have no control over the content of reviews. Contact Dan with gear-related questions at gearguy@adventuresnw.net.