10 Reusable Water Bottles to Avoid Microplastics

Staying hydrated is a basic human need. Navigating this while traveling becomes trickier. We are perpetually inundated with single-use plastic options. The plethora of plastic water bottles stacked at every airport shop, kiosk, or roadside convenience store comes with a hidden cost: microplastics. These tiny particles, often invisible to the eye, are increasingly found in bottled water, tap systems, and even the food we eat. 

That’s where the right reusable water bottle becomes more than just a sustainable accessory—it’s your first line of defense against these microplastics. “Stainless steel and glass are very safe,” says Jenni Brandon, Ph.D., a microplastics scientist and sustainability consultant. “I highly recommend both.”

Keep reading to learn how microplastics come into play while traveling, what to look for in a reusable water bottle, and practical tips to help you stay hydrated without compromising your health—or the planet.

Reusable Water Bottles to Avoid Microplastics

Pura 22-ounce Insulated Water Bottle

Amazon

This bottle by Pura is completely plastic-free and made from food-grade stainless steel with medical-grade silicone. It’s a standout for travelers concerned about microplastics. Thanks to double-wall vacuum insulation, it keeps drinks cold for hours, feels durable in hand, and offers quick hydration through its sport top. Just be sure the lid’s fully sealed before tossing it in your bag or pack. It’s a smart, eco-minded pick that proves safe hydration doesn’t have to sacrifice style or performance. If you’re looking for more sizes, it is also available in 18.6- and 28.7-ounce options.

Bambaw 24-ounce Insulated Water Bottle

Amazon

This plastic-free bottle pairs one of the most sustainable products, bamboo, with sleek, double-wall stainless steel vacuum insulation. The wide mouth on this 24-ounce bottle makes adding ice a breeze, while the large opening simplifies cleaning. The brand claims that the bottle will keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and beverages hot for about half as long, making this a solid choice for trails, travel, or long days at the office.

Ocean Bottle 17-ounce Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Amazon

Our expert carried this reusable bottle on a recent 10-day trip. According to Brandon, “I needed a water bottle that was small and could fit in my purse and wouldn’t get gross during my travels. It’s made of 65 percent recycled materials, including 90 percent recycled stainless steel. As a bonus, every purchase funds the cleanup of 1,000 ocean-bound plastic bottles.”

LifeStraw Go Series 18-ounce Water Filter Bottle

Amazon

Domestically speaking, we are fortunate in the U.S. to have access to water devoid of many waterborne issues that some countries around the world deal with daily. This LifeStraw bottle operates like a mini water treatment plant, whether your travels keep you stateside or in far-flung locales.

It’s not the double-wall stainless steel construction that sets this bottle apart from the pack; it’s the dual-filter system that takes care of bacteria, parasites, microplastics, chlorine, odors, and more. Even better, the membrane lasts up to 1,000 gallons, which is more than enough to provide years of reliable service. And the filter is replaceable when the time comes or when your next destination may have questionable water sources.

S’well Glass Original 18-ounce Water Bottle

Amazon

The S’well Original Bottle just got better with the introduction of the 18-ounce Glass Original Bottle, which swaps plastic for break-resistant borosilicate glass. To further protect it from accidental slips and bumps, the bottle sports a protective non-slip silicone sleeve, while the leak-proof stainless steel lid eliminates leaks. For those with more discerning taste buds, there is no metallic aftertaste and zero chemical concerns. It’s dishwasher safe and comes in an array of vibrant colors.

Klean Kanteen 27-ounce Reflect Water Bottle

Amazon

Founded in 2004, Klean Kanteen was one of the early—if not the first—company to offer reusable, BPA-free stainless steel water bottles in the U.S. I, for one, have been using the various iterations of their bottles since shortly after the brand’s inception.

The Reflect Water Bottle is minimalism meets sustainability. This simply polished, stainless-steel classic bottle features sustainably sourced bamboo with a touch of silicone to create that perfect seal for a lightweight yet durable solution, whether used on your daily commute, getting in miles on your favorite trail, or navigating airports on the way to your next destination.

Lifefactory 32-ounce Insulated Water Bottle

Amazon

I first became acquainted with Lifefactory through its glass water bottles that came wrapped in a silicone sleeve. Fast-forward a decade or more, and the brand is back in my quiver of reusable water bottles with its stainless steel style. And while this sports bottle also comes in 16-, 20-, and 24-ounce models, I really like the larger size as it helps me attain my daily hydration goals with the higher capacity. And while the screw-on cap is comprised of BPA-free, durable, and food-safe polypropylene, Brandon recommends always hand-washing the tops and not leaving them out in the sun, as UV light can break down even the best plastics.

Blockhütte 34-ounce Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Amazon

If you didn’t pick it up from the brand name, this stainless steel bottle is German-engineered and is as sleek as it is durable. At 34 ounces, the double-walled construction provides reliable cooling for up to 24 hours and keeps those hot beverages warm for up to 12 hours. And, there is zero plastic contact inside. The leakproof lid is topped with bamboo to round out the sustainable look and feel of the bottle. The bottle also comes with a natural bristle brush for cleaning, all while helping you further eliminate microplastics from your life.

Topoko 25-ounce Insulated Water Bottle

Amazon

The Topoko water bottle is a budget-friendly essential that is affordable, durable, and refreshingly simplistic. While it might be the most cost-efficient bottle in this roundup, it definitely punches above its price point. Constructed with double-wall vacuum insulation stainless steel and featuring a plastic-free brushed metal lid, this is sure to become a staple whether on the road or for everyday use.

Epic Nalgene OG Water Bottle With Filter

Amazon

As Brandon mentioned earlier, not all plastics are created equal. And that includes Nalgene. I have personally been using Nalgene bottles since the early 1980s as a Boy Scout on backpacking and hiking trips. Granted, the plastics used now are much safer than those that I used over 40 years ago. Made in the U.S., the newest iterations of this classic wide-mouth bottle are manufactured with BPA and BPS-free food-safe Tritan plastic. And, this iconic and nearly indestructible water bottle is paired with a built-in filter that removes up to 99.99 percent of tap water contaminants—including microplastics.

Keep reading to learn more about how microplastics can sneak into our travel routines and how you can choose the best reusable water bottle for yourself and your family.

How Microplastics Sneak Into Our Travel Routines

Travel often disrupts our daily habits, and hydration is one of the first routines to change. When you’re rushing through an airport or exploring a new city, grabbing a bottle of water is often the most convenient choice. But research has shown that bottled water can contain far higher concentrations of microplastics than tap water.

According to Brandon, single-use bottled water is one of the most common sources of plastic trash, as well as one of our biggest sources of microplastic consumption. On average, there are 60 times more microplastics in bottled water than in tap water. And a lot of that plastic is from the bottle and the cap itself! Each twist of the cap can produce 500 microplastics.

“Studies have shown that microplastics are present in over 90 percent of sampled bottled water, making it a hidden but widespread concern for travelers worldwide,” states Jean-Luc Madier, Director of Engineering at LifeStraw.

“Single-use plastics are about 40 to 50 percent of the plastic waste problem in general (numbers vary), which is huge,” Brandon added. “And then, when you think about microplastics, they are a huge part of the problem, because they are made of very cheap plastic, so they are not made to last. Not all plastic is the same. Single-use plastic is thinner and cheaper, and will break down into microplastics a lot faster than plastic that is made to be used for a long time.”

This is why choosing a safe, reusable water bottle isn’t just about sustainability—it’s also about reducing the ways microplastics find their way into your body. There is good news, though: By educating yourself about what to carry and how to use it, you can cut down your risk dramatically, no matter where your trip takes you.

Choosing the Right Water Bottle to Avoid Microplastics

According to Brandon, not all reusable bottles are created equal. There is a significant difference in quality between the plastic used in a Hydro Flask or Nalgene versus the cheap plastic of an athletic squirt bottle or a free reusable plastic bottle you’d get at a conference or festival. 

As mentioned earlier, the material matters most. Stainless steel and glass bottles are generally considered the safest choices since they don’t shed particles or leach chemicals, even when exposed to heat or frequent washing. If you prefer plastic for its lighter weight, look for high-quality, BPA-free options and replace them as soon as they show scratches, cloudiness, or wear—signs that microplastic shedding could be occurring.

“Stainless steel is very safe and durable,” states Brandon. “Glass is incredibly safe, but obviously a bit more breakable. BPA-free plastic is important because BPA is an endocrine mimic-er that can affect our hormone levels, causing reproductive issues, metabolic disorders, and may increase rates of breast cancer and other types of cancer. But there are other additives in plastic besides BPA, so that is not the only thing to look out for.” 

Filtration is another key feature to consider, particularly for international travel. Some brands now offer built-in filters that can remove not only bacteria, viruses, and protozoans, but also reduce microplastic levels from tap water and other questionable sources. 

Finally, care plays a big role. Brandon says, “Washing your bottle by hand with mild soap and avoiding extreme heat (like dishwashers) will extend its life and reduce the risk of particle breakdown. I would recommend always hand-washing the tops and dishwashing the bottles (as relates to the stainless steel and glass bottles). And don’t leave them out in the sun. Ultraviolet  light will always start to degrade even the best plastics.”

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