Hydration on the Move: The 5 Best Collapsible Water Bottles
Saltwater Journal is reader supported.
When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra cost to you)
If there are two things sailors and outdoor adventurers know a lot about, it’s that fresh water supply = survival, and the challenge of reducing gear weight and size. So it’s not surprising that the collapsible water supply is fast becoming an essential piece of kit for anyone wanting to pack light and small, and keep hydrated on the move. It’s the ultimate space saver that makes it easier and more convenient to hit your water intake each day wherever you are. Because it’s simple — crush, fold, or collapse them into a compact size and refill them at your next water stop.
How much do you need a collapsible bottle in everyday life? Well, if you’re not into:
Carrying a heavy water bottle when it’s empty
Wasting packing space
Travelling with bulky carry-on baggage
Feeling thirsty or being dehydrated
Buying single-use bottles (ughh)
Then you’re going to love a collapsible water supply. I’ve rounded up the most durable, most compact and best all round bottles for you to choose — all BPA-free. No matter the size of your thirst, here’s something to suit your H20 drinking lifestyle.
A Short Intro to the Best Collapsible Water Storage Brands
There are three leading makers in the design field of collapsible water supplies — HydraPak, Platypus and MSR. I’ve researched and chosen their highest rated water bottles and storage to suit your next adventure.
HYDRAPAK
HydraPak are leaders in the design of collapsible water bottles. Each bottle is made in Colorado, USA from of ultra-durable, abrasion-resistant TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). These are 100% BPA and PVC free, with RF-welded seams for superior durability and elasticity. And they all come with a Beyond™ Lifetime Guarantee.
PLATYPUS
Platypus has continually refined the details that matter most in the best water bottle — taste-free, durability and non-leak. Like HydraPak, their bottles are made in the USA, free of the bad things, and have a food-grade liner for safe drinking.
MSR (MOUNTAIN SAFETY RESEARCH)
MSR is a renowned USA outdoor gear company trusted for its high-quality and innovative outdoor equipment. With a strong focus on durability and performance, MSR has earned a global reputation among outdoor enthusiasts worldwide for providing reliable and efficient gear. That includes their tried and tested expedition Dromedary water bags.
Here are the 5 Best Collapsible Water Bottles & Bags
HydraPak Stow Water Bottle — 500ml / 17 fl oz
Best pocket hydration
The HydraPak Stow bottle is slimline and easy to hold in one hand and even easier to pocket; ideal for stashing in a sailing wet weather jacket. It sits flush in ski pants and coat pockets, bike jerseys and fanny packs. If you’re a dog-owner, you can’t go past using one of these on your walks to keep your thirsty pooch hydrated and happy — just fold and pop in your pocket when empty (it only weighs 43g!). This bottle is safe to freeze too so we love that these can double as an icepack (we’re all about versitile use items!). The Stow is an economical buy — perfect for keeping a couple handy in a bag and the car so you’re never caught short without a bottle to fill for a drink.
SPECS
Capacity: 500ml / 17 fl oz
Dimensions:175mm x 102mm / 6.8 in x 4.0 in
Weight: 43g / 1.6 oz
Material: TPU, PP, Silicone
FEATURES
Easy open flip top cover
Self-sealing silicone nozzle is spill-proof and easy to drink from
Compatible with most 28mm threaded water filters
Flexible bail handle for refilling or attaching to pack
Flattens and rolls when empty packing into its own bail handle
Platypus Duolock Water Bottle — 1L
Best clip-on hydration
The Playtypus Duolock is a firm favourite for its slimline shape, very secure lid lock, and easy attachment to adventure gear like paddleboard or kayak bindings, and backpack straps. This bottle won’t leak in any position! The Duolock stands upright on its own (no matter how much water is inside) and is super flat when empty. Like all Platypus products — it’s well made with a warranty, and is taste-free.
SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity: 1Litre / 33.8 fl oz
Dimensions: 34.93 x 34.93 x 3.81cm / 13.75 x 13.75 x 1.5in
Weight: 49.9g / 1.76oz
Material: Polyethylene
FEATURES
Wide opening for fast and easy filling or cleaning
Carry handle with secure wire gate clip
Highly packable and collapsible, easily flattens and rolls up when empty
Dishwasher safe
No plastic taste
Made in USA
HydraPak Flux Bottle — 1L / 32 fl.oz.
Best day bag hydration
If you prefer the shape of a hard bottle — the HydraPak Flux is for you! This one is cylindrical but compresses like a soft flask down to pocket size when empty. Lightweight but durable — this is 50% lighter than a solid bottle. Topped with a dust cover and twist-drink nozzle for grab-and-go hydration, this is perfect for throwing in your sports bag, travel carry-on, and day pack. We’re digging the Sutro Green colour, but it comes in the classic range (Mammoth Grey, Tahoe Blue and Redwood Red), plus a super 1.5L size!
SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity: 1L / 33.8 fl oz
Dimensions: 230mm x 90mm / 9.6 x 3.3in
Weight: 102g / 2.7oz
Material: Ultra-Durable TPU; HDPE
FEATURES
High flow, twist to drink nozzle, (like a traditional wide mouth bottle but with more flow and less splash)
Dust cover keeps dust off your drink nozzle
Flexible carry handle
Fits in pack pockets when full and to roll up when empty for space saving storage
Made of ultra-durable, abrasion resistant TPU & RF welded seams for superior durability and elasticity
HydraPak Seeker Water Storage — 2L, 3L, 4L, or 6L
Best all day hydration
Need a fill-once water supply to last you all day? Here’s the HydraPak Seeker — a durable, ultra-light water reservoir perfect for long days sailing, backcountry hiking, and camping. It comes in a great range of sizes — so you can choose exactly much water you want to carry at any time. All fold down to a small size. Sporting the same low-profile as the HydroPak Stow bottle — this is easy to pour from and durable. There are two load bearing side lash points, for attaching to the boat cockpit, your pack or setting up a gravity feed. If you need to filter more water in the backcountry, the Seeker top is filter compatible (see matching filter on Amazon).
SPECIFICATIONS - 3L
Capacity: 3L / 100 fl oz
Dimensions: 320mm x 130mm / 12.6in x 5.in
Weight: 76g / 2.7oz
Material: TPU, PP, Nylon
FEATURES
Leakproof 42mm screw cap with tear resistant, removable tether
Water filter compatible - fits most 42mm threaded filters, including HydraPak's 42mm Filter Cap
Made of ultra-durable, abrasion resistant TPU and RF welded seams for superior durability and elasticity
Safe and reliable, 100% BPA & PVC free
MSR Dromedary Bag — 10L
Best big adventure hydration
If you’re heading out on an expedition — you need a storage supply that’s going to see you through all kinds of conditions. From alpine trips to kayaking rivers to survival bags and emergency preparedness, this 10Litre bag is SUPER tough and reliable. When you need to make the most of every inch of packing space and keep weight down — this is the bag to take. Made from a tough 1,000-denier exterior, it has perimeter webbing for no-hassle attachment options for easy carrying, strapping down, or hanging as a gravity fed supply. The low-profile, 3-in-1 cap lets you fill, drink and pour with ease — to make the most of your precious water supply.
SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity: 10L / 338 fl oz
Dimensions: 58.4cm X 31.75cm / 23 x 12.5in
Material: Polyurethane-laminated, BPA Free
Weight: 284g /10oz
FEATURES
Low-profile, 3-in-1 cap to fill, drink and pour
Improved BPA-free food-grade lining for better-tasting water
3-year Warranty
Made in USA
In Summary
Hydration is crucial to being alive and enjoying life to the fullest. But it’s highly likely we all need to drink more than we are each day! So don’t get caught short without a bottle to refill — grab a couple of these collapsible water supplies to keep in your backpack and jacket for when you’re out and about. And if you’re planning a longer adventure and you need to take enough water for a few days — you can trust the biggest water bag to go the distance.
Did you enjoy this article? Share it online and read more on the Journal…
