Water Bottles for Climbers

Many plastic water bottles cannot withstand the potential abuse that rock climbing can bring, but metal bottles can. Not all metal bottles are alike, and there are important aspects to their use and care.

  1. Klean Kanteen

    • Klean Kanteen bottles come in three versions: classic, wide and insulated. The classic version was the first stainless-steel water bottle made for personal use, and all Klean Kanteen bottles are sustainably produced, reusable and free of BPA and other toxins. BPA can be released from affected bottles when they are washed, heated or start to age. BPA mimics estrogen and can cause defective cell division, even at very low doses.

      The 18/8, food-grade stainless steel is safe and toxin-free, unlike some plastic or aluminum, which can sometimes need an inner coating. The openings of every version of Klean Kanteens can fit large items, such as ice cubes in case you want cold water when climbing in a hot climate, and the bottles don't retain or impart flavors. Kean Kanteens are also dishwasher safe.

    SIGG

    • SIGG bottles vary mainly in outer artistic design, but SIGG also offers a wide-mouthed variety that can fit ice cubes. Also, while SIGG does not offer an insulated version, you can purchase a sturdy insulation sleeve that can also help you attach the bottle to your pack. SIGG's website stresses that their bottles are made from "a single piece of pure aluminum," but also that the EcoCare liners used inside the bottles are free of BPA. SIGG recommends that you wash their bottles by hand after every use and warns against storing liquids in the bottle long-term. Certain drinks, like alcohol or some nutrient-rich beverages, can cause pressure to build in the bottle if stored for too long. However, while climbing and keeping hydrated you will likely not have to worry about storing your liquid for too long.

    Guyot

    • Guyot Designs offers a line of Green Bottles: a series of 18/10 stainless steel, single wall bottles. The bottles come in four designs: The Standard, Shorty, Commuter and Backpacker. For bottles of every design you can also purchase the Gription and the Splashguard. The Gription locks your bottle open or closed and also provides a handle which can be hooked to a backpack for easy carrying. The Splashguard can fit in the mouth of the bottle and protect against water splashing out of the bottle and onto you; it is particularly effective for wide-mouthed bottles.