Top Five: Gym Water Bottles

Whether it’s summer, winter or somewhere in between, hydration is always important. And with the rise in all sorts of funky water bottles, especially on the fitness scene, it seemed wise to explore what’s on offer and share our favourites. Especially as you can’t be seen down at the gym, or latest studio with a twice-used Evian bottle. No, that just won’t do; it could contain BPAs and all sorts of chemical nasties. 

Our round-up of water bottles reflects our writers who wrote about them – some look good and feel nice, some are environmentally friendly, others liven up water with little sections for fruit and others keep your drink refreshing, regardless of how sweaty you get in hot yoga. 

Infruition Sport, £14.99

A fruit-infusing water bottle made from BPA-free plastic

This is a clear water-bottle that comes in 6 different statement colours. Inside, it has a little grilled chamber for you to put your chosen fruit in. The concept is that you can flavour your water naturally, and be more inclined to drink more, without turning to sugary, fake-flavoured waters. 

What I loved: Not only does it look pretty when you’ve got fruit packed inside but it really does flavour your water well. I went for lemon quite a lot as it was refreshing but raspberries were also delicious although they did sneak out the chamber a bit and into the rest of the bottle but that didn’t impact anything too much. What I did find funny is that my husband borrowed this and I told him off for not making the most of the fruit compartment to which he was utterly baffled and thought that it was a filter… So I’ve since banned him from using it as it’s just wasted on him! 

What I didn’t love so much: Drinking from it is a little tricky – it’s quite uncomfortable on the mouth and if you’re super thirsty, it’s hard to get a lot of water in one go. I’ll admit – sometimes I just unscrewed the top and drank straight from the bottle. 

~ Eliza Flynn

Life Factory Flip Cap, £24.99

The water bottle for eco-minded, health conscious individuals

Life Factory produces a range of glass products in a silicon wrap and they also do a set of water bottles in 3 colours. Their entire range covers food storage containers, glasses and baby bottles. Their premise is that with the concern over toxic chemicals found in plastic, glass is a healthier solution, is easily recyclable and will last forever. 

What I loved: The silicon grip and cold glass is a really good feeling on the hands! I also like that it’s made of glass as it feels so much more luxury than some of the grubby drinking bottles I have at  home. And for some reasons, things always taste better from glass! I do often have freak-outs about plastic so knowing this is glass eases my mind. 

What I didn’t love so much: I thought I’d be afraid of dropping it but that wasn’t the case as the Life Factory’s silicon wrap is pretty grippy. However, it is heavy and I am a little unsure about keeping it in my bag as it looks like the cap could come off fairly easily with a little jostling. It’s one that I’d only feel safe carrying in a backpack side pocket or upright. 

~ Eliza Flynn

BKR, £20 for 500ml and £25 for 1 litre

The touchy-feely glass bottle for those who hate plastic bottles

The BKR range of water bottles are made entirely of toughened glass, protected by a removable rubber sleeve. Available in 3 sizes they are not too heavy to carry around. They are absolutely beautiful, come in a rainbow of colours and they have a rubber sleeve that you just can’t stop feeling. 

What I loved: I guess what is the most appealing about these bottles is the fact that they are glass. It has been proven that chemicals in plastic can leach into water and have recently been linked to breast cancer among other conditions. I avoid chemicals in my food so it seems ridiculous to drink them in my water. The glass seems to make the water taste much more fresh and ‘crisp’ and the neck of the bottle is dainty which suits me as I tend to suffer ‘bottle dribble’ with larger openings… No more stained tops for me!

What I didn’t love so much: The price, they’re expensive but you pay for quality. The lid would also benefit from being attached in some way as I’ve dropped it a few times. 

~ Susie, aka Gourmet Glow

Chilly’s Bottles, 260ml £14.99, 500ml £18.98, 750ml £22.99

A bottle for those that the temperature of the water really matters.

A sleek bottle using double-walled vacuum technology to keep your water cold for 24 hours! If you want to keep your drink hot they advise warming the bottle by filling with hot water first – pouring it out and then fill with whatever you want to keep hot and it then will do for 12 hours. Available in 3 sizes from handbag sized to the perfect desk companion 750ml. 

What I loved: Pretty much everything! It does exactly what it promises! I particularly love using my Chilly bottle for hot yoga as I cannot stand sipping warm water when all I want is a massive dose of refreshment – the water stays perfectly cool and lovely for the entire class even in such a hot atmosphere. If your tap water isn’t the coldest pop an ice cube in there and it will be perfect! They have a great range of colours so there is something to suit everyone and now they have introduced their little 260ml bottles I’m definitely getting one for my handbag! 

What I didn’t love so much: I really don’t have a criticism. It does exactly what I had hoped it would. 

~ Amy Taguri

Aquatiser, £17.99 

Maximum fruit-infused water for fresh hydration

Made from strong, clear borosilicate glass and plastic, this is a water bottle with a bottom-loading fruit compartment. Unlike all the other fruity bottles we’ve seen on the market, it also has a 2 fruit sections – one area for fruits such as berries and and a ‘juicer’ which is great for squeezing maximum flavour from oranges or lemons. It can also be used to hold hot water too. There’s also the option to be able to buy replacement seals on the website which is great as you’ve then got a bottle which can last forever. 

What I loved: The ‘juicer’ really does help you get more flavour from your water, whether it’s squeezing oranges, lemons or smaller fruit like raspberries. It also has a really handy strap attached to the lid which I’ve used to clip it to my rucksack so it’s safe if it falls out. 

What I didn’t love so much: It seemed complicated when I first tried it as the instructions on adding fruit aren’t that clear but once you actually use it, it’s easy as pie. It is, however, pretty heavy, especially once filled with water. 

~ Eliza Flynn