We review the stainless steel CamelBak Better bottles.

Since Nalgene introduced their water bottle systems there have been many who have tried to imitate and improve water bottles. Camelbak was also making a name for itself in the bicycle, camping/hiking, military, and general use arenas with their hydration bladder pack systems.  The popularity of the water bottles and their simplicity has created a craze of office, travel, and home hydration.  In the never-ending search for the perfect water bottle, Camelbak has given us the “Better Bottle”.

It seems like every other week there is something else a water bottle should or shouldn’t have. To meet some of those needs, Camelbak has made sure it’s newest bottle is BPA free (or now stainless steel) which we are all happy for.

The Better Bottle utilizes Camelbak’s exclusive spill free venting system that includes no moving parts within the lid.  When held upside down the bottle is 99% leak proof. The “Big Bite” valve is the secret to the spill free system.  Just like bladder hydration systems by Camelbak, the “Big Bite” valve is simply used by biting the soft rubber valve and sucking fluid up the straw and into your mouth with the rubber valve closing as soon as you are done taking your drink.  Everyone loves the trademark bite valve and it’s ease for drinking on the run, which is handier than any drink-from-the-rim water bottle.

With this convenience can come hiccups. In order to remove the need to tip the bottle, a straw extends from the bite-valve into the bottle. This straw can come off of the bite valve easily (especially if you are a lover of ice in your water) causing the drinker to suck air. When I was screwing the lid on after putting ice in the bottle, the straw came off. There were also times when I was heading out and threw the bottle it into a bag. Inside the bag, the bite valve would get pinched and leak into the bag.  The  water that leaked was the residual amount in the bite valve. This is easily purged before placing it into a bag. It’s best to put it in an upright position or a specific pouch or compartment.

The bottle’s construction seems sufficiently durable and stands up to common use and abuse. I even had one get run over by a car when it fell out of my pocket while riding my bike. The car tire ran over the bottom of the bottle but didn’t squish it completely flat. The lid stayed on and the body didn’t even crack or split, impressive! It doesn’t leak but lacks the ability to stand up now!
 
The Better Bottle has a large handle that can be easily clipped onto a caribiner or other hook. In the past, other bottles I have used with similar handles easily pulled the lid off. Not a good thing when you’re out on the trail and you not only lose all your fluids but you may lose your bottle as well. Better Bottle’s lid has shown it is sturdy enough to withstand swinging from a backpack or hand without coming off. Using the Better Bottle has definitely ended my worry about the bottle coming off my backpack.

The Better Bottle is very easy to maintain function and cleanliness.  It completely disassembles and is dishwasher safe as long as you place it on the top rack.  Furthermore, if flavored drinks are placed in the bottle the taste doesn’t remain with the bottle long after the fluid is gone.  Drinks that are known to stain plastic bottles such as grape juice didn’t leave stains and flavor behind.  Even after such fluids were left in the bottle for a few days the flavor and stains were easily washed away.

All in all, the Camelbak Better Bottle is a great travel bottle and hydration system that comes in a variety of colors (BPA free Plastic), stainless steel, and even different sizes.  The Better Bottle is great for children and adults alike that like to take hydration in the car, at home, at school, camping/hiking, etc.   Of course, the variety of colors and sizes helps to allow for customization.
All of them are compatible with most hydration filters used for backpacking and hiking.  Thankfully Camelbak has come up with a solution to the problem of getting an early bath when driving over bumpy roads and taking a drink.  You could say the Camelbak Better Bottle is the adult “sippy cup” that is actually cool to carry and use.

Visit CamelBak online at www.camelbak.com.