We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products Travel Accessories The 10 Best Collapsible Water Bottles of 2024 For a water bottle that’s lightweight and doesn’t take up a lot of space in your pack, look for one with a collapsible design. By Mandy Harris Mandy Harris Mandy Harris is an editor, writer, and strategist specializing in lifestyle, parenting, and women’s wellness. She’s been a leader in the women’s lifestyle space for over 15 years, and has vetted hundreds of parenting and wellness trends and products for readers over the past decade. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 26, 2024 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist and editor who has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and spent more than a decade reviewing hotel room. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsTips for Buying Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust T+L Photo: Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja A lightweight, collapsible water bottle can be helpful during your daily commute or an absolute necessity on a multi-day backpacking trip. No matter your circumstances, a water bottle that’s there when you need it and stows away when you don’t is a major convenience. The best collapsible water bottles all have a few things in common: they’re well-designed, hold up to wear and tear, and pack down small when not in use. We tested 27 standard and collapsible water bottles in our New York City lab and in the real world during our travels. We also conducted extensive research to select the top-rated collapsible bottles for just about any activity or need. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Lifestraw Peak Series Collapsible Bottle at Amazon ($44) Jump to Review Most Durable: Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle at Amazon ($37) Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Vapur Solid Flex at Amazon ($12) Jump to Review Most Easy to Clean: Hydrapak Stash Collapsible Water Bottle at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best Leak-proof: Platypus SoftBottle at Amazon ($13) Jump to Review Most Stylish: Stojo Collapsible Water Bottle at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best for Running: CamelBak Quick Stow Flask at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best for Hiking: Katadyn BeFree Water Filter at Amazon ($40) Jump to Review Best Capacity: HydraPak Seeker Collapsible Water Container at Amazon ($27) Jump to Review Best for Hot Liquids: Hydaway Collapsible Insulated Drink Tumbler at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best Overall Lifestraw Peak Series Collapsible Bottle PHOTO: Amazon $44 at Amazon $38 at REI View on Cabelas.com Why We Love It This system includes a fast and reliable filter. What to Consider The microfilter is not safe to filter water that contains chemical pollution or agricultural runoff. This lightweight, durable bottle comes with a membrane microfilter that removes the majority of bacteria, parasites, and silt or sand. It’s ideal for outdoor activities like camping and hiking since it allows you to safely drink from streams and rainwater sources, and its packability makes it an ideal airport travel companion. We found the bottle’s size to be just right, and had no issues with leakage during our testing. The filter is among the best we’ve tried, too; although many of the most effective filters can run extremely slowly, this one flows quickly. Plus, Lifestraw has an impressive approach to social good: for every 500 products they sell, they install a water purifier for a school in need, and provide that school with ongoing support. The Details: 1-liter capacity | 3.9 ounces | 4.7 x 12.1 inches | Thermoplastic polyurethane Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang Most Durable Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle PHOTO: Amazon $35 at Amazon View on Nomader.com Why We Love It The thick silicone makes it look and feel like a traditional water bottle. What to Consider It can be difficult to roll up and secure. Bag-style collapsible bottles are light and portable, but often lack durability. The Nomader, on the other hand, is made of thick silicone, and includes a plastic sleeve that slides around the middle of the bottle and makes it function more like a traditional bottle. It also stands on its own when empty or full, and fits in most standard cup holders. We were especially impressed with the durable cap and spout cover, which kept the bottle leak-free and didn’t budge during testing. The one drawback of this bottle’s thick, durable construction: we found it challenging to roll up and secure the strap, and it felt bulky once collapsed. Still, it’s a great option for everyday use once you get the hang of it. The Details: 22-ounce capacity | 7 ounces | 2.9 x 10.5 inches | Silicone Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph Travel + Leisure / Janelle Jones Best Lightweight Vapur Solid Flex PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon $12 at Walmart View on Vapur.us Why We Love It This bottle is incredibly lightweight and compact. What to Consider It’s difficult to get the bottle completely dry inside. Vapur has a passionate following among outdoor enthusiasts, and this bottle makes it easy to see why. This bag-style bottle weighs just two ounces, one of the lightest bottles we tested, but still holds up to 23 ounces of water. It didn’t leak at all during our testing, and it rolls up easily to a compact size. The lightweight spout is pleasant to drink from, and the bottle didn’t give off a plastic taste. Like many bag-style bottles, this one can be frozen, but unlike many other models, it stands when full, making it easier to manage. Its shape does make it challenging to completely dry out inside; the manufacturer recommends addressing this by blowing air into the bottle to fully inflate and placing it upside down on a drying rack. The Details: 23-ounce capacity | 2 ounces | 5.6 x 11.5 inches | Plastic Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang The 13 Best Water Bottles of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Most Easy to Clean Hydrapak Stash Collapsible Water Bottle PHOTO: Amazon $21 at Amazon $26 at backcountry.com View on Hydrapak.com Why We Love It Its wide mouth makes it easy to clean out all nooks and crannies. What to Consider The flexible body can be difficult to hold one-handed. The construction of collapsible bottles can make it difficult to get them fully clean and dry — a crucial drawback when traveling or on the go. The Hydrapak Stash eliminates this challenge with a wide mouth and dishwasher safe materials, so it’s exceptionally easy to keep clean. It’s lightweight and durable, and after an initial scrub, it doesn’t give beverages the plastic taste some silicone bottles can. It stands up well, even while filling, although it can feel floppy and less manageable when it’s not completely full; it’s not ideal for drinking one-handed during activities like cycling for this reason. The Details: 1-liter capacity | 3.7 ounces | 3.9 x 8.2 inches | Thermoplastic polyurethane, polypropylene Best Leak-proof Platypus SoftBottle PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon $13 at REI $13 at Dick's Why We Love It Its lid is exceptionally resistant to leaks. What to Consider The screw cap isn’t attached to the bottle and is easy to lose. The Platypus SoftBottle gets high marks for its water-tight construction, even when it’s tossed around in a pack during activities. And despite its lightweight and very packable size, it’s surprisingly durable. It’s both freezable and dishwasher safe, and, like most bag-style bottles, it dries relatively easily by inflating it with a bit of air and leaving it uncapped. This Platypus model offers both a screw closure cap or push-pull cap; the closure cap is our recommendation for maximum peace of mind against leaks, but the cap doesn’t attach to the bottle when open so it can be easy to lose. The Details: 1-liter capacity | 1.2 ounces | 6 x 13 inches | Polyethylene Most Stylish Stojo Collapsible Water Bottle PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon View on Stojo.co Why We Love It It comes in 19 different colors and has a great design, whether full or collapsed. What to Consider Its initial rubbery smell can be hard to get rid of. For everyday use, it’s ideal to find a bottle that offers both function and form. The Stojo is one of the more stylish collapsible bottles we’ve found, without sacrificing durability and leak-resistance. The 20-ounce bottle comes in 19 different colors, and has an attractive, tea-cup-like design even when collapsed. Its large lid loop can easily accommodate a carabiner for attaching the bottle to your bag strap or stroller handle when it’s empty or full. And although all the bottles on our list pass basic food safety standards, this one is certified using the European LFGB standard, which is even more strict than the FDA’s requirements. The 20-ounce wide-mouth bottle is the most useful in our view, but it also comes with a sport cap or in a smaller, kid-friendly 14-ounce size. The Details: 20-ounce capacity | 6 ounces | 3.7 x 7.1 inches | Silicone The Best Hydration Packs for Skiing, Hiking, and More Best for Running CamelBak Quick Stow Flask PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon View on Backcountry.com $19 at Dick's Why We Love It The flat, compact shape is easy to manage while exercising. What to Consider The small size doesn’t lend itself well to long-distance runs. The last thing you want to do in the middle of a run is stop and fiddle with your water bottle, but this flask makes it easy to hydrate while you’re on the move. It fits easily in a running belt, vest, or fanny pack when full; when empty, it’s small and flexible enough to be stashed inside a pocket. The bottle uses CamelBak’s signature bite-valve, which may take some getting used to, but is leak-proof and can be easy to use while moving. For warm-weather runs, it can be filled partway and frozen overnight, or it can be loaded up with ice cubes through the wide-mouth top. The inside of the flask has an antimicrobial coating to help prevent mold, and the small loop at the bottom makes it easy to hang dry. The Details: 12-ounce capacity | 1 ounce | 3.3 x 8.5 inches | Polyurethane Best for Hiking Katadyn BeFree Water Filter PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon $40 at REI $39 at Walmart Why We Love It Its filter cap allows it be refilled from almost any water source. What to Consider The thin flask can puncture easily. This bottle is small and lightweight for day hikes, but its included filter means you can refill from just about any water source if your trek runs longer or hotter than expected. Its hollow fiber filter removes over 99 percent of bacteria and sediment, and to clean the filter, all it takes is a quick swish in water. The bottle can filter up to two liters of water per minute, so it’s also a great option for refilling other containers with safe water, too. When you’re done hydrating, it rolls up to a compact bundle and can be stashed in your pack or pocket until you need it again. The BeFree filter cap is compatible with the high-capacity Hydrapak Seeker series, so the same filter can also be used to filter larger quantities. The Details: 20-ounce capacity | 2 ounces | 2.8 x 9 inches | Thermoplastic polyurethane Best Capacity HydraPak Seeker Collapsible Water Container PHOTO: Amazon $27 at Amazon $28 at REI $25 at moosejaw.com Why We Love It This bottle can hold a day (or two) worth of water, but packs down small. What to Consider The strong plastic taste can be difficult to get rid of. For longer treks or overnight trips where you need to carry your own water, the Hydrapak Seeker Water Storage system is a must-have. It's ultralight and packs down to a small bundle in the included storage bag. It also pours easily for cooking and decanting into smaller containers, and it includes two loops for attaching to packs. If you’re on a multi-day camping trip and need to refill your bottle, the Seeker is also compatible with Hydrapak’s filtration system. Like most bottles made of TPU, it can transfer a strong plastic flavor until it’s been thoroughly washed; the manufacturer suggests filling the bottle with water and lemon juice and freezing overnight to mitigate the taste. The Details: 100-ounce capacity | 3.2 ounces | 5.5 x 14.6 inches | Thermoplastic polyurethane, polypropylene, nylon The 12 Best Daypacks for Hiking in 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best for Hot Liquids Hydaway Collapsible Insulated Drink Tumbler PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon View on Myhydaway.com Why We Love It An insulated sleeve makes it comfortable to hold. What to Consider The metal rim gets hot when the cup is filled to capacity. Hot liquids and silicone are not always a functional pairing, but this Hydaway tumbler makes it actually pleasant to sip coffee or tea from a collapsible vessel. The insulated sleeve protects your hand while carrying a full tumbler of hot coffee, and the silicone has very little flavor transfer. Although the lid isn’t toss-your-coffee-in-your-bag secure, the tumbler’s design is great for carrying on your commute, toting on a road trip, or filling up at a campsite. It also comes in a range of outdoorsy designs, so it fits right in on camping trips or picnics. Most importantly: when your drink is gone, the cup collapses down to just over one inch, and the disc can be stored inside the insulated sleeve to keep it clean. The thick construction and metal rim do come at a cost — even empty, this is one of the heavier collapsible drink containers we’ve tried. The Details: 16-ounce capacity | 7.5 ounces | 4 x 5.5 inches | Silicone Tips for Buying a Collapsible Water Bottle Look for durable materials The ideal collapsible bottle strikes a careful balance between being lightweight and durable. Too thin and flimsy, and the bottle is easy to puncture and difficult to use; too thick and substantial and its bulk negates its usefulness for travel. Food-grade, BPA-free silicone and thermoplastic polyurethane are popular choices for collapsible bottles, because they hold up to daily wear and tear, but are flexible and light enough to collapse, roll, or fold. Note that all of these materials will likely give off a rubber or plastic smell and flavor initially; each manufacturer typically includes instructions for mitigating flavor transfer. Prioritize sturdy lids A portable bottle doesn’t do any good if it leaks its content all over your bag. Prioritize collapsible bottles with lids that stay put to prevent leaks, and look for closure types that match the activity you’re planning. Collapsible bottles for running or hiking should have spouts or screw tops that are easy to drink from while moving; bottles with higher capacity should be convenient to pour from; and hot beverage containers should offer a way to sip your drink without burning yourself. Think about extra features As you’re shopping for a collapsible bottle, consider how you’ll be using it and prioritize additional features accordingly. If you frequently run or hike in hot weather, an insulated bottle that keeps your drink cool might be a wise choice. Many bottles include carabiners or attachment loop so you can hook them onto your bag; others have built-in filters so you can refill your water from a natural water source while hiking or camping. For commuting and everyday travel, consider a bottle that offers more colors and styles so it fits into your life. If you’re an avid backpacker or camper, you may want a higher capacity bottle that can meet your water needs for an entire trip. Frequently Asked Questions Are silicone collapsible water bottles safe? The FDA requires that food-grade silicone is free of BPA and doesn’t leach other harmful chemicals into food or water. Silicone is also able to withstand both low and high temperatures without compromising its integrity, making it a safe choice to eat and drink from. When using a silicone bottle for hot beverages or cooking, it’s important to make sure the temperature doesn’t exceed 428 degrees Fahrenheit — silicone can actually melt at this temperature — but considering most hot drinks don’t exceed 185 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re likely not at risk of melting your bottle with a hot cup of coffee. As with any product used to drink or eat from, if you notice tears or other signs of breakdown, it’s probably time to replace your bottle to be on the safe side. How do you clean a collapsible water bottle? Many collapsible bottles are dishwasher safe, but all bottles can be safely washed with warm water and dish soap. A bottle brush can be a handy tool to reach all nooks and crannies in your collapsible bottle, and a small, flexible straw brush can be used to scrub out sport tops, bite valves, or silicone straws. Always make sure to allow your bottle to dry thoroughly before storing to prevent mold from forming; with bag-style collapsible bottles, this often means blowing air into the bottle and leaving it open to dry. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your bottle to make sure you don’t compromise its integrity with improper cleaning. What is the best water bottle to leave in the car? For emergency use, it’s handy to leave an empty collapsible bottle with an included filter in your car. That way, you can fill your bottle from any available water source if needed. For running errands or taking shorter car trips, an insulated bottle that fits in your car’s cup holders and keeps your drink at an optimal temperature is a great choice. Whatever vessel you choose, avoid leaving reusable bottles filled with liquid in your car for extended periods of time, as it can both damage the bottle and affect the safety (and flavor) of the beverage inside. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Mandy Harris is a contributing writer at Travel + Leisure, and has vetted hundreds of travel products over the past decade. For this story, she analyzed in-house testing insights, manufacturer details, and her years of experience as a traveler and outdoor enthusiast to determine the best collapsible water bottles. The Best Soft Coolers We Tested for On-the-go Refreshments Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is the Commerce Outdoor Gear Editor at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over nine years. learn more