Why does your choice of bottle or bladder matter?
The water bottle is one of those basics that everyone outdoors carries as a matter of course. Yet not all bottles are equal, and choosing the right container directly affects your comfort in the field. The wrong bottle can leak in your backpack, prove impossible to fill from a narrow spring, or turn out to be too heavy for the job.
In bushcraft, a bottle often does more than simply carry water. A single-wall stainless steel bottle lets you boil water directly on the fire, adding valuable versatility to your kit. Soft bladders, meanwhile, save space by collapsing as you drink.
Buying guide: how to choose your bottle or bladder
The different types of container
- Rigid stainless steel bottles are the preferred choice of bushcrafters. Practically indestructible and long-lasting, they stand up to knocks and hard conditions. Single-wall models can be set directly on embers or a wood stove to boil water. With no plastic touching the liquid, they preserve the taste of the water and last for decades.
- Technical plastic bottles are light and impact resistant. Made without BPA, they suit hiking perfectly, where every gram counts. Being transparent, they let you see how much water is left. Wide-mouth models are easy to fill and to clean.
- Soft hydration bladders are the ultralight solution par excellence. Empty, they weigh almost nothing and take up no space in the pack. Large 4 to 10 litre sizes serve as a reserve at camp, ideal for storing water after purification. Some models take a hose so you can drink on the move.
What to look for
- Capacity depends on how you go out. 500 ml to 1 litre suits a day's hiking. For a bivouac, allow 1.5 to 2 litres of carrying capacity, possibly with a storage bladder at camp.
- The opening affects everyday use. A wide mouth makes filling from natural sources and cleaning easier. A narrow opening reduces the risk of spills and makes drinking on the move easier.
- Weight varies considerably with the material. A one-litre stainless steel bottle weighs around 150 to 200 grams. An equivalent plastic bottle comes in under 100 grams. An empty soft bladder weighs only 30 to 50 grams.
Our selection of bottles and bladders
- For traditional bushcraft, single-wall stainless steel bottles are the obvious choice. Paired with a cookset or a mug, they form a minimalist, effective kitchen kit. You can heat water for tea in them, or purify doubtful water by boiling.
- For lightweight hiking, technical plastic bottles offer the best weight-to-toughness compromise. Their built-in graduations make it easy to measure for energy drinks or freeze-dried meals.
- For expeditions and storage, large soft bladders let you build a water reserve at camp. Filled at the river and treated with a purification system, they cover your water needs for several days.
Completing your hydration kit
A bottle belongs in a complete hydration system. To keep drinks at temperature, discover our insulated bottles. In remote areas, a filter or treatment tablets guarantee you safe drinking water.
To heat the water in your stainless steel bottle, our compact alcohol stoves are perfectly suited. Complete the set with functional outdoor cookware for your meals in the field.
FAQ - Bottles and hydration bladders
Can you boil water in a stainless steel bottle?
Yes, as long as it is a single-wall model with no insulation or inner coating. Remove any plastic parts (cap, seal) before putting the bottle on the fire. It is a major advantage in bushcraft.
How do you clean a soft hydration bladder?
Rinse after every use. For a deep clean, use dedicated tablets or diluted bicarbonate of soda. Let it dry completely, opening downwards.
Which capacity should you choose?
Allow a minimum of 2 litres per day of walking. For a day out with somewhere to refill, a one-litre bottle is enough. For a bivouac with no water source, allow 2 to 3 litres of carrying capacity.