As children, the joy of utilising reusable sports bottles lay in the fact that the flexible, squeezy vessels would allow us to see just how far we could spray water into our mouths, resulting in riveting playground competitions. Rinsed-out Lucozade Sports bottles had the same, endlessly entertaining effect.
As adults, we can’t guarantee that we won’t attempt to break our personal records every now and then, but dedicated lightweight and flexible sports bottles have a very different purpose. They allow for quick, easy and borderline contactless hydration on the move no matter what sport it is that you’re mastering.
By removing the need to unscrew a fiddly cap on a vacuum-insulated, heavy and cumbersome water bottle, you can save precious seconds while sprinting your way to a new and improved PB. Though you’ll often see football and tennis players making use of classic squeezy bottles on their respective turfs, there’s one particular sport in which a featherlight and tactile hydration station is essential: cycling.
Just like F1 drivers and sailors, cyclists must take care to keep their loads as light as possible. This is achieved through premium carbon fibre bike frames, lightweight aerodynamic clothing, helmets, shoes and so much more. Yet no matter the distance covered on a bike, one thing’s for sure, and that’s the need for a refreshing, replenishing mouthful of H2O every few kilometres.
Squeezy bottles designed with cyclists in mind are also fantastic for BMX riders who would otherwise struggle to stay hydrated under those cumbersome helmets. From insulated yet highly malleable models to hands-free options, we’ve curated a selection of the best water bottles for cycling in 2024.
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Camelbak Podium Chill
- Capacity: 620ml
An insulated version of Camelbak’s beloved Podium water bottle, this flexible squeezy bottle has a double-walled construction to keep water cold for twice as long. The high-flow, self-sealing cap ensures that you can stay hydrated with ease, without worrying about leakage. Materials are 100 per cent free from BPA, BPS and buff. Plus, it’s available in a fun range of colourways and patterns.
Buy now £16.92, Amazon
Elite Stainless Steel Water Bottle Syssa Race - 750 ml
- Capacity: 750ml
If you’re not a fan of the way your water tastes when using a plastic bottle on long cycling days, we highly recommend switching to this stainless steel race option from Elite. Tasteless and odourless, this sleek and stylish option is compatible with a standard water bottle cage. It’s also dishwasher-safe and BPA-free.
Buy now £12.99, Decathlon
Elite Jet Biodegradable Bottle – 550 ml
- Capacity: 550ml
Another option from the experts over at Elite, the value-for-money Jet Biodegradable Bottle has a 550ml capacity, a wide-mouth opening and a leak-proof lid. It’s made from 100 per cent biodegradable materials and has a high-flow valve for premium hydration. Despite its robust construction, it remains a squeezable bottle for speedy drinking on the move.
Buy now £3.25, Sigma Sports
Collapsible Water Bottle
- Capacity: 500ml
This handy collapsible silicone water bottle has an attached carabiner to keep it safe during rocky cycles. Space-saving and entirely leak-proof, it’s a brilliant option for those who tend to go on cycling tours abroad. It has a 500ml capacity and folds down from 21.5cm to 11.5cm when empty.
Buy now £7.99, Amazon
Rapha Pro Team Bidon
- Capacity: 625ml
Featuring an ergonomic grip, leak-proof gap and a 100 per cent recyclable composition which is free from BPA, the Rapha Pro cycling bottle is a tasteless piece of kit with a brilliantly squeezable body. It has an impressive yet uncumbersome 625ml capacity and is dishwasher safe.
Buy now £15.00, Sigma Sports
Science In Sport SIS Clear Sports Water Bottle
- Capacity: 600ml
Beloved for their running gels, SIS also has an excellent range of sport-ready water bottles for all your hydration needs. This sub £5 option has a 600ml capacity, a soft rubber nozzle, and a BPA-free and leakproof construction. It’s easy to grip so it won’t slip out of your hands after sweaty workouts and has pre-marked levels for easy measuring.
Buy now £2.49, Amazon
Profile Design Aero HC Drink System
- Capacity: 828ml
This bizarre rocket-shaped drinking system is any professional cyclist’s dream. The aerodynamic front-mount system positions your very own hydration station conveniently between the arms, thereby maintaining an aerodynamic profile.
It has an impressive 828ml capacity and comes with a bottle, bracket and mount. The easy-to-operate flip-cape makes refills on the fly a breeze, while the vertical flexible straw means you barely have to move to enjoy some much-needed H2O.
Buy now £44.99, Sigma Sports
High5 500ml Drinks Bottle
- Capacity: 500ml
Lightweight and durable, the High5 500ml bottle is a budget-friendly option with a wide-mouth, leak-proof lid. It’s made using food-grade, BPA-free plastic. Save excess weight and ensure aerodynamics are always in check.
Buy now £3.99, Tredz
Chilly’s Sports
- Capacity: 500ml, 750ml
Just like a standard Chilly’s bottle, the Sports model is leak-proof, sweat-free and BPA-free. It’ll keep hot drinks piping for 12 hours, but exercise enthusiasts will be more interested in the fact that it keeps cold water icy for a whopping 24 hours.
If you’re already the proud owner of a Chilly’s water bottle that you’ve grown emotionally attached to, don’t trade it in for an entirely new model, simply purchase a compatible Chilly’s sports cap for just £3.
Buy now £28.00, Chilly’s
Brita Active Water Filter Bottle
- Capacity: 600ml, 1L
If you’re struggling to make the transition from drinking bottled water to using a refillable vessel which is replenished from the tap, you might feel more at ease with a model that filters water as you drink.
The integrated Brita Active Water filter disc removes nasty chemicals such as chlorine from tap water, but ensures key salts and minerals remain flush within your water supply – something that is particularly important for athletes.
Each filtration disc lasts up to one month, and a reusable bottle and three-disc bundle costs under £30, saving you on all that unsustainable and frankly unaffordable fancy bottled stuff.
Buy now £16.47, Amazon
Waterdrop Starter Set Microlyte Ultralight Steel
- Capacity: 800ml
A fantastic option for electrolyte enthusiasts, this sports water bottle from Waterdrop comes with a starter kit for the brand’s dedicated Microlyte range. Crafted from single-walled stainless steel, this reusable bottle is fitted with a pull-up, extendable cap to make staying hydrated while engaging in movement a breeze.
Buy now £39.90, Waterdrop
