Our Verdict
There is no denying that camping and hiking need a lot of hydration. It is also obvious that during adventures, purified and clean water is a crucial necessity. One option is Nalgene Wide Mouth Sustain 32 oz., which is reasonably priced, long-lasting, reliable, and has earned its place among hikers, campers, and adventurers.
The designers of this bottle took durability, lightweight, and sustainability into account, making it a go-to choice for the adventurers and aestheticians. The lack of insulation causes hum and haw among the buyers; however, the affordability in price and robustness compensates for this shortcoming. Because of its lifespan and performance without breaking the bank, Nalgene is a great option for adventurers.
Related: Best Water Bottles for Hiking
Performance Insights: Our Hands-On Testing
Value for Money
With costs as low as $17, Nalgene provides an unparalleled service compared to premium insulated bottles that cost twice as much as Nalgene Wide Mouth. With durability, sustainability, versatility, and style, Nalgene uses recycled plastic on top, which distinguishes it from any other competitor.
Nalgene lacks the insulation unlike higher-end models like Hydro Flask, etc., but it remains a top contender when it comes to weight.
This bottle performs consistently at a fraction of the price of its competitors, whether you are a gym-goer or a backpacker.
Closure Design
Nalgene Wide Mouth Sustain offers a screw cap for ensuring a leak-proof experience. The plastic loop attaches the lid to the bottle, avoiding misplacement of the lid.
The threading creates a tight seal for the bottle and improves its robust structure of a watertight mouth. The bottle doesn’t leak even if tossed inside a backpack.
Apart from insulation, it also lacks a flip-top lid for a straw; its open wide-mouth structure compensates by making it an easy-to-fill drink and clean.
In this bottle, the presence of two features, even better than the others, compensates for the absence of one.
Quality and Durability
Another feature of the Nalgene bottle, which makes it indispensable, is its near-indestructible construction. It is made from BPA- and BPS-free Tritan plastic, which makes it a resilient bottle for scraps, drops, and outdoor rugged and rough handling.
On extended hikes, this bottle is a good companion for hikers, climbers, and adventurers. During any of the above adventures, this bottle hardly encounters any damage, which makes it unique and tough. The scars and scuffs on the plastic over time fail to affect the performance of the bottle.
I put freezing water in it and used it in extreme cold weather. I also poured boiling water into it many times on the trail. I never noticed any cracks or deformation as a result of extreme heat. However, I generally avoid using this bottle for freezing liquids or extremely hot water, considering that it is primarily made of plastic.
Unlike any other glass or plastic bottle, Nalgene offers one of the most durable structures for outdoor conditions.
Insulation Capabilities
Insulation remains one of the weak features of this bottle. Weak insulation means that cold drinks will warm up quickly and hot beverages will cool down within a short period of time.
To compensate for this issue, Nalgene wide-mouth bottles offer insulating sleeves as an accessory, which helps mitigate the issue.
Taste and Odor
The high-quality BPA- and BPS-free plastic in the Nalgene Wide Mouth bottle minimizes the odor and taste retention unlike any other plastic bottle, which retains flavors from beverages and drinks.
This bottle never imparts a plastic-like taste to water after the initial few washes, and many users have reviewed this as well. If not cleaned properly, coffee and flavored drinks sometimes retain odor, which is not a problem of the bottle but negligence on the part of the user.
People with a particular sensitivity to taste may not find this bottle a lucrative option. For these people, bottles made of stainless steel may offer a greater experience.
Ease of Use
The bottle is easy to use and carry around. Nalgene’s wide-mouth design allows the user to refill with ice cubes, water, beverages, and any other drink with ease.
Moreover, the open mouth allows the user to clean the bottle easily, whether by hand or by dishwasher. The shape of the bottle is also easy to carry in any backpack’s pocket; however, it is too wide for a car’s cup holder.
Though some users may find a built-in handle more comfortable, the bottle’s loop-top lid offers a fair handle to hold. Despite minor drawbacks, Nalgene remains one of the most preferred choices for outdoor activities.
Pros and Cons
Nalgene’s wide-mouth bottle is extremely durable, impact resistant, lightweight, and easy to carry. The thread-like structure of the screw cap on the lid of its mouth makes it leakproof.
The open mouth also helps the bottle be easy to clean. If you are looking for a bottle that is least likely to retain odor, the BPA- and BPS-free plastic structure makes this bottle an ideal choice for you. With all the positive features, this bottle is widely available anywhere online.
Despite all the attractive features, Nalgene wide-mouth bottles lack insulation, which makes them less preferable. Its size is wider than the normal car cup holders. It also retains the odor of flavored beverages if not cleaned completely.
Comparison with Similar Bottles
Similar bottles can also be lucrative for you in comparison to Nalgene wide-mouth bottles. Firstly, the Platypus Platy 2-Liter Flexible Bottle is ultra-lightweight, collapsible, ideal for backpacking, and has a larger capacity. However, it is less durable, difficult to clean, and needs careful handling, which makes it less preferable in adventures.
Secondly, the Hydro Flask Wide-mouth bottle brings in excellent insulation for beverages and is durable owing to its stainless steel body. Also, its sleek design makes it attractive. Nevertheless, these bottles are heavier than the plastic bottles and are more expensive in comparison.
In a nutshell, this bottle stands out in comparison owing to its lightweight, affordability, and durability. For general outdoor use, this bottle remains a favorite choice in comparison even though it lacks insulation unlike Hydro Flask and the collapsibility of the Platypus. Nalgene, as a whole, is the most user-friendly bottle ever.
Conclusion: Is the Nalgene Worth It?
Nalgene Wide-mouth is an excellent choice for the people looking for affordable, reliable, durable, and lightweight water bottles. Unlike any other bottle, it may not have the insulation, but it definitely provides endurance, outstanding value, and ease of use. Despite its few drawbacks, the Nalgene Wide Mouth remains the most reliable and cost-effective companion for those who value durability and ease of use in any outdoor activity.
Related: Best Collapsible Water Bottles
