Nalgene Bottle Alternatives
October 3rd, 2007A previous post discussed the potential for health hazards associated with the use of polycarbonate plastic bottles, including some Nalgene products. While there appears to be no conclusive information on risk, there are a number of products which could be used as alternatives to Nalgene bottles.
Here are some options to Nalgene bottles:
1) Platypus water bottles are made from plastic laminate which is fairly lightweight and sturdy. They can be compressed when empty to save space and this bottle can be frozen or boiled. Here is a 1 liter Platypus bottle from Campmor., Compared to Nalgene bottles, a Platypus bottle is a good alternative, but it can be punctured.
2) Sigg aluminum water bottles are about the same weight of Lexan and are basically indestructible. Here is a 1 liter Sigg bottle from Campmor. Compared to Nalgene bottles, a Sigg bottle weighs about the same and is an excellent alternative, though a 1 liter bottle costs more than twice a 1 liter Nalgene bottle.
3) Nissan stainless steel bottles are indestructible, but heavy (13 oz.) in relation to a 1 liter Nalgene bottle (5.6 oz.). Here is a 1 liter Nissan bottle from Campmor. Compared to Nalgene bottles, a Nissan bottle is a good alternative, but it is relatively heavy and costs more than twice a 1 liter Nalgene bottle.
4) Rubbermaid chuggables are made from polyethylene plastic, which is fairly sturdy. Here is a 1 quart Rubbermaid bottle from Amazon. Compared to Nalgene bottles, a Rubbermaid bottle is a good alternative and is similar cost, but it is heavier than a Nalgene and can leak at the cap.
5) Re-use a Gatorade or Powerade bottle, which is made of Polyethylene terephthalate or PETE or #1 plastic. There are no health concerns and you can replace them easily. Compared to Nalgene bottles, a #1 plastic bottle is a fair alternative as it is inexpensive, but it can fail fairly easily.
A couple last thoughts: metal bottles are problematic in the winter as their caps will freeze more readily than plastic bottles and their weight would be a significant negative to a thru-hiker. Undetermined health concerns aside, a Nalgene bottle represents an excellent balance between weight, strength, service, and cost.