The best collapsible water bottles we tested
Best collapsible water bottle: HydraPak Flux 1-Liter Collapsible Water Bottle
While the best reusable water bottles are a convenient way to stay hydrated on the go, these bulky containers aren’t the most efficient to transport, particularly when empty. Unlike hard-sided alternatives, collapsible water bottles are pliable enough to fold and squish down when partially or fully empty, thus taking up much less space (and weight when compared to metal water bottles) in your tote, purse or backpack. This flexibility is convenient for storage and invaluable when hiking, trail running, camping, air travel or performing any other activity where storage space is limited.
To better determine the best collapsible water bottles, I ran 14 popular options through a comprehensive testing program. After evaluating their usability, durability and overall design, I landed on the HydraPak Flux 1L as the best pick for most people.
Best collapsible water bottle
With a tough, flexible body that was more comfortable to grip and squeeze than any other option I tested, as well as a user-friendly nozzle secure enough to prevent leaks and a sturdy shape that stood upright when others flopped over, this HydraPak bottle was a clear choice as my top pick.
Best collapsible water bottle: HydraPak Flux 1-Liter Collapsible Water Bottle
Not too big and not too small, this 1-liter bottle from HydraPak is just right. With the capacity to hydrate a single person for an afternoon at the beach, a travel day or a short hike, and its flexible yet sturdy shape that stands up on its own, there’s not much to dislike about this bottle. The wide, 1.5-inch opening is convenient to fill up, and the cap twists on for a tight, secure fit.
The twist-to-open nozzle took a minute or two to get used to, but the process quickly became second nature, and it was much more secure than flip-up versions like the Vapur Wide-Mouth Anti-Bottle. This high-flow nozzle also delivers a strong, consistent stream with minimal squeezing required. I was a big fan of the nozzle’s protective cap too, which prevents dirt and dust from contacting the nozzle, and allows you to open and close the stream without touching the nozzle with your fingers.
The HydraPak Flux 1L bottle is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), giving it a soft, rubbery feel that’s comfortable to squeeze and grip while still being stable enough to maintain its shape at all times (even when empty). This stability made it much more convenient to use one-handed than plasticky polyethylene (PU) options, like the Platypus SoftBottle or Vapur Wide-Mouth Anti-Bottle that easily flopped over, or TPU options without a base like the Lifestraw Peak Series Collapsible Bottle and CamelBak Quick Stow Flask. The trade-off to this thicker, more stable material is that it takes up slightly more room when folded up than PU options, but thanks to the built-in “bale handle” that fits around the rolled-up body, it still measures just 5 by 3 inches for storage. This handle also comes in handy for attaching to your belt or backpack via a carabiner clip.
This TPU construction also makes the HydraPak Flux 1L extremely durable. Even after repeated tosses down the sidewalk, aggressive squeezing when filled with water and the nozzle closed during upside-down transport in my backpack, I never experienced any leakage or durability issues. If you prefer a filtered option, this bottle is compatible with HydraPak’s filter cap that is sold separately.
This isn’t the cheapest option, but if you’re looking for a water bottle that’s easy to use, won’t leak inside your pack and is rugged enough to handle serious abuse, look no further than the HydraPak Flux 1L.
How we tested
To accurately declare a winner and confidently recommend certain models for specific use cases, I ran all 14 options through a comprehensive testing process focused on the following.
Performance
- Usability: I used each model for several days as my primary water bottle, evaluating how convenient components like caps and nozzles were to use, if it was comfortable to hold and drink from, and if it was easy to fill up quickly and without making a mess.
- Stability: Throughout testing, I considered the stability of each bottle, both when it was filled and as the water level dropped. This stability varied greatly across the board, from rigid silicone bottles able to stand on their own when empty (convenient for storing on your desk or in a cup holder) to thinner options that easily flopped over.
- Accessories: I noted if each bottle included any extra features or accessories that might be useful, such as carabiner clips, measurement markings, handles or holes that allow you to hang it upside down for drying out.
Design
- Security: To determine how well each bottle prevented leakage, I carried each one (filled) upside down in my backpack, aggressively squeezed its body to simulate someone sitting on the bottle or it being crushed in a bag, and tossed it down the sidewalk to see if any damage would compromise its seams or edges.
- Storage: Since a primary advantage of a collapsible water bottle is its convenient storage, I measured the dimensions of each model when empty and rolled up. I also noted if they had any straps or clips to keep their compressed bodies tight and secure for even more convenient storage.
- Capacity: Although a water bottle’s storage capacity isn’t necessarily good or bad, this metric allowed me to evaluate its functionality for certain activities and use cases.
- Filtration: I noted if each bottle included a filter, and if so, the type and level of filtration it provided. I also noted if the bottle’s cap was compatible with a filter, allowing you to buy one later.
- Material: I researched the specific material each bottle was made of, ensuring that the bottles were nontoxic, food-safe and BPA-free (containing no traces of the harmful chemical Bisphenol-A). The type of material also helped inform overall durability and portability.
How to shop for collapsible water bottles
There are many things to consider when shopping for a collapsible water bottle. First, determine the capacity that best suits your needs. One liter is a good all-around size for most people, providing a decent amount of water without taking up too much space or weight inside your backpack or tote bag. For activities that require more hydration, like camping trips or warm weather hikes, look for higher-capacity options, like the 3-liter HydraPak Seeker 3L. On the other hand, smaller-capacity bottles are ideal for short-term activities that require minimal weight, such as running hydration vests, or other times you might prefer to cram the bottle into your pocket when empty.
If you’re bringing your water bottle hiking or on a camping trip, consider choosing a model with a built-in filter. These take up slightly more room than nonfiltered options but can convert otherwise undrinkable water into something safe to consume. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of these filters can vary, and although most can remove silt, sand and most bacteria and parasites, they have their limits with viruses, chemical pollution and agricultural runoff. If a filtered bottle is your top priority, consider one of our picks for the best filtered water bottles.
If you plan on using your collapsible water bottle throughout the day as your primary drinking container, consider getting one that’s sturdy enough to stand on its own. Flat–bottomed TPU bottles like the HydraPak Flux lineup maintain their shape at all times, even when empty, making them convenient to set on a countertop or your desktop, or put in the cup holder in your car. Some collapsible water bottles don’t have flat bottoms and end up taking up more space because they tend to flop over on flat surfaces.
Other collapsible water bottles we tested
Although bulkier than most, the larger-than-average 1.5-liter capacity and tough TPU body make this a great choice for those who want something a bit more functional than our top pick.
Heavier and wider than its cousin, the HydraPak Flux 1L, the Flux+ 1.5L comes with a filter cap requires a little more grip strength to operate one-handed but still provides the same user-friendly twist-to-open nozzle design. The super-heavy-duty TPU construction also handled my durability tests with ease, although the taller bottle isn’t as stable as smaller options, and the top-heavy design tips over easily.
The built-in filter cap — capable of removing common waterborne bacteria and parasites — combined with the extra capacity and durability benefits, make this bottle well suited to backcountry camping excursions.
With a compact size, comfortable shape and a leakproof cap, this diminutive HydraPak bottle is perfect for those who prefer a smaller alternative to 1-liter options.
With the same grip-friendly TPU body and sturdy shape as our top pick, this was one of the most comfortable bottles to use. The twist nozzle took a minute to get the hang of, but that learning curve is certainly worth the security and peace of mind it provides.
Unlike the open nozzles of the Vapur Wide Mouth Anti-Bottle and HydraPak Stow, there’s practically no risk of this bottle opening by accident. A flip-up cap also keeps the nozzle free of dirt and dust during transport and allows you to twist it open and close without your dirty fingers touching the nozzle. The flat base is also stable enough to stand upright — even when empty — and the sturdy neck allows you to easily remove and screw on the cap when it’s time to refill.
Easy to use and about as portable as they come, this compact bottle’s flat shape conveniently slips into a jacket pocket. Just be aware that the user-friendly nozzle isn’t the most secure.
What this pint-sized HydraPak option lacks in capacity, it makes up for in portability. Even when full, its flat, flask-style shape measures just 2 inches deep, making it convenient to stash in a jacket pocket or backpack pouch. You can even use the bail handle to carabiner it onto a belt or backpack strap. Although the soft, slightly textured body is comfortable to grip and squeeze, it also lacks the structural strength of larger bottles, causing it to flop over easily.
That said, this flexibility allows the HydraPak Stow to shrink to a size of only 3 by 2 inches when empty, which is the smallest in my testing pool. The self-sealing nozzle is also convenient to use, especially with gloved hands — you simply squeeze the bottle to dispense water — but it lacks the security of twist-operated nozzles. If the flip-top lid is inadvertently opened in a pocket or backpack, all it takes is an accidental squeeze to activate the nozzle.
Thanks to its beefy 3-liter capacity and well-balanced design, the HydraPak Seeker 3L makes it easy to transport and distribute water during extended backcountry adventures.
If your backcountry adventures require more hydration than a typical water bottle can supply, and you prefer the convenience of a single container, this 3-liter option is a perfect solution. Despite its flexible construction, the wide-mouth opening and vertical handle make it easy to pour into cups or smaller bottles without spilling. Even when the container was half empty and its shape had become soft and floppy, I was impressed with how easily I could maintain a steady, controlled pour.
Made of seriously tough, abrasion-resistant TPU, the Seeker 3L also performed well in my durability and security tests. I never experienced any leakage or structural issues, despite swinging it around by the cap’s tether or side handle, launching it down the sidewalk and bouncing it around in my backpack all day. Sure, a smaller option with a squeeze nozzle is more practical for everyday use, but if you’re looking for maximum storage and convenient transport, the Seeker 3L is a no-brainer.
With more space than your typical 1-liter option but less bulky than its 3-liter sibling, this stocky HydraPak container is a convenient choice for transporting your water supply.
Essentially a scaled-down version of the HydraPak Seeker 3L, this 2-liter container features the same wide-mouth cap and vertical carrying handle. The lack of a drinking nozzle makes the HydraPak Seeker 2L less convenient to drink from directly but also allows it to take up just 5 by 3 inches when rolled up, the same dimensions as the HydraPak Flux 1L that has half the capacity.
It’s too tall to stand upright, but that long shape — along with the vertical handle — is what makes it so easy to maintain a controlled, accurate flow when pouring into other containers.
With a straightforward cap, flat-as-a-pancake construction and an affordable price tag, this 1-liter model is a great option for budget-conscious users.
If you just want a decent-sized water bottle that’s convenient to store when empty, consider this budget-friendly Platypus model. Its simple twist-off cap might seem inferior to the more innovative nozzles in my testing pool, but I appreciated how easy it was to use as well as how secure the seal felt when tightening it up, unlike some of the more complex nozzles that new users might secure incorrectly.
I also found the wide-mouth opening to be comfortable to drink out of and more convenient than a nozzle for pouring into other containers. Its ultra-thin PE body expands to create a flat base that can stand upright, and it folds completely flat when empty. This base isn’t the most stable though, and due to the bottle’s height and heavy cap, it quickly flops over as the water level drops.
Heavy water drinkers will appreciate the easy-access cap and wide opening of this Vapur bottle, as long as they’re comfortable with the security risks.
The Vapur’s wide nozzle opening provides a generous flow of water, which I found especially convenient during hot days when I just wanted to gulp down a lot of water quickly. I found the flat shape to be much less ergonomic than the other options though, and combined with its rigid seams, the Vapur was not very comfortable to hold.
The flip-top lid also lacks the superior security of bottles with a twist-lock design and is more likely to open accidentally. Although the removable carabiner claims to hold the rolled-up body in place for compact storage, I found it too weak to do so, and it constantly popped out of place during testing.
An initial plastic taste kept this model out of the top spot, but depending on your needs, the rugged construction and impressive filtration could be worth the compromise.
This bottle features an impressive microfilter membrane, removing over 99.999% of bacteria, parasites and microplastics, making it suitable for adventure activities like hiking and camping where freshwater can be scarce. The density of this filter does affect the flow rate, though, requiring you to exert more effort to suck water through it.
The thick TPU material of the bottle itself feels especially durable and held up well to my tugging, tossing and pulling on the cap and lid. An extra-thick carrying loop also allows for secure attachment to clips and carabiners. Although my first few rounds of testing yielded a strong plasticky taste, it gradually faded over time.
Although floppy and unstable, the secure lid and small storage dimensions of this bottle are ideal for adventure activities.
This ultra-flexible model is still comfortable to grip and squeeze, thanks to the textured and grippy exterior, and convenient to stash in a running vest or belt, or to just hold in your hand for easy-access hydration. The wide 2.5-inch lid is easy to fill quickly, and the unique bite-valve nozzle combines security and user-friendly design.
When the nozzle is unlocked (you twist it to open, with clear icons indicating locked/unlocked) you simply bite down on the silicone nozzle, which expands the valve and allows water to flow through. This valve self-seals when not in use, eliminating any annoying drips. There is no cover on this nozzle, though, so it’s more exposed to dust and dirt contamination than other options.
While the floppy construction and thin-skinned material don’t offer much stability, the built-in filter makes the Katadyn BeFree a valuable option for backcountry or emergency use.
This bottle’s TPU construction and slightly textured exterior give it a stretchy, comfortable feel that’s easy to grip and squeeze, although it’s much thinner and less durable than the more robust TPU HydraPak or Lifestraw Peak Series options. This thin material also lacks the stability needed to stand upright, and as with other filtered options, like the HydraPak Flux+, it has a lower flow rate than unfiltered nozzles.
This bottle (and its 0.6-liter version, which I also tested) had the strongest plasticky taste of any in my testing pool, although if filtration is a priority, the impressive 1-micron filter, which is capable of eliminating 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa like giardia and cryptosporidium, could be worth the trade-off.
FAQs
Collapsible water bottles are made of materials that are flexible enough to be compressed or folded when empty, but their specific characteristics vary. These materials are typically either thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene (PE) or food-grade silicone, each of which has its own pros and cons.
Yes, TPU is nontoxic and complies with 100% of food safety standards. It is a type of plastic with a rubber-like flexibility, giving bottles a soft, stretchy feel that’s comfortable to hold and squeeze. This elasticity allows it to compress and expand easily, and it is also naturally puncture-resistant. Although it can fold and unfold easily, TPU doesn’t collapse as compactly as thinner plastics.
Polyethylene (PE) bottles lack the elasticity of TPU but are lighter and thinner, allowing them to be folded or rolled up more easily. These can also be made completely transparent (unlike TPUs that are translucent at best), allowing you to easily see how much water is left inside. That said, whether a PE bottle is worth buying or not really depends on your specific needs.
Food-grade silicone is thicker and more rigid than other materials, typically using an accordion-style design to fold and expand, which tends to take up more space. Silicone is also stable enough to handle higher temperatures than other materials, making it suitable for drinks like coffee or tea.
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CNN Underscored’s writers and editors thoroughly test all the products we cover and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team with many years of product testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to subject matter experts where necessary to ensure we test each product accurately and can speak about the pros and cons of each.
This guide was written by contributing writer Alex Rennie, who has contributed to or written guides on the best tape measures, the best shop vacs and the best rechargeable batteries, among others.
