Gallon Water Bottles: Which One Is Right For You?

Gallon water bottles are the perfect way to stay hydrated on the go. They’re free of BPA, chemical leaching, and spend less time in transit than other water containers. Gallon-size water bottles are all over TikTok and Instagram, with fitness influencers and regular users alike relying on them to reach their hydration goals. It seems weird at first — these water bottles are seriously huge! — but when.

What are Gallon Water Bottles?

Gallon water bottles are often 50- to 60-ounce or 100- to 110-ounce, depending on how you hold it and how the opening is shaped. The bigger the water bottle, the more water you can fit in there. They’re more than just a water bottle. They’re a way to stay hydrated. These water bottles are all over social media and a must-have for fitness enthusiasts.

Before you can get started, you need to decide on the size you want. The large ones will hold eight to 10 cups of water. You might also get smaller ones to fill with food or give as gifts.

Here are some things to think about when deciding if you need a large or small water bottle.

Benefits of Gallon Water Bottles

Every single study done about the effectiveness of water bottles vs. those containing their own filtered water has concluded that most of the research favors the 1-gallon-size water bottle, according to the Museum of Science and Industry, Inc. .

“The most likely source of the difference in the amount of water (and thus calorie) loss in the bottles is a difference in the shape and design of the bottles used,” the museum reported, and the shape of the bottle plays a major role in how the water is absorbed by the body.

For a period of time, this type of water bottle was advertised as the ultimate way to hydrate and electrolyte your body. Until 2009, bottled water companies filled their own huge and heavy containers and kept them in insulated cases.

Disadvantages of Gallon Water Bottles

Even though these bottles are super convenient, they’re not perfect. For starters, they’re pretty expensive. If you live in a major metro area, you’re probably paying upwards of $20 to $25 for a new one. When we’ve done the math, it’s been about $40 for a stainless steel one, and $80 for a glass one. Even if you’re buying generic, non-brand name bottles, it’s still a hefty price tag. Plus, if you buy the really cute ones, like ones from AmazonBasics, a single bottle can cost you more than $20. Still too expensive? Buy a reusable water bottle instead.

These bottles are also not very travel-friendly. They’re not meant to be filled up and squeezed, which means your hands get a little sweaty as you’re trying to get the water into them.

When to use Gallon Water Bottles

Gallon water bottles are perfect for working out. That’s because they’re reusable. That makes them good for runners, cyclists, and the people who want to have a glass of water without having to buy one of those plastic, single-serving water bottles. Not to mention, most large bottles of water are over 3 quarts — which is more than enough to keep you hydrated on a run or bike ride.

Let’s say that’s not exactly you, though. If you’re looking for a way to bring your own water to work, pick up a pint-sized bottle instead. And if you’re like most of the people on this planet, you probably drink a lot of water during the day, and need a refillable bottle.

Environmental Impact

Your bottle isn’t being run over by a car or covered in a dustpan to be emptied later. Your bottle will last a lot longer. Aside from the environmental benefit, your bottle has to be safe to drink out of (read: free from nasty chemicals that are in almost every bottle). Plus, of course, you will not use an entire water bottle’s worth in a single outing. This bottle should only last you a few days.

You can get your own 29-ounce water bottle on Amazon for less than $13.

What Does It Fit?

Your water bottle is going to depend on your personal preferences and what you need it to fit. You can get options with a wide mouth for outdoor workouts and travel. It’s also probably going to be big enough to fit some food and snacks in it, too.

Conclusion

If you regularly drink two liters of water per day (try drinking this much water to lose weight), a 22-ounce bottle will last you two weeks, give or take. In the long term, however, a 10.5-ounce water bottle will only last you three weeks, while a 12-ounce bottle will only last for six weeks.

This doesn’t mean your water bottle is destined for the trash. To ensure you’re drinking as much water as possible, you’ll want to have several water bottles at your disposal for easy access. Just don’t forget them — you might not be able to stop and buy more if you are without one.

In terms of the best travel water bottles, you can’t go wrong with either the CVS S’well Hydration Bottle or the Camelbak Siren Series Water Bottle.

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