Veteran Hikers Swear By An Unexpected Piece Of Gear You Can Buy At Any Convenience Store

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As the warmer months approach, many travelers are gearing up for a summer of hiking across the U.S. And perhaps the most important thing to consider before you set off on your hiking adventure is how you're going to stay hydrated throughout your journey. There are plenty of contraptions out there to help you keep a steady water intake, from water bottles and canteens of various shapes and sizes to space-saving water filters and bags. Many of these options are not cheap, ranging anywhere from $20 to $100 or more. However, there is one option that stands out from the rest — one that is reusable, budget-friendly, and available at nearly every grocery or convenience store. 

Many avid hikers swear by Smartwater bottles when it comes to staying hydrated. Many prefer them for their light weight and compatibility with the popular Sawyer Squeeze water filter. Their tall and thin structure also make them an easy fit for pretty much all backpacks and backpack pockets. The best part is that you can reuse them more than a few times. And at just $2.00 per bottle, they're perfect for folks looking for the best hiking gear on a budget.

While Smartwater bottles have become hiking staples over the past several years, hikers should be wary of how often they reuse a single bottle. This odd but easy hiking hack that could be an actual life-saver in some situations may cause health issues if not used responsibly. Since these bottles are made from PET1 plastic, they are really only designed for single use. Reusing them for several days or weeks can be harmful due to the nano and microplastics that shed from the bottle and fall into your drinking water, even if you use a filter. And while scientists are still learning about the extent of the harm the consumption of nano and microplastics can cause, it is best to avoid them when you can.

If you're not yet ready to say goodbye to your beloved Smartwater bottle — or if you feel like you just discovered a hidden treasure only for it to be taken away — don't get too discouraged. Smartwater bottles are still a great addition to your backpack for a quick day hike or maybe even a hike that lasts multiple days. But if you're looking for an alternative that you can use for months or years to come, there are plenty of options available. What you want to look for is something that is the right weight and size for your go-to hiking bag, can stand on its own, is made of reusable and chemically stable materials, and is compatible with your filter of choice. Some options similar to the Smartwater bottles are the Squaker Bottle, the Ultra Nalgene ($15 on Amazon), and the HydraPak Flux ($25 on Amazon).