Hydration is one of the most important aspects of your health. When you get dehydrated, your body produces negative symptoms, from dry mouth to headaches and muscle cramps. Worse, if you get dehydrated at work, you might find that your lack of concentration and inability to focus have a negative impact on your productivity and quality of output.
Fortunately, you can avoid dehydration by drinking water throughout the day. While you can always buy 24 packs of bottled water at the supermarket, it’s more eco-friendly to use a water bottle. Just fill it with filtered tap water every morning and keep refilling it throughout the day. You’ll stay hydrated and focused, and you won’t feel tempted to satisfy your thirst with coffee, soda, or other less healthy choices.
The best water bottles for work allow you to carry your bottle easily and to access it regularly while you sit at your desk. Many water bottles are designed for active people, so they might not hold up as well as an office companion. Following are a few of the qualities to look for in a work water bottle.
Stainless steel bottles and mugs
In addition to its professional, clean appearance, stainless steel also proves effective at keeping your water cool throughout the day. You can find stainless steel bottles and mugs in a variety of styles and colors, many of which come with optional straws if you prefer not to drink directly from the bottle.
Another benefit of stainless steel is that it doesn’t sweat. A cold water bottle made of plastic might leave a thick puddle of water on your desk by the end of the day, and you don’t want to ruin documents or other important items in the process. Some stainless steel water bottles also come with non-slip bottoms, which reduce the chances of your beverage being knocked off your desk or sliding around at the slightest touch. If you drive to work, look for a stainless steel work water bottle that has a tapered bottom, so it will fit in your cup holder.
Angled-spout tops
It’s embarrassing to accidentally spill water down your front when you distractedly take a sip while keying in numbers on your work computer. A cool water bottle with an angled spout provides a more ergonomic drinking experience because you don’t have to tilt the bottle as much. Furthermore, the angle prevents water from dribbling out if you happen to have a mishap.
CamelBak makes the Chute, which is one of the more popular angled-spout water bottles. However, you can find them in many other brands, colors, sizes and designs. Look for a high-flow model, so you can drink more without having to wait for water to seep through the spout. After all, you’re busy at your desk, and you don’t have time to spare.
BPA-free bottles
When shopping for work water bottles, look for models labeled “BPA-free.” BPA is a chemical that can seep into food and beverages. If a water bottle contains BPA, your water might become contaminated, and BPA has been linked to several negative effects on the body, including hypertension and infertility.
Fortunately, most water bottles are now made without BPA because the issue has become widely known. Just make sure to read the label carefully, so you don’t accidentally buy a potentially dangerous product.
Colorful bottles
Who says you can’t express your personality with your water bottle? A colorful design can become a cheerful addition to your office, especially if your workspace is fairly monochromatic. Bright or uniquely-patterned water bottles are also easy to identify. You probably won’t mix it up with someone else’s during a harried meeting, and you can put it in the community refrigerator without worrying about someone walking off with it.
One of the most popular current trends is the ombre water bottle. The outside colors fade from a dark or intense shade of the color to a much lighter hue. You can also find work water bottles with designs painted on the outside, from classy damask prints to artsy swirls and butterflies. Let your imagination run wild.
Cool water bottles for your desk
Whether you work in a shared office space in New York City or a high-rise building in Los Angeles, cool water bottles prove refreshing and essential. There are hundreds of different brands from which to choose, however, so how do you know which one will suit you best?
Following are some of the most popular work water bottles. Most of them have multiple models, as well, so you can choose one that fits your personality and your preferred drinking style.
Hydro flask
Most Hydro Flask water bottles feature double-wall stainless steel, which means your water will stay cold no matter how long your workday lasts. They’re also vacuum-sealed, so you don’t have to worry about leaks, and if you lead an active lifestyle, this water bottle can follow you from the office to the gym or out on a run.
Hydro Flask water bottles come in a range of colors, from neutrals like white and gray to bright hues like turquoise and yellow. Some also have angled spouts. Consider looking for a 32-ounce model. It will provide you with plenty of water, but it won’t be too large or cumbersome at your desk.
Yeti
They’re among the most expensive water bottles, but they deserve the media hype they’ve received. Yeti makes travel mugs and bottles made of stainless steel. The company prides itself on making bottles, tumblers, and mugs that produce no condensation whatsoever, so you can feel confident no matter where you set down your drink.
The Yeti Ramblers are particularly convenient and come in 18- and 36-ounce varieties. The easily accessible cap and double-walled construction add to this brand’s appeal. If you prefer to drink through a straw, consider getting a tumbler instead. It comes with a lid and a plastic straw for easy access while you’re working away.
Nalgene
Although Nalgene water bottles have developed a somewhat negative reputation for their too-easy-to-pour spout, they’re perfect for work. The clear plastic bottles feature measurements on the outside so you can track your water intake throughout the day, and you can get them in 32-ounce sizes, which means you won’t have to get up as many times to refill as you would with a smaller bottle.
There are several cap styles in the Nalgene line, including wide- and narrow-mouth varieties. They’re all dishwasher safe, which makes them particularly convenient, and they’re also BPA-free. Nalgene is known for creating extremely durable water bottles that can stand up to an athletic lifestyle as well as a day at work.
Avex
If you’re looking for unique work water bottles, Avex has you covered. The bold colors and prints make these bottles stand out, and they feature a unique cap that includes a push-button for opening the spout. Instead of using your fingers (which have been hovering over your keyboard all day) to pull open a spout, you can keep the mouthpiece germ free. Select a 25-ounce bottle if you want something light and portable, or go for the 32-ounce version for more capacity.
Commuters will appreciate Avex water bottles’ built-in handle. You can clip it to your briefcase, laptop case, purse, or bag so that you don’t lose it while you make a mad dash for the subway. If you have children, consider encouraging them to hydrate with one of Avex’s kid-themed bottles.
CamelBak
As one of the most well-known names in hydration products, CamelBak deserves a place on this list. The company has become famous for its backpack-type water devices, but it also produces cool water bottles. The Chute is one of the more popular varieties, but you can choose from several other models. The Chute comes with an angled spout that doesn’t require any squeezing as well as a flip top for easy access to your favorite beverage.
Some CamelBak water bottles are insulated, while others are not. The former might prove more practical, especially for those who live in warmer climes, because they’re less likely to produce condensation. Additionally, you can choose between see-through and opaque bottles, depending on your personal aesthetic.
Staying hydrated at work proves difficult if you’re constantly running to the break room for a little paper cup. Carrying a water bottle to work every day will improve your health as well as your concentration. Choose one of the models recommended above to enjoy the best experience.