By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave nationalgeographic.com and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, National Geographic will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below.*
Collapsible water bottles have become a travel necessity. They fold or roll up when empty, then expand to hold a generous amount of water, making them a convenient alternative not just to single-use plastic bottles, but also regular reusable bottles.
As a hiker, runner, and occasional cyclist, I depend on different kinds of collapsible water bottles. When I run, I prefer a bottle with a hand strap. For hiking and backpacking, a carabiner lets me clip the bottle to my pack. No matter the activity, I look for collapsible water bottles that are BPA-free, durable, easy to use, and convenient.
After analyzing several options, I found that the HydraPak Flux is a great all-around choice for any adventure. It folds down effortlessly and the cap swaps out for a filter, which is sold separately. Here are 10 of the best collapsible water bottles.
The best collapsible water bottles
Durable materials, space-saving designs, and ease of use make a collapsible water bottle a travel necessity. Here’s what we love about all of our top picks.
Best collapsible water bottle overall: HydraPak Flux Collapsible Water Bottle
Why we like it: The HydraPak Flux earns top marks for its high-flow nozzle and twist cap that you can open with one hand. It’s shaped like a hard bottle and folds down to pocket size when empty, making it a cinch to stow. The Flux is compatible with HydraPak’s 42-millimeter filter cap (sold separately). We also love that this collapsible water bottle comes in two larger sizes—1 liter and 1.5 liters—which is great for longer journeys.
Keep in mind: The generous 750 mL capacity adds noticeable weight, which may not be optimal for outdoor adventurers looking to keep their pack weight down.
Product details: Capacity: 750 mL | Material: Thermoplastic polyurethane | Mouth: Narrow | Colors: 4
Most durable collapsible water bottle: Nefeeko Collapsible Water Bottle
Why we like it: The Nefeeko is ideal for rugged outdoor adventures, yet versatile enough for everyday use. The platinum silicone bottle is made to withstand accidental drops, extreme temperatures, repeated collapses, even the dishwasher. Its lightweight build and compact shape when folded is just right for packing light. A carabiner makes it easy to attach to a backpack or gym bag.
Keep in mind: This bottle may give off a rubbery odor, particularly when you first use it. The manufacturer suggests soaking the bottle and cap in boiled water with a lemon slice or baking soda for two hours before taking it for a spin.
Product details: Capacity: 800 mL | Material: Silicone | Mouth: Wide | Colors: 10
(Here are 6 of our top reusable water bottles for travel.)
Best collapsible water bottle for running: HydraPak SkyFlask Speed Running Water Bottle
Why we like it: This lightweight water bottle features a compact, ergonomic design and an adjustable hand strap for a secure grip while you’re out running. Its soft, collapsible construction shrinks as you drink, reducing sloshing, while a thumb loop makes it easy to hold in either hand. The flip-cap lets you quickly refill without having to twist off the entire cap.
Keep in mind: This bottle features a bite valve, meaning you’ll need to bite down to open the seal and drink.
Product details: Capacity: 500 mL | Material: Thermoplastic polyurethane | Mouth: Narrow | Colors: 1
Best collapsible water bottle for hiking: Vapur Collapsible Anti-Bottle
Why we like it: With its flexible, lightweight design, the Vapur bottle is ideal for hikers. It sits upright and folds nearly flat when empty, taking up very little space in a backpack. You can also hook it to your backpack via the detachable carabiner. It’s got a wide mouth and a flip-top lid for easy sipping on the trail. This bottle is both dishwasher- and freezer-safe.
Keep in mind: This bottle’s half-liter capacity may feel insufficient on longer hikes, especially in areas with limited water resources.
Product details: Capacity: 500 mL | Material: Plastic | Mouth: Wide | Colors: 2
(These are some of the surprising things you can pack in a carry-on.)
Best collapsible water bottle for capacity: Survivor Filter Collapsible Water Bottle
Why we like it: The Survivor collapsible bottle can hold two liters and has a lightweight design well-suited for backpacking or long-distance hikes. It comes with a carabiner for clipping the bottle to a backpack. A built-in handle makes pouring effortless, while the cover over the push-pull cap helps keep the mouthpiece clean.
Keep in mind: While a great choice for backpacking trips and extended hikes, the larger size can make this bottle feel bulky when full. Be mindful of balance, especially if you decide to clip the full bottle to your pack.
Product details: Capacity: 2L | Material: Polypropylene | Mouth: Narrow | Colors: 2
Best collapsible water bottle for hot liquids: Hydaway Collapsible Insulated Drink Tumbler
Why we like it: The Hydaway’s insulated foam sleeve helps keep liquids hot and doubles as a carry sleeve when the tumbler is collapsed. It comes with a reusable straw, but it’s just as easy to drink straight from the stainless steel rim. It’s dishwasher-safe and fits neatly into a standard cupholder.
Keep in mind: Although this tumbler can hold 16 ounces, it may feel small for some. The soft structure may not feel as sturdy as a traditional mug for hot drinks and soups.
Product details: Capacity: 475 mL | Material: Silicone | Mouth: Wide | Colors: 2
(10 of our favorite weekender bags.)
Best collapsible water bottle with filter: LifeStraw Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze Bottle Water Filter System
Why we like it: This popular water bottle has a filter that the company says removes impurities you can see, like dirt and silt, as well as contaminants you can’t see, like parasites, bacteria, and 99.9 percent of microplastics. This water bottle has a screw-top cap and a carry hook, so you can clip it to your pack.
Keep in mind: The filter can introduce some resistance when drinking from the bottle. According to the company, the filter lasts up to 500 gallons before you need to replace it, adding to the long-term cost of this water bottle.
Product details: Capacity: 1L | Material: BPA-free plastic | Mouth: Narrow | Colors: 2
Best collapsible water bottle with straw: Infitran Collapsible Water Bottle
Why we like it: While many water bottles come with straws, this one is long and flexible, easily collapsing with the bottle. We appreciate the wide mouth for cleaning or adding ice cubes or lemon slices. The plastic strap is handy for securing the collapsed bottle to a belt or backpack.
Keep in mind: While the built-in straw is convenient, it requires regular cleaning, particularly if you fill the bottle with beverages other than water. A drinking straw cleaning brush may be a worthwhile investment for this bottle.
Product details: Capacity: 610 mL | Material: Silicone | Mouth: Straw | Colors: 8
(Top essentials for getting through a long flight.)
Best collapsible water bottle for travel: Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle
Why we like it: Despite its lightweight and ultra slim design, this new favorite is built to withstand the demands of travel. A wide-mouth makes it easy to drink from and clean, while the flip-top straw and pop-up handle add extra convenience.
Keep in mind: Although this bottle mostly packs flat, one reviewer notes that the rigid center ring prevents it from fully flattening, which could make it too bulky for slimmer pockets.
Product details: Capacity: 200 mL | Material: Silicone | Mouth: Straw | Colors: 6
Best leak-proof collapsible water bottle: Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle
Why we like it: Crafted from food-grade silicone, this collapsible water bottle features a patented screw-top lid designed to help prevent links and provide convenient hydration. It’s made to roll up easily and comes with an attached loop that does double duty as a bag or belt loop. We also appreciate the lifetime warranty.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers note that the bottle can be trickier to fold and secure than the product photos suggest. The closure strap can sometimes unhook during storage.
Product details: Capacity: 650 mL | Material: Silicone | Mouth: Wide | Colors: 3
(Travel light with these top-rated carry-ons.)
How we chose the best collapsible water bottles
For this list, we evaluated dozens of collapsible water bottles on portability, durability, and functionality. We also leaned on personal experience. Here’s how we curated our list:
Third-party reviews: We considered feedback from trusted sources and verified customer reviews to assess real-world performance and usability.
Materials: We chose only BPA-free, food-grade materials, favoring bottles made from silicone or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for flexibility and durability. These materials are sturdy and long-lasting, making them a more sustainable option.
Compactness: Since space-saving is the main appeal of collapsible water bottles, we prioritized bottles that easily fold or roll up without sacrificing capacity.
Tips for buying a collapsible water bottle
Collapsible water bottles save space without compromising convenience or hydration. Their lightweight, compact designs make them ideal for tossing into a backpack or carry-on. However, not all bottles are created equal, so it’s important to choose the right one for you. Here’s what to look for in a collapsible water bottle:
Capacity
Think about how much water you’ll need before a refill. A smaller bottle is great for short errands or runs, while a larger one (a liter or more) may be better for longer hikes or backpacking trips.
Leak-proof design
A secure seal is essential, especially if you plan to carry your bottle in a tote or backpack. Look for twist-off caps or snap-on lids that can be better at preventing spills and leaks.
Durability
Choose bottles made from high-quality, BPA-free materials. Durable bottles designed for rough handling may be better suited for outdoor activities and frequent use. Silicone bottles, such as the Nefeeko Collapsible Water Bottle, are generally more flexible and easier to collapse, while bottles made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), like the HydraPak SkyFlask, are sturdier and maintain a firmer feel when filled with water.
Cleaning ease
Bottles with wide-mouth openings can be easier to clean, preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria and unwanted odors. Dishwasher-safe options add extra convenience.
Travel-friendly
For portability, look for bottles that fold flat or roll up when empty. Built-in handles, hand straps, and carabiner clips make it easy to hydrate on the go.
Frequently asked questions
Is a collapsible water bottle worth it for travel?
Yes, a collapsible water bottle is a great choice for travel. They tend to be lightweight and compact for packing, making them a convenient and responsible alternative to single-use plastic bottled water and beverages.
What is the best material for collapsible water bottles?
Look for collapsible water bottles made from BPA-free silicone or TPU. Both are lightweight, flexible, and durable, making them ideal for collapsible bottles for general travel or outdoor activities. Silicone is softer and easier to roll up, while TPU offers extra durability and a more rigid feel when the bottle is full.
Are silicone collapsible water bottles safe?
Yes, silicone water bottles are safe when made from food-grade, BPA-free materials. These bottles are designed to withstand hot and cold liquids without releasing harmful chemicals. Always check product specifications to ensure the bottle meets safety standards for your intended use.
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
