Most of our “gear”, that is, the stuff we carry with us all the time, is of the electronic kind. There is, however, something else that is a regular part of my gear…  water bottle.

The world seems to be fascinated by the lowly bottled water with millions and millions making their way into landfills each year.  I, on the other hand, try to stay as far away from it as I can. I am a “re-filler”. If I do grab a bottle of water I make sure to use it more than once by refilling it from the tap or my Brita pitcher.

That, unfortunately, still means wasting a plastic bottle after just a few uses. There are, however, other options.

For those who like spending money US Canteen has some pricy alternatives to the lowly plastic water bottle.

At the center of their “system” is a single or double walled canteen that sells for $30.00.  These are used in conjunction with a number of different holders that are priced from $53 to $100.  OUCH! That, in my opinion is much too expensive.

Fortunately there are other far cheaper ways to leave plastic water bottles behind.

A variety of Stainless Steel bottles are available. They are sturdy, less expensive than the prior offerings and can be used over and over again. They are a good permanent choice for carrying water everywhere you go. Unfortunately they often add a metallic taste. Personally I don’t enjoy that aspect of them and, as a result, don’t use them either.

What do I use? BPA free plastic water bottles. They are, by far, the best option. BPA free bottles can be used over and over, come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes and, best of all, they are inexpensive.  With prices that run from as little as $5 dollars BPA free plastic bottles don’t dent or break when you drop them and, most importantly, they do not usually give the water a metallic (or any other) flavor.

And as for carrying the bottle… I usually just stuff it in a pocket on my backpack or carry it in my hand. It sure beats wasting all those plastic bottles after one use… or laying out the $80-$100 for a canteen.