International Header

The Trek: 7 Safer Smartwater Bottle Alternatives That Are Actually Practical for Thru-Hikers

A review of alternatives to Smartwater bottles for thru-hikers.

The Trek: 7 Safer Smartwater Bottle Alternatives That Are Actually Practical for Thru-Hikers

Last updated:
February 26, 2025
|  5 min read

The Trek: 7 Safer Smartwater Bottle Alternatives That Are Actually Practical for Thru-Hikers

The Trek: 7 Safer Smartwater Bottle Alternatives That Are Actually Practical for Thru-Hikers

YouTube video highlight

A review of alternatives to Smartwater bottles for thru-hikers.

Read more about the project

The Trek: 7 Safer Smartwater Bottle Alternatives That Are Actually Practical for Thru-Hikers

Pa gen atik yo te jwenn.

7 Safer Smartwater Bottle Alternatives That Are Actually Practical for Thru-Hikers

Over the past few years, we’ve all been forced to slowly confront the fact that our Smartwater bottles — while the perfect size, weight, and rigidity for thru-hiking— are actively detrimental to our health.

Smartwater bottles are made from PET1 plastic, which is a food-safe plastic designed for single use. Repeated use, such as using the same bottle for days and weeks during a hike, causes the shed of nano and microplastics from your bottle.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Katie Jackson.

The Trek: 7 Safer Smartwater Bottle Alternatives That Are Actually Practical for Thru-Hikers

7 Safer Smartwater Bottle Alternatives That Are Actually Practical for Thru-Hikers

Over the past few years, we’ve all been forced to slowly confront the fact that our Smartwater bottles — while the perfect size, weight, and rigidity for thru-hiking— are actively detrimental to our health.

Smartwater bottles are made from PET1 plastic, which is a food-safe plastic designed for single use. Repeated use, such as using the same bottle for days and weeks during a hike, causes the shed of nano and microplastics from your bottle.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Katie Jackson.

Foto thumbnail Blog Otè
Editors
The Trek Editors
We are the word nerds of The Trek who want nothing more than to infuse some hiking and backpacking joy into your day.
Medya Mansyone

The Trek: 7 Safer Smartwater Bottle Alternatives That Are Actually Practical for Thru-Hikers

7 Safer Smartwater Bottle Alternatives That Are Actually Practical for Thru-Hikers

Over the past few years, we’ve all been forced to slowly confront the fact that our Smartwater bottles — while the perfect size, weight, and rigidity for thru-hiking— are actively detrimental to our health.

Smartwater bottles are made from PET1 plastic, which is a food-safe plastic designed for single use. Repeated use, such as using the same bottle for days and weeks during a hike, causes the shed of nano and microplastics from your bottle.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Katie Jackson.

Foto thumbnail Blog Otè
Editors
The Trek Editors
We are the word nerds of The Trek who want nothing more than to infuse some hiking and backpacking joy into your day.
Medya Mansyone
browse all articles
Isit la nan Sawyer
January 22, 2026
6 Min
Backpacker: The Complete Peakbagging Packing List
Read More

Medya Mansyone

Sawyer Squeeze + Cnoc VectoX 2L is responsible for all water filtration while packs are off, and the large reservoir enables cameling up.

Jaeger Shaw
Owner & Managing Editor

Medya Mansyone

The Sawyer Mini is the cheapest and one of the most lightweight water purifiers on this list.

Steph Dyson
Freelance Travel Writer

Medya Mansyone

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter – Ultralight, lifetime-warranty filter that removes bacteria and parasites.

Himiway Bike
Sit wèb
<<  Previous Post
No previous post!
Check out our Directory
Next Post  >>
No next post!
Check out our Directory
Explore All Sawyer has to Offer

Built for the Outdoors

see ALL PRODUCTS