Noticeably absent form this article on bottled water is the relevant discussion of BPA (Bisphenol A) in portable water bottles, such as Nalgene Bottles. Although Nalgene itself has promised to stop using the chemical in its plastics, in the meantime, what should we be carrying our tap water in? The seeming solution presented by the article-i.e. stop drinking bottled water-has its downsides as well. The problem is the plastic, on all fronts.

I think the author touched on this with the mention of Sigg bottles. From my understanding, they, and other aluminum/metal bottles like them, are considered the new "healthier" alternative to Nalgene bottles because they don't leech chemicals into the water. They are also relatively lightweight, come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and come with pretty patterns. However, they are much more expensive than Nalgene bottles.

As for Nalgene bottles, if I recall correctly, the main thing to do prevent leeching is to a) not let water sit in the bottle for a significant period of time (which you shouldn't do anyways b/c bacteria can develop), and b) replace the bottle after a reasonable lifetime (or at least demote it to storing GORP/nails/crayons/etc. instead of water).

Sigg water bottles are one alternative, and a stylish and attractive one at that, but they are not dishwashable. Generally, I handwash, but every once in a while, I accidentally leave a beverage in there too long and end up with a disgusting mess. Kleen canteen, sold at REI, EMS and like stores, are plain stainless steel and can be dishwashed. That said, I will likely switch back to Nalgene once they start making PBA free bottles. I like the wide mouth and that you can pour hot tea in and ice it.

Oh well, I've developed a virtual collection of nalgene bottles over the years (yet I still mostly drink from the 32 ouncer I bought about 12 years ago at LLBean). I don't know if I'd be able to "adjust" to the sigg :). In seriousness though, I'm a wee bit skeptical that the aluminum would be that much better! How do we know there aren't other chemicals leeching into the water from the aluminum?

buggie:

How do we know there aren't other chemicals leeching into the water from the aluminum?

Ummm.... because aluminum cans have been used for more than 20 years for pop, beer and many other beverages and there has been no issue with it?

Although my backpack or purse is a little bit heavier these days, I'm really happy with carrying a glass bottle that I am reusing that I originally bought for some iced tea. There are so many 500+ml bottles of juice and iced tea out there, and glass is ideal for reuse as you can stick it in the diswasher. It just takes a bit of care on my part to not bang it around like a nalgene bottle.

Not ideal for small children or clutzes though ;)

Any chance we'll start using thermoses or canteens to transport our water?