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
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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

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

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

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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.

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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.
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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.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
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.
Media Mentions
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