Nalgene 16oz Wide Mouth Bottle

[Jeff Podmayer]

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BPL Listing ID: 2026-01-02 18:35:33 UTC / 6999e5ad46

[Jeff Podmayer]

The Nalgene 16oz wide-mouth bottle has been a staple in my backpacking setup for the past decade. Its versatility is one of its main strengths, as it can serve multiple functions beyond simply carrying water. I often use it as a coffee cup in the mornings, it provides an extra 16 ounces of water carrying capacity when I need a bit more than my main hydration system allows and I am facing a longer water carry between water sources.

In colder conditions, the bottle can also be filled with hot water and placed in a sleeping bag to provide warmth at night. Its wide mouth makes it easier to scoop water from smaller or low-flow sources, which can be useful when streams or lakes are shallow or slow-moving or water sources are more of a trickle like in desert settings. The bottle’s size and shape also make it easy to carry: it fits in most backpack side pockets designed for water bottles, as well as larger exterior pockets.

Being plastic, it can be heavier than some ultralight soft bottles, though its durability makes up for that in long-term use. Also, if you are hiking solo you may be able to find an existing single pot system that can take the place of the need to bring an extra water carrying container.

Best for: Hikers who want a durable, multipurpose water bottle that can double as a coffee cup, hot-water bottle, or tool for scooping water. Its shape fits most pack pockets and adds versatility to your system.
Not best for: Ultralight backpackers or those prioritizing minimal weight, or hikers who prefer a collapsible or soft-sided bottle for more compact storage, and solo hikers who can find an alternative system in their individual cooking setup

Recommended 9/10Field performance 10/10Use again 10/10

My experience: Expert·Product days in field: 120

Disclosures

Obtained independently: I paid for this product or received it as a personal gift from someone not affiliated with the brand.

Backpacking Light affiliation: I work for Backpacking Light in a paid or official capacity (owner/shareholder, employee, contractor, or paid contributor), but I am posting this review as an independent user and its content was not reviewed or directed by others at Backpacking Light.

[Megan W]

I like these also (500ml in my language).

Easier to squeeze into the main body of my pack, less bouncy/heavy/in the way when attached to my pack harness, fit better in side pockets than 1l bottles.

I also use them as a cup – hot chocolate, shaken not stirred 😏, and for cold-soak lunches.

And, I can fall on them, stand on them, sit on them and they don’t break.

Sawyer squeeze filter fits fairly snuggly in the mouth, which makes it easy to balance the bottle if filtering directly into it.

I usually carry 3…so not-ultralight, but so useful.

Recommended 10/10Field performance 10/10Use again 10/10

My experience: Expert·Product days in field: 60

Disclosures

Obtained independently: I paid for this product or received it as a personal gift from someone not affiliated with the brand.

[Jon Fong / Flat Cat Gear]

The link show the the HDPE version of the bottle not the Tritan Renew copolyester version

The HDPE vesrion is 50% lighter at 2 oz.

I believe that the HDPE version is more resistant to impact than the Tritan Renew copolyester (at least they were tougher than the polycarb versions).

Probably should have vetted the review.  My 2 cents.

Recommended —Field performance —Use again —

My experience: Expert·Product days in field: —

Disclosures

Obtained independently: I paid for this product or received it as a personal gift from someone not affiliated with the brand.

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