Picks for water bottles

From the Vancouver Sun

BILT: An 850-mL bottle made with 18/8 stainless steel with a threaded drinking collar and loop handle. Only slightly heavier than the aluminum SIGG, this virtually indestructible stainless bottle won't rust or crack and doesn't contain any lacquers that can leach chemicals into your drink. The wide-mouth plastic lid carries the recycling No. 5. (potentially harmful polycarbonates rate a No. 7). $10 at MEC

NALGENE TRAIL PRODUCTS: Made in the U.S., this wide-mouth 900-mL water bottle with loop cap is made of BPA-free plastic. More pliable than stainless or aluminum, this big green daddy is made of high-density polyethylene with no BPA. Affordable and durable, it's rated a recycling No. 2 and can be washed in the dishwasher (top rack only). If you prefer drinking from plastic, it offers the biggest bang for your buck. $1.25 at MEC

CAMELBAK: A see-through pink water bottle (500 mL) made of hard BPA-free plastic with a leak-proof cap. Clearly labelled BPA-free, this hot-pink bottle was introduced by Camelbak to replace its polycarbonate bottles. With its no-spill seal, it can be used to carry wet or dry goods. The loop on the cap makes it easy to hold while on the move. $8.50 at MEC.

SIGG: Made in Switzerland, this 600-mL bottle is made of lightweight aluminum with a lidded bottle top. Can be used to carry water, juices, carbonated or alcoholic drinks. Feather light with quirky prints and colourful patterns, this extremely popular bottle is ridiculously expensive, but it's lined (packaging doesn't say what the lining is made of) to prevent the aluminum from leaching into your drinks. Not recommended for long-term storage. $21.99 at http://www.siggstore.com/

KLEAN KANTEEN: Dishwasher-safe, this 355-mL bottle is made of 18/8 stainless steel with a flat, wide mouth cap. Perfect size for a child's lunch bag, but too puny for running or walking any serious distance. Super durable with no inner lining, its wide mouth makes it easy to drop in ice cubes. Big price for small bottle. $14.95 at Valhalla Pure Outfitters or various online sources

WALKING ROOM: Opaque plastic water bottle (550 mL) with a pull-up drinking lid. Basic plastic bottle with no recycling rating identified on the bottom. Pull-and-sip lid prevents spills down the front of your shirt, but the bottle would be slippery to hold with sweaty hands. Need to invest in a carrier or bottle belt. Check Running Room/Walking Room for prices.