Say Goodbye to Smartwater Bottles — These Dialed Alternatives Have Refined the Design

From collaborations with high-fashion brands to apparel made with graphene and Kevlar, there were plenty of cutting-edge gear innovations this year. However, sometimes innovation comes from rethinking the simplest things. Take, for example, the humble water bottle. In 2025, creative advancements have helped replace one of backpacking’s most ubiquitous pieces of gear: the disposable Smartwater bottle.

Thru-hikers have long loved this simple $2 water bottle for its easy storage and ultralight profile. Pick any popular long-distance trail, and you’re bound to see a handful of Smartwater bottles tucked into hikers’ packs.

However, the arrival of more sustainable alternatives may finally spell the end of this single-use item’s popularity.

Continue reading to learn more about reusable water bottles, written by Mary Andino.