• Which Nalgene alternative will keep those disposable water bottles out of your trash?Indeed/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  With the recent trend toward "going green," many people are turning to reusable water bottles for portable refreshment. Though Nalgene bottles have been around for over half a century, they aren't the only manufacturer of reusable water bottles. Klean Kanteen, Sigg, Earthlust Bottles, Platypus, Thermos and Camelbak are just a few of the companies making waves with water bottles. In addition to the clear plastic bottles Nalgene is known for, reusable water bottles now are manufactured from a variety of materials.
  
  

Stainless Steel Water Bottles

• Stainless steel bottles are lightweight and very durable. Ranging in size from 12 to 27 oz, there is definitely a stainless steel bottle to fit your needs. Klean Kanteen produces recyclable stainless steel bottles, or for a cheaper option, 1-liter New Wave bottles are bargain-priced. Steel bottles will keep beverages cool or warm, but are not suitable for hot drinks.
  
  

Aluminum Water Bottles

• Lighter than stainless steel, aluminum is another alternative to plastic; however, aluminum can leach into acidic beverages, so be sure your aluminum water bottle has an inner lining. Sigg is a brand that produces high-end aluminum water bottles with styles to fit any personality, but they are a little pricey. Very similar bottles introduced by Gaiam, also come in bright colors and patterns, but start at around half the cost.
  
  

Insulated Water Bottles

• For tea and coffee drinkers, or for athletes who want to keep their beverage icy all day, an insulated container will be practical. Bottles from Polar or Camelbak can be purchased inexpensively. Anyone picky about preserving the temperature of their drink will be impressed with Thermos' new vacuum technology, which claims to keep cold beverages cool for twelve hours and hot beverages steamy for up to eight hours. The vacuum maintains a cool outer surface on the container, even when filled with a piping hot drink, unlike the uninsulated bottles.
  
  

Hydration Packs

• As an alternative not just to the Nalgene brand, but to water bottles in general, you can now use hydration packs or water pouches, which are flexible and can be rolled up for easy storage when empty. Platypus makes an inexpensive soft-bottle. For a hands-free alternative, Camelbak and Platypus both manufacture backpacks with hydration pouches that can be used while hiking or biking, and Camelbak even makes hydration vests. These are usually a little more expensive. (See Reference 5)