I decided it was time to do a water bottle update.  It's been a couple years since I looked at what water bottles are available and a lot of new brands have come on the market.  Also, after reading the news that SIGG's old bottle liner contained BPA and seeing that some people were quite upset over it, I think there may be some people shopping for a new water bottle now.

I have not personally tried all these bottles.  I am just compiling information to help you make a more informed water bottle choice.  My personal criteria for a water bottle are that it should be BPA-free and not be made in China.  I chose not to list detailed information on those bottles that are manufactured in China because I do not want to encourage people to buy them.

Plastic Bottles

BioGreen

Materials:  LDPE (#4) plastic with EcoPure additive
Manufacture:  USA
Care:  Dishwasher safe (top rack)
Selling Points:
* BPA-free
* Biodegradable
* Sports bottle fits standard bike cage
* Wide mouth fits ice cubes
* Leak proof lid
* Recyclable
* Made from recycled materials
Website:  http://www.biogreenbottles.com/

Katadyn

Materials:  Polyethylene
Manufacture:  USA
Care:  Bottle and cap are dishwasher safe without the filter.  Do not use with carbonated or flavored beverages.
Selling Points:
* Three phase water filter eliminates bacteria, protozoa, viruses and improves taste
* 100% BPA-free
Notes:  This is not your everyday water bottle; it’s mainly for when you don’t have access to clean drinking water.
Website:  http://www.katadyn.com/usen/

KOR Water

Materials:  Tritan (#7) plastic
Manufacture:  Mexico
Care:  Dishwasher safer (top rack)
Selling Points:
* Hinged opening – no cap to lose
* Tapered shape fits most cup holders or bottle pockets
* Wide mouth fits ice cubes
* Kor Water is a member of 1% for the Planet
Notes:  Each of the Kor One bottle styles represents a particular water-related cause and 1% is donated to a particular non-profit
Website:  http://www.korwater.com/

Nalgene

Bottle:  HDPE Bottles
Materials:  HDPE (#2) plastic
Manufacture:  USA
Care:  Dishwasher safe
Selling Points:
* Recyclable and dent-proof
* Durable, safe, non-leaching HDPE plastic
* BPA-free
* Leak-proof cap
* Dishwasher safe (place on rack furthest from heating element)
* Lightweight and economical
* Bottle can go in the freezer
* 100% recyclable
* HDPE plastic resists UV penetration
* Comes in narrow or wide-mouth versions
Notes:  Nalgene is involved in a couple environmental campaigns:  Refill Not Landfill and FilterForGood
Website:  http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/

Nalgene

Bottle:  ATB Sport Bottles
Materials:  LDPE (#4) plastic
Manufacture:  USA
Care:  Dishwasher safe
Selling Points:
* Recyclable and dent-proof
* Leak-proof cap
* Durable, safe, non-leaching LDPE plastic
* Wide mouth fits ice cubes
* BPA-free
* Dishwasher safe (place on rack furthest from heating element)
* Lightweight and economical
* Bottle can go in the freezer
* 100% Recyclable
* LDPE plastic is flexible, impact-resistant and microwave-proof
* Designed to fit bicycle cages, cup holders, waist packs and backpack pockets

Nalgene

Bottle:  Everyday Bottles
Materials:  Eastman Tritan TM copolyester (#7) plastic manufactured without BPA
Manufacture:  USA
Care:  Dishwasher safe
Selling Points:
* Extremely durable
* Resistant to staining and retaining odors
* Dishwasher safe (top rack not touching heating element)
Notes:  Nalgene is transitioning their polycarbonate bottles to this new BPA-free Tritan plastic.  Their old polycarbonate bottles contain BPA and there may still be some of those on the market, so make sure you buy a bottle that says it’s BPA-free.

Polar

Material:  LDPE (#4) plastic
Manufacture:  USA
Care:  Dishwasher safe (place away from heating element)
Selling Points:
* BPA- and phthalate-free
* Double wall construction keeps heat out and cold in
* Fits standard bicycle cages
* Wide mouth fits ice cubes
* Dishwasher and freezer safe
* Can be recycled after removing the foil lining
Notes:  Hot liquids are not recommended
Website:  http://www.polarbottle.com/

Plastic bottles that failed my criteria:
* Base Brands – Made in China (FAIL)
* Camelbak – Made in China (FAIL)
* Clear2G0 – Made in China (FAIL)
* Contigo – Made in China (FAIL)
* Trudeau – Made in China (FAIL)

Aluminum Bottles

Laken

Material:  Aluminum
Manufacture:  Spain
Care:  Hand wash
Selling Points:
* Durable, safe aluminum with BPA-free, phthalate-free polyamide lining (applies to bottles manufactured after August 2008)
* Taste neutral lining, resistant to fruit juices and energy drinks with no scent transfer
* Wide mouth fits ice cubes
* Reusable, lightweight, and durable
* Powder coated exterior is resilient and non-toxic
* PVC-free polypropylene caps are manufactured in Europe to European standards
* 100% recyclable
Notes:  Laken switched to their new BPA-free lining in August 2008; the old bottle liner contained trace amounts of BPA.
Website:  http://www.lakenusa.com/home/

SIGG

Material:  Aluminum
Manufacture:  Switzerland
Care:  Hand wash, do not freeze
Selling Points:
* 100% BPA-free EcoCare liner (applies to bottles manufactured after August 2008)
* Independently tested to be free of BADGE, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals
* Taste neutral, resistant to acids in fruit juices and energy drinks with no scent transfer
* Lightweight and durable
* 100% recyclable
* Available in a variety of attractive designs
* Exterior is solvent-free, eco-friendly powder-based coating
* SIGG is a member of 1% for the Planet
Notes:  SIGG started using their new EcoCare bottle liner in August 2008.  SIGG bottles made prior to August 2008 contained trace amounts of BPA.  Many consumers were upset to learn that SIGG’s old liner contained BPA and felt mislead.  If you have a SIGG bottle with the old liner, you can exchange it until October 31, 2009 – see details here.
Website:  http://mysigg.com/index.asp

Aluminum bottles that failed my criteria:
* Brunton – Made in China and Switzerland (FAIL)
* Eco Mtn. – Made in China (FAIL)
* Gaiam – Made in China, not BPA-free (FAIL)

Stainless Steel Bottles

I was not able to find any stainless steel water bottles that are not manufactured in China. 

Stainless steel bottles that failed my criteria:
* Camelbak – Made in China (FAIL)
* Crocodile Creek – Made in China (FAIL)
* Earthlust – Made in China (FAIL)
* EcoUsable – Made in China (FAIL)
* Gaiam – Made in China (FAIL)
* Guyot – Made in China (FAIL)
* Innate – Made in China (FAIL)
* Klean Kanteen – Made in China (FAIL)
* L.L. Bean – Made in China (FAIL)  After contacting them I learned the Bean Canteen is made by Klean Kanteen.
* Liquid Logic – Made in China (FAIL)
* Nathan – Made in China (FAIL)
* New Wave Enviro – Made in China (FAIL)
* Pura – Made in China (FAIL)
* Thermos – Made in China (FAIL)
* Thinksport – Made in China (FAIL)