A Review of Klean Kanteen Water Bottles
When I first started getting out climbing and walking in the hills and mountains there was only really one serious choice of water bottle; a Sigg. They were made of metal, totally water tight and impressively tough; I once use mine as a hammer. Then at some juncture I switched to plastic Nalgene bottles. The Nalgenes are great bottles, they are light, durable and watertight. Great for expeditions and the wide brims fill easily. I’ve ended up happily using Nalgenes for over 20 years so I wasn’t really looking for a replacement.
But then I got given a Klean Kanteen water bottle to try out. It was one of their Classic 27oz versions with a sports cap. At first I was thinking it’s just a water bottle how good could it be, but then I started using it. The sports cap has a rubber spout and is just really easy to use. You can grab it with your teeth or fingers and pull it open and drink without unscrewing the lid. I know this isn’t an uncommon feature these days but it was a revelation to me having been using Nalgene for the last 20 years. I found myself drinking a lot more water. I can have the Klean Kanteen on the passenger seat of my car and grab quick mouthfuls while waiting at traffic lights or pushed down the side of my pack. And another revelation – it kept my water nice and cool, the standard water bottles are not insulated but the stainless steel does help keep the water refreshingly chilled. I accidentally found myself using it everyday, at home and while instructing.
Kleen Kanteen Classic 27oz next to an Opinel No8
So I bought another one. The 27oz was just a tad small for full days out working. So while in Hathersage browsing in my excellent local outdoor shop Outside I spotted the 64oz. It looked satisfyingly burly and big enough for a day out instructing on Kinder or climbing at Stanage. I bought it immediately.
Two 27oz Klean Kanteens with sports caps and the 64oz on the left
There are a variety of different caps available for the classic range and they are interchangeable. The sports cap that came with my 27oz is great and perfect useable for everyday use but it’s not completely water tight, however the 64oz with a standard cap which is 100% watertight so I figured I could just swap the caps between the two bottles as needed. Klean Kanteen also sell stainless steel caps that ensure no plastic touches your drink.
After I’d had my Klean Kanteen for while I mentioned it to fellow Beyond the Edge instructor Hati and she exclaimed excitedly that she’d been using one for ages and loved hers. Hati has the double walled Insulated Classic 20oz and the picture below suggests that it is particularly durable.
My 27oz Classic and Hati’s well used insulated Classic
Kleen Kanteen also have very impressive green credentials including like us being members of 1% For the Planet
Alex
Klean Kanteen Classic 27oz (800ml)
- 18/8 Stainless Steel construction.
- Klean Coat™ powder coat finish is 4X more durable than our previous finish and formulated for human and environmental health (Brushed Stainless has no coating).
- Electropolished interior, a safe & non-toxic process, and rounded corners make it easy to clean.
- Includes spill proof, high flow Sport Cap 3.0. Cap is not designed to be leakproof.
- Compatible with all Classic Caps, including the leak proof Loop Cap & plastic-free Bamboo Cap.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Backed by the Strong as Steel guarantee.
