Best water bottle holders for when you’re on the go: Bags, bum bags and more

Hydration station

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CamelBak/Free People, Trouva/Baggu
Saskia Kemsley23 May 2023
ES Best

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If you’ve found yourself clicking through to this article, you’ve likely heard of the emotional support water bottle. The phrase has gone viral on TikTok with the hashtag #EmotionalSupportWaterBottle garnering over 60.6M views.

It’s a trend that started in lockdown as a means to stay hydrated despite all that lack of movement and activity, which ultimately spiralled into an inextricable need to carry at least a litre’s worth of water on your person at all times.

Though we’ve discovered here at ES Best that a 1 litre Nalgene water bottle can fit comfortably into the viral Uniqlo bum bag with room to spare, we’ve also found a whole host of other options to transport even the most gigantic reusable water bottles.

From hand crocheted slings to designer choices from the likes of Chanel and Dior, the options available to show off your enviable levels of hydration are surprisingly abundant. We’re talking water bottle holders for purely aesthetic purposes, as well as the Swiss Army Knives of water bottle holders – specifically designed for those on the move.

Whether you’re a casual jogger who is simply looking for a practical means to carry their favourite water bottle, or a H2O stan that only needs a Stanley Quencher and their phone to get them through the day, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best water bottle holders to sling over your shoulder.

Shop now.

Stylish water bottle holders

Bimba y Lola orange nylon bottle cover

Bimba y Lola

Though this water bottle holder might look like it belongs slung over the shoulder of a professional climber, those nylon cords and fastenings are just for show. Measuring approximately 8.5 x 8cm, this sling won’t fit those ludicrously capacious Stanley bottles that we love so much, but it will easily transport your smaller reusable ones.

Buy now£98, Bimba y Lola

Pink Green Awning Puffy Water Bottle Sling

Trouva

We love the pink and green candy stripes which adorn this puffy, padded water bottle sling from Baggu. Equipped to fit most water bottle sizes, including a 1 litre Nalgene, this holder has an adjustable strap and a cushioned outside to prevent any bumps and bruises resulting from a brisk run for the bus.

Buy now£34, Trouva

Crochet Strawberry Water Bottle Holder

Etsy

If, like us, you failed to master the art of crochet but still covet the many bags, slings and sweater vests created by the hands of experts – this is the water bottle holder for you. Handmade and customisable to fit your favourite water bottle, choose between a up to 34oz or 54oz cover, as well as three different strap sizes.

Buy now£18.26, Etsy

Chanel Gold Metal Water Bottle & Black Quilted Lambskin Holder

1st Dibs

As seen on the Grammy’s 2020 red carpet attached to the shoulder of pop sensation Maggie Rodgers, we’re still enamoured by this luxury water bottle sling by Chanel. If you’re feeling particularly frisky and willing to drop a pretty penny, scoop up this rare beauty via 1st Dibs before it’s gone.

Buy now£4175, 1st Dibs

Sporty and practical water bottle holders

Nalgene Cool Stuff Neoprene for 32 Oz Bottle

Amazon

Lightweight and practical, Nalgene water bottles have long been the most popular option for hikers, mountaineers and the all-round active lot. However, they have been criticised for their inability to keep water cold, like most modern hiking canteens. Not willing to sacrifice the brand’s lightweight ease and transportability, most fans have stuck with the colourful, BPA-free plastic bottle.

Nevertheless, Nalgene has now developed a holder to help prevent your water from heating up in the sun, and also make it far easier to transport. Equipped with a drawstring and toggle to help secure your bottle in place, as well as fastening hook to clip onto rucksacks or carabiners, this neoprene sling will not only keep your water cooler but will ensure you never go anywhere without it again.

Buy now£11.50, Amazon

iets frans... Water Bottle Holder

Urban Outfitters

This water bottle holder is a fantastic balance between style and the practicality. Available in grey, khaki and black, this holder has been fabricated from a durable, woven design with a crossbody strap. As well as an extra mesh pocket on the front, it also comes with removable carabiner clips and a toggle fastener to keep everything nice and secure.

Buy now£24, Urban Outfitters

Yeti Rambler Bottle Sling

Yeti

Another cross-over between gorpy street style and hiking fanatics, this water bottle sling is designed to hold Yeti’s much loved rambler bottle. It comes in a selection of four, earth-inspired colours including high desert clay, Nordic purple, alpine yellow and charcoal. It is worth noting, however, that the primary purpose of this holder is for hands-free ease – it won’t add any extra insulation properties.

Buy now£35, Amazon

Stanley 40oz Tumbler Zipper Pouch

Etsy

While not technically a sling or a holder, this purse attachment for your Stanley Quencher is simply ingenious. At ES Best, we know Stanley fans usually transport their Quenchers simply by holding the extra-large handle.

They’re not leak-proof enough to pop in a rucksack, and they’re far too large and bulky to be slotted into a crossbody sling. If you want to go out and about with nothing but your quencher and your wallet, this attachment will be your saviour. Choose from 18 different colours and designs.

Buy now£16.13, Etsy

CamelBak Arete Sling 8L

Free People

A wonderful hybrid of a classic, trail-ready sling and a water bottle holder, this piece from CamelBak actually comes with a 6L Tritan Renew bottle and a Carry Cap included, which is designed to slot perfectly into the front stash pocket. Made with lightweight and recycled materials, this eco-conscious bag will keep your hiking supplies safe, and your water bottle easy to access.

If you’re more of a runner, CamelBak also make a handy grip water bottle holder, which has a small front pocket for those smaller essentials.

Buy now£48, Free People