There’s a good chance you’ve seen a Nalgene bottle dangling off a tramping pack, rolling around in a ute, or sitting proudly on a desk next to a laptop covered in stickers from every hut between Cape Reinga and Bluff. For many Kiwis, Nalgene isn’t just a water bottle — it’s a trusty sidekick that’s been through mud, mountains, and maybe even a few too many flat whites. Although… is there such a thing as too many flat whites? Hmm, not sure.
Born in the lab and raised in the wild, Nalgene’s story starts back in the late 1940s in the U.S., when scientists needed durable, chemical-resistant bottles for research. But when one clever outdoorsy type realised, they were perfect for carrying water on weekend missions, the rest was history. Fast forward to today — Nalgene bottles are a global icon of durability, sustainability, and pure adventure-proof design and we’re chuffed to have them tagging along on Kiwi adventures.
So what’s all the fuss about?
Nalgene bottles are built to last (like, seriously last). They’re made from BPA- and BPS-free materials, designed to handle just about anything, and most importantly — they don’t leak. Ever. Whether you’re filling up at a DOC hut, a roadside spring, or straight from the tap before a day on the trails, you can count on your Nalgene to go the distance.
Let’s meet the crew — the four legends in our Nalgene lineup that’ll keep you hydrated from summit to sea.
Sustain Wide Mouth — the Kiwi Classic
If you’ve ever seen a Nalgene, chances are it was this one. The Sustain Wide Mouth is the all-rounder, the crowd favourite, the “chuck it anywhere” bottle. Made with 50% recycled material (from old plastic destined for landfill), it’s proof that good things come from second chances.
Why you’ll love it: it’s easy to fill, easy to clean, and you can chuck in ice cubes or a sachet of electrolytes without a fuss. It’s perfect for tramping trips, gym sessions, or just keeping hydrated while pretending to work from your laptop on a sunny deck.
On-The-Fly — the One Hand Hydrator
Meet the On-The-Fly, your go-to for on-the-go. With a flip-top lid that can be opened one-handed and a locking mechanism that keeps leaks away, this one’s built for cyclists, runners, and multitaskers who don’t have time to stop and unscrew a lid.
It fits in most car cup holders and bike bottle cages — and yes, it’s still made with the same tough, sustainable materials that make Nalgene famous. Great for anyone who’s always moving (or just likes to look like they are).
Sustain Narrow Mouth — the Smooth Operator
If the Wide Mouth is the extrovert of the group, the Sustain Narrow Mouth is the quietly confident one. It’s got all the same toughness and eco-friendly cred, but with a smaller opening that makes for easy, spill-free sipping while driving, hiking, or hanging off the side of a mountain.
It’s the ideal choice if you’re known for wearing half your drink down your shirt — we’ve all been there.
HDPE — the Lightweight Legend
Don’t be fooled by its humble looks — the HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) bottle is a classic for good reason. It’s lightweight, ultra-tough, and can handle anything from freezing alpine water to boiling hot brews. This one’s for the purists, the minimalists, and anyone who values reliability over flash.
Chuck it in your pack and it’ll still be there, doing its job, years later.
Hey ho, let’s go!
Whether you’re heading off on a multi-day mission, doing laps around Hagley Park, or just keeping hydrated at work, there’s always a Nalgene to suit your adventure style. They’re made to last a lifetime, cut down on single-use plastic, and take whatever the Kiwi outdoors (or your everyday chaos) can throw at them.
