Accessories · Hydration
Bottles and hydration: the bottle worth £40, the electrolytes worth buying, and the £1 alternative that works
A bottle is the one accessory every member carries and most overpay for twice. Which materials and lids suit a gym floor, a class and a court, what electrolyte drinks actually do, and how much you need to drink for a normal session.
Updated September 2026 · Prices are UK RRP and need verification · Some links are affiliate links
Bottles that earn their place
| Bottle | Price | Material | Best for | Weak spot | Our read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 946ml | £40 to £45 | Insulated steel | Cold water all session; classes | Heavy; dents | The default premium bottle |
| Stanley Quencher 1.2L | £45 | Insulated steel, handle, straw | Desk-to-club; very hot days | Bulky; straw hygiene | Cult object; fine bottle |
| Yeti Rambler 769ml | £35 to £40 | Insulated steel | Durability | Heavy | Toughest of the set |
| Chilly’s Series 2 1L | £35 to £40 | Insulated steel | British design; slim | Narrow neck for ice | The UK club favourite |
| Nalgene Wide Mouth 1L | £12 to £15 | Tritan plastic | Lightweight; measuring intake | Not insulated | The £1-a-year bottle; buy two |
| Larq PureVis | £95 to £120 | Insulated steel, UV cap | Travel | Price; gimmick at home | For people who travel constantly |
| Camelbak Podium 710ml | £12 to £16 | Squeeze plastic | Cycling, HIIT, court | Sweats; not insulated | The class and court bottle |
| Air Up | £35 + pods | Plastic, scent pods | People who dislike water | Pods add up | Works if it makes you drink more |
UK RRPs September 2026; verify before quoting.
Which bottle for which room
Gym floor: anything with a lid that opens one-handed. Classes and court: a squeeze bottle you can drink from without stopping. Long sessions, hot studios, or if you like it cold: insulated steel. Two bottles (a cheap Nalgene and a squeeze bottle) cover everything for under £30; the premium steel bottle is a pleasure, not a need.
How much to drink
For a normal one-hour session, 400 to 800ml during, and drink to thirst afterwards. You lose roughly 0.5 to 1.5 litres of sweat an hour depending on intensity and heat; weigh yourself before and after a hard hot session once and you will know your number. More than that risks overdoing it; less and performance dips late in the hour.
Electrolytes
For sessions under 90 minutes in a normal room, water is enough. Electrolytes help in hot studios, long cardio, heavy sweaters and anyone who gets cramps or headaches after training. Tablets (Precision Hydration, SiS, Nuun, £8 to £12 for 10 to 20) or a pinch of salt and a splash of juice in water do the same job as the £2.50 ready-made cans. Sports drinks with sugar are for endurance, not the weights room.
Hygiene
Wash daily, especially straws and rubber seals; insulated bottles hide mould in the lid. A bottle brush is the most useful £4 in the bag.
FAQs
Common questions
Is a £40 bottle worth it?
If cold water helps you drink more or you do hot classes, yes. For plain gym use, a £15 Nalgene does the same job.
Do I need electrolytes at the gym?
Not for a normal hour. Yes for hot studios, long sessions or if you cramp.
Can I bring my own bottle to the class?
Always. Most clubs have filtered water stations; bring a bottle you can drink from without stopping.