Bingo. Some wire wrapped around the neck could serve as a handle in a pinch.

Yep, but as Sue pointed out, the other sizes are oddly shaped to be more fashionable than functional.

What, did I sound cynical? I DID? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hmmm.... imagine that....

Sue

> Source for straight-sided, single-wall, wide mouth, stainless steel bottles.

Just thought I'd mention that I did find one nearly suitable Stainless Steel Bottle . Thought it was overpriced by almost double until I saw this Stainless Steel Military Canteen . Makes the bottle look like a bargain. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I recently bought a Guyot Designs SS bottle because I liked the solid way it’s built.

I already owned a SS "sport" bottle by Isosteel . The Isosteel is lighter and has straight sides, but has one significant drawback: the bottom has a second piece of steel pressed or glued on, presumably to give it a stable base for standing up. If I needed to use the bottle as an emergency kettle or pot, at the least this double layer would slow down the heating process, and at the worst would pop off (perhaps explosively). No such problem with the Guyot Designs bottle. What is the objection to a non-cylindrical design?

Two things mainly: 1) The narrower base make it less stable when setting down somewhere. 2) It's wider than it needs to be. For any given volume, if you take a cylinder and make the base narrower, the upper portion has to be made wider. 3) (I lied) There's no need for it other than for aesthetics. They don't even look that comfortable to hold in your hand, especially with some insulated gloves on.

Plus I have no idea how well those odd shapes work in most bottle carriers. They might be ok, but I'm skeptical.

I remember Wiggys has an ss bottle that you can thaw out by throwing it in a fire if it gets frozen.

http://wiggys.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=100

Interesting, and a reasonable price. Wish the photo was a little better. I'll have to order one to see what it's like. Thanks, Paul.

I own a Wiggy's SS bottle. Solid design and execution; except I replaced the lid attachment chain, that I thought was a weak design, with a SS "clock" chain - unbreakable! Very well thought out bottle - over engineered maybe (read: weighty) - but when I'm in the big woods, by myself, and want something to keep working for a long time - well. . .. Lid seals with a gigant-o o-ring so be careful if you heat the water - it might just explode. But I like the whole setup since it gives me another way to sterilize and heat water that no other water container really gives me. I "don't leave home without it" anymore!