Here are a few of my points in no particular order...

I'm another one of the converts to the guyot designs stainless steel bottles (http://www.guyotdesigns.com/stainlessbottles?sc=11).

1) They are milled and ROCK-SOLID 18/10 surgical grade stainless. I'm convinced someone will inherit them when I'm long gone.

2) I have a variety of pouches and especially like the insulated nalgene bottle covers made by Outdoor Research. They cost a bit, but I have some I use daily that have withstood YEARS (15-20) of abuse. They insulate well. It's often nice in the field to pop the bottle I loaded and still have a bit of ice after 6 hours in a HOT car and 95+ outside! REI bought Outdoor Research years ago and the carriers have undergone at least two design changes. I like the earlier models with webbing loop best now. When I first got them, I thought velcro would be better. Fast forward 10+ years and I was in an REI while traveling and bought some with the velcro loops. They're ok...better for some stuff, but I find overall I like the performance of the solid/sewn webbing better. The only thing that REI seems to have on the webpage now is this one



(http://www.rei.com/product/770795) but it is yet another change and I can't speak to having used them. I don't think I like the zipper up near the top however I do like the mesh pouch.

3) I use the standard bottle.



I bought a couple of backpacker models and on several tests in a vehicle and on inclines, and a variety of other unstable situations, while the backpacker tapered bottles did OK, the standard was much more stable. The standard is the size of a 32 oz nalgene, can be used with anything you can use on a nalgene, and holds 38 oz. I have even used them with Olicamp Space Saver cups. One word on this...the SS Olicamp cups will work, but just barely. When you have some considerable temp changes or condensation you get a bit of temporary vaporlock...I can live with that.

4) Because I carry more than just water, or carry for long periods, cleanliness in PARAMOUNT. It's a heck of a lot easier to clean a wide-mouth bottle...and be SURE it is clean. So I'm not a fan of narrow-mouthed water carriers be they canteens, sigg bottles, or even camelbacks. I figure I've got enough problems without GI issues I bring onto myself.

5) In a pinch the SS guots can be pressed into service for cooking (even though the disclaimer says "not for use with hot liquids). Of course one shouldn't seal up with boiling water. Nothing says I can't cook in an open container.

6) I've utterly destroyed thin-walled bottles, don't like aluminum for drinking water anyways, and find there is far less of a bottle-taste with these than anything I've ever used. Again...I use bottles every day, all day, and have for 20 years.

7) You won't be traveling microlight with SS bottles. I make the allowance for durability. However, if you're backpacking, you might want to go with lighter options. The weight on the standard bottle is 12.3 oz.

8) I do keep drinking sraws in my bottles. It makes things easy when my hands are covered in something I don't want to drink, and helps me not splash all over myself when driving in bumpy conditions.

9) My backpacker model has a good deal more clearance in the Oliphant SS cups and makes rattling noises under bouncy conditions. I'm not a fan of the noise so it also makes the case for me to use the standard size.

10) If you ever ruin a top, the tops from nalgenes will work.

11) They're not for the budget-minded unless you're willing to save and buy quality...or wait for a sale. They will however last a lifetime. As someone who has actually broken nalgene lexan bottles as well as other offerings they make in the 32 oz size, I'll take the durability of the SS.

I don't work for or receive consideration from guyot, but I guess I have become something of a convert. Plus buying stuff I'll never have to replace appeals to me.