I use a Camelbac like the one on this page for most things that require me to have my hands free. http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/products/patients_products.htm

I have a bottle holder from REI (see their web site hiking section) that holds a regular OTC water bottle and velcros to you belt.

I read what was posted about being careful not to reuse plastic water bottles because they release toxins when say left in a car parked in the sun.

I was also surprised that if that were true why wouldn't every mfg of plastic water bottles like Zephyrhills wouldn't put a LARGE disclaimer on each and every bottle sold.

So being me I called Z today and was told that their FDA approved plastic would require a 700 degree F temp before the plastic would release what they called Dioxins and other than that the bottles were safe.

Another poster recommended cleaning the water bottle with bleach. Be very careful not to use too much bleach as that can be a toxin in very small quantities even if rinsed and dried.

Good info David.

I also wondered about the validity of that claim.

One has to believe that from production to storage, to retail, and eventually to your house, that the bottles WOULD have to be resistant to heat, UV and a whole host of other nasties without breakdown.

KC

Thought I would jump in on this good thread - Couple of thoughts...

The camelback system is terrific. We have had them for years for camping/hiking, etc. The best part is you can buy replacment mouth pieces. This helps to reduce the germs that naturally accumulate after repeated use.

Kenny has been using the basic OTC water bottle since radiation. Sucking through a straw (or camelback) has not been easy for Kenny, so drinking for the bottle seems to work best. Do beware of repeated refilling without washing. I'm talking good ol' soap and water here folks. The amount of germs from drinking and just handling the bottle can be astronomical! A little common sense will go a long way on the bottles. If you wouldn't use a spoon over and over again without washing, you won't want to constantly use a water bottle over and over again.

Traveling with water has gotten easier (believe ir or not). We were traveling just when the US implemented the 'no liquid' rule -- that was a nightmare!

Carol R

For Nelie [a little late] and anyone else interested in an excellent home water purification
system. You can go to www.everpure.com and look at the following systems: H54-H104-H300. Any of these can be installed under the kitchen sink by aa reliable plumber and in our experience, the cost of installing one of these is paid for within a yr's. time of buying bottled water and the replacement filters are far less than kaeeping a supply of store bought water. I'm like David and his VHC- no commission involved here- I just think it is a very good product for alot of reasons. Amy in the Ozarks

Actually for disinfecting purposes the CDC recommends a 10% solution of bleach and water (10 parts water to 1 part bleach).

I switched over to refillable 5 gallon containers with a hot & cold water dispenser. The filtered water is $.33 a gallon at the supermarket and is just a good as Calistoga or Crystal Geyser. When I remodel the kitchen I will probably put in a water purification system. If weight is an issue they also have 3 gallon ones. Water weighs 8.3 lbs/gal.

All containers for food or beverages have to pass testing to FDA regulations for "food grade" plastics. This includes "leachability", temperature issues, etc.

I found an interesting link on recycled plastics used in food packaging. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/opa-recy.html

Hi - I just thought I'd post what I saw last night. I went to TJMaxx and on one of the tables in the front holding a bunch of father's day gift ideas, I saw a cloth belt that had a water bottle holder. It looked pretty nice. It came with a metal water bottle too. It also had a zippered section so if you want to also carry keys etc....you can without hands. Just thought I'd let people know you might want to look there if you need one of these. I am tempted to get one for when I am walking - as my dry mouth isn't severe enough that I need to carry water everywhere else - just when exercising.

Just a note, Kris your suggestion for a reusable bottle at REI has worked out great. My daughter purchasd two of them for fathers day, and they fit my holster purfectly. Thanks Kris.

Pieter

http://www.gearbuyer.com/products/camelbak_cleaning_tablets.html

Above are the tablets recommended by Camelback for cleaning their hydration packs without damaging them.

I have recently traveled by air and found that I can take an EMPTY refillable bottle through security and then fill it at a fountain or sink in the interior part of the terminal. Lots less expensive than buying bottled water inside...