I own five Nalgene bottles in five different sizes, which probably qualifies me as a low-key collector at this point. For me, Nalgene is hands down the best water bottle made in USA and one of the best plastic water bottles. It’s lightweight, simple, and ridiculously easy to use – qualities that make it perfect for hiking.
Over time, I’ve developed a soft spot for this brand, even though, like any bottle, it’s not without its minor quirks. I’ll walk you through each size I own and help you figure out which Nalgene might be the right match for you. And if you want the short answer? The 32 oz is my personal favorite and easily the one I use the most.
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Nalgene Sizes Comparison
Nalgene 12 oz | Nalgene 16 oz | Nalgene 24 oz | Nalgene 32 oz | Nalgene 48 oz | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  | |
Price | $17 | $15 | $18 | $17 | $20 |
Weight (oz.) | 4.1 | 3.8 | 4.8 | 6.3 | 7.2 |
Base diameter (in.) | 2.5 | 3.1 | 2.75 | 3.54 | 3.54 |
Fits in cup holders? | YES | NO | YES | NO | NO |
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Nalgene 12 oz
Let’s start small with the 12 oz Nalgene. As you might guess, this one is designed with kids in mind (ages 5 and up). For an adult, you’d need to refill it five times just to meet your daily hydration goals.
I actually bought this bottle for my 7-year-old nephew, and it’s been a hit. He’s already showing an interest in hiking, so when we head out, I carry my bigger 32 oz while he proudly sports his tiny 12 oz. It’s honestly a sweet sight.
For kids, this size works beautifully. It’s super lightweight at just 4 ounces (basically weightless, even for little hands) and doesn’t come with the expectations of insulation or fancy features. Perfect for daily use, school, or small adventures.
Nalgene also offers a range of caps, including ones designed specifically for children. Mine came with the OTF (On The Fly) cap, which is leakproof rather than just spill-proof – a big deal if you’re tossing it in a backpack.
It clicks shut securely, and there’s even a locking pin to prevent accidental button presses. The only downside? This particular cap is made in China, unlike Nalgene’s standard caps that are proudly made in the USA.
Nalgene 16 oz
This size is an interesting one. At 16 oz it’s still small, but not so small that it’s kids-only. I’ve seen plenty of adults carrying this one on hiking trails, so clearly it has a following. Most versions come with a narrow mouth, though you can find wide-mouth models too.
Personally, I’d prefer the wide mouth here – my narrow-mouth version is a pain to clean, especially when trying to reach the bottom corners with a brush. On the flip side, drinking from the narrow mouth is much smoother, no surprise splashes while walking, so it really comes down to what you value more: easy cleaning or spill-free sipping.
Now, here’s a fun little quirk: my 16 oz actually weighs less than my 12 oz Nalgene. How? The cap. The 12 oz has the heavier OTF lid, while the 16 oz came with the standard one, which is noticeably lighter.
Another plus is the measurement markings along the side. They’re surprisingly useful if you’re mixing electrolytes or just curious about exactly how much water you have left. Nalgene decided not to put these markings on the 12 oz bottle. Why? No clue. Maybe they figured kids don’t care about milliliters.
One quirky detail about my 16 oz Nalgene is that it’s not made from the classic Tritan material most Nalgenes are famous for. Instead, this little guy is crafted from polypropylene. Don’t worry though, it’s still completely BPA- and BPS-free.
Nalgene markets the 16 oz. size as “perfect for car rides”. I’ll politely disagree. With a diameter of over 3 inches, it doesn’t fit in my car’s cup holder, and I’m not about to juggle a bottle while driving.
If you don’t mind frequent refills and like something compact, the 16 oz could be a good fit. Personally, I avoid it because I hate stopping every hour just to refill. But hey, if you’re more patient than me, this bottle might suit you fine.
Nalgene 24 oz
Now we get to the Nalgene 24 oz., a size that almost always comes paired with the OTF cap. As far as I can tell, Nalgene doesn’t even bother selling this bottle with the standard cap. I’m fine with that. The OTF handle is a lot kinder on my fingers than the stiff little plastic strap on the regular caps, which feels like carrying a shopping bag full of bricks.
At just 4.63 ounces, it’s barely heavier than the smaller sizes, but the shape makes it more practical. Unlike the chunky 16 oz, this one can actually fit in most cup holders.
It’s also surprisingly tall for its capacity with about 9.5 inches, nearly twice the height of the 16 oz. Still, that’s never really gotten in my way.
The 24 oz. capacity hits a nice sweet spot for me: perfect for half-day hikes or long walks where I don’t want to lug around a big bottle but still need more than a quick sip.
My only real gripe? The measurement markings are faint and nearly invisible, unlike the crisp white ones on the 16, 32, or 40 oz models. A small thing, but when you’re adding electrolytes, it feels like squinting at a ghost.
Overall, the 24 oz is a handy middle-ground bottle. Great for a few hours outdoors, not quite enough for a full-day trek.
Nalgene 32 oz
The 32 oz Nalgene is my undisputed favorite. Sure, it’s too chunky for most car cup holders (3.5 inches wide, no chance), and yes, at 6.25 ounces empty you actually notice a bit of weight. But compared to stainless steel tanks? This thing is still basically floating.
What makes the 32 oz shine is the capacity. It’s the perfect size: big enough for long hikes and practical enough for everyday use. I even take it to work when I don’t care about insulation, and it’s extremely rare for me to take plastic bottles to work with me.
The only real nuisance is that annoying plastic strap that digs into my hand. Thankfully, the OTF cap fits this size perfectly and makes carrying it a lot less annoying.
As for mouth styles: wide mouth all the way. Easier to clean, easier to toss in big ice cubes, just all-around better, unless you’re someone who constantly splashes water on yourself. In that case, narrow mouth might save your shirt. Condensation, though, is unavoidable. That’s just the Nalgene life.
Mine is currently sticker-free and looks painfully boring, so I really need to fix that. A naked Nalgene is a missed opportunity!
Pro tip: if you’re the kind of person who misplaces bottles in the dark, grab the glow-in-the-dark 32 oz version. It’s surprisingly handy when your water bottle doubles as a nightlight.
Nalgene 48 oz
This bottle is an absolute unit. At 11.25 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide, it’s basically the skyscraper of my collection. Too big for backpack side pockets (it falls out every time), too bulky to hold comfortably unless you’ve got catcher’s mitts for hands, and far too much bottle for kids. My nephew would probably tip over trying to carry it when it’s full to the brim.
Now, the upside is obvious: capacity. With 48 ounces, you could power through an entire day without refilling once. For some people, that’s a dream. For me, it’s overkill. It hogs backpack space, and carrying it around is just cumbersome.
Don’t get me wrong, it has its place. Desk companion? Perfect. Road trip buddy (with an adjustable cup holder of course)? Absolutely. But hiking? No thanks, I’ll stick to the 32 oz.
Conclusion
Believe it or not, picking the right size for your first (or next) Nalgene bottle actually matters more than you’d think, even at its affordable price. These bottles aren’t disposable; people keep them for years. I’ve seen Nalgene owners rocking the same bottle for a decade, treating it like a trusted sidekick they’d never consider replacing. Some probably plan to take it to the grave.
Take it from someone who’s tried every size and knows Nalgene like the back of his hand: the 32 oz hits the sweet spot for most situations – long hikes, workdays, or just everyday hydration. If you’re shopping for kids, the 12 oz bottle fits perfectly in smaller hands without being overkill.
Jeremiah Kowalski
Hey there! I’m Jeremiah, the guy behind WaterBottleAdvisor.com. I used to have a bad habit of guzzling sodas while working remotely, but thanks to reusable water bottles, I’ve turned my hydration game around. After testing over 50 bottles, I’m here to help you find the perfect one to make staying hydrated a joy, not a chore. When I’m not reviewing bottles, you’ll likely find me scaling steep trails around the world, trusty water bottle in hand.
