The one inexpensive Christmas gift I'm getting for my outdoorsy friends in the Cyber Monday sales

All hikers know that a good reusable water bottle is the foundation of your gear (you can't go anywhere if you're dehydrated). But for some reason, several of my outdoorsy friends still buy their water by the liter in single-use plastic bottles, or, even worse, refill their single-use plastic bottles and risk chemical leaching.

Thankfully, there are some great offers on the best water bottles for Cyber Monday and you can pick up several top brands for under $20. If you're not sure whether you should be going for stainless steel vs plastic, I've collected a few of the ones I'll be purchasing as stocking stuffers below (some stainless steel, some plastic). 

My absolute favorite and the best water bottle for hiking in my opinion is the CamleBak Eddy+, which I use every day and is under $12 in the Cyber Monday sales. 

CamelBak Eddy+ water bottle: was $16.00, now $11.19 at Amazon

Save 30% Of course, I have to kick off with my favorite, the CamelBak Eddy+, which is number two in our guide to the best water bottles for gym. It's a budget option but offers great capacity and is easy to clean. I find it particularly useful for longer walks or days where I won't have a chance to refill.

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ThermoFlask Stainless Steel Water Bottle: was $24.99, now $18.46 at Amazon

Save 26% If you're looking for a bottle that will keep your drink cool (or warm) then the ThermoFlask is a good choice. It comes with two caps, so you don't have to worry about it accidentally leaking in your bag. You can use the straw or the "chug lid" if you're really thirsty. 

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Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Water Bottle: was $32.95, now $24.71 at Amazon

Save 25% Like the above ThermoFlask, The Hydro Flask can keep your drink cold for up to 24 hours (and hot for up to 12 hours) and has a leakproof cap and handle for carrying.

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How to choose a water bottle for hiking

When looking for a reusable water bottle I'm always very aware of the weight. Plastic options like the CamelBak tend to be lighter (and cheaper) while steel models will be a bit heavier. 

However, steel bottles will be able to keep your drink at its ideal temperature. Plus, they tend to be more robust, so they can take a few bashes if you're scrambling over rocks. That might make them a better option for most hikers, but I prefer my CamelBak for everyday use.