Distinctions - Nalgene wows for price by providing a remarkably durable marriage of solid material quality without sacrificing broad visual appeal. Despite the larger size, the bottle is devoid of unnecessary complications, the moulded lid providing a strong seal while not requiring extraordinary strength to torque shut or pry open. Gradation and printing on the sides is clean and functional, but also serves as variation in texture that aids with grip. Despite an all plastic shell and larger size than other bottles, the Nalgene is easily gripped and carried with one hand.

Criticisms - In making a water bottle with a larger footprint, Nalgene does sacrifice ease of portability, as the wide base will not fit in the vast majority of cupholders, and struggles to fit even in elastic backpack pockets, meaning unless carried in-hand, the Nalgene will likely have to be stored in an inconvenient to accessibility way such as carabiner mounted or actually in the bag.

Distinctions - Undoubtedly for the price, Nalgene has few peers in quality and visual appeal. The BPA-plastic used is surprisingly rugged, making it a great choice for outdoor applications. Plastic machining is precise, giving both functionality and a general air of consistency in quality with small details like beveling on edges. Colors chosen for the plastic are crisply transparent where intended to be, rarely tarnishing even with aggressive use, while opaque pieces retain their color even after most peers succumb to sun-fading.

Criticisms - The largest detraction for the Nalgene is the plastic attachment from the base of the mouth to the cap, which, due to the larger footprint of the bottle, is the most likely mounting point consumers will utilize. Under the weight of a full fill and the associated inertia provided by active movement in outdoor recreation, the lid can pop off, causing the bottle to fall and dump its contents. This does have to be very rigorous as a movement, but with the nature of many sport activities being rigorous, this problem may be encountered sooner than later.

Distinctions - Nalgene provides the 32 ounce wide mouth in a host of color options, all of which have very complementary palettes that range in application from subdued to neon to even neutral, ensuring that there will be a color choice appealing to the consumer. As mentioned before, sun-fading and tarnishing occurs only with extremely extended use, unlike many peers, with transparency on the reservoir remaining crisp for as long as the bottle is even mildly cleaned.

Criticisms - Plastic, unlike stainless steel peers, will show blemishes from scratches and dents as time wears on.

Distinctions - Nalgene markets the 32 ounce as comprised of BPA-free plastic and over half recycled material, a definite win for sustainability. Similarly, the bottle is entirely recyclable should the unfortunate occur, or the need for it disappears, all components can be recycled with no disassembly. Nalgene produces the bottles in the US, so those buying domestically will also avoid transportation emissions. As a footnote, it should also be acknowledged that Nalgene does sell replacement or specialty caps separately without the bottle, allowing for continued longevity with replacement pieces or customization.

Distinctions - Nalgene blows most of its peers out of the water with the strength of the 32 ounce wide mouth and the ecosystem of complementary products that backs it. Superior strength, design, sustainability and customization clearly distinguish it amongst a host of other products that compromise in at least one of the categories it excels in.

Criticisms - A lack of a strong mounting point coupled with the larger width of the bottle does cause more portability and storage issues than thinner, albeit less high-capacity, peers.