Pathfinder vs. Nalgene SS Bottles

Side by side comparison - Pathfinder vs. Nalgene stainless steel bottles.

[@shaneschannel9289]

3 years later; still using it. Still agree with everything I said. Gave the Pathfinder to my wife.

[@jamesaritchie1]

Not smart. You should have looked at the new Pathfinder bottle.

[@swj719]

I've found that bigger Nalgene bottle on amazon for what I consider a reasonable price.

[@akbychoice]

@@jamesaritchie1 explain why.

[@kenneth6731]

Just found your channel and subscribed. Thank you for suffering through the skeeters' and posting this. This video had all the answers I needed that I couldn't find anywhere else.

[@shaneschannel9289]

Glad I could help. I try to answer the questions I would ask. Still using the Nalgene everyday. I accidentally dropped it lid first on the concrete last week. No damage. The thing is amazing!

[@cbl0325]

I appreciate the level of detail you went into about the intricacies of these bottles great vid.

[@caffiend.]

Your assessment on the threading comparisons and the weld design were very informative. Saw other videos but these aspects were covered. Also did not know about the splashback but do now, thanks. Good review

[@shaneschannel9289]

Thanks for watching. I try to tell the things that I would want to know or that are not covered in other reviews.

[@shaneschannel9289]

Thanks for the comment. I tend to agree with you that Dave liked them better also. His older videos seem to bear that out. I have much the same setup as you and was going to show that, but my camera crapped out. I am using the Snow Peak Trek 700 titanium cup and love it. It fits snugly on both bottles with no rattle or looseness. Also has a slightly belled top which is great for getting in and out of the fire. Small sapling or green branch is all you need. BTW great work on scoring two bottles. Mine was one of the last ten sold on Amazon and cost WAY too much.

[@jordanturner4759]

I'm sorry if you've already answered this on here. Will the 38oz Nalgene fit in the Pathfinder cup by chance? I can't seem to find an answer anywhere. They both appear similar in diameter.

[@mikehodgdon3262]

2016 i was lucky enough to find 2 of these, i added the [i'll call it dual sized] cap, the "capcap by humangear". affording me a 1" drink hole and a 2" fill hole/katadine filter thread. the sets are complemented by nesting cups-w/lids, the pathfinder round nesting stove and an esbit alcohol stove [with 2 dollar store, tall slim "vitamin E bottles" for fuel] the maxpedition pouch with pocket for fuel and treatment.

[@myrthmaker]

I can’t speak about the Patherfinder bottle but I have the 38oz SS Nalgene bottle and the 27oz SS Klean Kanteen bottle (used for my bags with tighter pockets). I recently knocked my KK bottle off my coffee table and it dented the bottom to the point it doesn’t stand without wobbling. My SS Nalgene bottle has suffered far greater abuse over the years and still shows no signs of significant wear. I wish Nalgene would release a slimmer of their SS bottle built to the same standards.

[@polemicvs]

I like the Nalgene better than the Klean kanteen also, and in my opinion, I think Dave did as well. I had made a comment on his Facebook page about the availability of the Nalgene (which he carried at the time), and he replied that TPS LLC was having problems with the supplier, and he wasn't very happy with them, because he was trying diligently to get that bottle available for everyone. He said he was working on a replacement. So I called Nalgene, and talked to Barb Temple, whom, informed me that they were having some issues with the supplier overseas breaching their contract etc. I asked if she would PLEASE check and see if any were misplaced in the warehouse that they may have overlooked. A couple days later she informed me that they had made a special promotional run, some time back, and had leftovers: Filter For Good, Brita bottles, which were the same Guyot, just some silk screened advertisement on the bottle. And they lasted a little while, I ordered 2. I did brake one of these bottles though. It was full of water, and I was carrying it by a paracord loop around the neck, and it loosened, while walking, and it dropped about 3 feet, onto a rock, and cracked the welded seam open at the neck. When I carry it now, I carry it in a Vargo Ti-Lite Titanium 750 ML cup (almost twice the price of the bottle), in a carrier, and that takes care of that problem. In fact, I put The Pathfinder School camp stove ring around the Nalgene, or KleanKanteen (Pathfinder Bottle), and then into the Vargo mug (or The Pathfinder mug), which is nice and snug, holding everything in place. A very nice setup. Also, I also use a better knot around the neck (my fault in the first place), knowing that NOTHING is totally indestructible, Best bottle I ever owned.

[@leeofham243]

Hi shane, As you said the nalgene lid isn't all that. Are the lids inter changable? Will the pathfinder work with the nalgene?

[@shaneschannel9289]

Sorry they are not even close. Humangear Cap Cap is the only one I know of for a replacement, but I have not tried it and can't speak to its quality.

[@matthewmaier1129]

What about a cap from one of the Nalgene plastic bottles? They’re pretty light.

[@russiansks2715]

Good to know. Thanks. I assume that's because the Nalgene is 18/10 stainless rather than 18/8.

[@EricOther]

I totally agree with your assessment. I love my Guyote bottles. I own two of the 32oz backpacker models and two of the larger ones like you have. They are heavy duty. Which generation is that PF bottle? I bought a first gen, and I wasn't impressed. Especially with the lid. It was a pain to screw on. I gave it to my daughter. I have heard that later models were better, but I have no firsthand experience with them.

[@shaneschannel9289]

I am glad you agree. I actually bought the bottle after watching recall5811 comparison video and discussing with him and a couple of his viewers. Glad I upgraded. Will Not go back. I bought the Pathfinder GEN II set, but believe the bottle is still the first one by Pathfinder. The new set looks better. I did discuss that and the nesting cups, but my camera stopped mid filming and I had to clip the end. That's why the video ends so abruptly. Because of that at some point I would like to do one on just nesting cups.

[@MrWmburr7]

I've got two of the 38 oz Guyot design bottles and I agree with everything you just said. I was particularly impressed with your suggestion about attaching a length of paracord to the neck to dip in a stream for water. I had honestly never considered the safety aspect of that. I should have, though, because I have a creek running by my house that has banks so high and steep that I could never reach the water any other way. BTW, you can get these now from different sources. EBay has them but they're expensive. I saw on another site they were being offered for $ 24.99 new, believe it or not. Thanks for the video.

[@shaneschannel9289]

Glad you enjoyed it. These are great bottles!

[@redriver6541]

Good video man. Great points on the bottles. Love my nalgene bottles personally. I like Dave and love to watch his videos...have learned a lot from them.... But not interested in buying his merch... A $250 knife is ridiculous unless you're a collector. Also I already have a few dozen nalgenes and the msr gear with all the same threads. Nalgene has won me over and it seems hard to improve on perfection...along with being loyal to company and wanting them to stay around by supporting them.

[@shaneschannel9289]

Yep they are back. I shot this vid at a bad time. They were either discontinued for a time or had production issues. I have heard it both ways. Either way I'm thrilled by their return. Mine gets a lot of abuse and may have to be replaced some day. If they made an all titanium version I would really be in heaven.

[@zwartgeloktgodenzoon]

Shane, does the Nalgene Bottle fit in the Pathfinder Cup? Rattling sounds? Thnx

[@shaneschannel9289]

It fits quite well. Less rattling than the pathfinder bottle. I use a Snow Peak Trek 700 titanium nesting cup with mine.

[@stockholm1752]

38 oz. discontinued? Are you sure? That's all I can find on EBay. What I'm looking for is the 32 oz. (1 litre) straight wall SS bottle, the standard size for 35+ years. Can't see why they would change that. Please let me know if you have a source. Cheers.

[@shaneschannel9289]

Should read comments. This vid was made during a 38 oz. production issue. 32 oz. was never made in straight wall. You will not find one. It's a mystery why the 32 is tapered. Never made sense. I advise buying the 38. LOVE MINE! If you are worried about purification tablets made for standard 32 oz. containers measure a line in the larger bottle and fill to that. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@swnorcraft7971]

Since watching this video, I searched and found the Nalgene 38 oz bottle online and purchased 4 for a family project. I agree that the Nalgene is superior in design to the Klean Kanteen/Pathfinder. I own both the Klean Kanteen and the Pathfinder. Since getting the Nalgene, I can see the major differences that you so clearly point out.......Thank You. That being said, the Nalgene comes at a slightly higher cost. The Klean Kanteen/Pathfinder bottle IS a GOOD bottle. I am not knocking the viability of this bottle. I am only agreeing that the Nalgene is better.

[@shaneschannel9289]

+SW Norcraft I'm glad you like them. Hope they serve you well for years to come.

[@eugenjigane7219]

hy can you please see if the nalgene hold 38oz or actually 32oz cause I see that have the same size as normal 32oz nalgene Thank you

[@shaneschannel9289]

Two versions of the nalgene. Tapered holds 32 oz., straight walled holds 38 oz.

[@speedygonzales9993]

You are RIGHT Shane.

[@diddybushcraftnoutdoors8072]

Hi Shane, enjoyed the review. They still make them, I ordered one from Nalgene.com earlier this week and got it today. They were out of stock about a month ago so I emailed them and they said they still made them and would have them by May 27th but it was June 1st. I ordered one that very day to make sure I got one. They are heavier that the Pathfinder Bottle but seem tough as nails.

[@shaneschannel9289]

DiddyBushcraftnOutdoors Glad you liked the review. These are great bottles. I won't bet the farm on it, but believe they did quit making them and then started again. I found some on Amazon for far less than I paid for mine. They are a bit heavier, but considering water already weighs 8 lbs. per gallon the extra weight is not a huge issue to me.

[@Aries61]

I bought 2 Nalgene stainless bottles from Amazon in 2019. Never used either. Both rusted while being in storage , indoors, air conditioned space, in a plastic tub. No moisture present. Sent a complaint to Amazon. Anyone else experience this??

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah, Thanx for a good review. Right away when I seen that Pathfinder S. S. Bottle next to my 38oz. S. S. Nalgene Bottle, I said Oh Oh I bought the wrong one. But you made me a happy camper. Yeah, you can still get them at Opticsplanet at a great price I might add. Also they must of put a lighter cap on them, Because mine isn't heavy at all. Infact it appears as though it has a paracord type attachment on it to attach it to anything, I find mine fits nicely on the side of my Kodiak Gearsling, slips right into that pouch. Thanx.,,.

[@bigbuck762]

I have the 38oz love it I also made a modification to mine so that way it could be hung over a fire I have the video on my channel I just wish they made for 32 oz straight wall instead of tapered

[@shaneschannel9289]

Whoever made that thing tapered really dropped the ball. I refuse to buy one for that reason.

[@michaelbyrneskiai]

You can make a drinking game on how many times you swats at mosquitos

[@russiansks2715]

Excellent and informative video!

[@shaneschannel9289]

Thank you for watching and I would like to add one thing I missed in the video. A magnet will stick to the Pathfinder, but not the Nalgene bottle. The Nalgene is a better quality Stainless steel.

[@erehwyrevekool]

On my Nalgene the magnet sticks in the middle of the wall all around, not to the tail and a little bit to the neck. The bottle is made of 316 surgical steel (18/10), I think mine it's made out of poor quality alloy. Very well assembled BTW even the inside weld joint.

[@shaneschannel9289]

Mine doesn't. If that is the case it makes me wonder if they are made of recycled steel. When metal alloys are melted at a high enough temperature in a foundry they separate and stratify. The different layers are then poured off. There will be a small amount of mixing during that pouring off process. Yours may have some impurities. Think oil and water or Italian salad dressing. Try to pour one layer off the other you will get a small amount of the other. That's my best guess. To make it clear recycled steel is NOT a bad thing. Much of the steel in the world is recycled. Gransfors Bruks uses only recycled steel. You may have simply gotten a fluke. It would be great if someone could find out what kind of steel they use. Fair disclosure - I currently work at the largest metal recycling company in America (as a grunt). It's just a job. One day I may find another. I still fundamentally believe in recycling.

[@ernesthetic]

can the pathfinder cup nest with the nalgene?

[@shaneschannel9289]

Yes. Fits fine.

[@ernesthetic]

shanes channel thanks for your reply. So the cup for pathfinder 32 oz can fit the 38oz nalgene? Just need to be sure b4 I purchase online :)

[@shaneschannel9289]

No problem. One reason I started this little channel was to answer questions like this. I kept watching reviews and not getting the info I wanted. This was going to be addressed in the video, but I ran out of memory on my cam, that's why it ends so abruptly. Thanks for watching!

[@shaneschannel9289]

Yes it can. That was gonna be part of the vid before I ran out of memory. Not a professional operation lol. Totally interchangeable.

[@rainbowhiker]

Good thoughts on it all. Thanks.

[@matthewmaier1129]

Nice comparison, thanks.

[@pockEclipse]

Nice video - Gave me some things to think about which I hadn't fully considered previously. I do have one little suggestion - you didn't mention the fact that most water purification tablets are suggested for use with 1 litre or about 33 oz, or double that. I think this is one reason that a lot of outdoorsmen and preppers opt for a 32oz bottle, despite what might be considered their drawbacks. Also, just a side note, I really wish they hadn't tapered the bottom of the 32 oz nalgene. Seems like a weird choice.

[@shaneschannel9289]

Thanks for the feedback! Looking back I probably should have discussed that. It's really not a deal breaker for me though. I prefer having the larger capacity. For folks who do use tablets it would be quite easy to measure 32 oz. into the bottle one time. After that you will always know how high to fill the bottle. A slight bit off one way or the other would not be a problem. I carry iodine in my bottle bag. It's not an exact science, but 5-10 drops is recommended for 32 oz. that works out to 6-12 drops for 38 oz. (must wait minimum of 30 minutes before drinking) As far as tapering the 32 oz. Nalgene that is a deal breaker. Who knows what they were thinking?

[@pockEclipse]

thanks for the response! It's funny how actually talking to ppl will often show you obvious answers that you had failed to consider. As you say, there's no reason you couldn't measure 32 oz into a larger container then mark the level. And yeah, I've tried, but I can't come up with any reasonable idea as to why they tapered that Nalgene. The world may never know.

[@shaneschannel9289]

I love chatting with people about shared interests. Nobody in my personal life could care less so youtube gives that opportunity. I have a lot of those "well why didn't I think of that?" moments myself. About that bottle; I have a guess, but its only that. It may have something to do with the production process. Many of the Stanley products have a certain amount of taper as well. They may have found a way to save a buck by making them that way. It would be disappointing if that were the case, but not surprising.

[@pockEclipse]

shanes channel Yeah, that would be disappointing - sadly that's a pretty common motivating factor for big companies.

[@shaneschannel9289]

What's really a bummer is that this is a niche product. I think anyone who's buying one of these would be willing to spend a couple bucks more for it to be done right.

[@quess82]

Love the container, steel quality is great. MAJOR problem with three of the four containers that I purchased was that they have a terribly poisonous smell around the gasket. We stopped using them after the first use for fear of cancer and/or birth defects. Also leaving us without a water storage midway through our expedition. I could not remove the smell from the rubber or plastic caps regardless of what detergents I washed the product with. Just terrible manufacturing quality control to let something like that out of the factory. Particularly given the type of consumer that is purchasing this product. Really disappointed. Regards, Order number 354481

[@wanderingadventurer927]

Thanks very much for info on the Pathfinder bottle. I will not be buying it and great review.

[@shaneschannel9289]

+Wandering Adventurer Thanks

[@LivingtoLearn]

hey man ain't seen vids from you in awhile all well ?

[@maxduncan3564]

Water boils at 212°f. Stainless will start to melt at 2550°f. I'm worried bout the welds too.

[@shaneschannel9289]

+max duncan Who ever said melt? I used to work in a weld shop. Have seen plenty of welds fail. High heat can definitely crack a bad weld. These are all production bottles. There will always be a certain percentage of defects. Another commentor mentions dropping a bottle and having a weld fail.

[@ElectricityTaster]

+shanes channel Do you know if the welds contain lead or other dodgy metals to have in your water bottle?

[@shaneschannel9289]

It is illegal to use lead in cookware or drinking vessels in the U.S. (decorative pieces are exempt) We do not import lead tainted products either.

[@iwantosavemoney]

very unlikely that that that weld will ever fail it will be stronger than the metal it is holding together. I think the pathfinder stuff is way over priced and over rated. good video

[@shaneschannel9289]

Thanks. Best deal I have found is the $5.00 ferro rods. I have three and they work well.

[@Ianbamberger7]

Here's that 38 oz bottle on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Nalgene-Standard-Stainless-Steel-Bottle/dp/B001GSOHMC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443578186&sr=8-1&keywords=nalgene+38+oz+stainless+bottle

[@jmtnvalley]

The Nalgene is available on Amazon.

[@shaneschannel9289]

At the time I filmed this video production had halted. They were very difficult to find. I have heard differing reasons as to why. Don't know which if any of them is true. As you stated they are now commonly available again.

[@What_Fred_Said]

Pathfinder bottle made in China/ Nalgene made in USA! Nalgene all the way!

[@matthewmaier1129]

What Fred Said I think I read the stainless Nalgene bottles are made overseas but the plastic ones are made here.

[@shaneschannel9289]

Yeah those mosquitoes. Noah should have just swatted them lol.

[@Ridg76]

Not sure were the Nalgene is made but the Pathfinder is made in China.

[@Slaprox]

That looks like a 32 oz to me.

[@shaneschannel9289]

+Slaprox The Nalgene is 38 oz. the Pathfinder is 32 oz. Nalgene does have a 32 oz. Backpacker model. It tapers towards the bottom making it less stable and easier to tip due to its smaller base.

[@Dutch1911a1]

So are you an expert on metallurgy and construction? Or is this a trash session only?

[@shaneschannel9289]

+David Sidwell First of all I believe I spoke well of both bottles. They are both high quality, though I prefer one over the other. Also, I may not be a metallurgist, but I have spent twelve years working at one of the biggest manufacturers in the world, one year at a foundry, two years working in a weld shop and currently work at a scrap yard. Does that make me qualified to review a steel bottle?

[@survivalofthefittest409]

Haha I dont know much about metallurgy or bottle construction, but I thought you did an honest review. I'm a huge DC fan but I didn't hear any trash talk. I know I cant have an opinion sense I have not studied those two fields mentioned above,..but I guess I'll have one anyways! Good Job!

[@maxduncan3564]

Ha. That weld won't melt. The stainless steel will melt before the weld. Funny. Everybody says the same thing. Any vids of melted welds. lol.

[@shaneschannel9289]

+max duncan Who ever said melt? I used to work in a weld shop. Have seen plenty of welds fail. High heat can definitely crack a bad weld. These are all production bottles. There will always be a certain percentage of defects. Another commentor mentions dropping a bottle and having a weld fail.

[@johnrutherford4042]

Moan moan moan lifes a bitch deal with it ive had mine yrs and not one issue I think you should design one

[@Semeion7]

Yeah but it is made in China.

[@stockholm1752]

G

[@shaneschannel9289]

Props! Go Nalgene 38!

[@jamesaritchie1]

Oh, good God. I'm not a Dave Canterbury or a Pathfinder fan, but these are the stupidest complaints I've ever heard in my life. You can't clean the top of the bottle because it has threads on the inside, and you can't even drink out of it, even though it has to be completely empty before the water follows the curve that way, if it ever does, which I seriously doubt. That is so unbelievably stupid it's hard to believe you even said it. If you're splashing water on your face it's because you aren't coordinated enough to drink from a bottle, not because of that bottom curve. And the fish mouth spreader is kind of heavy. Poor baby. Maybe you should stay home and rest.

[@shaneschannel9289]

I was curious about all the helpful info in your reviews, but oddly you don't have any. If you don't like mine feel free to make one of your own.