The gear we bring on our adventures carries the essentials. But at Nalgene Outdoor, we often hear that our bottles carry stories, too. Sometimes it’s the stickers owners add from places they’ve visited. Other times, it’s the miles a bottle travels that leave people marveling.

For Les Goldsmith, a veterinarian and lifelong adventurer, the idea of sending a message out to sea began decades ago. In 1971, while camping in the Florida Keys with friends during his college years at the University of Miami, Les scribbled a short note, sealed it in a wine bottle, and tossed it into the Atlantic Ocean.

He didn’t think much about it afterward.

Seven years later, his father called with surprising news: a letter had arrived from Ireland. A young farmer named Dennis Murphy had discovered the bottle washed ashore near his family’s farm on the southwest coast of Ireland. The two began exchanging letters, and years later they even met in person when Les happened to be traveling in Ireland for work.

What began as a spontaneous moment during a college camping trip turned into an enduring international friendship.

In 2001, when Les and his daughter Beth were visiting the Galápagos Islands together, they decided to try it again.

This time they chose a container they trusted.

A Nalgene bottle.

After seeing his first message travel across the Atlantic years earlier, he knew the ocean demanded something tougher than an ordinary bottle. Nalgene bottles are built to be durable and 100% leakproof, and he figured if anything could protect a message drifting across the Pacific for years, a Nalgene bottle was it.

They tucked a handwritten note that included a map, their names and a request that whoever found it send it back to them in New Jersey.  They even slipped in a dollar bill.  Then they set the bottle adrift in the Pacific Ocean and continued their trip. 

Years passed, and like the first bottle, the memory slowly faded.

Then, late at night on July 11, 2025, Les received an unexpected phone call.

On the other end was Dr. Greg Lewbart, a veterinarian leading a research team studying wildlife in the Galápagos Islands. Earlier that day, one of the researchers had discovered a bottle on a small island near Santa Cruz.

Inside was a note with Les and Beth’s names.

The bottle had been at sea for 24 years.

Even more remarkable, the call revealed an unexpected connection. Dr. Gregory Lewbart and several members of the research team were veterinarians who had studied at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine—the same school Les attended years earlier. As they talked, they began discovering mutual colleagues and shared connections throughout the veterinary world.

What started as a chance discovery quickly turned into a web of shared friendships and professional ties stretching across decades.

When Les’ Nalgene bottle was finally mailed back to him, Dr. Lewbart had included the well-preserved note from 2001, and the shaggy dollar bill that had been in the bottle as well.  The message with the map was in remarkable condition.

And the Nalgene bottle that protected the cargo was still intact.

More than two decades after being set adrift, the bottle had protected its message long enough for the story to come full circle.

For Les and Beth, the rediscovered Nalgene bottle is more than a remarkable coincidence. It’s a reminder that small acts of curiosity can ripple outward in ways we never expect—connecting strangers, rekindling old friendships, and sparking new ones decades later.

It’s also a quiet testament to something else: the objects that travel with us on our adventures sometimes carry our stories farther than we ever could ourselves.

After 24 years in the ocean, the message inside finally made its way home.

And the Nalgene bottle that carried it is still doing its job.

Nalgene bottles are ready for any travel adventure, big or small. Visit Nalgene.com to purchase.

In America, where refillable water bottles are common, more than 2 million people still lack clean running water at home.

To help close that gap, Nalgene Outdoor, maker of reusable water bottles, is expanding its commitment to domestic water access after surpassing $1.2 million in funding and in-kind support since launching the Nalgene Water Fund in 2019.  The Fund is committing $50,000 to DigDeep, a national nonprofit advancing equitable water access, matching public donations to generate $100,000 for projects serving the Navajo Nation, Appalachia, and El Paso, Texas.

In addition, all proceeds from Nalgene.com sales on March 21–22 will support the Fund in honor of World Water Day. The announcement builds on momentum earlier this year: in February, Nalgene doubled the ongoing contribution from the sale of each Nalgene Water Fund bottle from $5 to $10, increasing the Fund’s long-term impact.

“Expanding water access across the United States requires more than sustained investment—it requires a groundswell of public engagement,” said George McGraw, Founder & CEO of DigDeep. “Matching campaigns like the one from the Nalgene Water Fund don’t just raise money. They help build a movement, bringing new champions to ensure every home in America has clean, running water.”

Since its launch in 2019, the Nalgene Water Fund, also supported by Thermo Fisher Scientific, has grown into a sustained platform advancing water equity through nonprofit partnerships and is now a core pillar of Nalgene’s sustainability strategy.

“Refill has always defined Nalgene,” said Eric Hansen, Marketing Director at Nalgene Outdoor. “But sustainability must include communities that don’t yet have water to refill. That’s why clean water access is central to our strategy.”

A key driver of the Fund’s continued growth is RockNRefill, Nalgene’s 13-year partnership with REVERB. Through the program, Nalgene donates reusable bottles for sale at major live music events, with 10% of sales supporting The Nalgene Water Fund. The effort has generated nearly $150,000 for domestic water initiatives since 2024 and will continue to do so in 2026 and beyond.

The Nalgene Water Fund invests in nonprofit partners delivering practical, community-driven infrastructure solutions across the country, from rural and Tribal communities to cities with aging water systems and areas impacted by natural disasters. Work centers on restoring critical water infrastructure, developing local tradespeople, and increasing water-access capacity. 

Communities and nonprofit partners to date supported by the Nalgene Water Fund include:

• Great Lakes Watershed Region: With support from Thermo Fisher Scientific, helped establish the Flint Community Lab by providing lab equipment, funding, and reusable bottles. The Lab is a model for community-led water testing. In Benton Harbor, installed lead-filtering refill stations in district schools and provided reusable bottles to students.
• Navajo Nation: Supported DigDeep’s Navajo Water Project  to connect families to clean, running water, while donating water transport containers, installing filtered refill stations, and partnering with Diné designer Jaden Redhair on limited-edition bottles supporting this work and the Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment (COPE) Program.
• Appalachia: Launched a limited-edition bottle supporting DigDeep’s Appalachia Water Project to advance rural water infrastructure, and supported emergency mobile filtration deployment with Water Mission following Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
• Texas: Supporting DigDeep’s Colonias Water Project to connect families in El Paso County to mainline water infrastructure for the first time.

In 1980, USA Hockey faced the world’s most dominant team—clear underdogs on Olympic ice. To compete with the speed and discipline of the Soviet Union, every second mattered, including how players hydrated during the game. On the bench sat a simple but critical question: how do you keep athletes fueled without slowing them down?

Hockey helmets don’t come off easily—and removing them costs precious time. In a game defined by relentless pace, traditional water bottles weren’t good enough. Team USA needed a way to hydrate fast, cleanly, and without breaking rhythm.

Three hundred miles southwest of the Olympics in Lake Placid, another New York original was built for exactly this kind of challenge. Founded in 1949 by chemist Emanuel Goldberg in Rochester, NY, the Nalge Company specialized in unbreakable, leakproof plastic labware trusted for precision and performance.

Just prior to the Lake Placid Games, that scientific approach carried into the consumer world as Nalgene Outdoor. Leaning on its lab-proven design, scientists adapted an already-trusted bottle—replete with a leakproof top and squirt-style straw that allowed players to hydrate without removing their helmets.

Quickly retrofitted and branded for Team USA, the bottle did exactly what it was designed to do: show up when it mattered. Quietly, reliably, it supported one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history—the Miracle on Ice.

More than four decades later, that same New York–built thinking returns. Just in time for the Winter Olympics, Nalgene is reintroducing a piece of history with the Limited-Edition USA Hockey Nalgene Bottle—inspired by the original Miracle on Ice design and produced in limited quantities. Today, the nod to history is on a 32-ounce bottle, a silhouette that has become iconic to the Nalgene brand over the last 50 years and a proven favorite for life’s everyday adventures due to its simple and lightweight design. 

Proudly made in the USA, this bottle is BPA/BPS-free and crafted from material derived from 50% plastic waste using ISCC-certified mass balance. It’s leakproof, dishwasher-safe, and built to be reused, just like the original was built to perform.

At $18.99 and exclusive to Nalgene.com, it’s more than a water bottle. It’s a functional collectible that connects Nalgene Outdoor’s New York roots, scientific heritage, and Olympic legacy—made to be used in today’s on-the-go pace. 

“For more than 75 years, Nalgene bottles have offered generations a simple and sustainable solution for hydration. At every turn, our brand has evolved with the reusable water bottle industry: the first lightweight plastic bottle and the first to expand colorways to rich and vibrant options,” said Eric Hansen, Marketing Director at Nalgene Outdoor. “Working with USA Hockey to highlight an incredible moment in Olympic history is another way we can keep our classic bottle current and fresh.” 

 Nalgene Outdoor today introduces Thrill & Motion, a dynamic new collection crafted for people who embrace an active, on-the-go lifestyle; whether exploring trails, chasing waves, or simply navigating everyday life. For more than 75 years, Nalgene has set the standard in durable, reusable bottles. And since pioneering the use of bold color design in the category in the early ’90s, the brand continues to lead with palettes that spark individuality and adventure.

“Color has always been one of the ways we connect with our community,” said Eric Hansen, Marketing Director at Nalgene Outdoor. “Thrill & Motion amplifies that connection, pairing the reliability people expect from Nalgene bottles with a modern look that reflects today’s active, optimistic lifestyles.”

Developed with input from color experts and informed by contemporary design trends, the Thrill & Motion lineup is intentionally designed to spark momentum. Each hue balances vibrancy with earthiness—pairing energizing warm tones with cooling, anchoring shades of blues, greens, purples, yellows, and oranges to inspire movement, focus, and creativity. The result is a collection that doesn’t just look good; it’s built to match the rhythm of an outdoor-driven life in six standout bottle-and-cap combinations: 

• Endive + Oil Green – Fresh energy meets rugged balance.
• Flame + Blue Atoll – High-impact intensity tempered by cool clarity.
• Oil Green + Freesia – Earthy stability with a burst of sun-bright optimism.
• Endive + Fuchsia Purple – Playful, bold, and ready for anything.
• Blue Atoll + Endive – A modern, airy pairing inspired by sea and land.
• Fuchsia Purple + Flame – Fearless color blocking designed to stand out.

Sourced and made in the USA from Tritan Renew with material derived from 50% plastic waste (using ISCC certified mass balance), these bottles are dishwasher safe, lightweight, and deliver the legendary durability and functionality Nalgene bottles are known for. Each 32-ounce narrow- and wide-mouth cap design Thrill & Motion bottle is available nationwide and at www.nalgene.com with an MSRP of $16.99. 

Always simple and always true to its outdoor roots, Nalgene Outdoor debuts its latest limited edition bottle drop: The Landscape Negatives Collection. The ensemble focuses on modern, dreamy scenes of nature to honor the craft of film photography in composition and color printing. In art, negative space balances light; in film, a negative is the blueprint that shapes every shade and detail. This collection captures both ideas—reflecting the way our own quiet moments in nature become the vivid prints of our memory. 

“Nalgene bottles are truly a blank canvas and we have unparalleled printing capabilities on our bottles,” said Eric Hansen, Marketing Director at Nalgene Outdoor. “The Landscape Negative collection is our way of taking the essence of nature through a film lens and printing it on a vessel for everyday use.  We hope to reflect a love of the outdoors and a sense of adventure with each design. Not to mention, these prints are still made for life: toss in the dishwasher, take on the trail, they will be just as beautiful, use after use.” 

• Landscape Sunset: Set against an orange backdrop, this bottle conjures the perfect sunset as blue skies and pillowy clouds glow against the glow of sun at dusk. Truly, new energy  to the term “orange sky.” 
• Landscape Moonset: As symbiotic as the moon to the tide, this bottle reflects the stunning reflection of a night sky over water. A combination of light and dark guides the peace and serenity of a lone rower in nature.
• Landscape Forest: Blue is often symbolic of winter for its calming and serene aura. The silhouette of a lone skier in a barren, snowy wood evokes a sense of independence and tranquility in one.

Sourced and made in the USA from Tritan Renew with material derived from 50% plastic waste (using ISCC certified mass balance), these 32-oz bottles are dishwasher safe, lightweight, and deliver the legendary durability and functionality Nalgene bottles are known for, with the added beauty of capturing Mother Nature’s most serene moments.  Each $18.99 Landscapes Negative bottle is available nationwide and at www.nalgene.com.

Introducing Glo
Wyld, our boldest bottle drop yet. These five new glow-in-the-dark designs turn up the fun and function on our iconic 32 oz wide-mouth bottle, helping you stay hydrated day and night. Whether you’re navigating a dark tent, dancing under the stars, or reaching for water on your nightstand, Glo Wyld bottles shine when it matters most.

Made in the USA with material derived from 50% plastic waste (using ISCC certified mass balance), Glo Wyld bottles are lightweight, leakproof, dishwasher safe, and practically indestructible—everything you already love about Nalgene, with a little extra radiance. 

Because it’s time your bottle kept up with your wildest adventures. These bottles don’t just light up, they tell a story. Every design pays homage to natural bioluminescence or radiant ecosystems, offering more than just a cool effect. It’s hydration with a backstory—and some serious style.

• Shimmering Scyphozoa: Inspired by glowing jellyfish from the deep—no sting, just style.

• Ethereal Eukaryotes: Mushroom-shaped organisms that light up the forest floor—and now your gear.

• Radiant Reptilia: A tribute to sea turtles—carry this one to show your love for ocean conservation.

• Marvelous Minerals: From gemmy geodes to shimmering stones, this bottle rocks day and night.

• Illuminating Insecta: Think fireflies—adorning a bottle instead of caught in a jar. A year-round flash of nature’s magic.

Beyond the shine, Glo Wyld bottles offer real-world utility in low-light situations. Here are three clever, ways to make the most of your bottle:

1. Multi-Purpose Lantern or Night light: Fueled by natural light, these bottles add a few extra hours of night lights, whether camping or on a nightstand at home. 
2. Eco-Friendly Glow Stick: Safer and more sustainable than a single-use glow stick. Perfect to clip on a pack to add just enough extra light for dusk-to-dark events, youth sports, or evening walks.
3. Emergency Visibility: Leakproof and glow-ready, the bottle can also serve as a dry case for survival gear like matches, first-aid supplies and much more —and it’s easy to spot in the dark! 

“People already loved our OG glow bottle, but we thought—why stop at just glowing?” says Eric Hansen, Marketing Director at Nalgene Outdoor. “With Glo Wyld, we added a creative spark. Each design is a shout-out to nature’s flashiest organisms and makes your bottle way easier to find in the dark, crowded festival, or under your bed. It’s part hydration, part head-turner.”

At just $18.99, Glo Wyld bottles are available now at retailers nationwide and at Nalgene.com. They’re a brilliant way to stay hydrated and light the way—wherever your journey takes you.

Tag your adventures with #GloWyld and follow @Nalgene on Instagram and Facebook to see how others are lighting up the world.

Nalgene Outdoor unveils its new limited-edition “Wild Expressions” series on 16 oz narrow-mouth bottles, its second partnership with Colorado artist Jimmy Bryant (AtomicChild). Following the enthusiastic response to last year’s AtomicChild sticker collaboration, this unique bottle collection features three nature-inspired designs with uplifting prompts that serve as a daily reminder to savor life’s moments. Nalgene Outdoor also invites followers to tag #WildExpressions with moments of environmental mindfulness, inner peace, or a growth mindset experienced during everyday adventures to share and celebrate presence and engagement with our surroundings.

“I designed these prompts—‘Go Forth,’ ‘Look Up,’ ‘Learn 2 Grow’—to open small windows of reflection in one’s day,” said Jimmy Bryant, principal at AtomicChild. “This summer, I’m excited to see how people share their moments: spotting a peak at dawn, finding beauty in a busy afternoon, or discovering a lesson from a new friend at camp. Sharing these stories will bring the art—and its message—to life.”

• “Go Forth” (Denim-inspired): Invites confident steps into new experiences.
• “Look Up” (Vibrant Purple): Prompts lifting your gaze to notice unexpected beauty.
• “Learn 2 Grow” (Jade Green): Reminds that every moment offers lessons for personal growth.

“AtomicChild is an ideal partner for Nalgene Outdoor. His vibrant art and thoughtful messages resonate with our community and align perfectly with our brand ethos of sustainable gear that performs reliably while sparking awareness and connection to one’s surroundings,” said Eric Hansen, Marketing Director, Nalgene Outdoor. “We can’t wait to see how our followers run with #WildExpressions. They’re the best representation of what enjoying life’s adventures means, and we’re proud to fuel them.”

Available at retailers nationwide as well as www.nalgene.com for $15.99 in the 16-oz narrow-mouth Tritan bottle, these lightweight, BPA/BPS-free, dishwasher-safe, leak-proof designs are made in the USA from 50% recycled materials (ISCC-certified)—and sized perfectly for both kids and adults seeking a compact, reliable companion for hydration and inspiration.

ROCHESTER, NY – MAY 21, 2025 – In celebration of its five-year commitment to helping address the U.S. water crisis, the Nalgene Water Fund (NWF), established by Nalgene Outdoor, the makers of the iconic wide-mouth reusable bottle, today announced a $50,000 donation to DigDeep’s Appalachia Water Project (AWP). The contribution brings Nalgene’s mission to a region long sought out by its enthusiasts for its epic outdoor adventures and awe-inspiring landscapes, yet many communities there still lack access to clean, reliable water and basic sanitation.

To express appreciation for Appalachia’s beauty and engage its fans in supporting the region’s pressing water crisis, Nalgene Outdoor is launching a limited-edition bottle inspired by Appalachia’s iconic blue ridgelines and rivers. Available May 21 exclusively at Nalgene.com, each $20 bottle contributes $5 to the Nalgene Water Fund in support of DigDeep’s community-led work to deliver long-term water solutions.

“Being chosen as the beneficiary of a Nalgene Water Fund bottle brings critical support and helps us reach new people who care about this crisis,” said Travis Foreman, Director of DigDeep’s Appalachia Water Project. “Creating sustainable water access takes long-term commitment and trusted support, and this collaboration brings both.”

Since 2019, the Nalgene Water Fund has provided more than $800,000 in funding and in-kind support to grassroots partners advancing clean water access across the country. The crisis remains urgent, with over 2.2 million people in the U.S. still living without access to running water or basic plumbing.

Nalgene’s impact has grown through collaborations like REVERB’s RockNRefill program. For the first time, proceeds from bottles donated by Nalgene Outdoor and sold at live music events will go to the Nalgene Water Fund, turning fan purchases into meaningful support for clean water projects nationwide.

Communities supported by the fund include:

• Flint, MI: With Thermo Fisher Scientific, helped launch the Flint Community Water Lab with $650,000 in equipment, funding, and bottles.
• Benton Harbor, MI: Donated $13,000 and 2,000 bottles to install lead-filtering refill stations in district schools.
• Navajo Nation: Raised nearly $80,000 with Diné designer Jaden Redhair to support DigDeep’s Navajo Water Project and COPE.
• Western North Carolina: Donated $10,000 and 2,000 bottles to Water Mission following Hurricane Helene.

“We designed this bottle to turn our appreciation for Appalachia into action,” said Eric Hansen, Marketing Director at Nalgene Outdoor. “We hope Nalgene fans will rally behind DigDeep’s mission and give back to a region that’s given them so many unforgettable adventures.”

The exclusive Nalgene Appalachia bottle is available now for $20 at Nalgene.com, with $5 from each sale supporting the Nalgene Water Fund. Like all Nalgene bottles, it’s BPA/BPS-free, dishwasher safe, leakproof, and made from 50% recycled materials (ISCC-certified).

Supporters can also contribute by purchasing RockNRefill bottles at REVERB-supported live music events. Every bottle sold helps fund clean water access for underserved U.S. communities.

For photos and videos, samples, or more information, contact Marcia Gray at [email protected].  Follow @Nalgene on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

ROCHESTER, NY (February 3, 2025) — Nalgene Outdoor, renowned for its high-performance, sustainable water bottles, unveils its limited-edition Surrealist Collection. Featuring three imaginative designs—space, land, and nature—this new 32 oz Wide-Mouth bottle series transforms everyday hydration into a journey through otherworldly landscapes.

The Surrealist Collection combines Nalgene’s iconic 75-year-old bottle design with vibrant, out-of-this world graphics that challenge perceptions of space, land, and nature. Each bottle features an intricately printed scene, from lunar vistas to the spirit of a hummingbird amidst lush flora, offering a unique fusion of artistic expression and functionality.

“Nalgene Outdoor has been a pioneer in the reusable bottle industry since 1949, and the Surrealist Collection takes this legacy further with creative craftsmanship,” says Eric Hansen, marketing director at Nalgene Outdoor. “It’s an innovative blend of timeless design and modern artistry, offering a unique product that’s perfect for both dreamers and doers.”

Made in the USA from BPA/BPS-free material derived from 50% waste plastic (using ISCC certified mass balance), these bottles aren’t just beautiful – they’re part of Nalgene Outdoor’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. They’re also lightweight, 100% leakproof, dishwasher safe, and incredibly durable, making them built-to-last and ready to take on-the-go anywhere!

The Surrealist Collection is now available at www.nalgene.com as well as from other select retailers for a limited time, with the 32 oz Wide-Mouth bottles priced at $18.99. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of this artful and sustainable collection.