Hey, Nalgene Lovers!
In this day and age, it’s pretty common for everybody to have their own water bottle, but that wasn’t always the case. And folks seeking the rugged, camping lifestyle didn’t know much better than to burn aluminum cans and bury their glass bottles in the wilderness and other recreational areas. But by the 1970’s, conservationists had begun to spread the word that such means of disposal were not cool with the environment. Campers and thrill seekers needed a solution. 
The Nalge brand (named after the creator’s wife’s initials NLG) was started way back in 1949. They produced plastics that were originally intended for use in the laboratory. They constructed containers like bottles, jars, test tubes, graduated cylinders, and Petri dishes. These products were lighter than glass and sure not shatter if dropped so they were far superior to glass.
Scientists of the company who also had an interest in the outdoors slowly realized what a convenience these products would be for their outdoor use. That or it was the Nalge Company president who discovered his son’s Boy Scout troop was using Nalge laboratory containers for camping (though that may just be company lore).
However it came to be, these plastic laboratory equipment had found another purpose. For some time, hikers and alike who were in the know about Nalgene would contact suppliers of lab equipment or perhaps found access to these products in workplaces of their own.
But by the 1970’s, Nalgene had repackaged their plastic products and marketed their items to the wilderness-loving subculture that was delighted to get their answer to their camping disposal conundrum. Of course, it only makes sense that you can find the classic 32 oz Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle available right here on the Everything Summer Camp online shop. Stay hydrated and be nice to the Great Outdoors! And, as always, thanks for reading, Camp Fans!
- John