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A lightweight garden hose can make it much easier to water your green spaces efficiently and without fatigue. Lightweight hoses provide flexibility and ease, enabling you to reach all corners of your yard with minimal effort. We tested some of the top brands and compiled a list of the best lightweight garden hoses for your home watering needs.
After evaluating numerous water hoses, we identified some standout options that combine durability with ease of use. The Teknor Apex Zero-G Lightweight Garden Hose is our favorite due to its kink-resistant design that maintains water flow even when looped or twisted.
As you consider the best lightweight garden hose for your needs, we’ll guide you through key considerations and offer tips to ensure you select a quality product that meets your expectations. Below are our top picks and practical advice on choosing the best lightweight garden hose to enhance your home gardening and maintenance tasks.
- BEST OVERALL: Teknor Apex Zero-G Lightweight Garden Hose
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Flexon Light-Duty Lawn & Garden Hose
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SOAKER: Rocky Mountain Goods Heavy-Duty Flat Soaker Hose
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COILED: Water Right 300 Series Polyurethane Coil Hose
↓ Jump to Review - BEST EXPANDABLE: Flexi Hose Lightweight Hose With 8-Function Nozzle
↓ Jump to Review - BEST RETRACTABLE: Hoselink Retractable Hose Reel
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DRINKING WATER: Camco Outdoors Drinking Water Hose
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Lightweight Garden Hoses
We conducted rigorous tests to determine the best lightweight garden hoses, evaluating each hose against various criteria, including durability, ease of use, and performance under different conditions. To assess durability, we subjected each hose to standard stress tests, such as dragging them over different surfaces and exposing them to extreme temperatures. We measured ease of use by evaluating weight, flexibility, and kink resistance while in operation.
Performance tests included checking water flow rates and, if applicable, spray patterns. Products were scored on a detailed rubric that quantified each attribute, including effectiveness and user comfort. This methodical approach ensured a comprehensive analysis of each garden hose, providing clear insights into which hoses performed best across all tested aspects.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 7 |
| Time spent testing | 8 hours |
| Tests performed | 6 |
| Price range | $10 to $68 |
Our Top Picks
With so many choices available, picking the right lightweight garden hose for your needs may be an overwhelming task, but this list of Top Picks might help. We selected these lightweight hoses based on type, material, size, and length, with attention to durability and overall quality.
Best Overall
Teknor Apex Zero-G Lightweight Garden Hose
Our Ratings: Maneuverability 5/5; Portability 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Standard
- Material(s): G-Force outer cover; Tru-Flex inner core
- Weight per foot: 0.08 pound
What We Like
- Ultraflexible for easy, strain-free use
- Kink-resistant design ensures steady water flow
- Durable hose; outlasts traditional models
What We Don’t Like
- Hose vibrates when using watering wand, disrupting flow
We chose the Teknor Apex Zero-G as our top pick for its ultra-lightweight design and exceptional durability. Weighing just a fraction of traditional hoses, the Apex Zero-G maneuvers easily around gardens and patios, significantly reducing strain on the arms and back.
One of the most impressive features we noted was the Zero-G hose’s kink-resistant technology. We observed a steady water flow throughout our testing, even when we twisted or looped it, which often creates issues with other models. It’s also built to last. The hose features a rugged, abrasion-resistant outer cover that withstands being dragged across rough surfaces without damage.
However, every product has its drawbacks. While the Apex Zero-G is easy to store and less cumbersome to handle, we noticed it vibrated and did not maintain consistent pressure when we attached a watering wand, which is unfortunate since we prefer using a wand. Conversely, with a trigger-style sprayer, it performed well. Another drawback is that its lightweight build may feel flimsy compared to heavier-duty hoses, raising concerns about long-term durability under harsh conditions.
Overall, the Teknor Apex Zero-G provides an excellent balance of functionality and ease of use, making it a top choice for those seeking efficiency and comfort while gardening.
Get the Teknor lightweight garden hose at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware.
Best Bang for the Buck
Flexon Light-Duty Lawn & Garden Hose
Our Ratings: Maneuverability 4/5; Portability 4/5; Durability 3.5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Standard
- Material(s): Vinyl
- Weight per foot: 0.08 pound
What We Like
- Made from durable vinyl
- Easily to maneuver; kink-free
- Built with 3-ply material for cold resilience
What We Don’t Like
- Couplings leaked under high water pressure
This Flexon hose is designed for casual gardening and light watering tasks. It’s a practical choice for small yards and gardens, offering a balance of functionality and ease of use. The hose features a standard ⅝-inch diameter and a variety of lengths to choose from, making it versatile for various watering tasks.
We found the Flexon to be quite a flexible hose, making it easy to maneuver around corners and outdoor furniture without kinking. It’s also lightweight, reducing strain during prolonged gardening activities. However, during testing, it leaked from the coupling at both ends when we had the water on at full flow. When we attached the hose to a rain barrel, the couplings did not leak. As a light-duty hose, it does not withstand heavy use or high water pressure, and its durability could be a concern over time.
Still, the Flexon hose offers good value for the price. It’s cost-effective for those who need a simple, no-frills hose for basic watering tasks. The hose’s affordability and functional performance make it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Get the Flexon lightweight garden hose at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Soaker
Rocky Mountain Goods Heavy-Duty Flat Soaker Hose
Our Ratings: Maneuverability 5/5; Portability 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Soaker
- Material(s): PVC liner covered in extra-strength fabric
- Weight per foot: 0.03 pound
What We Like
- Constructed with heavy-duty materials
- Weighs less than a pound
- Company offers a leakproof guarantee
What We Don’t Like
- Plastic couplings do not have same durability as metal
This soaker hose from Rocky Mountain Goods is designed for efficient water management in gardens. This heavy-duty soaker hose is engineered to save up to 70 percent of water by allowing it to seep slowly into the soil directly at the root zones of plants. It features a double-layer design that ensures durability, as well as a consistent drip that promotes healthy plant growth without wasting water or overspray.
We tested the soaker hose in our raised garden bed, where it performed admirably. We were pleased to find no leaks or punctures in the hose materials, which was a testament to its durability. However, it’s worth noting that the hose does feature plastic couplings, which, in our experience, may not last as long as metal couplings. Despite this, the hose’s overall performance and durability are impressive.
Get the Rocky Mountain Goods lightweight garden hose at Amazon.
Best Coiled
Water Right 300 Series Polyurethane Coil Hose
Our Ratings: Maneuverability 5/5; Portability 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Coil
- Material(s): Polyurethane
- Weight per foot: 0.09 pound
What We Like
- Coiled design minimizes storage space needed
- Resistant to kinks and abrasions
- Safe for drinking water applications
What We Don’t Like
- Limited length options may restrict reach
This hose is made with high-quality ultraviolet-stabilized FDA-grade polyurethane, ensuring durability and safety for drinking water. This hose is manufactured in the U.S. and has solid machined brass fittings that enhance its premium feel and functionality.
We appreciate this hose’s lightweight design, which makes it very easy to handle and store, especially in tight spaces like porches or patios. The coil design prevents kinking and tangling, common issues in many garden hoses. However, it has limitations in length and flexibility compared to traditional hoses, which could be a drawback for some users. We found it perfect for use on our deck and liked how easily and neatly it tucked away into a large planter when not in use.
This portable hose has a compact, easy-to-handle design that maintains quality and safety. It’s ideal for those who need a reliable, health-safe garden hose that’s easy to handle and store.
Get the Water Right lightweight garden hose at Amazon or Lowe’s.
Best Expandable
Flexi Hose Lightweight Hose With 8-Function Nozzle
Our Ratings: Maneuverability 5/5; Portability 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.6/5
Product Specs
- Type: Expandable
- Material(s): Elastic outer fabric with 4 layers of latex
- Weight per foot: 0.06 pound
What We Like
- Expands up to 3 times its length
- Prevents kinks and tangles
- Includes an 8-function nozzle for various watering needs
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey compared to similar options
This lightweight water hose has an eight-function spray nozzle, so users can rinse pets, wash the car, or water the garden with the same hose. Designed to prevent kinks, this 3-pound Flexi Hose can expand from 17 feet to 50 feet when filled. After the water is off, the hose returns to its compact size for storage.
The ¾-inch solid brass couplings are fitted to either end of the hose with a rubber seal in the female coupling, helping prevent leaks. A built-in shut-off valve at the male coupling provides effective water control. The expandable garden hose has two layers of flexible latex and an exterior layer of durable polyester to help protect the latex from cuts and scratches. This expansion garden hose also comes in 25-, 75-, 100-, and 150-foot lengths.
The hose performed well in testing. We used it to water our garden and landscape and clean our vehicles. The main pros of the Flexi Hose include its lightweight design, ease of storage, and the robust water pressure it maintains when the nozzle is attached. Like other collapsible garden hoses, it will shrink down once the water pressure is off. One minor con, however, is that it is expensive compared to other expandable hoses. Despite this, we think the Flexi Hose is one of the best expandable hoses on the market, perfect for gardeners looking for a reliable, multiuse garden tool.
Get the Flexi Hose lightweight garden hose at Amazon.
Best Retractable
Hoselink Retractable Hose Reel
Our Ratings: Maneuverability 4.5/5; Portability 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Standard
- Material(s): PVC
- Weight per foot: 0.37 pound
What We Like
- Retractable feature simplifies hose storage
- Extends easily; retracts with minimal effort
- Durable construction for long-term use
- Versatile jet and mist functions
What We Don’t Like
- Does not fit standard attachments
Testing the Hoselink retractable hose reel was quite a revelation—it showed us how easy it can be to manage garden watering. This hose boasts an 82-foot length that retracts smoothly into a compact wall-mounted reel, which is ideal for our busy garden space. The retractable mechanism simplifies the typically cumbersome task of winding the hose, making it convenient and quick to store.
At 30 pounds, it was the heaviest of all the hoses we tested, but it extends and retracts seamlessly, offering great flexibility and efficiency without the burden of lugging around a traditional hose. This heavy-duty garden hose feels robust, especially with its ability to handle various water pressures without trouble. However, it does not accommodate regular sprinklers and tap attachments without specific adapters, limiting its out-of-the-box versatility.
Overall, this is a high-quality garden hose thanks to its user-friendly design and reliable performance.
Get the Hoselink lightweight garden hose at Amazon or Hoselink.
Best Drinking Water
Camco Outdoors Drinking Water Hose
Our Ratings: Maneuverability 5/5; Portability 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Standard
- Material(s): PVC
- Weight per foot: 0.04 pound
What We Like
- Certified safe for drinking water
- Lightweight and easy to travel with
- Offers various lengths for different needs
What We Don’t Like
- Requires proper storage to maintain integrity
This Camco hose is designed specifically for safe drinking water use and is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation to ensure it’s free from harmful contaminants. Available in various lengths, it caters to various outdoor hose needs, from RVing to camping.
The hose’s extreme flexibility eliminates kinking, ensuring a steady water flow. The materials used are free of lead, BPA, and phthalate, making it one of the safest options on the market. We used it to hook our RV travel trailer to a water outlet at a campground, and it didn’t leak at the couplings or kink. However, the only challenge is ensuring proper storage to maintain its integrity over time.
The Camco hose is the best option for safe drinking water in any outdoor or recreational setting. Its construction and certification offer peace of mind, making it an indispensable tool for health-conscious users.
Get the Camco lightweight garden hose at Amazon or Walmart.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Lightweight Garden Hose
Many different types of lightweight garden hoses are available. Remember some key considerations while shopping for the best lightweight garden hose, including the material, length, and ease of storage.
Type
First, consider which type of hose is best for specific watering tasks. Lightweight garden hoses come in several different models, including standard, soaker, sprinkler, flat, coiled, and expandable.
- Standard lightweight garden hoses typically have a female and male hose coupling made of metal or plastic. The hose shape is round and straight. These hoses may kink, so they’re better for small areas.
- Soaker garden hoses have thousands of pinholes that release water through the sides of the hose. Soaker hoses slowly seep water into the ground, so lay them in a garden bed or bury them under the soil to provide a source of hydration.
- Sprinkler garden hoses have fewer holes than soakers and function more like a horizontal sprinkler system. As water flows through the hose, the water pressure decreases the farther the water travels from the water source.
- Flat lightweight garden hoses help reduce kinking, especially at lengths of 25 feet and greater. When empty, the hose is flat, but it takes on a rounded shape when filled. These hoses can fill and drain pools and hot tubs and supply water to RVs. Some are specially rated to accommodate drinking water, so they can be used as a supply line.
- Coiled lightweight garden hoses return to a more compact shape when not in use. They’re easier to coil and store, but they don’t typically exceed 50 feet in length. Pulling the hose to its full length can be difficult in larger yards.
- Expandable garden hoses are compact, but when they fill with water, they expand to two or three times their length. However, these hoses lose their flexibility over time, so they may not expand to the same size after a few years of use. Users can mitigate this effect by storing the hose out of direct sunlight.
Hose Material
Lightweight garden hoses are made from various materials, including vinyl, latex, rubber, polyurethane, plastic, and metal.
- Vinyl often forms the actual hose portion of the garden hose. It’s lightweight and flexible but not as durable as rubber. It may be labeled “polyvinyl chloride” or PVC.
- Latex hoses often feature an exterior made of polyester fabric to help protect against punctures, sharp corners, and thorns. Latex is often used to make expandable hoses,
- Rubber garden hoses are tough, durable, and resistant to extreme temperatures, though they are usually heavier and costlier than vinyl hoses.
- Polyurethane resins sometimes cover a hose’s exterior to provide a sleek appearance and a more durable finish that helps prevent leaks.
- Plastic is sometimes used in the construction of hose couplings, though these couplings are more vulnerable to cracking and breaking than metal ones.
- Metals, such as brass, aluminum, and stainless steel, are frequently used for hose couplings. Some hoses even use metal for the actual hose portion.
Coupling
The couplings or fittings on a hose refer to the parts at either end that thread to an outdoor faucet, connect to a sprinkler, or attach to a nozzle. The couplings may be made of inexpensive plastic. Metal, a more reliable material, is resistant to temperature changes, pressure, and the strain that occurs when the hose is pulled.
Female couplings consist of a wide piece of metal or plastic that spins freely at the end of the hose. This coupling fits over a male fitting, which threads down to create a tight seal. The male coupling is a fixed piece of metal or plastic that must thread into a female fitting to connect properly. Consider an octagonal-shaped female coupling, as these are easier to turn and tighten than round ones.
Size, Weight, and Ply
Lightweight garden hoses are typically measured by the hose’s diameter and the material’s ply. The diameter, measured across the hose’s opening, determines the water flow space. The standard diameter for a residential garden hose is ⅝ inch, but hoses also come in ½-inch, ¾-inch, and 1-inch diameters. Even larger diameter hoses are used in commercial applications.
Material choice plays a critical role when considering the weight of a garden hose. For instance, polyurethane hoses are noted for their light weight, offering significant ease of use and mobility without sacrificing durability; they can be up to two times lighter than traditional rubber hoses. This lightweight nature ensures less strain on the user and more accessible storage. Vinyl hoses also provide a lightweight option, maintaining flexibility and ease of handling for everyday gardening tasks.
Ply indicates the number of layers used in the hose’s construction, generally ranging from one to three for lightweight hoses. Thicker hoses withstand higher water pressures and the damage that can occur when the hose is pulled over rocks or rough decking. However, the hose’s ply isn’t always mentioned on the packaging.
Length
Because a hose must be able to reach into the yard or around the home to perform different watering tasks, shoppers will want to consider its length. The most common length for a garden hose is 50 feet, but they are also made in 10-, 15-, 25-, 75-, 100-, 125-, and 150-foot lengths.
However, as the length of a hose increases, so does the friction and drag on the water traveling through it, resulting in lower water pressure as the distance from the water source increases. Shoppers must balance the desired length with the optimal water pressure for adequate watering. Those who want a very long hose may consider a product with a wide diameter, which helps maintain relatively consistent water pressure from the faucet to the end of the hose.
Flexibility and Storage
A hose’s flexibility determines how it can be stored and whether it will develop kinks, cracks, and leaks. Flat hoses are specially designed to reduce the likelihood of kinks, so they’re a good option for long hose runs, while coiled hoses are intended for compact storage.
Standard hoses typically have the least flexibility, so they’re often used for short, straight hose runs. An expandable hose is made to fill up with water and then drain, but its flexibility may lessen over time. Expandable hoses are easier to wrap and store in a garage or shed during colder months. Users may have to feed stiff hoses onto a hose rack for storage.
FAQs
After reading about some of the top lightweight watering hoses, some questions about hose length, thickness, and expected lifespan may linger. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about lightweight garden hoses.
Yes, hose length affects water pressure. The longer the hose, the more friction and drag the water must overcome as it travels down the length of the hose. As such, this length can reduce the water pressure.
As with length, the thickness of the hose can also impact water pressure. As thickness increases, the diameter of the hose can become smaller, reducing the water pressure from the hose.
A lightweight garden hose typically lasts between 5 and 10 years.
The best way to store a garden hose is by coiling it on a hose reel (such as this one from Liberty Garden) or hanger to prevent kinks and tangles.
Meet the Tester
With her green thumb and knack for DIY, Debbie has transformed her Georgia acreage into a plant haven. She’s always on the lookout for handy garden tools to keep her green space looking its best!
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale.
