I’ve tried dozens of hoses over the years, with the view of finding a high-quality hose that is easy to use. When I say easy to use, I mean to unreel, get the right coverage of my entire yard, and not have to wrestle with it to put it away.
For most of my gardening, I am looking for the best lightweight garden hose that I can find…kink-free, durable, weather-resistant, and a good quality spray head.
If you are looking for the same qualities in a garden hose, then my hose shortlist will be of interest to you. But first, let me explain some of the attributes you need to understand to allow you to pick the right product for you.
Best Lightweight Garden Hose
If you’re short on time, check out my top recommendations for the best lightweight garden hose below.
Best Overall Hose
The Flexi Hose
Very light, flexible, and easy to control. Excellent quality brass connectors. Trigger spray with 8 different spray patterns.
Best Standard Hose
Water Right 400 Lightweight Garden Hose
Lightweight and has a premium feel. Brass connectors and luxurious color. Best lightweight standard hose.
Best Metal Garden Hose
The FoxEase Garden Hose
Very lightweight and flexible making it easy to use handle. Kink, tangle, and memory-free.
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Selecting the Right Type of Hose
The type of hose you choose will depend on how you use it, store it, and what your local climate is like. So, let’s take a look through the various attributes of garden hoses that you need to consider before choosing a lightweight garden hose.
Standard Garden Hose
You will no doubt be familiar with the standard garden hose. is round and firm, so you have to coil it carefully for storage. They’re not as lightweight or flexible as other hoses, so it’s best to use them for small spaces.
They are cheap to manufacturer have good weather resistance, but can be prone to creasing, and are relatively awkward to unreel and reel back in. There’s not much more to say here as I have no doubt you have owned one before now, right!
Expandable Garden Hose
Expandable garden hoses have quickly gained in popularity over the past few years up to the point that you could consider them a mainstream option on the market for homeowners.
They generally have a latex core covered in a strong outer woven fabric. Their distinctive characteristic is how they expand in length as they fill with water, often growing two or three times their contracted length.
They are very flexible, lightweight, and surprisingly durable.
Flat Garden Hose
A flat hose won’t kink because it’s not full until water is running through it. They’re easy to pull across your yard and are more compact in terms of storage.
They are very light and compact, but they do suffer from bursting and are also prone to piercing and weather damage.
Coiled Garden Hose
Coiled hoses are perfect for cleaning your patio, deck, or using on your driveway to wash your car. Their coiled form, however, makes them difficult to use across a large expanse of lawn or amongst vegetation without damaging flowers. I would not recommend a coiled hose for garden use.
Soaker Hose
A soaker hose is a fantastic method of irrigation. I have several of them across my vegetable patch. They lay flat on the ground and wind around the base of your plants, trees or crops.
You block one end off and attach the other end to the faucet or tap. Once the hose fills with water it will allow droplets of water to soak out through the porous hose fabric, creating a steady flow of water around the base of your plants.
You can set them to an irrigation timer and schedule your watering. These are great hoses to use, but not suitable for use as a general lightweight garden hose.
Sprinkler Hose
A sprinkler hose also has holes throughout the length similar to a soaker hose. The main difference being a soaker hose lets out tiny droplets of water that soak straight into the ground. Whereas a sprinkler hose has a larger hose allowing water to sprays up to 2 feet in all directions.
Another brilliant hose for irrigation, but not suitable for general garden use. Also, why not check out my article on the Best Sprinklers for Large Lawns and Garden Areas.
Garden Hose Durability
A high-quality garden hose should last anywhere between three to ten years with proper care and winter storage. To ensure your hose lasts as long as possible, try to keep it out of direct sunlight in summer and away from frost or snow over winter.
Weather Resistance
A durable hose should be able to handle certain types of weather. You’ll store your hose away during the winter months, but you should be able to leave it out in warmer temperatures. Find a hose made of a material that won’t deteriorate due to sun exposure or rainy conditions.
Expandable hoses are great here as well as some of the newer hybrid polymers.
Kink Resistance
A hose with kink resistance will last longer for the simple reason that kinks will create creases and therefore weak spots on your garden hose. If it’s bending and twisting, the material will also wear. It’s also frustrating to wrestle with a kinked hose, so choosing one that’s resistant pays off in many practical ways.
Flexibility
A flexible hose is easier to handle and maneuver than a rigid hose. Allowing you to avoid damaging vegetables, as well as enabling you to get into tight spots.
Stretchy material will make it easier to untangle and store a hose. Hoses with high flexibility are more durable because they’re made from materials that can handle frequent use, without deteriorating.
Diameter and Ply
Hoses come in different diameters, which affect how easy they are to handle and how the water flows. Smaller diameters allow less water to come through, but they’re easier to manage when you’re pulling them around your yard.
Ply refers to the layers of material that make up the hose. For lightweight hoses, the ply ranges from one to three. Ply isn’t always listed on the package, but it won’t be high for any of the hoses on this list.
Best Lightweight Garden Hose Reviews
I have selected the best lightweight garden hoses available from each hose type; Expandable, General Purpose, Drinking Water Safe, Metal, and Coil hose.
I based my selection criteria on ease of use in handling, durability, value for money, the build quality, and quality of connectors and spray heads.
1. Flexi Hose Lightweight Expandable Hose
Best Overall Lightweight Hose
- Type: Expandable
- Material: Latex
- Lengths: 25ft, 50ft, 75ft, 100ft
- Diameter: 3/4”
- Connectors: Brass
Pros
- Incredibly easy to use and convenient as it contracts down onto my hose reel
- Very durable outer core woven fabric, yet super flexible
- Premium brass connectors and an spray head with 8 spray patterns
Cons
- Nothing at this price
I will be straight up with you here. I tried this hose and decides to keep it, as it’s the best flexible hose I have ever used, and the build quality and convenience are just blow me away.
Now…I’m a huge fan of Water Right products (No.2 on my list), and I already had two of their hoses at home. But the 75ft Flexi Hose was so lightweight, so easy to use and put away, that I had to have it.
The Flexi Hose is an expandable hose that extends three times its length when you switch on the water flow. It then shrinks back to its original size when you turn the water off and allow the spray head to drain, so it’s effortless to store. It can expand because it has a latex core and tough woven elastic outer fabric.
These layered materials also ensure this hose is durable and puncture-proof. You can pull it around the corners of your house without worrying that it will catch and tear on something. I was walking over the hose laying across my gravel path when it was full of water. It’s tough.
The product includes a spray nozzle that has eight different spray patterns for watering. The brass fittings keep the nozzle in place when you’re using it. There’s also an on/off valve right on the fitting for optimal control, which was really handy.
The Flexi Hose is a must-buy if you’re looking for a lightweight garden hose that’s also super convenient to use. Check Flexi Hose latest price on Amazon.com
- Type: Drinking water safe
- Material: Polyurethane
- Lengths: 25ft, 50ft, 75ft, 100ft
- Diameter: 7/16”
- Connectors: Brass
Pros
- Rolls Royce of Garden Hoses, excellent quality
- Looks beautiful and surprisingly lightweight and flexible
- I can tell you from experience these hoses last forever
Cons
- Not as easy to handle or store as the Flexi Hose
Water Right is one brand that still uses polyurethane to make hoses. But somehow they have managed to create a product that’s so good I own two of them. I purchased the first one around five years ago and it’s still going strong.
It’s very lightweight and slim, making it easy to manage and they look stunning. Available in a heritage olive green or a vibrant aubergine color.
The brass fittings don’t tarnish over time and are secure and durable. The lead-free brass and the polyurethane hose material make this one safe to drink from. You can choose various lengths between 25-100ft.
If you want quality then this hose is for you. If you prioritize ease of use and flexibility then the Flexi Hose is the way to go.
Check Water Right Hose’s latest price here.
- Type: Drinking water safe
- Material: Hybrid Polymer blend
- Lengths: 10ft, 50ft, 100ft
- Diameter: 5/8”Connectors: Aluminium
Pros
- Exceptional Hybrid Polymer lightweight garden hose
- Memory free, kink free, abrasion resistant, UV resistant
- High quality aluminium connectors with a good quality leak free O-ring
Cons
- Not as flexible as an expandable garden hose
The Flexzilla is a drinking water safe hose that can handle all types of weather without deterioration. It’s made of a polymer blend that works in freezing temperatures (-40-140 degrees) without freezing or kinking.
Available in 10, 50, or 100 feet lengths, though all diameters are the standard 5/8”. It weighs less than eight pounds (50ft in length) and has an impressive water pressure of 150 pounds per square inch of hose.
The Flexzilla is bright green, so you don’t have to worry about it blending in with your grass and getting cut by your lawnmower. It’s also easy to store because it coils naturally due to its curvature and being memory-free.
The aluminum connectors and very attractive and more importantly make a great leak-free connection. The hose has good flexibility for a solid material but it’s not quite as flexible as the expandable Flexi Hose.
I really liked this hose, it feels like it’s supposed to belong in a modern garden and stand up to the elements. Check Flexzilla Garden Hose‘s latest price.
Best Metal Garden Hose
- Type: Drinking water safe
- Material: Stainless steel
- Lengths: 5ft, 10ft, 25ft, 50ft, 75ft, 100ft
- Diameter: 5/8”
- Connectors: Stainless Steel
Pros
- Ultra-durable, rust free, tangle proof, kink proof, memory-free
- Very lightweight and flexible making it easy to handle
- Spray nozzle has 8 spray patterns
Cons
- Narrow core diameter hose with lower spray pressure than some
- Not the easiest to store after use
Some people think a stainless steel hose is a bit strange, but I love its durability. Your dog can bite it, your kids can step on it, and it’s going to hold its shape. Plus, since it’s made of stainless steel metal with a coiling motion means it won’t kink.
You can get this hose in various sizes ranging from 5 feet to 100 feet. FoxEase makes it simple to connect two hoses, so you can customize the length to best suit your yard. The stainless steel fittings include a nozzle with two adjustable sprays.
The included spray nozzle has eight different patterns. You can water grass, vegetables, and flowers using the same attachment. It has a rubber handle so you can grip it firmly, even if your hands get wet.
One issue I had with this particular garden hose was storage. When it came to coiling the hose I found it took a little longer than the Flexi Hose and needed to recoil from the faucet end.
It’s unusual but the best metal option on the market at a fair price for a hose that will last. Check FoxEase Metal Hose price here.
- Type: Retractable Reel
- Material: Polypropylene
- Lengths: 60ft
- Diameter: 1/2″
- Connectors: Brass
Pros
- Hybrid Polymer hose, lightweight, no kink and durable
- Easy to install, well-built retractable hose reel holding 60ft hose
- High quality brass connectors and
Cons
- It’s a touch expensive, but a worthy investment
The Macnaught Retracta Hose comes with a retractable reel for easy installation and storage. Though you’re limited to the 60-foot hose, you do have a choice between green or beige reel casing.
There’s a 6.5-foot feeder hose that you attach to the spigot, then mount the reel casing on the closest wall. You can pull out the hose length as you work so that you won’t have unused hose dragging behind you.
The hose itself is lightweight polypropylene, which is durable and kink-resistant. It rolls up efficiently inside the reel case, so you don’t have to pull too hard to get it free. The hose has a diameter of 1/2-inch, finished with brass fittings.
Check the latest price of Macnaught Retractable Hose
- Type: Retractable Reel
- Material: Polypropylene
- Lengths: 60ft
- Diameter: 1/2″
- Connectors: Brass
Pros
- A good quality expandable lightweight garden hose
- Kink free, and lots of flexibility
- Plastic spray head with 9 spray patterns
Cons
- Lacks the durability of the Flexi Hose, but still a good product
The Vinci hose expands three times its length when water flows through it. The latex core makes it resistant to kinks and won’t even flatten or crack if you back your car over it. With a polyester fabric covering the tube, it’s one of the most durable hoses on the list.
The brass fittings have an on/off valve, so you can control water flow even when you’re far from the spigot. The included spray nozzle offers nine different spray patterns to cover all your watering needs.
You can store this hose on a hanger or reel, but it comes with a storage bag you can pack it into. This makes it simple to store in your shop or garage and protect it from the sun or extreme temperatures.
Check the Vieneci latest price here
- Type: Coil
- Material: Polyurethane
- Lengths: 25ft, 50ft, 75ft
- Diameter: 3/8”
- Connectors: Brass
Pros
- Perfect for watering across a small area and ultra-convenient
- A great hose that recoils, ideal for storage on a wall hanger
- Excellent build quality, brass connectors
Cons
- Only suitable for using on small areas such as patio pots, or raised bed gardens
Another Water Right hose made the list and another great product. The 300 series of hoses have a different diameter and style than the previously-reviewed 400 series. As with the other Water Right hose on the list, this one is drinking water safe, too.
Because this is a coil hose, you’re not getting the entire stretch of the hose when you use it. For example, the 25-foot hose only gives you a range of 20 feet. These hoses are best for small watering areas perhaps in raised garden bed areas or maybe a small lawn.
Check Water Right Coiled Hose price here.
Best Materials for Lightweight Garden Hose
The best materials for garden hoses are durable to withstand weather and constant domestic use. You’ll roll up, store, and unwind your garden hose frequently, so you need one that won’t crack or wear out. But also has the backbone to cope with regular use.
Vinyl
Some hoses have vinyl cores with woven nylon material wrapped around them. The layers ensure it’s durable though it might feel like a fragile fabric. Since the hoses collapse flat, you don’t have to worry about kinks—they’ll inflate when you’re using the hose.
Rubber
Hoses made of rubber are also layered with foam to protect them from the weather. These layers keep the hose full enough that you don’t have to worry about kinks during use or storage. They’re flexible and easy to move around the yard.
Latex Core
A hose with a latex core can expand without cracking. Since the latex is so durable, it returns to its original size when no water is flowing through it. It’s an easy hose to store and is adaptable to your house’s water pressure.
Hybrid Polymers
The term hybrid polymers cover many different types of plastics. Since there’s such a variety, there’s an array of flexibility to these hoses. The type of hybrid polymer also impacts how the hose will react to temperature and weather.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is so durable that it’s often used to reinforce various items and insulate large appliances. It’s a lightweight material for hoses that is easy to carry and won’t kink up. It’ll feel like rubber in your hands but is much more flexible.
Metal Aluminium
Metal aluminum hoses are the most durable on this list. They are strong and sturdy. They’re made to be flexible, but since they’re made of a rigid material, they take up more space during storage. They can withstand the elements, though, so a metal aluminum hose is a good choice if you have room for it.
Do You Need ‘Drinking Water Safe’ Hose
You don’t need a hose that’s safe to drink from if you’re just using it to water your lawn and flower beds. The hose and fittings can leave chemical residue or bacteria in the water, which can make you sick or lead to an upset stomach.
If you grow vegetables in a garden, you want to invest in a hose that’s safe to drink from. Scientists have found trace chemicals on vegetables watered with regular hoses.
Even if you have a drinking water safe hose, you need to be cautious using it. Before you drink from the hose, let the water run so it can flush out bacteria and chemicals. Storing your hose out of the sunshine also protects it so it won’t wear out and release even more dangerous substances into the water.
Children’s immune systems aren’t as strong as adults, so kids shouldn’t drink from the hose at all. You also want to protect your pets from drinking this water.
Hose Coupling & Fittings
Hose couplings and fittings can make or break your hose…literally but also metaphorically speaking.
You want something durable, so when you tighten the fittings into place, you know everything will stay connected.
But there’s more to it than that…good grip is important with moldings that you can actually get a hold of and turn to undo tight connections. As well as good quality rubber O-ring seals.
Quick Connectors
There are two basic types of garden hose connectors. What I would call a standard threaded connector and quick connectors.
Quick Connectors
This type of connector is more common in Europe and the UK, in fact, they are the standard fitting in the UK. There is a female connector that is permanently fixed to the hose end. Then a male connector is permanently fitted to the faucet or spray head.
They have a click-in mechanism allowing you to push the two pieces together and they snap into place and form a connection. The quick connector is a supremely efficient piece of design, but it has problems is longevity. It is common for drops and leaks to occur using this style of connector.
Threaded Connectors
The threaded connector is my preferred fitting. Screw tight, create a firm seal and very low risk of leaks. I always aim for brass or stainless steel connectors for that extra level of durability.
Brass
Brass fittings are best for garden hoses because they last forever. The threads won’t strip with use since it’s such a durable material. Brass is a heavy metal, though, but in the grand scheme of things, it is worth the extra bit of weight.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel fittings are much lighter than brass, so you know your hose is truly lightweight if it uses this material. It’s also a very more affordable metal. This would be my second choice after brass.
Plastics
Hose couplings and fittings made of plastic are very lightweight and affordable. Most are durable with proper use but can crack or split if exposed to extreme weather.
Spray Attachments
Many hoses come with spray attachment accessories. If they do, you know they’re compatible with the fittings. If you need to buy additional attachments, you can find many different settings for various watering tasks.
A spray head with multiple spray patterns is very useful, so be sure to choose a product with at least 3 different spray patterns; shower, jet, mist for example.
Hose Length & Weight
The length of your hose will add to the weight, so you need to think about what’s most important to you when you’re shopping for a lightweight garden hose.
All of the hoses on my list are light in weight or extremely easy to use due to their flexibility. A flexible expandable hose that is 100 ft long will feel much lighter in your hand than a rigid 50 ft vinyl hose.
A Long Garden Hose Is Not Always Better
It’s tempting to buy a longer garden hose because it will reach more areas of your yard with less hassle. However, a longer garden hose will be heavier than a shorter one.
The hose length will also impact the water pressure. Since the water has more distance to cover, it will lose power as it flows. It only loses about five pounds of pressure for a 100-foot stretch, but that can still change the overall force.
Consider Hose Storage
How you store your garden hose will significantly impact how long it lasts. You need to take care of the hose, so it doesn’t kink or crack.
Collapsible Hose
A collapsible hose is the easiest type to store. They’re so lightweight you won’t have a problem carrying them around, even if you have to take them from the end of your yard back to your garage.
Since these hoses deflate entirely, you can fold them up without worrying about kinks or twists. Folding also ensures they get small, about one-third of their typical size.
Retractable Reel
A retractable reel makes storing your garden hose a breeze. You hook the hose to the end of the device and pull on it when you want it to rewind. The mechanics pull the hose into the casing and keep it rolled up and protected from the elements.
These reels act like retractable blinds or tape measures. You won’t have to do any of the work yourself. Apply a little pressure to pull out the hose and give it a slight tug to wrap it back up.
Use A Hanger
Hose hangers are one of the most straightforward ways to store a hose. The hanger itself attaches to the side of your house or garage. It has a circular holder so you can wrap the hose around it and hold it in place.
There are a variety of hangers on the market. You can find one that matches your siding or the hose. There are even decorative options. All keep your hose rolled up, which keeps it out of the way of animals and your lawnmower.
Some hose hangers even have hand cranks. Once you hang the end of the hose on the hanger, you can use the crank to roll it back up easily.
Verdict: Best Lightweight Garden Hose
When it comes to selecting the best lightweight garden hose you will do well to find anything to compete with Flexi Hose. Available in a range of lengths and colors, this hose is exceptionally easy to handle and control.
Best Overall Hose
The Flexi Hose
Very light, flexible, and easy to control. Excellent quality brass connectors. Trigger spray with 8 different spray patterns.
If you prefer a more conventional lightweight garden hose then I can recommend Water Right’s hose. I own two myself so I have literally put my money on it and been very happy with the results. A premium garden hose that’s is ideal for use with a garden hose reel.
Best Standard Hose
Water Right 400 Series Lightweight Hose
Lightweight and has a premium feel. Brass connectors and luxurious color. Best lightweight standard hose.
Lightweight Garden Hose FAQs
Now you know what type of garden hoses are best for your needs. If you need any further information, check out these frequently asked questions.
