If you're tired of dragging around heavy garden hoses from watering location to watering location, you have to look into these lightweight options. While good hoses tend to be heavy and cumbersome, you can find durable and lightweight garden hoses. We found them for you and have reviewed them in detail below.

Read on to determine which of the following are the best, and lightest, garden hose picks for you and your yard and/or garden.

Backyard Boss Top 7 Lightweight Garden Hoses in 2021

 

PRODUCT

FEATURES

 

Eley Hose - $$title$$

Eley Hose

  • Length: 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 feet options
  • Dry Weight: 7 lbs (50-feet length)
  • Size: 5/8th-inch

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Flexi Hose - $$title$$

Flexi Hose

  • Length: 50 or 75 feet options
  • Dry Weight: 2.5 lbs (50-feet length)
  • Size: 3/4-inch

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Water Right 500 Series - $$title$$

Water Right 500 Series

  • Length: 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet options
  • Dry Weight: 3 lbs (50-feet length)
  • Size: 7/16th – 3/8th-inch choices

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Zero-G 4001-50 Hose - $$title$$

Zero-G 4001-50 Hose

  • Length: 50 feet
  • Dry Weight: 4.7 lbs
  • Size: 5/8th-inch

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Legacy Flexzilla - $$title$$

Legacy Flexzilla

  • Length: 3, 5, 10, 50, 75, and 100 feet lengths
  • Dry Weight: 8 lbs (50-feet)
  • Size: 5/8th-inch

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Tuff-Guard Hose - $$title$$

Tuff-Guard Hose

  • Length: 25, 50, and 100 feet lengths
  • Dry Weight: 6.3 lbs (50-feet)
  • Size: 5/8th-inch

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Gilmour Flexogen - $$title$$

Gilmour Flexogen

  • Length: 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet lengths
  • Dry Weight: 5.4 lbs (50-feet)
  • Size: 1/2-inch

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Best Overall Garden Hose

Eley Hose

    If you are in need of a seriously strong hose that will last for years to come, but one that is still lightweight and long enough to easily service the yard and garden, this could be just the product for you.

      Pros:

    • Multiple lengths available
    • Built for nearly any environment
    • Strong water pressure
      Cons:

    • Heavier than some lightweight hoses

One of our all-around favorite hoses on the market is the Eley Hose. This model is more durable than the average hose by far and is both lightweight and kink-resistant as well. We also love the fact that it is 100-percent safe for drinking water,too. The hose is manufactured in the USA and is puncture-, cut-, scuff, and tear-resistant as well. This is seriously one tough hose.

The hose is rated for temperatures just about anywhere on earth, -40°F to 165°F. It is rated for up to 150 PSI of water pressure and works well with all manners of sprayers and sprinkler systems as well. In addition, the hose comes with lead-free brass fittings that are crush-proof. Plus, you get a 10-year no-leak warranty with your purchase. Now that is seriously impressive.

Most Lightweight and Flexible Garden Hose

Flexi Hose

    If you're in the market for a lightweight and expandable hose that can take a beating, this one should be your first choice.

      Pros:

    • It expands three-times its size
    • Extremely lightweight
    • Lifetime warranty
      Cons:

    • Durability will never match a rubber hose

Having tried several expandable hoses throughout the years, this is the one that has lasted us the longest, with the best trade-off between being both lightweight and sturdy. It’s all about the thick latex core and solid brass connectors.

The model we tested is 50 feet long, but there is also a 75-foot version, which is ample for almost any use. It comes with a multi-setting spray nozzle, which is high-quality. The hose drains quickly and shrinks down to make it incredibly easy to transport. No more struggling to coil up rubber that just doesn’t want to go the right direction!

The key to the whole thing is the lifetime replacement guarantee. The company has a solid reputation, and the hose is widely regarded as one of the best expandable hoses available.

Best Garden Hose for Kids and Pets

Water Right 500 Series

    Best suited for somebody looking for a good, all-around hose that can hold up to weather and multiple tasks throughout the year.

      Pros:

    • Very flexible in sub-zero to 140-degree weather
    • Simple to wind and store easily
    • Easy to move around
      Cons:

    • Kinks easily when not filled with water
    • Does not ‘free’ coil easily on the ground
    • Weak flow rate

Drinking water safe and boosting up to 4.5 gallons per minute flow, this is a hose to get your watering needs taken care of in a flash. It’s also super lightweight and is one of the lighter hoses I was able to find in my search for perfect lightweight hoses. It is super slim and easy to move around, a definite perk when you have to bring water any distance for watering purposes.

The Water Right series of hoses are also meant to be extremely flexible, and come in quite the selection of colors as well if you like that sort of thing. There is also quite a wide variety of both lengths and hose diameters to choose from, so you are sure to find the perfect fit for your yard and garden.

The biggest complaint surrounding this product is that is done, in fact, kink at times, which it’s not supposed to do. In truth, almost every manufacturer of hoses says their hose isn’t supposed to kink, and almost every site has a review that complains of kinking. We feel that surviving extreme temperatures and having decent durability to last outweighs this issue.

Best Garden Hose for Easy Storing

Zero-G 4001-50 Hose

    This lightweight hose is perfect for storing, which you will have to do, as it doesn't do well in below-freezing temperatures.

      Pros:

    • Durable and well-made fittings
    • Lightweight, easy to grip, and easy to pull
    • 5-year warranty
      Cons:

    • Difficult to roll up
    • Is not kink-free
    • Leaks easily, although covered by warranty

This new design provides an inner polymer tube covered by a woven fiber, non-snag covering that provides both protection and durability. When not filled with water it collapses completely for simple folding storage, although you can also wind it onto a reel and it will still allow water to flow while not fully extended. Patented couplings are considered crushproof, and they certainly look to be as they are thick and durable in design, but still fit a universal nozzle. Mentioned multiple times by customers is how easy it is to combine multiple hoses without sacrificing much in the way of weight or overall water pressure.

This is not a choice, however, for temperatures that drop below freezing, as the materials will not stand up to cold extremes, and freezing water can damage and strain the materials rendering them useless. That said, it is a great pick for temperate climate users or those who put up their hoses once temperatures begin to drop towards freezing

Best Garden Hose for Extreme Weather Conditions

Legacy Flexzilla

    This is a good choice for year-round use, and since it is drinking water safe, is also a good consideration for those who need to be filling water for animals or who have children.

      Pros:

    • Handles freezing weather well
    • Lightweight, very flexible, and easy to use
    • Holds up well in sun and heat
      Cons:

    • Has a curvature memory
    • Will kink if not filled with water
    • Heavier than other lightweight brands, but very durable

This thing can hold up to some seriously extreme weather and is supposed to be able to handle up to -40 °F temperatures without any damage to materials. And once again, this is another hose that is promised not to kink, but it seems it holds up to its promise AS LONG AS you keep water in it. Since you should be using it with water in it, that seems reasonable and is a favorite with consumers because of it.

The Flexzilla is also drinking water safe, which we like because, as mentioned, all the best hoses should be able to be used for watering animals and filling water containers; and for those kids who sneak drinks from the hose as well. Complaints about the hose have almost everything to do with how easily it can kink due to its flexibility when the water is not on.

Most Unique Garden Hose

Tuff-Guard Hose

    This hose stands out with a unique design, but it's not suitable for heavy use.

      Pros:

    • Survives high temperatures and kink-proof
    • Very durable, can be buried and withstands temperatures to below freezing
    • 1-year warranty
      Cons:

    • Fitting to hose connection can tear easily (covered under warranty)
    • Leaked fittings within a few months (replaced under warranty)

Probably the most unique design on the market concerning any hose is the Tuff-guard garden hose. Weather tolerant (down to -20 °F), and incredibly lightweight at 3.3 lbs/25 feet, this hose seriously looks like nothing we’ve ever seen outside my children’s toys. Yet, despite its one major flaw (described below) it seems to be loved by the consumer for every job imaginable while it is working. Multiple colors and lengths are available as a 5/8th-inch diameter hose with sturdy, brass fittings.

The only complaint we could find, and this one could be a deal-breaker, is that the hose couplings separate from the hose itself causing an un-fixable leak. Although completely covered under warranty, and well documented by the manufacturer, one can only hope this is something that has been or is being corrected.

Due to the issue with the fitting separation, this is not a pick for somebody who is going to use this heavily until that issue is corrected. However, it seems to be a favorite regardless of the problem as long as you don’t mind taking advantage of the return policy.

Best Garden Hose for Light Chores

Gilmour Flexogen

    Perfect for light chores, the Gilmour Flexogen is not just lightweight, but also holds water pressure and is easy to move around. The lifetime warranty should put you at ease regarding potential issues.

      Pros:

    • Rolls up easily for storage
    • Good water pressure comparable to a 5/8th-inch diameter
    • Lifetime warranty, good customer service
      Cons:

    • Begins to bulge with heavy uses
    • Kinks easily after bulges begin even with water on
    • Sun deteriorates it quickly

The lifetime warranty on this model is a great selling point, as is its all-weather performance rating. Despite only being available as a half-inch diameter, consumers haven’t reported any issues with water pressure and regularly use it for a variety of jobs around the yard and garden. In fact, the half-inch diameter helps keep the weight low and provides an easy to grip design to drag around your yard area.

This is a pretty simple layered creation that takes fewer amounts of durable rubber than a traditional all rubber hose combined with thin layers of foam and woven nylon for extra durability. And for the most part, the hose seems to hold up to cold and heat, simple watering, and heavy-duty works with a pressure head without any problems.

Complaints surround a design flaw that causes an inner rupture and resulting bulging of the hose despite it being able to still work. However, over time this causes the hose to kink and fold more easily, and break down the material further until it is rendered unusable. The perk of the company is that they will replace it if this happens.

This is a great pick for general use around the yard for watering and other light chores. However, longtime use (such as hooked to a sprinkler) may result in an internal issue that causes bulges and eventual leaks.

*You might also like: How to Stop Your Garden Hose From Leaking.

Hose Materials

Zero-G Garden Hose

Manufacturers certainly had to get creative to produce a lightweight, yet durable traditional hose for the average backyard enthusiast. Materials normally found in standard hoses, such as rubber, vinyl, and nylon, are still often used, but in much more creative ways, and in interesting combinations, in order to use less of certain heavy materials.

Rubber Tubes

Rubber tubes layered with foam, and protected by woven and wrapped nylons, help provide durability against the elements, and flexibility for the user without sacrificing the hose to kinks and twists.

Thermoplastic Elastomer

Thermoplastic elastomer, a mix of plastic and rubber, and polypropylene, a synthetic resin, are also popular combinations to provide both flexibility and strength.

Polymers

Polymers, such as common plastics, have also gained ground recently as a popular material. Different needs dictate the creation of the polymer in use to provide flexibility, and other qualities such as tolerance to extreme temperatures, and high pressure.

Vinyl Cores

Vinyl cores wrapped with woven nylon seem to be an increasingly popular way to take advantage of lightweight materials without sacrificing durability. These designs seem to be almost fabric in nature and collapse flat, but are toted as kink-free when filled with water.

Polyurethane Resins

Polyurethane resins are often used as fiber reinforcements with other materials, but when cast as a hose, can provide a slim, sleek, flexible, and strong design. That is why they are often found in the best lightweight garden hoses.

Hose Fittings

Man attaching a garden hose to a water tap.

Fittings can make or break a garden hose. The intersection between the hose and the water source or the nozzle is where hoses start leaking first. To prevent leaks and enjoy your hose for a long time, it's imperative that you get one with good quality fittings.

Brass Fittings

Although brass fittings are the most commonly found fittings due to their durability and popularity of not "grabbing" and sticking to connections, brass can be quite heavy and in some cases have been replaced with lighter metal alloys, and unique patented fitting ends to help alleviate weight.

Aluminum Fittings

Most commonly found are aluminum ends, occasionally plated in nickel to help provide less friction upon connection. Aluminum is a tough, lightweight alloy that can withstand quite a bit of pressure. Aluminum can occasionally bind to other metals when wet, and be difficult to disengage from faucet ends.

Stainless Steel Fittings

Stainless steel fittings, although rare, are occasionally included with lightweight garden hoses. That said, if you arent happy with the quality of the connector that a hose comes with, or plan to hook more than one hose together, you may want to have a look at our recommended quick connects.

Hose Sizes

Water Right Garden Hose

Hoses generally come in a standard 5/8th-inch size for universal fittings and pressure, even though they may be offered in other sizes with a little bit of research on the buyer’s part. Lightweight hoses seem to have a bit more of a variety, offering the sizes more often in a 5/8th-inch size, 3/8th-inch size, or a half-inch size, which decreases the amount of water that can pass through it through a given time due to the smaller diameter. You may often even find 7/16th-inch choices as well. This is commonly used to offset the weight of the hose in relation to the number of materials being used.

How to Choose the Best and Lightest Garden Hose for Your Yard

A lightweight garden hose might actually not be the best pick for you. They might not hold up to extreme temperatures or heavy use. So be sure you pick a lightweight hose for the right reasons.

Many people who went with a lightweight garden hose complain about how they kink due to the material lightness and flexibility, although they generally seem to have no issues with kinks during water use. Not all hoses are equal, however, so you’ll want to consider your needs and the hose that best fits those needs before you make your purchase.

What Are You Using Your Hose For?

Do you have simple garden watering needs, or are you looking for more all-around hoses that can handle a higher amount of pressure and more vigorous yard work? How you use your hose will help you determine what sizes, lengths, and materials should be considered.

Is the Weight Considerations Due to Physical Ailments?

If yes, no matter how light your hose it, it still will weigh more when filled with water. If dragging out a traditional hose is difficult, you may want to consider a different option surrounding collapsible hose products that expand when filled and can be pulled into the location you need it before turning the water on.

Where do You Want to Store Your Hose?

Most polymers begin to wear in extreme temperatures and direct sunlight over time. It might take a few years, or it might only take a season or two for your hose to show cracks and wear from how it is stored. I’m a leave it out and leave it alone type girl, so I generally look for a very durable material, but if you don’t have a problem reeling up your hose after each use, and better yet, have a nice shady spot for it to be stored in – you will have more of a choice of materials to choose from.

When Are You Using Your Hose?

Which seasons do you need your hose for? Will you need it for winter work, such as filling up livestock tanks in freezing temperatures, or will it be saved only for seasonal waterings? A good rule of thumb is to make sure you drain ANY hose once temperatures drop below freezing, but will your hose materials be able to withstand a drop below freezing even if it is drained? And if not, do you have a place you can store it to avoid this?

Again, consider the materials your choices are made of in order to make sure you not only get a useful product but one that will last you years to come. Think of it as an investment. In addition, you may find our garden hose timer reviews useful as well; especially if you plan on hooking your new hose up to a sprinkler.

The Best Lightweight Garden Hose for Your Yard and Garden

The lightweight hose market is certainly larger than one might guess at first glance, and it even has a variety of choices that seem to stand up to some heavy-duty work. Durable fittings, unique materials and polymer combinations, and a variety of diameter sizes and lengths certainly make them competitive in the garden hose market. Plus, most manufacturing companies provide a healthy warranty to back up their claims and provide replacements if you have any trouble with the design.

Consider, however, that lightweight hoses are not supposed to last as long as the heavy-duty, rubber, and reinforced vinyl hoses. The use of varied lightweight materials often doesn’t hold up to extreme temperatures, or long-term use as well- although recent ratings show that there are many on the market that are approaching the more expensive, heavier alternatives in comparison to an overall life expectancy of the product.

Even with the variety of choices we provided, only one really stood out to us: the Eley Polyurethane Hose. This unit provides the durability, weather resistance, lightweight, and bang for your buck that many of us are looking for. We also really like the fact that there are so many choices in length in order to get the right hose for whichever job you need it for.