We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Regular watering helps ensure your grass, flowers, and other plants grow strong. With a lightweight garden hose, you can quickly mist these areas without fatigue.
Lightweight garden hoses provide access to water almost anywhere in the yard. Not only can you use a hose to water the lawn and garden, but you can also connect it to a power washer to clean the patio, paving stones, and deck.
For help finding the best lightweight garden hose for your home, some of the best options appear below. Keep reading for more shopping tips and important hose selection considerations.
- BEST OVERALL: Flexi Hose with 8 Function Nozzle, Lightweight Hose
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: ROYALHOUSE (100FT) Black Expandable Garden Hose
- BEST SOAKER HOSE: Rocky Mountain Goods Flat Soaker Hose
- BEST FLAT HOSE: Aqua Joe FiberJacket Non-Expanding Garden Hose
- BEST COILED HOSE: Instapark Heavy-Duty EVA Recoil Garden Hose
- BEST EXPANDABLE HOSE: GAGALUGEC 50ft Expandable Lightweight Garden Hose
- MOST DURABLE HOSE: KAREEME 100ft Expandable Garden Hose
What to Consider When Choosing the Best 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 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 metal or plastic coupling. 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. Lay these hoses in a garden bed or bury them under the soil to provide a source of hydration. A soaker hose slowly seeps water into the ground.
- Sprinkler garden hoses have fewer holes than soakers and function more like a horizontal sprinkler system. As water is released from the hose, the water pressure decreases the farther the water must travel from the water source.
- Flat lightweight garden hoses help reduce kinking over long distances of 25 feet or more. When empty, the hose is flat, but it takes on a rounded shape when filled. These hoses are used to fill and drain pools and hot tubs and supply water to RVs. Some are rated specifically for 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. They can be difficult to use in larger yards because of the difficulty in pulling the hose to its full length.
- Expandable garden hoses are compact, but when they fill with water, they expand along the length of the hose to two or three times their length. However, over time, these hoses lose their flexibility, so they may not expand to the same size after a few years of use. Reduce this effect by storing it out of direct sunlight.
Hose Material
Lightweight garden hoses are made from a variety of 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, often used to make expandable hoses, often feature a polyester fabric exterior to help protect against punctures, sharp corners, and thorns.
- Rubber hoses are tough, durable, and resistant to extreme temperatures, though they’re usually heavier than vinyl hoses and more expensive.
- Polyurethane resins sometimes cover a hose’s exterior to provide a sleek appearance and a more durable finish to help protect against leaks.
- Plastic is sometimes used for hose couplings, though it’s more vulnerable to cracking and breaking than metal.
- Metals—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 changes in temperature and pressure as well as 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 because it’s easier to turn and tighten than a completely round one.
Size and Ply
Lightweight garden hoses are typically measured by the hose’s diameter and the material’s ply. Diameter, which is measured across the opening of the hose, determines the space available for water to flow. 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 hose are used in commercial applications.
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
Consider the length of a hose, because the hose must be able to reach into the yard or around the home to perform different watering tasks. The most common length for a garden hose is 50 feet, but they also are 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 required 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 designed specifically 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 often are used for short, straight hose runs. Expandable hoses are made to fill up and out with water, though their flexibility may lessen over time. Very flexible 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.
Our Top Picks
With so many choices available, picking the best lightweight garden hose may be an overwhelming task, but this list of Top Picks might help. These lightweight hoses were selected based on type, material, size, and length, along with attention to durability and overall quality.
Best Overall
Flexi Hose with 8 Function Nozzle, Lightweight Hose
This lightweight garden 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.
Product Specs
- Type: Expandable
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Materials: Latex, polyester, and brass
- Length(s): 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 feet
Pros
- 8-function spray nozzle and brass couplings
- 4-layer construction
- Built-in shut-off valve
Cons
- Must be stored indoors after every use
- Some users have reported poor quality construction
- Expensive compared to other available options
Get the Flexi Hose on Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
ROYALHOUSE (100FT) Black Expandable Garden Hose
Having a lightweight, high-quality garden hose for everyday outdoor tasks shouldn’t have to break the bank. With multiple useful features and a reasonable price point, the ROYALHOUSE Black Expandable Garden Hose could be just the ticket. It comes in 25-, 50-, 75-, and 100-foot lengths with sealed, heavy-duty rubber washers, 3750D fabric, and heavy-duty ¾-inch brass fittings.
Its expandable design is made to resist twisting, kinking, and tangling with its triple-layer latex core while the 9-function spray head and built-in shut-off valve offer ample control. Plus, when the spraying, soaking, and misting is done, rely on the included storage bag to keep the hose safe.
Product Specs
- Type: Expandable
- Weight: 4.6 pounds
- Materials: Latex, 3750D fabric, and brass
- Length(s): 25-, 50-, 75-, and 100-feet
Pros
- 9-function spray head
- Sealed design; heavy-duty rubber washers
- Resists twisting, kinking, and tangling
- Built-in shut-off valve
- Storage bag
Cons
- Slightly heavier than comparable options
Get the ROYALHOUSE garden hose on Amazon.
Best Soaker Hose
Rocky Mountain Goods Flat Soaker Hose
This Rocky Mountain Goods lightweight garden hose helps gardeners water delicate plants or the garden on a timer. The soaker hose seeps water slowly along the length of the hose, managing the output at all times.
The environmentally-friendly PVC and vinyl soaker hose comes in 25-, 50-, and 75-foot lengths and saves 70 percent more water than comparable soaker models. When setting up this 11.7-ounce hose, avoid sharp curves because soaker hoses are susceptible to kinks and twists.
Product Specs
- Type: Soaker
- Weight: 11.7 ounces
- Materials: PVC and vinyl
- Length(s): 25, 50, and 75 feet
Pros
- Water-saving design
- Environmentally-friendly materials
- Affordable
Cons
- Twists may occur
Get the Rocky Mountain soaker hose on Amazon.
Best Flat Hose
Aqua Joe FiberJacket Non-Expanding Garden Hose
This flat hose from Aqua Joe consists of a ⅝-inch flexible latex core and a rip-resistant fiber jacket surrounding the core. At either end of the hose, vinyl hose sleeves help prevent kinking at the connection, and aluminum couplings resist rusting and corrosion. This flat, lightweight garden hose weighs just 2 pounds, and it maintains its flexibility to 0 degrees, helping to prevent twisting or kinking.
This 25-foot lightweight garden hose is not only a good choice for the garden, pool, or hot tub, but it can also be used in an RV, camper, or boat. It’s rated for drinking water as well with its BPA-, lead-, and phthalate-free construction.
Product Specs
- Type: Flat
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Materials: Latex, fiber, and aluminum
- Length(s): 25, 50, and 100 feet
Pros
- Rip-resistant fiber jacket
- Kink-, rust-, and corrosion-resistant
- BPA-, lead-, and phthalate-free; safe for drinking water
Cons
- Some users report poor quality construction
Get the Aqua Joe garden hose on Amazon or at The Home Depot.
Best Coiled Hose
Instapark Heavy-Duty EVA Recoil Garden Hose
With a ½-inch diameter, this Instapark coiled garden hose is made of durable rubber with brass couplings at both ends. It features a cushioned hose sleeve above the female coupling to help grip the hose while fastening it. The Instapark lightweight garden hose is coiled tightly into about 30 coils, allowing storage in a locker or 2-by-3-foot garden box.
Its seven-pattern spray nozzle quickly switches the output between mist to spray. This garden hose weighs just over 1 pound, and it’s 25 feet long when fully stretched out. However, pulling the hose to its entire length may put a strain on the couplings, causing leaks or ruptures.
Product Specs
- Type: Coiled
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Materials: EVA, rubber, and brass
- Length(s): 25 feet
Pros
- Cushioned hose sleeve
- Compactable design
- 7-pattern spray nozzle
Cons
- Could break or rupture if pulled to full length
- May not maintain coiled shape
Get the Instapark garden hose on Amazon or at The Home Depot (50 ft.).
Best Expandable Hose
GAGALUGEC 50ft Expandable Lightweight Garden Hose
The expandable lightweight garden hose from GAGALUGEC is just 17 feet long, but when filled, it expands and extends about three times its original size to 50 feet. This flexibility is provided by a durable dual-layer latex core. A protective polyester cover fabric keeps the hose safe from cuts, nicks, and punctures.
This lightweight, high-quality garden hose has a nine-function spray nozzle and a storage bag to keep the hose safe from pests. Completely drain the hose before packing it into the bag to avoid the buildup of fungus, mold, or bacteria. The hose has a ⅝-inch diameter and brass couplings, and a built-in shut-off valve on the male coupling allows easy water control at the end of the hose instead of the faucet.
Product Specs
- Type: Expandable
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Materials: Latex, polyester, and brass
- Length(s): 25, 50, and 100 feet
Pros
- Dual-layer construction
- Protective cover
- 9-function spray head
- Built-in shut-off valve
Cons
- Must be completely drained after use
Get the GAGALUUGEC expandable hose on Amazon.
Most Durable Hose
KAREEME 100ft Expandable Garden Hose
Made with a high-density, 4-layer latex core, the KAREEME 100ft Expandable Garden Hose is suitable for commercial use or for heavy-duty watering at home. The hose has a 3570D polyester fabric cover and ¾-inch brass connectors to prevent breaking, leaking, rust, and corrosion.
For ease of use, this hose expands in length up to 3 times at full water pressure and contracts after use in seconds. Plus, the built-in shut-off valve allows for ample flow control and the design resists kinks, tangles, and twists. Though it does not come with a spray head, the brass connectors fit most household faucets and spray head fixtures.
Product Specs
- Type: Expandable
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Materials: Latex, 3570D polyester fabric, and brass
- Length(s): 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet
Pros
- Extra-strong fabric cover
- 4-layer latex core
- Extra-thick brass fasteners
- Built-in shut-off valve
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar options
- Slightly heavier than comparable options
Get the KAREEME garden hose on Amazon.
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a reliable, lightweight garden hose that won’t cause arm fatigue while watering, look no further than the Flexi Hose. This popular, expandable option comes in multiple sizes, has an 8-function spray nozzle, and comes with a shut-off valve for controlling flow. Alternatively, for affordable, hands-free watering, the Rocky Mountain Goods soaker hose is just 11.7 ounces and is made with environmentally-friendly materials for flower beds, vegetable gardens, and delicate herbs.
How We Chose the Best Lightweight Garden Hoses
We researched the most sought-after lightweight garden hoses in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their weight, materials, length, ease of use, and other special features included by top brands.
While searching for the most popular lightweight garden hoses available, the most popular types among users were the expandable, coiled, soaker, and flat models for their ease of use and durable materials. Each of these lightweight hoses was made to last with brass, PVC, vinyl, latex, rubber, and fabric constructions, most of which range from 25 to 150 feet in length and weights of under 4 pounds.
As for user-friendliness, select options come with multi-position spray heads, built-in shut-off valves, and protective covers. Select options are also safe to use for drinking water.
FAQs
After reading about some of the top lightweight garden hoses, some questions may linger about hose length, thickness, and expected life span. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about lightweight garden hoses.
Q: Does hose length affect water pressure?
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. This length can reduce the water pressure.
Q: Is hose thickness important?
The thickness of the hose also can impact water pressure. As thickness increases, it can cause the diameter of the hose to become smaller, which will reduce the water pressure from the hose.
Q: How long will my lightweight garden hose last?
A lightweight garden hose typically lasts between 5 to 10 years.