If you've got a garden, you need a hose caddy or other storage device to keep your hoses out of the way when you aren't using them.
Materials
The two most frequently used materials for hoses are vinyl and rubber.
* '''Vinyl'''
** Vinyl is lightweight and easy to handle.
** Inexpensive.
** Not as sturdy as rubber and won't last as long.
* '''Reinforced Rubber'''
** Rubber can take a lot more use and abuse than vinyl.
** Rubber hoses are more expensive, but they're generally more durable.
** Less prone to kinking and breaking.
** Rubber reinforced with nylon or additional layers of rubber are the strongest hoses and can withstand exposure to the elements as well as temperature variations within the hose.
Additionally, hoses are built from layers of materials. Each layer is called a ply. The more layers, the stronger your hose will be. Hoses range from six ply.
Material Safety
Before buying a hose, consider how you plan to use it. If you occasionally drink from the hose,or plan to use it for backyard water activities (like filling the kiddie pool), make sure it is safe to drink from the hose. Some hose materials contain lead, which is very dangerous even in small quantities.
Size and Length
You need a hose long enough to reach everything you want to water. Hoses generally come in increments of 100' long. However, water pressure drops through the length of the hose, so you don't want a hose that's longer than you need. If you usually need a short hose but might sometimes need a longer one, you might be best off buying two shorter hoses and only connecting them when you need a long one.
The other important dimension of a hose is its diameter. Hoses available for household use come in 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", and one inch. The two most common widths are 3/4". A bigger diameter will allow you to spray more water at once, but it might come at a cost of reduced water pressure.
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