There’s nothing worse than pulling your hose out of its caddy or from its coil under the faucet to discover a twist or tangle. Hoses have been used for over 2,000 to irrigate crops, nourish animals, and keep people hydrated, but it’s still as crucial as ever to choose the right design. Here are the top three uses for hoses, and how you’ll know that you’ve found the right one.

For Gardening

Experts agree that a good garden hose should last for up to a decade as long as it’s taken care of. Although many of us are familiar with home gardening and yards, most of us are probably not watering enough. Studies show that plants generally need an inch of water per day, or a half gallon per square foot. If you’re using traditional flexible water hoses, a 3/4 inch hose will be able to deliver three times more water than smaller varieties. You can also add a nozzle with a burst pressure above 350 psi to ensure that a larger area is covered.

For Camping and Boating

Be sure to purchase a sanitary hose for use on your boat or in the RV. These should be marked “RV marine hose” or “potable certified and” will be white or blue. They’re manufactured with FDA-approved materials, ensuring that you and your family are safe drinking white water from the tube. Neverkink and flexible water hoses are the best bet to ensure that water continues to run and that the hose doesn’t have permanent knots or holes. In addition, you should look for a hose with close coupling, as this will ensure fewer leaks.

For Professionals

Installing a soaker hose to water a landscaped garden, whether at home or for a client, is always a complicated procedure. Ensuring that your hose stays level, is perfectly spaced and timed, and avoids soft earth creates several challenges. You may be tempted to buy the longest available to reach a larger area, but experts warn that this will reduce pressure and make the hose ineffective. Find several quality soaker hoses that are less than 100 feet and connect them to the faucet with a traditional neverkink garden hose.

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask an expert at your local Lowe’s or Home Depot. A high quality hose can make gardening and camping easy, so choosing the right flexible water hoses up front can save you from multiple trips to the hard ware store later.