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How Much Water Should You Bring on a Hike?

7/20/2022

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How Much Water Should You Bring on a Hike?

Hydration is Key

At BottlePro, our motto is Health Through Hydration. One major health risk that can be avoided through proper planning is to have enough water for your hike.

We've lived in the desert in Utah and western Colorado for 10 years, we've done A LOT of hikes in these areas where planning water needs is absolutely critical. We learned early on how essential it is to bring more water than you think you might need.

In this video, we talk through how much water you should bring on a hike, including best practices and recommendations so you can adventure safely.

​And one major recommendation that we didn't specifically say in the video is to time your hike properly. If it's July and you're in the hot desert, you might want to start hiking before sunrise and finish by noon. We indirectly covered this in the video when talking about taking temperatures into account, but we wish we had made this recommendation more explicitly in the video. You wouldn't believe the number of hikers we've seen around here start long trails in the middle of the summer heat with just a small disposable water bottle!


Video Transcript

Hiking is a great activity both for your physical and mental health, but if not planned properly, hiking can be dangerous.  Every year, there are stories about people who have close calls or even die while hiking due to dehydration or hyperthermia, aka an overheated body.

Most incidents involve people who are hiking a new trail and may be unfamiliar with the area and the climate.  This is especially true with tourists in desert areas like in Arizona, California, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado, but it can happen to anyone, anywhere.

Here we’ll review best practices and guidelines to help you stay properly hydrated on your next hiking adventure.

Have a Hydro Flask or other large bottle?

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See BottlePro's Store

Step 1: Research Your Route

Picture
The first rule of hiking is to plan ahead and know how long you’ll be gone.  There’s a big difference between a 3 mile flat hike in the forest and a 3 mile hike with 2000’ of elevation gain and no shade in the desert.
Shaded, Flat Hike = Less Water Needed
Shaded, Flat Hike = Less Water Needed
Desert Hike, Uphill, No Shade = More Water Needed
Desert Hike, Uphill, No Shade = More Water Needed
Always look up the trail details from a site like:
  • AllTrails.com before starting a new hike so you know what you’re getting into.
  • Google Maps also shows the trailhead location for most trails, and you can find information from reviews there too.
  • And if you’re hiking around Colorado or Utah, we highly recommend looking at GJHikes.com.
(Click on an image below to link that site's Mt Garfield hike entry as an example.)
AllTrails.com
AllTrails.com
Google Maps Trailhead Reviews
Google Maps Trailhead Reviews
GJ Hikes Trail Reviews
GJ Hikes Trail Reviews

Step 2: Estimate How Long You'll Be Hiking

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In general, it takes most people between 30 and 60 minutes to hike 1 mile.  That’s a pretty big range, and your rate depends on a variety of factors including your own personal fitness, the elevation gain, the terrain (like if it’s sandy or involves scrambling), and the weather.  And if you have children in your group or if you like to stop to take a lot of pictures, it will almost certainly take longer.
Average Hiking Rate
Average Hiking Rate
Again, Alltrails.com is a great resource you can use to estimate the hiking time, and it’s based on results from other hikers so it takes factors like elevation gain and terrain into account.  But it may still be a good idea to plan on needing more time if you’re not in the best shape or if you’re hiking a new trail.

Step 3: Estimate How Much Water You’ll Need

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According to REI, a good rule-of-thumb is to have roughly 17 ounces (a half-liter) of water for each hour of moderate activity in moderate temperatures.
Appropriate hiking times for common water bottle and bladder sizes.
Appropriate hiking times for common water bottle and bladder sizes.
Adjustments
You’ll have to use your own judgement on how to adjust that number based on factors for each hike, like your familiarity with the hike, your fitness level and health, your age, the temperature and humidity, and the elevation gain and terrain.

If you’re new to hiking or are trying a new route, we recommend doubling the rule-of-thumb and bringing 34 ounces, or roughly 1 liter, per hour that you expect to be hiking, especially if temperatures will be over 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once you get through these steps, you should have a good idea on how much water you should bring on your next adventure.  Check out our next video to see our recommendations on the best water bottles and bladders to bring on hikes.

Want to take your favorite bottle to the next level?

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See BottlePro's Store
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Which Hydro Flask lid is the Best? (we Have  a Favorite)

7/8/2022

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Which Hydro Flask Lid Should You Get?

Congrats, you have a Hydro Flask (or are thinking about getting one soon)!  It's hard enough deciding which Hydro Flask bottle to get, but have you also thought about which lid you'll use?

Hydro Flask has four (4) lids available right now on Amazon: Flex Cap, Flex Sip, Flex Straw, and Straw Lid.

In this video, we go over how each one works, what we like and don't like about each design, and how we use them.

If you'd rather read through the review than watch the video, see the written summary below.

Summary

​Hydro Flask has four lid options, and you might be asking which lid is best for you. We've reviewed and tested each lid extensively, and here's what we think.  Links are in the description.

Which one is best for you?  Well, it depends on how you want to use it, but we can tell you how we like to use them.
  • We like using a Flex Cap with a SplashPro in our largest bottles when we're doing something active. We find it easier to get smooth pours and bigger gulps of water while also keeping water out of your face.
  • For sipping at work or in the car, we like using Flex Straw with a FlavorFuze Straw infuser to add some flavor.
  • And for coffee and tea in the morning, we prefer to use the Flex Sip lid with a smaller Hydro Flask like a 16oz.
  • The only lid we recommend against using is the original straw lid. If you want a straw lid, just get the Flex Straw.

Flex Cap

Hydro Flask Flex Cap Lid
Hydro Flask Flex Cap Lid
First is the Flex Cap, which is their "standard" lid.

Pros:
  1. Simple to clean.
  2. Nice handle for easy carrying.
  3. Insulated (better than the other lids).​
Cons:
  1. Unscrew the cap each time to take a sip.
  2. Without a splash guard, it's easy for water to splash in your face.  If you're using this lid, check out our SplashPro splash guard to help keep water and ice under control.
Our Rating: 3/5 Stars
See Pricing on Amazon
Make It Even Better with a SplashPro Splash Guard

Flex Sip

Flex Sip Lid
Flex Sip Lid
Next is the Flex Sip lid that was released in 2020.

Pros:
  1. No need to unscrew the cap to take a sip.  Just twist the cap to the right.
  2. Keeps water and ice from splashing in your face.
  3. It has the same great handle as the Flex Cap. 
  4. Insulated.

Cons:
  1. There are a lot more steps to clean the lid properly. It's not hard, it just takes a little more time than you would have with the other caps.
  2. ​Bulkier than the Flex Cap
Our Rating: 4/5 Stars
See Pricing on Amazon
Make It Even Better with a ​FlavorFuze Steel

Flex Straw

Flex Straw Lid
Flex Straw Lid
Third we have the Flex Straw lid, and this is their newest lid that was released in 2022.

Pros:
  1. The spout snaps closed securely and doesn't leak.
  2. Easy to clean.
  3. Good handle.
  4. Insulated.

Cons:
  1. Not as easy to take big swigs of water as with Flex Cap.
  2. Not much else.  We love this lid, and it's our favorite one right now.
Our Rating: 5/5 Stars
See Pricing on Amazon
Make It Even Better with a FlavorFuze Straw Infuser

​Straw Lid (Original Design)

Straw Lid (Original)
Straw Lid (Original)
And last is the original straw lid.

Pros:
  1. It's a little simpler to clean than the Flex Straw, but that's about where the benefits end.

Cons:​
  1. Bad handle.
  2. Not insulated.
  3. Leaks more.
  4. More expensive for some reason (as of July 7, 2022)
  5. Design feels like an afterthought
Our Rating: 2/5 Stars (Just get the Flex Straw)
See Pricing on Amazon
​Also works with a ​FlavorFuze Straw Infuser

Want to take your Hydro Flask to the next level?

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See BottlePro's Store
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how to use (and Clean) a Hydro Flask Flex Sip Lid

6/30/2022

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What's a Hydro Flask Flex Sip Lid?

Hydro Flask released the Flex Sip lid in early 2020, and it's a fantastic addition to their product lineup.  Now you can take a sip with a quarter-turn of the lid, instead of having to take it all the way off

But the lid has quite a few moving parts, and knowing how to take it apart for cleaning and then put it back together may not be intuitive at first. Our quick 60 second review will show you how to use, disassemble, clean, and reassemble your Hydro Flask Flex Sip lid.

Where Can You Buy a Flex Sip Lid?

Hydro Flask Flex Sip Lid
Hydro Flask Flex Sip Lid
You can purchase a Hydro Flask Flex Sip lid on the Hydro Flask website, or on Amazon using this link.
See Flex Sip Listing

Want to take your Hydro Flask to the next level?

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See Bottlepro's Store
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Hydro Flasks and Ice - A Summer Essential

6/18/2022

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Hydro Flasks and Ice (and SplashPro) - A Summer Essential
With summer in full gear and news of heat waves across the country, make sure you stay safe out there.  Keep cool by adding ice to your bottle, and if you're using a Hydro Flask with the Flex Cap, use SplashPro to keep your ice at bay. Designed specifically to fit wide mouth Hydro Flasks. It also fits Iron Flasks and Takeyas, but not Nalgenes.

SplashPro is compatible with Hydro Flask's Flex Cap lid
Hydro Flask's Flex Cap
See Hydro Flasks's Listing
Fits around the Honeycomb insulation in the cap.
Fits around Hydro Flask Flex Cap
See Our Splashpro Listing

Want to see it in action?

Click below to see our quick video!
Click to see our SplashPro video
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Let's Go Hiking - Palisade Rim Trail (Upper Loop)

6/1/2022

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Picture

Follow along as we tackle this tough, but fun hike!

Located in Palisade, Colorado off of G Road.
  • .5 miles R/T
  • ~1350' elevation gain
  • We went in May.  It was overcast and EXTREMELY windy, so we didn't feel much heat.  But the trail is very exposed with limited shade, so don't forget sunscreen and plenty of water, especially in the summer when it could reach 100 degrees.

Hydration products we used (follow the links to Amazon)
1) Hydro Flask 40oz Wide Mouth

2) BottlePro Cup Holder Adapter
3) SplashPro Splash Guard
4) HikerPouch Leather Bottle Sling

Click the link below to see the video on Instagram

See Video
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Our Review of Hydro Flask's New Flex Straw lid

5/18/2022

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Our Review of Hydro Flask's New Flex Straw Lid

Here's what we think about Hydro Flasks's new Flex Straw Lid

We've seen a lot of questions like:
  • How good is Hydro Flask's Flex Straw lid?
  • Is Hydro Flask's Flex Straw lid worth it?
  • What's different about Hydro Flask's Flex Straw lid?
  • Should I buy a Hydro Flask Flex Straw cap?

​With all of Hydro Flask's cap options (not to mention 3rd party versions), it can be a little confusing.  To help keep things straight, we're reviewing Hydro Flask's new Flex Straw cap and will let you know if it's worth a buy.

See our video review below

And if you'd rather read the review, keep scrolling past the video.

What's Different with the New Design?

At first the new lid may not seem very different, but there are a few key changes.
Original Straw Cap
Original Hydro Flask Straw Cap
New Flex Straw Cap
Hydro Flask's New Flex Straw Cap

Change #1: The Handle
The previous straw lid had a hard plastic handle on one side that was basically a finger-loop.  Some common complaints were that it was uncomfortable, especially when you're juggling holding other items too.

The Flex Straw cap solves many of these criticisms.  The handle is the same style as their Flex Cap and Flex Sip lids.

This is a much improved handle design that we are totally on board with.

Change #2: Easier Cleaning
Picture
If you've ever seen the videos of people cleaning out their straw lids, you'll know how nasty they can get.  Thankfully, the new style is easier to keep clean and wash out.  The red piece on the bottom of the cap is a removable silicone piece that can easily be pulled out to allow for easier cleaning.

We appreciate that the new version is even easier to keep clean and sanitary.

Change #3: Leak Resistance 
Another common complaint of the previous straw lid was that it could leak fairly easily.  The spout wouldn't "snap" into place, so it if wasn't pushed all the way down by accident, then you could experience some leaking if your bottle tipped over.

Based on our initial tests, the new Flex Straw lid seems to be less likely to leak.  The main reason is that the spout "snaps" into the locked position.  Once you hear the click, then you should be good to go and not have to worry about leaks.

We really like this change.  The lid just feels a lot more secure and better-engineered than before.

Change #4: Insulation 
The old cap really didn't insulate very well at all, but the new Flex Straw cap changes that.  Hydro Flask added their Honeycomb(TM) insulation to the design, and the silicone insert also helps.

One of the main reasons you probably have a Hydro Flask is to have an insulated bottle, so this is a welcome improvement.

Our Verdict

We like just about every change that Hydro Flask made with this new design.  It seems to improve nearly all aspects of the previous straw lid.  We highly recommend it.
See Pricing on Amazon

Want to Make Your Flex Straw Lid Even Better?

Try out our FlavorFuze Straw fruit infuser.  It's a clip-on infuser that is compatible with both the old and new Hydro Flask straw lid designs.
FlavorFuze Straw infuser
Compatible with straw lids
FlavorFuze Straw Infuser
Straw slides through the hole at the top
FlavorFuze Straw Infuser
And snaps securely at the bottom.
FlavorFuze Straw Infuser
​(infuser only)
See pricing on Amazon
Infuser and Straw Lid
​(our lid design, not the Flex Straw)
See Pricing on Amazon
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How to Make Loose Leaf Tea in a Hydro Flask

5/4/2022

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How to Make Loose Leaf Tea in a Hydro FlaskPicture

Loose Leaf Tea in Hydro Flasks - A Match Made in Heaven

Many people search Google for things like:
  • How to make loose leaf tea in a Hydro Flask?
  • Can you make hot tea in a Hydro Flask?
  • Tea infuser for Hydro Flask
  • Tea strainer for Hydro Flask
  • Tea steeper for Hydro Flask
  • Making tea in Hydro Flask
  • Hot tea in Hydro Flask
  • Loose leaf tea Hydro Flask
  • Brewing tea in a Hydro Flask
We get a lot of questions about this too.  Hydro Flasks are primarily used for water, but plenty of people would love it if they could have different flavors, like fruit infused water, coffee, or tea.  In particular, tea is what we're focusing on today.

And check out our FlavorFuze Steel Mini demo video at the end!


Can You Make Hot Tea in a Hydro Flask?

First off, we'll put to rest any questions about whether it's OK to put hot tea in a Hydro Flask.  The answer is, YES!  Hydro Flasks are made with durable, food-grade stainless steel.  Hydro Flask bottles are perfectly able to safely store your hot tea, or any other hot beverage for that matter.

Stainless steel is extremely heat resistant, at least for any temperature range you'd come across when making a beverage.  There's a reason why Hydro Flask prominently markets how many hours their bottles can keep your drinks hot!  Unless you're planning to put liquid hot magma in your bottle, you'll be good!
Liquid Hot Magma
And unlike some concerns with plastic and even aluminum, from what we have found, stainless steel won't leach chemicals or pollutants into your beverage.  Flaske has a great article covering more details about the question of "Are Stainless Steel Water Bottles Safe to Drink From."  So does Elemental Bottles, where they recommend looking for bottles that are either made from #304 or 18/8 stainless steel (Hydro Flasks are made from 18/8).  We highly recommend checking these articles out if you have any other questions or concerns.

Best Hydro Flask Bottles for Tea

You should also consider what type of Hydro Flask you want to use, since that can have an effect on which type of tea infuser will work best.
16oz Hydro Flask Mug
16oz Hydro Flask Mug
See Pricing on Amazon
A good choice for around the house.  It's also easier to clean than the other options here because it's shorter.

The downside in our opinion is that it's not as great for taking a drink on the go as the tumbler or Coffee bottle.  We prefer the handle style of the Coffee Bottle when traveling.

​Drop-in tea infusers are a great option for these mugs.
16oz Hydro Flask Tumbler
16oz Hydro Flask Tumbler
See Pricing on Amazon
Like many tumblers, it's great for on-the-go people, particularly because the tapered bottom is more likely to fit in cup holders.

Our main beef with tumblers like this though is the push-in lid.  We prefer screw-on lids (like with the Coffee Bottle) to give us that extra layer of security against spills.

Drop-in tea infusers are also a great option for tumblers.
16oz Hydro Flask Coffee Bottle
16oz Hydro Flask Coffee Bottle
See Pricing on Amazon
This is our favorite.  Hydro Flask calls it their "Coffee Bottle", but we use ours all the time for tea!

We just love having the handle on top to help carry it.  And the flex-sip lid is fantastic.  The downside is that it's a little tougher to clean, but a bottle brush like this one makes cleaning simple.

These are trickier for tea-making because the top opening is smaller.  Read further for more info!

Tea Infusers for Wide Mouth Hydro Flasks (like the 12/16/20oz Coffee Bottles and also 32oz/40oz Bottles)

Now that we know putting hot tea in stainless steel bottles like Hydro Flasks is safe, let's look at the best ways to do it!

OPTION #1: MAKE IT SEPARATELY

Historically, the most common way to enjoy tea in your Hydro Flask has been to brew it outside of your Hydro Flask first.  Then just pour the tea into your flask, and you're good to go.  This is great for many people because they already have tea-making equipment.

You'll also need to go this route if you are using a narrow-mouth Hydro Flask bottle.

Picture

Standard Small Tea Strainers

You can find plenty of options for this type of tea strainer.  This is a serviceable option when you're just looking to make a personal cup of tea.
See Pricing on Amazon

Tea Press for Larger Batches

Tea Press for Larger Batches

Maybe you want to make a batch of tea for your an your significant other, or maybe you just want an easy option for refills later.  Whatever your reason, sometimes the smaller strainers like in the prior example just won't make enough tea.

In that case, you might want to consider a bigger tea infuser, or even a tea press like the one here.  Teabloom's tea press makes 34 ounces of tea!
See Pricing on Amazon

OPTION #2: MAKE IT IN YOUR HYDRO FLASK

​You can save yourself some extra dishes and time by brewing your tea right in your Hydro Flask!

But this option can be a little trickier because not all tea infusers and strainers will fit in Hydro Flask bottles.  The inside diameter of wide mouth Hydro Flasks is right around 2.1 inches across, so be sure that your strainer is smaller so it can fit!



Drop-In Tea Infusers

Drop-In Tea Infusers

The Kitcherish drop-in tea infusers are listed as 1.5 inches wide, so they should fit just fine in wide mouth Hydro Flasks.  And the cool part is that the chain has a hook on the end that you can rest on the rim of your bottle!
See Pricing on Amazon

FlavorFuze Steel

FlavorFuze Steel is a great option that is specifically designed for Hydro Flasks.  It's sized specifically for wide mouth Hydro Flask bottles so it can rest on the rim, and the thin design even lets you screw on standard Hydro Flask lids!  (though not the "Flex Sip" lids though unfortunately)

Our improved FlavorFuze Steel is almost in stock.  We re-designed this year to look much sleeker and be more dent resistant.
  • FlavorFuze Steel is the larger version that's better for coffee, fruits, and large volumes of tea (like in a 32oz/40oz bottle).
  • FlavorFuze Steel Mini (NEW!) is the smaller version that's best for tea brewing in a 12/16/20oz Hydro Flask Coffee Bottle.
Both sizes will be available very soon using the link below, so check back in a few months or subscribe to our newsletter for an update when it's ready for purchase.
See pricing on Amazon

FlavorFuze Steel Mini Demo

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How I Kicked My Soda Habit (And You Can Too)

4/27/2022

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How I Kicked My Soda Habit, and You Can TooPicture

My Soda Habit Story

I'll be 35 years old tomorrow, and I've had a soda habit since I was a kid.  Growing up, it wasn't uncommon for me to drink 2, 3, or even 4 sodas per day.  As you might guess, I've also been overweight most of my life too, which is certainly not a coincidence.  But at 35, I finally kicked my soda habit.  I'm down almost 10 pounds this year, and best of all, I feel like what I'm doing is sustainable.

​Here's what's working for me, and hopefully it'll help you on your journey too.

Step 1: Know the Problem

​If you're reading this, then you've likely already heard or read about the major health issues that can result from regularly eating or drinking high levels of sugar.

And a lot of other people have too, judging Google Trends.  The interest-over-time for "Low Sugar" has been slowly-but-steadily increasing over the last several years.
Google Trends - Searches for "Low Sugar" for the Previous Five (5) Years

Of all the ways that consumers regularly ingest sugar, sugary beverages are the primary culprits.  These include:
  • Sodas 
  • Sports drinks
  • Fruit juices
  • Energy drinks
  • Coffee or tea with added sugar
20oz Coke Bottle
20oz Gatorade Bottle
12oz Minute Maid Orange Juice Bottle
16oz Rockstar Energy Can
18.5oz Pure Leaf Sweet Tea Bottle
According to the American Heart Association, the maximum recommended sugar intake is 36 grams of sugar per day for men.  For women, it's 25 grams.  Each one of the drink examples above is either right at those limits or way above them, all from one drink.

Seeing how bottle and can sizes vary, it's also interesting to look at the sugar concentration as shown below.

​One of the more surprising realizations for most people is how most fruit juices really aren't good for you.  Sure they provide some benefits like vitamins and other nutrients, so in that way they are better than sodas.  But the sugar content per ounce for Minute Maid orange juice is essentially the same as a Coke!
Grams of Sugar per Fluid Ounce
There are plenty of people smarter than me that study this topic for their day jobs, so I'll leave it to them to provide additional details and research about sugar and health.  Here are some of the more helpful articles we've read.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Guidance on Added Sugars

WebMD: How Sugar Affects Your Body

American Heart Association: How Much Sugar is too Much?

Healthline: 11 Reasons Why Too Much Sugar is Bad for You

And keep in mind that diet sodas aren't free-and-clear of problems either.  There is growing evidence that drinks with artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose are bad for you as well, as discussed here.

Step 2: Find Your Real Motivation

Picture
Many other articles online start with the facts about sugar and then move onto discussing strategies for reducing sugar intake, but that's not what we recommend.

Knowing how to cut back on sugar won't help you change your habits if you don't also figure out your reasons for why you're seeking change.

***Notice that I underlined "your."  Once you find out what really motivates you, that's when you can achieve sustainable change.  Some motivations that may work for you include:

Losing Weight

Weight loss can lead to many measurable and immeasurable health benefits.

Feeling Better in General

Studies indicate that cutting out sugar can lead to better focus, more energy with less crashes, and reduced muscle aches and joint pain.

Better Sleep Habits

Limiting sugar intake, particularly at night, can improve health sleeping habits and quality of sleep.

Long-Term Health

Reducing sugar is proven to help prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic liver disease, cancer, among others.

Saving Money

Many sugary drinks are expensive, and the costs add up over time.  Water is usually much less expensive.

Peer Pressure (Secondary)

Normally I would say that peer pressure is bad.  But constructive and positive peer pressure can be very effective motivation.  This can come from friends, family, or a group of health-focused people who can help keep you on track and accountable.  But the key is for this to be a secondary motivation.  Find a primary motivational focus that works for you first, and use positive peer pressure to help stay on course.  And if your group of people uses negative peer pressure or makes you feel bad about yourself, get out.
You can always have a combination of motivations, and many of these are related (like weight loss and long-term health).  â€‹But whatever the situation, the key is to figure out what primary focus and goal really motivates you.

A Personal Story - My New Motivation

After reading articles about how sugar essentially acts like a poison and how sodas in particular are "empty calories" that provide no nutritional benefit, I knew it was in my best interest to quit.

Each time I tried to change, I would start off a few days or weeks without sodas, but then I would slip and start drinking them again.  The most common backfiring strategies I used were:
  • Comforting: "I had a rough day.  A soda will make me feel better."
  • Celebrating: "I had a good day.  I'll have a soda to celebrate." (ironic, right?).
  • Rationalizing Now vs Future: "I'll have one soda today and get back on the soda diet starting tomorrow."  Or, "I have many more years to develop better habits, so one soda today won't kill me."

The reason that these backfiring strategies worked on me was that I hadn't determined what my real motivation was yet.  I said I wanted to lose weight, and that can work for many people.  But the problem, for me, is that I'm fairly comfortable in my own skin already.  Also, I have always been overweight so it's not easy for me to truly realize how much better I might feel to achieve a healthy weight.  It was more abstract.

But as I got older, something happened.  I started thinking more about how little time we truly have, and how chronic diseases that we always read about and learned of back in school are very real.  And then someone very close to me passed away.  He smoked most of his life, and though he was finally able to quit a few years ago, by then the damage was done.  He developed cancer and passed away earlier this year.  He urged me to improve my habits now and to learn from his life experiences.  This changed my motivational focus.
Instead of just wanting to lose weight, my new focus became achieving better long-term health.  This seemingly small change in my focus and goals made all the difference for me.

Step 3: Strategies for Change

Once you know what really motivates you, it's time to start thinking about how you'll make changes.
​There are many strategies that you can use to cut out soda from your diet.  Here are a few.

#1: Drink More Water

If you start feeling the urge for a soda, drink a glass of water first.  Many times that can satisfy or delay a soda urge.

#2: Don't Bring It with You

Keeping sodas at home or work with you is just asking for trouble.  Don't make it easy to get a soda.  Make it take more effort.

#3: Take a Walk

Make yourself take a walk before grabbing a soda, especially if your soda craving might be happening because you're feeling stressed or tired.  Many times you'll feel better after your walk and won't want a soda when you get back.

#4: Find a Healthy Flavored Alternative

If you're used to drinking sodas like I was, then sometimes plain water just won't cut it and you need flavor.  Find a healthy flavored alternative that you can sip on, like unsweet tea, fruit infused water, or one of many popular flavored seltzers on the market today.

#5: Enable Healthy Peer Pressure

We're counting this as both a motivational factor and a strategy for change.  As mentioned earlier, healthy peer pressure from friends or family can be a fantastic way to help change habits.  Just make sure it stays positive.

#6: Measure the Results

This can be a wonderful tool to stay engaged with new habits.  Measuring weight loss is easy, but the key is to find ways to measure whatever your primary motivation is.  If you're motivated to cut out soda so you'll have have better sleep habits, then keep a sleep journal.  If you want to save money, then calculate out how much you expect to save each week and set yourself regular reminders on how much you're saving each week.  Whatever your motivation is, make it measurable.

A Personal Story - My New Routine

Honestly, I've used all of the strategies listed above to varying degrees.  But the ones that helped me the most are #1 and #4.  By drinking more water, I've been able to feel fuller and am less likely to drive to the store for a soda.  And by using a flavored drink alternative, I can still take a break from "boring" water each day and satisfy my need for flavor.
This is what's working for me.

40oz Hydro Flask and 40oz Iron Flask

Bringing Two Bottles to Work

In the past, I would bring one 40oz Hydro Flask to work.  I would often finish that by noon, and that'd leave the door open to my brain saying "go get yourself something to drink like a soda" in the afternoon.

Now, I bring two 40oz bottles: my old reliable  Hydro Flask and a new Iron Flask.  I typically finish one before noon, and the other before I leave work.

By always having enough water nearby, I'm able to reach for that first instead of going for a soda.
Need another bottle?  Check out Hydro Flask's Amazon store.
Visit Hydro Flask Store

FlavorFuze Straw in a 40oz Iron Flask

Finding a Healthy Alternative

Without a doubt, this has been the #1 most effective strategy for me.

I've always had a craving for flavor instead of just plain water.  Besides, what good is bringing more water to work if I still need to get flavors somehow?

To satisfy my flavor cravings, I started using our FlavorFuze Straw Kit every day.  Today, I cut up some strawberries and kiwi.  It was delicious.
Buy a FlavorFuze Straw Kit

SplashPro Splash Guard in a 40oz Hydro Flask

Having a Cool Drink on a Hot Day

It gets hot here in western Colorado.  We actually broke our all-time record in 2021 and reached 107 degrees!

In the past, I would get a soda on hot days.  Something about Coke's ads from back in the day would trigger me into getting a "refreshing" soda (though in reality, sodas dry you out more than they hydrate).

Insulated bottles like Hydro Flasks and Iron Flasks are key to helping with this.  I just add some ice to my Hydro Flask in the morning and use a SplashPro splash guard as an ice stopper.
Buy a SplashPro

40oz Hydro Flask in a HikerPouch and a 40oz Iron FlaskPicture

Carrying My Bottles

Bringing two large bottles with me to work each day was a pain in the butt because they're so bulky.  I quickly realized it would be a lot easier if I started using a bottle sling to free up some hands.

My go-to nowadays is a HikerPouch, but there are plenty of these on the market today.  See our other post here for a few suggestions.
Buy a HikerPouch

Step #4 (If Needed): Don't Be Afraid to Reset

Stopping any habit can have its ups and downs.  It took me over a dozen attempts over the years before I reached sustainable change.  Don't feel ashamed if you don't succeed initially.  Re-evaluate your motivations and strategies, and keep trying.
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The 10 Best Hydro Flask Accessories in 2022

4/20/2022

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After debuting just over 10 years ago, Hydro Flasks quickly gained traction as the go-to insulated water bottle.  For many people, the simple benefit of having a bottle that is vacuum-insulated was enough of a selling point.  For others, it's the clean, yet stylish design.  Whatever the reason, Hydro Flask continues to build its following and shows no signs of slowing down.

It's only natural what happened next.  A whole range of accessories have been developed with the goal of making life with these amazing but cumbersome bottles a little easier.

We here at BottlePro got involved in this niche early with our cup holder adapter, so we've seen it grow over the years, including new notable accessories coming available fairly often.  Here are some of our favorites for the best accessories for Hydro Flasks in 2022 (focusing on 32 and 40 ounce bottles).


ACCESSORIES FOR GETTING AROUND

The most common accessories for Hydro Flasks involve making it easier to bring your bottle wherever your adventures take you.  These include cup holders, bottles slings, and handles.

#1: Cup Holder Adapter

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Swigzy

As mentioned above, BottlePro's first product on the market was a cup holder adapter for large bottles, including Hydro Flasks.  But even though we have our own product in this space, it's hard to argue with the amazing product that Swigzy has put together.

See our separate post for a full recap on cup holder options.

​This recommendation may change when we release our planned BottlePro v3, but for now, we think Swigzy is the best, most versatile cup holder adapter on the market today.
​

See Swigzy Pricing on Amazon

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Honorable Mention for Cup Holders - BottlePro

Our current BottlePro version is adjustable and can fit most cup holders on the market.  It's not quite as premium and versatile as Swigzy, but that's also reflected in the price.

​So if you're looking for a cup holder on a budget that still fits a wide range of situations, give us a try!

See bottlePro Pricing on Amazon

#2: Stylish Bottle Sling

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Hydro Flask's Bottle Sling

Hydro Flask doesn't make a very wide range of accessories in general outside of their bottles, containers, and lids, but they do make a great bottle sling.

These carrying pouches fit the Hydro Flask aesthetic for obvious reasons, so they're sure to complement your bottle's look.

​And they're also lightweight and packable so you can avoid carrying around extra ounces on your travels. 
​
See Hydro Flask Sling Pricing on Amazon

#3: Heavy-Duty Bottle Sling

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Wild Wolf Bottle Sling

For a heavier-duty bottle sling, it's hard to go wrong with Wild Wolf Outfitters' carrying pouch.  If you're more into utility than the aesthetic look, then this is a fantastic option.

The military-grade pouch comes with multiple pockets and thicker padding on the shoulder strap.  The pockets in particular are one of our favorite features since it makes day-hiking much easier.  Just stash your keys and phone in the big pocket and you're set!
​
See Wild Wolf Pricing on Amazon

#4: Leather Bottle Sling

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HikerPouch

If you're looking for a carrying pouch that's more premium and different from the rest, then consider HikerPouch.  This is one of products, and we're really proud of how it turned out.

We decided to make HikerPouch because there were a multitude of pouches made of neoprene and synthetic fibers, but we wanted a leather option for a more natural feel and to cut back on plastics.

HikerPouch includes a pocket for your phone and an extra D-ring for flexibility (either clipping your pouch to something else, or clipping on something like a carabiner key ring).  We're also planning to add strap color options very soon, so stay tuned!
​
See HikerPouch Pricing on Amazon

#5: Paracord Handle

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Slolife

Rounding out our 'Getting Around' category is paracord handles.  We love the Slolife ones in particular.  Just attach it under the rim of your Hydro Flask, and you're good to go.

​With 29 available color options, you're sure to find something that fits your bottle's look.

It's also packed with a surprising number of features.  The handle includes a compass, whistle, and has a carabiner attachment that makes it super easy to clip onto your backpack or anything else.

There is also a flintstone and blade (meant for creating chips for sparking fires), but we haven't independently tested how well these actually work.
​
See Slolife Pricing on Amazon

ACCESSORIES FOR PROTECTION

Next, consider investing in something that can help keep your bottle looking great for years to come.

#6: Bottle Sleeve

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Thermi

A bottle sleeve can be a great insurance policy against inevitable drops and slips.  The Thermi silicone sleeve can give you the peace of mind knowing that your bottle will be better protected from denting and damage.

And not only is your bottle protected, but you'll be less likely to drop your bottle in the first place because of the added grip.

​With 11 available color options, it shouldn't be hard to find a good matching (or complementing) color for your bottle.

Side note: if you're purchasing a cup holder adapter for your bottle, double check that your bottle + sleeve combination can still fit whichever cup holder you use.
​
See Thermi Pricing on Amazon

#7: Bottle Boot

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Hydro Flask Boot

If you don't like the look or feel of a full-bottle sleeve, then consider getting a bottle boot.

Hydro Flask has a silicone boot option that is a great add-on for your bottle to give it more protection on the bottom, which is where damage would be most likely to occur in the first place.

​Currently Hydro Flask has 6 available color options.
​
See Hydro Flask Boot Pricing on Amazon

ACCESSORIES FOR FLAVOR AND ICE

Now that your bottle is easier to bring along with you on your adventures, it's time to think about ways to improve what you're actually drinking!

#7: Flavor Infuser

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FlavorFuze (Original)

These are some more of our products, but we think you'll love them.  FlavorFuze lets you get creative by adding any fruit or other flavoring to your bottle.

Personally, these cool infusers have helped me drink more water because it tastes better.  And I was also finally able to stop my soda habit, something I'd been trying to do for over 10 years!

FlavorFuze Original (pictured) has a silicone lid that fits snugly in the neck of Hydro Flask wide mouth bottles.  The lid acts as a splash guard, so you can keep flavoring your water while taking a few sips.
See FlavorFuze Pricing on Amazon

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​FlavorFuze Straw

My personal favorite. It clips onto Hydro Flask straw lids like this one (not Flex Straw lids).  The Kit  (link below) comes with a straw lid too!
See Pricing
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FlavorFuze Steel

For making cold brew coffee.  We're releasing an improved FlavorFuze Steel shortly, along with Steel Mini that will be better sized for loose leaf tea.
See Pricing

#8: Ice Alternative

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Ice Cube Sticks

At first, these Ice Cube Sticks might seem unnecessary, but they can be more handy than you might think!

They are a lot simpler to grab out of the freezer and drop into a bottle, compared to using ice trays or breaking apart ice cubes.

Easy to use, clean, and re-freeze.  And they won't dilute your drink if you're enjoying flavored water or some other kind of beverage.
​
See Ice Cube Stick Pricing on Amazon

#9: Splash Guard / Ice Stopper

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SplashPro

Another one of ours.   This is one I've used almost every single day since making these handy little devices.  It's a great ice blocker and is tremendously helpful for taking sips of water while on the road and has kept my shirts dry.

There are some other great splash guards on the market (looking at you Guyot), but most are designed for Nalgenes and are just barely too small to fit Hydro Flasks securely.  It's only a 1mm difference in diameter (we measured it!), but it's enough to make a difference.  They also get pushed down by the Hydro Flask cap design.

SplashPro is our solution for Hydro Flasks.  The thin-wall allows you to add your Hydro Flask Flex Cap without pushing down the splash guard.
​
See SplashPro Pricing on Amazon

ACCESSORIES FOR CLEANING

It's not the sexiest category, but you should certainly put some thought into cleaning your Hydro Flask.

#10: Brush Kit

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Mosolan

It's hard to find a more complete kit than this one.  It includes:
  1. A large brush to fit down into your big Hydro Flask.
  2. A thin brush for cleaning straws.
  3. A small brush for the finer details, like around the rim of the bottle.
  4. Tools for organizing and storing your brushes.

​You'll have plenty of tools in the tool chest to keep your bottle clean and worry-free.
​
See Mosolan Pricing on Amazon

Bonus: Bottle Tablet Cleaners

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Bottle Bright

We almost didn't include these because our list was getting too long, but they're too useful to leave out.

In addition to regular brushing and washing, Bottle Bright cleaning tablets are good to use every so often to give your bottle a deep clean.  They can help with stains too if tea or coffee is your style!

The tablets are biodegradable, chlorine free, and environmentally safe, so you don't have to worry about using them.
​
See Bottle Bright Pricing on Amazon
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A Review of Cup Holder Adapters for Large Bottles, Hydro Flasks (Updated for 2022)

4/13/2022

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We reviewed four popular adapters on the market today.  ​This video will help you decide which cup holder adapter to purchase for your bottle.  Clicking the links will take you to Amazon so you can check prices.

If you'd rather read the review, we've included a transcript of this video below for reference.

(And if you purchase something, we get a referral fee as an Amazon Associate! Thanks for your support!)

We reviewed:
  • Amazon Basics
  • BottlePro
  • Swigzy
  • Joytutus

And while we focus on a few types of Hydro Flasks, this review is also applicable to other large bottles like Nalgenes, YETIs, Klean Kanteens, Simple Moderns, Takeyas, Thermoflasks, Iron Flasks, Fifty/Fifty, Swig, and many other popular bottles on the market today.

​If you're not sure whether you need an adapter at all, we highly-recommend you visit the blog post referenced at the beginning of the video so you can determine if your car's cup holders will likely work with any of these adapters. Or if you're using a smaller bottle, you may not even need an adapter!  Just click the link below to view that post.

Which Hydro Flasks Fit in Cup Holders? - The Ultimate Guide (Updated for 2022)

Video Transcript:

Hydro Flasks are great bottles, but many of them are so big that they don’t fit in standard cup holders. So we’re going to review four of the most popular cup holders on the market today, and give you our thoughts and recommendations.  Links to purchase are in the description.

This video focuses on comparing cup holder adapters needed to use larger Hydro Flasks, and we assume you already know you need an adapter.  But you may not need one at all if you have a smaller Hydro Flask, like a 21oz.  Check out our blog post for a full step-by-step guide. Link in the description.

Let’s get started.

Amazon Basics
First we have Amazon Basics.  Like many popular categories, Amazon released their own cup holder and have undercut most other adapters on the market.  But it’s still very functional and a good option on a budget
  • The twist to expand base is very easy to use and functional.
  • And it has rubber tabs to centralize small bottles.  The tabs are not removable.
  • 32 and 40oz Hydro Flasks are the same diameter and fit well, and the tabs keep smaller bottles like 32oz Trail Series centralized.
All-in-all the Amazon Basics cup holder is quite functional for the price.  The main drawbacks are the many people prefer to buy from smaller vendors instead of Amazon brands, the base is not extendable, and the mug handle cutout is quite small.  But overall, this cup holder is a very good option.

BottlePro
Next up we have BottlePro, which is our cup holder adapter.
  • Each BottlePro comes with two adapter rings and a foam sleeve to help fine-tune the fit.  The adapter rings are locked when the base looks like this.  To unlock, twist the base so the rings are aligned.  Then slide off the rings.  The adapters can be easily added back on by lining up the grooves and sliding them on.
  • A cool feature is that you can lock the rings at different heights, which can help with deeper cup holders.
  • Add the soft fit sleeve to help with in-between cup holder sizes.
  • 32 and 40oz Hydro Flasks fit well, but smaller bottles can be unstable because there are no centralizer tabs.

In summary, BottlePro is a great budget alternative to Amazon Basics for 32 and 40 ounce Hydro Flasks, but for smaller diameter bottles, you might want to look at an adapter with centralizer tabs.  And keep an eye out for our upcoming 3rd version, which will have many improvements.

Swigzy
Next is Swigzy, which is a great premium option.
  • It has a twist-to-expand base,
  • rubber tabs (though they are not removable),
  • and there is also an option to purchase a unit with additional spacers to extend the height of the adapter.
  • One of the cooler unique features that Swigzy offers is the ability to offset the base.  Just loosen one screw, adjust the base offset, then re-add the screw.  This can help two of them fit side-by-side in more cup holders.
  • 32 and 40oz Hydro Flasks fit well, and the rubber tabs help centralize smaller bottles really well. 
Overall, Swigzy is honestly our favorite cup holder on the market today, and it pains us to say that because we make one.  But Swigzy comes with a significantly higher price tag.  You might be able to save a few bucks with another option.

Joytutus
Last is Joytutus.  This cup holder is a good option overall.
  • The rubber tabs feel great and are removable, which can help make it easier to get larger bottles in-and-out.
  • The coaster is also removable for easier cleaning, though this does make it fall out easily if you’re moving your adapter.
  • But we’re not huge fans of the base design.  The rubber flap concept looks interesting and is easy for installation because you just push it down into the cup holder, but we found it very difficult to remove when we wanted to switch cars.
  • You have to remove the rubber tabs for 32 and 40oz Hydro Flasks to fit, but smaller bottles fit just fine with the tabs in.
While Joytutus has some options like the removable tabs that help it stand apart, for the most part we do not think this outweighs the downsides of the base design.  But it’s certainly an option to keep in mind.

So that’s it!  We hope this review has been helpful.  Don’t forget to check out our website at bottlepro.net, where we have other products like infusers and splash guards for Hydro Flasks.  And subscribe to our blog for more content like this, hydration news, and updates on product deals.  Thanks for watching.

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