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Update to our Previous Videos about Cleaning Hydro Flask Flex Straw and Original Straw LidsThere’s something you should be aware of before you buy a Hydro Flask straw lid, and it’s related to how you clean it. Back in February and March, we made two videos (links in the pictures below) showing how you can remove the spout from both of Hydro Flask’s straw lids, and this video reviews an important consideration that we’ve learned from comments received in those previous posts. Our Video Review
Our YouTube video covers the same information in this post, so click the link if you'd rather see the video. Otherwise, keep reading the full post below!
Some Backstory - Removing the Flex Straw SpoutThere are quite a few videos out there about the original straw lid that show how to remove the spout, and in many of those videos, you can see a horrible amount of mold and residue built up because most people don’t clean under the spout regularly. We didn’t see any videos yet about how to remove spout from the newer Flex Straw lid, and we thought it would be important to know how to do it to make sure those lids can be deep cleaned too. The problem we ran into at first is that we found it much more difficult to remove the spout from the Flex Straw lid. We couldn’t figure it out initially, and we were afraid of breaking our lid. We reached out to Hydro Flask to make sure it was intended to be popped off like with the original lid. After reading Hydro Flask’s response, we tried harder to pop off the spout, including pushing it at different angles compared to the original straw lid. Eventually we got the spout off, and we noticed why we had such a hard time. The way the spout attaches to the lid, including how the grooves and the pivot points line up, is different compared to the original straw lid. In order to pop off the spout, it helps to push against it at a different angle (45 degrees from closed) which isn’t very intuitive at first. Once we realized this difference, we made two videos to help share what we had learned with other Hydro Flask users so they can get a truly deep clean with their straw lids. Comments Received - Issues with the Spouts Wearing OutOver the couple of months since we posted those videos, several users left comments saying that popping the spout off wore down the plastic connections, and that caused their spouts to be looser than they were originally. After reading these comments, we wanted to post a followup video to our one about cleaning Hydro Flask straws lids and give our thoughts. What this Means, and What You Should Know about Cleaning your Straw LidFirst of all, we want to acknowledge that it is possible to have the plastic wear out where the spout connects to the lid. The way the spout attaches with either lid means that the small bumps that act as pivot points for the spout have the potential to flatten out some when the spout is detached then reattached. This can then cause the spout to have a looser fit. But even when considering the potential wear-and-tear, we still think it’s a good idea to pop off the spout with either straw lid to get a truly deep clean. There can be a lot of mold buildup under the spout if you don’t stay on top of it. But the main point we want to drive home is that this type of deep cleaning comes with some risk of additional wear-and-tear. In some ways you might mean that you need to think of your straw lid as an accessory that needs to be replaced periodically, which is unfortunate because it costs extra money and is inconvenient. But we’re not really sure of another way to give these lids a deep clean since there are always spaces under the spout that aren’t possible to reach unless you take the spout off. So What Can You Do?There are a few things that can help. #1: Get a Flex Straw instead of the Original Straw
So if you’re trying to decide between the two straw lid options and deep cleaning everywhere including under the spout is a priority for you, go with the Flex Straw. #2: Use Cleaning Tablets
#3: Use a Different Lid One other obvious solution is to avoid the straw lids altogether. Hydro Flask has several other good lid options, and there are 3rd party ones as well. See our previous posts where we compare Hydro Flask's lid options!
SummarySo in summary, we acknowledge that popping off the spout with either Hydro Flask straw lid can lead to the spout fitting more loosely, but we still highly recommend doing it every once and awhile to fully clean your lid and prevent mold buildup. Just pop off the spout once every few months or whatever you’re comfortable with based on how often you use your straw lid, but not every time you clean your lid. This will help extend the life of your lid and prevent the plastic connections between the spout and the lid from wearing out prematurely. And that’s it! Hopefully this information helps you decide what cleaning schedule you’re comfortable with and which lid you want. If you find a better way to deep clean your straw lids, please let us know in the comments below so we can share it with other users. Keep BottlePro in mind for accessories for your large bottles, and happy hydrating! Buying a bottle? Keep us in mind
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Products Mentioned in this Post: Counterpoint - Why you should Think Twice before Buying a Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley Water BottleYETI recently released a new bottle with a straw lid, and it’s their answer to Stanley’s Adventure Quencher bottles that took the internet by storm. You may have noticed articles like these predicting that the new YETI straw tumbler will go viral. These kinds of articles come up seemingly every week describing the next big Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley product that you should buy. But we’re here to give the counterpoint with three reasons why you shouldn’t buy a Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley. Our Video ReviewOur YouTube video covers the same information in this post, so click the link if you'd rather see the video. Otherwise, keep reading the full post below!
Reason #1 Why You Shouldn't Buy a Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley - Affiliate MarketersHere’s the deal. The people and companies writing these articles are affiliate marketers. They get paid if you click a link and make a purchase, so it’s in their best interest to promote the most popular and expensive items.
Always remember that there is no such thing as a perfect product for every person and situation. Every single product has a drawback or something that can be critiqued. If the article you’re reading doesn’t list at least one negative to be aware of, then you might want to get a second opinion elsewhere. Reason #2 Why You Shouldn't Buy a Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley - You're Mostly Paying for the LogoWe run a business selling products on Amazon and ordering items from China. Our manufacturing and shipping volumes are obviously not nearly as high as Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley, but we can take what we’ve learned and use that to take our best guess at what kinds of costs they have.
Now obviously there are many other costs that will bring down Hydro Flask’s true net profit, including customer service, marketing, facilities costs, and employee wages. We’re not going to try to guess what Hydro Flask’s costs are in these categories, but it’s clear to see that a minority of what you pay for with a Hydro Flask bottle is in the bottle itself. If you think of customer service, marketing, the facilities, and the employees as essentially being the brand, then this little logo basically costs you around $30 per bottle. Most of the price you pay is for the brand, not the bottle. And though there are surely some differences between brands, we wouldn't be surprised if YETI and Stanley bottles are in this same ballpark. Let’s compare these costs with Iron Flask, which is a well-established knockoff brand on Amazon. They were close on our insulation test, and they’re almost exactly the same size and shape.
Now some of Hydro Flask’s higher costs are well worth it. They have great customer service, and they make really good products that last a long time. But in our opinion, it’s still a lot to fork over for the logo and we’d rather have a greater percentage of the price we spend go into the product, not the company. YETI’s branding-related costs are possibly even more excessive. Stanleys aren’t quite as extreme, but you're definitely still paying for the logo. Reason #3 Why You Shouldn't Buy a Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley - The EnvironmentIt's a little counter-intuitive at first because one of the most important reasons why you should get a reusable bottle is for the environment. Disposable water bottles are terrible, and upgrading to a reusable bottle is one of the best things you can do on an individual level to reduce plastic consumption. But the reality is that most people only really need one or two bottles to get them through the day. This why we really don’t like how viral bottles and excessive marketing budgets always push customers to get the next best bottle or color. It's one thing if you if you want a different type of bottle for specific reason, like a smaller one with a sip lid for coffee. But do you really need a 6th color of a 40-ounce bottle when you already have 5 similar bottles?
Sooner or later, the total environmental cost related to manufacturing and shipping your next reusable bottle will be greater than the environmental benefit from the reduction to your plastic consumption. So before you buy your next reusable bottle, take a second to think about whether you really need it. And that’s it! You might find it a little weird for our company to tell you to not buy a water bottle given that we’re in the business of making accessories for these bottles. But like always, we try to give our honest thoughts and recommendations that will actually help. And we know we railed on affiliate marketers before, but we did include links to the products we talked about. If you make a purchase after clicking one of the links, then we get a small commission. It helps our small business out, and we appreciate the support so we can continue making unbiased posts and videos like this one. Keep BottlePro in mind for accessories for your large bottles, and happy hydrating! Buying a bottle? Keep us in mind!
Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
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Which Hydro Flask Bottle Sling is the Best?Hydro Flask has two bottle slings, the Packable and the Tag Along. We’re reviewing how they are different, which one you should get, and whether any alternative options could be better for you. The short answer is that different pouches are better for different situations, and at the end of the post we’ll give our opinions on why you might want to pick one over another. Video ReviewOur YouTube video covers the same information in this post, so click the link if you'd rather see the video. Otherwise, keep reading the full post below!
Review of Hydro Flask's Packable SlingFirst, we’ll start with Hydro Flask’s Packable sling. Some benefits are:
But there are a few downsides to keep in mind.
All-in-all, this bottle sling is successful in what it was primarily designed for, which is to be super portable and stowable. This makes it a great choice for certain situations like keeping it in your car or pack for whenever you might need it, but this is not the best sling for daily use. Review of Hydro Flask's Tag Along SlingNext we’ll look at the Tag Along. Some benefits are:
But this also leads to the first downside.
Overall, the Tag Along bottle sling is a really good option for daily use. It comes in two sizes, so be sure to check which one is good for you. Hydro Flask's Slingback Bottle PackOne Hydro Flask brand option that we didn’t review was their newer Slingback bottle pack. This thing looks really cool and seems like it would be the best option for longer hikes and walks because of the extra storage and padded strap. We hope to test it out in the near future. Summary of Hydro Flask Sling OptionsOverall, we recommend getting the Packable Sling if you’d like to store a carrying pouch in your car or pack for whenever you might need it. But for everyday use, the Tag Along is the more user-friendly and useful Hydro Flask sling. And definitely consider trying the Slingback if you’re looking for more of a backpack for longer hikes or walks and let us know what you think below. 3rd Party Slings for Hydro FlasksBefore you buy a Hydro Flask product, you should also look at the competition. Here are a few ones to consider.
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How to Clean a Hydro Flask Straw LidHydro Flask has two straw lid options, their original design and the newer Flex Straw that was released in early 2022. They can be fairly tricky to clean, but we're going to review the step-by-step process so you can get a better deep clean on your Hydro Flask Flex Straw or original straw lid. This includes showing the complete disassembly of each one, as well as giving some general recommendations. Content Overview:
Recommended Products: Video ReviewOur YouTube video covers the same information in this post, so click the link below if you'd rather see the video showing our cleaning process. Otherwise, keep reading the full post below!
A Real Quick Thank You!If you found this post helpful, you can use the links to buy any of the items you need off Amazon. We get a small commission if you purchase that way, and every little bit helps our small business. It enables us to keep making information videos and posts like this one. We really appreciate the support! Are Hydro Flasks Dishwasher-Safe?Let’s get this out of the way first. We know it’s a pain in the butt, but we generally recommend hand washing all Hydro Flask products. The reason why is that it’s pretty confusing to know which Hydro Flask products are actually dishwasher-safe and which ones aren’t. Even if it says the product is dishwasher-safe, Hydro Flask mentions that some accessories like caps may last longer if they are hand washed. So to be safe, we recommend sticking to hand-washing as much as you can to help your Hydro Flask products work well for many years to come. How to Clean a Hydro Flask BottleThis one's pretty self-explanatory, and here are two of the items we use most for deep cleaning our large bottles. For cleaning the bottle, just use warm soapy water and your bottle brush. We do this every day before going to bed. For a deeper clean, you could use cleaning tablets like the ones made by Bottle Bright. We recently tested Bottle Bright tablets to clean the tea and coffee stains from a 20oz Hydro Flask Coffee bottle, and the results were very impressive! We're going to start doing this at least on a monthly basis, but we're not sure exactly what the best frequency is. Let us know what you think!
Now on to the lids. Get your brush kit, a sponge or rag, a butterknife or some other kind of picking tool with an end that won’t cut silicone, and a bowl with warm, soapy water. It’s also a good idea to get set up at least a few feet away from your sink since you’ll be handling some pretty small parts, and you don’t want to accidentally drop them down the sink. How to Clean a Hydro Flask Straw Lid (Original Version)
Step 1: Disassemble the Lid Start by disassembling the lid. The straw is attached with a friction fit on the cap, so you can just pull it off. Next, pop off the spout by pushing it past the open position. Remove the spout seal either by tapping the lid upside down, using your fingernails, or use a small tool like tweezers or the butterknife. The silicone vent hole insert doesn’t usually get that dirty, but for a really deep clean you can pop that out too. Just use your thumb or fingernail to pry it out from the bottom. And the last removable piece is the big o-ring under the threads. This o-ring generally doesn’t get as dirty so you may not need to clean it as often, but it’s still good to clean it every once and awhile. You need to use a butterknife or other kind of tool to get it out, but it’s not too difficult. Step 2: Clean Everything Clean each piece thoroughly.
Step 3: Reassemble the Lid Once it’s all dry, we put it back together the way it was before. This should be pretty simple since you saw how it all came apart, but there are a few things to double-check to make sure you don't have too much leaking.
If you followed all of these steps, then you should be all set with your deep-cleaned Hydro Flask with the original-style straw lid! How to Clean a Hydro Flask Straw Lid (Flex Straw)Step 1: Disassemble the Lid Next we’ll look at the Flex Straw lid, which is honestly the better version. In some ways it’s easier to clean because the pieces are harder to lose, but it’s also a little trickier to take apart. Like before, the first step is to disassemble the lid. Pull the straw out of the red silicone insert, then pull the red insert itself out from the bottom. Detaching the spout is a little different and trickier compared to the old lid, but you can still do it. Lift the spout to about a 45-degree angle, then press it to the side and up. We like to keep the lid on the bottle for more leverage, and we put the spout between our thumb and index finger then push with our arm muscles and not our wrist. The spout should then pop out of place. It takes a lot more force that you have to apply at an awkward angle compared to the original straw lid. You might even feel like you're about to break it, but follow these steps and it should pop out! The last removable piece is the large o-ring up under the threads. This seal doesn’t get as dirty so you may not need to clean it as often, but it’s still good to include in your deep clean every once and awhile. It's much more difficult to get out compared to the original straw lid, and you’ll need to find a tool with a fine-tip end to get it out. I couldn’t get it with a butterknife, but I was able to use the pointy end of this letter opener to get up under the seal and lift it, just making sure to only use the plastic part of the letter opener and not letting it go all the way to the blade. I’m sure there are better tools out there, and if you find something that works great for you, please comment on it below to let us and other people know. Step 2: Clean Everything Clean each piece thoroughly.
Step 3: Reassemble the Lid Once it’s all dry, we put it back together the way it was before. This should be pretty simple since you saw how it all came apart, but there are a few things to double-check to make sure you don't have too much leaking.
After these steps, you should be good to go with your deep-cleaned Hydro Flask Flex Straw! If you found this video helpful, let us know! And thanks again if you make a purchase through one of the links in the description. It really helps our small business out. Keep BottlePro in mind for accessories for your large bottles, and happy hydrating! Buying a Hydro Flask? Keep us in mind
Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
HOW TO REMOVE THE SPOUT FROM HYDRO FLASK'S FLEX STRAW LIDIf you’ve had one of the original Hydro Flask straw lids, then you probably know how to take off the spout for cleaning. A common question people have about the new Flex Straw lid is whether you can do the same thing. The good news is that you can take off the spout, but it’s a little more difficult and you have to do it a little differently. Here's how to remove the spout from your Hydro Flask Flex Straw lid for cleaning. A Video ReviewIf you'd rather watch a video on this topic, check out our YouTube video.
It covers most of the same information, just in a different format if videos are more your style. Step 1: Open the spout to 45 degreesFirst, open the spout to about a 45-degree angle. This is important to help prevent damaging your lid and to make it easier to pop the spout off. You'll see why later. Step 2: Push the spout to the side and upThen grip the cap like this with the spout between your thumb and index finger. (This is called the thenar web space for those who wanted to know!) Push the spout to the side while also lifting upward some, and it should pop out. Having trouble?If you’re having trouble, try keeping the lid on your bottle for leverage. We find this makes it a lot easier. Why is the 45-degree angle important?Once the spout is out, you can see how the grooves align with the pegs in the cap base, which is why it helps to pop it off at a 45-degree angle. If you try to pop the spout off at a different angle or push it beyond open like with the original straw lid, then you run the risk of stripping the pegs or grooves so they don't line up as well. Your lid may still work OK, but it probably won't open and close as crisply / nicely. Thanks for your support!We’ve included a link to the Flex Straw lid below. If you purchase after clicking the link, we earn a small commission. Every little bit helps our business, and we really appreciate the support. Thanks again, and happy hydrating.
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A Video ReviewIf you'd rather watch a video on this topic, check out our YouTube video. It covers most of the same information, just in a different format if videos are more your style. Or keep reading our post below!
Do Bottle Tablets Work?One major problem with big bottles like Hydro Flasks is that they can be difficult to clean. We highly recommend bottle brush kits like this one because they make cleaning much easier and effective, but if you use your bottle regularly for coffee or tea, then you’ll probably notice stains developing over time no matter how well you clean it.
I had this problem with my 20oz Coffee bottle, and I wanted to put the stainless back in stainless-steel. Hydro Flask has these recommendations and best practices listed on their website. But instead, I wanted to try something that I remembered seeing on Shark Tank to see if it was the real deal. I ordered a pack of Bottle Bright tablets to see how they work to get the stains out. They aren’t that expensive, and they seemed easier than using a homemade concoction. They’re made with ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and citric acid and are marketed as being completely safe and without any residual tastes or smells. Testing Bottle Bright Cleaning Tablets on a Hydro FlaskHere is the inside of my Hydro Flask before the test, and you can clearly see the coffee and tea stains. I followed the instructions on the package, which state you should fill your bottle with warm water and then add one tablet for each liter. One liter is just over 32 ounces, so given that I was testing this on a 20-ounce bottle, adding one full tablet was more than enough. I dropped the tablet in, and it immediately started fizzing. After letting it sit for 30 minutes, I poured out the water and used my brush with some clean water to rinse the bottle to make sure I got all of the tablet residue out. Did the Bottle Cleaning Tablets Work?The tablet honestly worked better than I expected. Most of the stains were cleaned out, and it almost looks like a brand-new bottle as you can see from the images below. I didn't use any other cleaners for this test, so I know the tablet was responsible for removing the stain. I took a quick sample taste of some water, and I didn’t notice anything that seemed off. Glad to know that my bottle won't have a weird aftertaste. Conclusion - Do Bottle Bright Tablets Really Work?It's a pretty resounding YES on this one. Overall, it was a very good first impression of the Bottle Bright tablets. They simplified the cleaning process and took the guess-work out of the equation. You could save a little money trying a different brand, and there are plenty of knockoffs available. But in our opinion, it might be a good idea to stick to reputable brands instead of buying from an unknown company on Amazon. We hope this post and video has helped. We’ve included links to the products, and if you purchase after clicking the link, we earn a small commission. Every little bit helps our business, and we really appreciate the support!
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Which YETI Lid is the Best?Rambler water bottles are one of YETI’s most popular and profitable product lines, due in no small part to how useful and versatile they are. YETI has designed six lid styles that are compatible with any wide-mouth Rambler bottle. To be clear, the lids we’re talking about only fit YETI Rambler water bottles. We’re not talking about YETI’s tumblers, mugs, or new Yonder plastic bottles. So the next logical question is, which YETI lid is the best? Our goal with this post is to give you all the information you need to answer the more important question: which YETI lid is the best for you? Which YETI Lid is the Best? (Video Review)If you'd rather watch a video about this topic, then check out our YouTube video!
Or keep reading our full post below. The ContendersYETI has designed six (6) lids as of today: Standard, Chug, Straw, Hot Shot, Magdock, and Bottle Cup Cap.
YETI's Standard LidFirst is the one that started it all, YETI’s Standard Lid. This was the lid that came out when this water bottle series was initially released, and it’s still the one that comes with most YETI Ramblers bottles today. We love the carrying handle. The rigid design is wide enough to fit three fingers, making it very comfortable and easy to hold. The simple, no-frills design is very easy to use, and it’s also easy to clean. This is the best option for anyone who has limited finger strength because the handle is easy to hold, and it lets you get a good amount of leverage to open the cap. It’s also the most lightweight YETI cap at only 2.9 ounces. There are a few main drawbacks. First, the lid is completely separate from the bottle, so it’s pretty easy to misplace or drop the lid, causing it to get dirty. It’s not like a Takeya, which has a connected spout cap. Second relates to YETI’s Over-The-Nose technology, which in non-marketing terms just means they made the mouth opening about 1/2” wider than competitors like Hydro Flask. Because the opening is so wide, it’s notoriously easy to splash water in your face, especially if you’re in the middle of an activity like driving. And if you have ice in your bottle, all we can say is good luck. So while we love the simplicity of the standard cap and how easy it is to use, it’s definitely the base design for a reason since it does not offer many benefits or uses compared to other lids. YETI's Chug CapYETI’s Chug Cap is probably the most common replacement lid that people choose to use, and for good reason. It consists of two parts that we’ll call the base and the spout cap. The most important and obvious benefit is how lid solves the glaring problem with the Standard Lid by making it much easier to take drinks of water without splashing water all over your face. The handle is the same great design as the Standard Lid and is very comfortable and easy to hold. Some drawbacks are that the spout cap comes completely off and is easy to misplace or drop. At 6.5 ounces, this is the 2nd heaviest YETI lid. There are more parts compared to the Standard Lid, so there is also more to clean, including an extra set of threads. This is not as good of an option as the Standard Lid for people with limited gripping strength, mainly because the base is more difficult to get on-and-off. Our previous video discussed a common problem we see in reviews about the chug cap, specifically that the threads can strip fairly easily. If you want to use a chug cap, we recommend watching that video to help minimize this potential problem. While it may seem like we brought up a lot of drawbacks, the YETI Chug Cap is by no means a bad lid. It’s a solid improvement over the Standard Lid in many ways, and it’s our favorite lid for drinking regular water from YETI Ramblers that are 26 ounces or larger. YETI's Straw CapThe next cap we’re reviewing is YETI’s Straw Lid. Like with most straw lids, it’s very easy to take sips of water, and there’s no chance of splashing water in your face provided that you keep the bottle upright. The previous two caps require two hands to unscrew the lid while holding the bottle, but you can take one-handed sips with the Straw Lid. This makes it a great option for when you’re on the road. The handle is the same comfortable, three-finger style as the Standard and Chug Lids. The only difference is that the handle is angled to the side some so you don’t hit your forehead when taking a drink, but we wouldn’t count this as a problem. In our opinion, this is the best option if you’re planning to use ice or add flavorings like fruit to your bottle. You’ll keep everything out of your face, and the small straw opening is unlikely to plug up unless you have really small bits of ice or fruit. If you’d like to flavor your water, consider using our FlavorFuze Straw infuser. We designed it for Hydro Flasks initially, but it also fits great on YETI’s Straw Lids. Most of the drawbacks are similar to what you’d find with any straw lid. The straw grazes the bottom of the bottle, and you’ll need to remove the entire lid if you want to drink 100% of the water. Also, they’re harder to clean than the previous lids. Make sure you have a straw cleaner, and even if you’re cleaning the straw regularly, it’s a good idea to replace the whole straw every once and awhile. In conclusion, this is a good straw lid that can help make your life a little easier. We like this lid the most for hiking because it’s fairly lightweight compared to the other lids and prevents spills. We also like using this lid when we want to add ice or flavorings. In some ways YETI’s Straw Lid feels a little basic when compared to competitors like Hydro Flask and Klean Kanteen who have made innovations that make them easier to clean or use less plastic. But basic isn’t necessarily bad, and this is certainly still a good lid. Hot Shot LidNext is YETI’s Hot Shot Lid, which is their sip-style. It’s intended to be used with smaller bottles for coffee and tea. It does a good job of limiting how much of your drink comes out at once, which is good when drinking something hot like coffee. One cool feature is that you can take a sip from any side of the bottle, which is different than what you find with many competing sip lids that force you to line up your mouth with the opening. In this way, the Hot Shot is a very good option for drinking coffee while driving because you don’t have to worry about lining up your mouth with the bottle opening. And YETI’s Hot Shot has fewer parts compared to some competitors like Hydro Flask’s Flex Sip. This makes it easier to clean and less likely to misplace or drop a piece. It’s a fairly lightweight option at only 4.7 ounces, though this is technically the 4th heaviest YETI lid. One obvious drawback is that the lid does not have the carrying handle that’s incorporated into the previous lids. We know the Hot Shot is intended to be used with smaller bottles that are easier to carrying in general, but having a handle always helps. But the biggest drawback that some people will find with the Hot Shot lid is that it’s more difficult to use, even compared to some other sip-style lids we’ve tested. The rim around the top is great to drink from, but it doesn’t give you much room to get your fingers against the opening mechanism. People with limited finger strength or arthritis will most likely have issues using the Hot Shot lid. This especially applies to cleaning the lid. To separate the two pieces, you have to twist even harder counterclockwise until you hear two clicks, and then the middle piece comes out. To sum it up, this lid is a good option to use with YETI’s 12 or 18 ounce Ramblers when you want to sip on your coffee on the way to or at work, and we really like how you can sip from any angle. But other than that, this lid is just not as easy to use as some other sip-style lids that we’ve tested. And definitely don’t get this cap if you have limited hand strength. YETI's Magdock LidNext is the Magdock lid. This is the lid we have been most excited to get our hands on because it seemed like an improved version of the Chug Cap, and we were not disappointed. The spout is the same size as the Chug Cap, meaning you can get a good amount of water when you need it while also preventing spills. The spout cap is textured for better grip, and it adds to the feel of a premium product. But the most obvious improvement is incorporated into the name. The spout cap has a built-in magnet that allows it to securely connect to another magnet in the base, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love magnets? This makes it much easier to prevent accidentally dropping your spout cap, which was one of the main drawbacks with the Chug Cap. One other cool feature that we hadn’t seen before is that the o-ring that seals the connection between the spout cap and the base is much easier to remove than with most seals we find in other bottles and caps. It even has a little built-in little handle that lets you pull it out very easily, and this makes cleaning your bottle much simpler. At 4.6 ounces, this is the 3rd lightest YETI option. The most glaring drawback is a biggie. The Magdock Lid doesn’t have a built-in handle. If you have smaller hands, then gripping YETI Ramblers that are 26 ounces and larger can be a challenge and not having a handle on the lid is a clear drawback. But other than that, there’s not much we don’t like about the Magdock cap. In conclusion, we really did like this lid. This is our favorite lid hydrating while at work or hanging around the house because it’s easier to keep the spout cap nearby and clean. It improves on most of the drawbacks with the Chug Lid, it’s easier to clean than the Straw Lid, and it’s easier to open and close than the Hot Shot Lid. But the fact that it doesn’t have a handle is a major drawback for larger bottles, especially for people with smaller hands. Consider getting a carrying pouch for your bottle, which then solves the problem of not having a handle. YETI's Bottle Cup CapThe last lid option that we’re reviewing has the most focused purpose. The Bottle Cup Cap essentially turns your YETI Rambler into a Stanley Classic Thermos. There are three pieces, the base, the spout cap, and the cup. Just unscrew the spout cap a little, and then you can pour your drink into the detachable cup. The cap looks amazing. The stainless-steel cup has a heft and feel to it that definitely feels premium. We haven’t officially tested this yet, but we wouldn’t be surprised if this cap has the best insulation properties compared to other YETI lids. Because the insulation is probably so good, this is a great option if you’re sitting in the stands watching a sporting event on a chilly day, sitting around the firepit, or relaxing at a campsite. But there are some key drawbacks to consider. First off, the lid is huge and bulky. At 12.7 ounces, it’s almost twice as heavy as the next heaviest cap. In addition, this cap doesn’t have a handle to help manage all that extra weight and bulk. And with a price tag of $30 today, it’s also the most expensive lid option by far. As of today, you can actually spend $5 less and get a 34-ounce Stanley Classic Thermos that serves the same purpose and has a handle built into the bottle. Overall, while this is a really cool add-on for very specific scenarios, we think the Bottle Cup Cap is too situational and expensive for most people except the most die-hard YETI fans and collectors. SummaryTo bring it all together, here is our summary for each lid, including recommended best-uses. The Standard Lid is a decent lid in general, particularly for hiking, but we think there are better options for most situations. The Chug Lid has some good improvements over the Standard Lid and is our recommended option to use when you’re actively participating in a sporting event. It’s a little heavier, so it’s not as good for longer walks or hikes. The Straw Lid is our recommended option for hiking or when you want to add ice or flavorings to your bottle. The Hot Shot Lid is ideally used to drink coffee with smaller Ramblers, but it’s not a good option if you have limited hand strength or if you want to drink from a larger bottle. The Magdock lid is our favorite all-around lid for every-day hydration, especially when pairing it with a carrying pouch so not having a handle isn’t as big of an issue. And the Bottle Cup Cap is a good option when you’re lounging game-side or around the fire and want to sip at a warm drink, but other than that it’s not very practical. Regardless of which cap you get, consider getting a cup holder adapter for your YETI Rambler to keep it securely by your side when you’re on the road. We just came out with our new-and-improved BottlePro Max adapter that fits all YETI Ramblers. And that’s it! We hope this post has helped you decide which lid or lids you should get. Keep BottlePro in mind for accessories for your large bottles. Buying a YETI Rambler? Keep us in mind!Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
YETI Chug Cap Stripped Threads - A Video ReviewIf you'd rather watch a video about this topic, then check out our YouTube video!
Or keep reading our full post below. How to Avoid Stripping Threads with YETI's Chug CapAt BottlePro, we’ve mostly focused on Hydro Flasks over the years. But one of our New Year’s resolutions is to give some other brands more love, and at the top of that list is YETI. YETI is possibly the most popular premium bottle brand on the market today, and for good reason. Their products cost a relative fortune, but that’s because they are over-engineered and designed to last for many years.
Given that YETI is a premium brand, all these negative reviews seemed odd so we decided to order a chug cap to test it out and see if we could recreate this issue. We ordered a YETI Chug Cap in December, 2022 from YETI’s storefront on Amazon. Interestingly, the storefront showed this product as unavailable when we went back in early January when we were making this video, but we assume the listing will be back up and running soon. It might be wishful thinking on our part, but maybe they’re updating the design to fix the issue we’re about to talk about. Our first impression is that the cap is well-built and feels very durable. It definitely feels more heavy-duty than competitors like Takeya, ThermoFlask, or even Hydro Flask’s new Flex Chug. Before we really tested out our lid, we took a closer look at the pictures from the negative reviews. Our lid seems to be identical based on the locations of a few key features, which gives us confidence that both we and the reviewers used authentic YETI lids. Recreating the IssueThe next step was to try to recreate the issue. We tightened the lid as much as we could by hand, but this did not seem to do anything to the threads. Next came the real cross-threading test. We tried screwing the lid on-and-off at different angles. This includes pulling up and pushing down on the lid so we got the full range of taking the lid on and off. This is when we started to see some wear-and-tear that looks consistent with the other reviewers. In particular, we started seeing some evidence of cross-threading where the black plastic threads started to get flattened out on one side. The problem with cross-threading and thread wear in general is that the issue accelerates once it starts. So even though we were clearly stress-testing the lid by exerting quite a bit of force at different angles, the fact that we were able to create this amount of wear-and-tear over a few minutes is concerning. We can absolutely see how the lid could wear down quickly like so many reviews have mentioned. Why are the Threads Getting Damaged so Easily?There are likely two main culprits to this problem. Reason #1 The first is that the clear plastic on the base threads seems to be significantly harder than the black plastic on the spout cap threads. And because the clear threads have fairly sharp angles on the cross-section profile, these threads can cut into the softer black plastic relatively easily. Reason #2 Because of the thread design, the lid can start threading on at a pretty good range of angles. This makes it easier to start closing the lid, which can make it a little easier to use the bottle. But a side-effect is that this can cause the threads to not line up as intended, leading to more thread wear. Either one of these problems by themselves probably wouldn’t be much of an issue, but the fact that they both are happening together is leading to increased thread wear. Reason #3 *Update 1/23/2023* Someone gave us feedback after we posted this video saying that their threads stripped because they used a hot drink, and the heat made the threads more malleable, causing them to fail. If you want to use a hot drink like coffee or tea, a better lid option would be the Hot Shot lid. YETI's ResponseAs far as YETI’s stance goes, their response to one reviewer was “what you are experiencing isn’t something that happens often but can be caused by cross-threading and/or over-tightening your Chug Cap. Over time this will strip the threads.” We find this response a little disingenuous given that many people are having this same issue, especially when you consider that a large number of people experiencing this threading problem probably won’t take the time to write a negative review. That being said, YETI’s diagnosis of the root cause of the problem seems to be accurate. What Can You Do about YETI's Chug Cap Threads Stripping?#1 - Get a Replacement
If the button link doesn't work, go to https://www.yeti.com/warranty-information.html. Then under “READY TO GET STARTED?”, click the link for “WARRANTY CLAIM FORM”. #2 - Get a Different Brand If you’re deciding which bottle to buy and don’t want to run across this issue, one obvious solution is to choose a different bottle brand. There are plenty of water bottles on the market today, and some bottles like Takeyas usually come with a chug cap included. One thing we love about Takeyas is that the spout cap is attached to the cap base, so there’s no chance of losing or dropping the spout cap. ThermoFlask also has a similar cap style. Links to each bottle's listing on Amazon are included.
#3 - Get a Different YETI Lid If you’re a YETI fanatic, you know that going with a different brand isn’t an option. In that case, consider using a different lid since none of the other lids seem to have the same type of threading issue. Currently YETI has six (6!) lid designs that fit their Rambler series bottles. We'll be testing all of them in an upcoming video, so stay tuned!
#4 - Keep Using the Chug Cap, but Be Careful! Even though it may seem like we've been trashing on YETI's Chug Cap design, we actually really like it. If you want to stick with the YETI Chug Cap, just be mindful of how you use it. Make sure you have the spout cap aligned properly and perpendicularly to the base as much as possible before you start threading it on. To be extra safe, just give the spout cap an easy spin without adding extra force. The cap threads on really nicely and easily when it’s aligned properly, and then you can just snug it up a little more to make sure the seal is leak-proof. Whatever you do, don’t pull out the gun show. You shouldn’t have to use much force or effort to get a good seal, so if it feels like you’re straining to get the cap on, then odds are it’s not aligned properly. We hope that YETI will take a closer look at their Chug Cap soon and redesign to help prevent this issue from happening, either by fine-tuning how the threads interact, changing the plastic composition, or maybe even overhauling the design. Buying a YETI Rambler? Keep us in mind!Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
Which Insulated Bottle is the Best?Insulated water bottles have been around for a long time, but in the last decade or so their popularity skyrocketed with brands like Hydro Flask and YETI. There’s no doubt that the dual-wall insulation technology in these bottles is a wonderful quality of life improvement compared to non-insulated bottles, especially if you live in a hot region. But if you look on Amazon today, you can find dozens if not hundreds of brands selling similar insulated bottles. So many people ask, which water bottle has the best insulation? We tested 10 popular water bottles to see how well they hold ice. The Best Insulated Bottle - A Video Review
If you'd rather watch the results, then check out our YouTube video below!
The ContendersWe primarily focused on 32-ounce bottles because that size tends tend to be very popular, but we did use some other bottle sizes for certain brands based on what was available. We also included a couple non-insulated bottles as a baseline, a Stanley classic thermos to see how the older style compares, and a triple-wall bottle because we hadn’t tested one before and we were curious if it’s the next best thing.
(click an image below to see the bottle on Amazon) The TestBecause the main purpose of an insulated water bottle is to maintain a temperature for longer periods throughout the day, we measured the weight of ice before and after the test as our main metric. We purchased an ice mold that creates larger sticks to limit the effect that surface area variations in different pieces of ice might have on the melting rate. Then we added one ice stick to each bottle and no water. After four hours, we poured the contents of each bottle into a strainer, then the remaining ice was dumped onto a scale. By comparing the weights of each ice stick before and after, we were able to get an idea of which bottle keeps ice the best. We then repeated this test three times and calculated the cumulative results.
Keep in mind that this experiment was intended just to give an idea if there are any major variations in insulation effectiveness. In an ideal experiment, we would have used a more accurate scale, used similar lids on all of the bottles, measured out the water into each ice mold to ensure the same volumes of ice were made, and used the same volume bottles across the board. With the disclaimers out of the way, here are the results! The ResultsThe cumulative results are summarized in the table below. You can see the percentage of ice that melted in the fourth column. A few things jumped out at us. The Luxe and Stanley Original bottles are in a league of their own with 36% ice loss. One factor to keep in mind with the Luxe bottle is that it’s only 22 ounces, and the smaller volume of air likely made the result look better than it really was. We also haven’t tested or used this bottle at all other than with this insulation test, so we’re not quite ready to recommend it yet. Regardless, this initial test of the triple-wall insulation showed promise, and this type of bottle is worth looking into more. The Stanley result was interesting too, given that this type of bottle has been around for a long time and is basically the OG of insulated bottles. After that, we have the Klean Kanteen TKWide, the YETI, Takeya, and Hydro Flask with between 49 and 52% ice loss. These results are very close and are certainly within the range of potential error, so there’s not much difference here. Next is the Iron Flask at 55% ice loss. But keep in mind that we only had a 40oz Iron Flask to test, and the larger volume of air likely made the ice melt faster. Based on this consideration, we feel comfortable assuming that the Iron Flask’s insulation is essentially the same as the previous group. ThermoFlask was the one outlier of the dual-wall insulation bottles. At 59% ice loss, ThermoFlask seemed to consistently test worse than the other similar bottles. And the Nalgene and Klean Kanteen classic had the worst results, but given that these are single-wall bottles and not insulated, this result was to be expected. We mostly just included them in the test as a baseline because we could see when the ice had finished melting in the Nalgene, and we were curious if the single-wall stainless-steel design would do any better. ConclusionsWhen we take a step back to think about these results overall, we can reach a few conclusions.
Buying a large bottle? Keep us in mind!
Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
Klean Kanteen's Best Bottle?Klean Kanteen quickly became one of the leading bottle brands when it burst onto the scene with its stainless-steel bottles in 2004. But more recently, other brands have caught up with, and in some cases overtaken, Klean Kanteen’s market share by introducing stylish bottles with dual wall insulation. In late 2020, Klean Kanteen finally released an insulated bottle called the TKWide series. So was the TKWide bottle worth the wait? We purchased a 32-ounce TKWide with a chug cap to find out. We’ll let you know our thoughts and what you can expect if you buy one for yourself. Hydro Flask's Flex Chug - A Video Review
If you'd rather watch a video, then check out our Youtube video below!
Price
InsulationWe’re fans of insulated bottles in general, so that’s a big plus. We’ll be testing the TKWide’s insulation in a future video to compare it against bottles like Hydro Flasks and YETIs, but we expect the insulation is good for most daily activities. Style
Size and WeightThe other thing we noticed right away is the size. This bottle is huge for a 32-ounce. It’s because of the Impact Base Cap adding another inch or so to the height. The bottle is also heavier than other 32-ounce bottles. A 32-ounce TKWide is a full 5 ounces heavier than a 32-ounce Hydro Flask, or about 32%. This isn’t a big deal most of the time, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re going hiking or on a long walk with your bottle. Spout CapSpout
InsideWhen you take off the cap and look inside, you’ll find the comically large instruction booklet translated into 8 languages. There’s also a thank you note that reviews all the social programs and environmental commitments that Klean Kanteen is involved with, so if you’re into supporting environmentally-focused causes and companies then you’ll probably feel pretty good about your purchase. ThreadsPlasticFor a completely plastic-free option, consider getting a 40-ounce non-insulated Klean Kanteen with the classic wide loop cap. Please note that this cap only fits Klean Kanteen’s wide mouth bottles with external threads, which does not include TKWides. Our ConclusionIn conclusion, we really like Klean Kanteen’s TKWide bottle. It looks fantastic, is very durable, and has a premium feel that’s hard to describe. The minor issues like the weight and how the internal threads are more difficult to align than standard threads can be overlooked for the most part, though if you’re going on a long walk or hike, we recommend bringing a lighter bottle.
So overall, this is a great go-to bottle that will help you stay hydrated throughout the day. Do you agree with our conclusion? Let us know! Buying a wide mouth bottle? Keep us in mind
Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
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