All Categories

1) S'well (Original 25oz)
2) Stanley Thermos (1L)
3) RevoMax (20oz)

Which Water Bottle has the Best Insulation?

(10 minute read)

Which Water Bottle has the Best Insulation?

Which bottles have the best insulation, and do they really live up to their claims to keep drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12? We tested over 30 bottles, including both hot and cold tests to see how the results compared, and we're posting all the juicy details below for your over-analyzing pleasure.

So if you're looking for the absolute best water bottle for either hot or cold drinks, this post is for you.

Let's get started!

Sneak Peek Summary

Here are the best and worst 3 for both the hot and cold tests (click the links to see them on Amazon).

Hot Test, Best 3

Hot Test, Worst 3

30) Stanley Quencher (40oz)
31) Hydro Flask Tumbler (40oz)
32) Brumate Era Tumbler (40oz)

Cold Test, Best 3

1) Stanley Thermos (1L)
2) Camelbak Chute Mag (32oz)
3) S'well (Original 25oz)

Cold Test, Worst 3

30) Hydro Flask Tumbler (40oz)
31) Stanley Quencher (40oz)
32) Zulu Ace (24oz)

Since ice water is the most common way people use these big bottles, here are the bottles listed from best-to-worst based on their cold water test (you'll see the full data a little later). All of these are dual-wall vacuum insulated stainless steel, with the exception of Nalgene (plastic) which was included as a control.

Videos: Insulation Tests

We also covered each test in separate YouTube videos if you'd prefer to watch the recap that way.

Amazon Associates Disclosure
BottlePro is part of the Amazon Associates Program. There are product links in this article, and if you make a purchase using one, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you!

Which Water Bottle Keeps Drinks the Hottest?

First, let's look at the hot water insulation test. To standardize the test, I bought this set of wireless thermometers. It's the kind that are primarily used for smoking meats and grilling, but it worked well for this purpose too. It comes with these two sensor probes that are individually labeled on top, and they connect wirelessly to a readout display. I wasn't sure how water proof the sensors were, so I made a little float for each one so only the bottom part of the probe would be underwater.

Wireless Thermometer

Floats for Probes

Probe in Bottle

Thermometer Readout and Timer

Wireless Thermometer Set

In case you're curious, here's the thermometer I used. It's pretty slick. The app is useful for setting the target temp and monitoring it remotely, though don't expect much from the table output or being able to export data beyond just a low-res jpg.

But if all you need is to monitor meat on a smoker so you can know when it reaches a certain temperature, these would work great (I'll be doing some of that this summer!).

See Wireless Thermometer

Methodology:

Fill two 16oz plastic measuring cups with tap water
Microwave for ~5.5 minutes (gets the temps to a little over 165 degF with my microwave)
Add water to two bottles
Drop in wireless thermometers and close the lids
Wait for the water to drop below 165 degF, then start a timelapse video with a stopwatch timer next to the thermometer readout
Stop the test when both bottles have reached 150 degF
Watch the timelapse and record the exact moments that the temperatures for each bottle last read 165 degF and first read 150 degF
Pour out the water and wait a few hours with the lids off for the bottle temperatures to equalize
Repeat the test, switching which probe goes in which bottle, then average the results
Repeat all of the above steps for all 30+ bottles

Table of Hot Insulation Test Results

There are a few things to note about this test.

Not for Hot: Some bottles like Owala say they're not meant to be used with hot drinks, but from what I've read, that's usually just a safety concern because they want to prevent situations where pressure may build and someone could get burned. Insulation works similarly for both hot and cold, so these hot tests should still give you good relative ranking for these bottles even if you're planning to buy one for ice water.
Volume vs Capacity: Each bottle had 16oz of water in it regardless of the volume capacity of the bottle. That was to make each bottle start with the same energy/heat in the system, but if you filled the larger bottles to the top with 165 degF water, I would expect they'd stay above 150 degF longer because they started with more overall energy/heat. But honestly I'm not entirely sure what the impact of the different volume would be (open to hearing your thoughts!).
Wireless Signal Issues: For some reason, the wireless thermometers wouldn't reliably transfer the signal through the S'well bottle and Stanley thermos. So instead, I went the old fashioned way and used a candy thermometer. I heated up the water and waited until it was right around 165 degF, then I closed the lid. I guessed how long it would take to drop to 150 and took a measurement. Then I adjusted my guess and repeated it again and again over several iterations. I did it this way because I didn't want there to be any error from removing the lid and checking the water temperature multiples times within a single test.
Checked Thermometers: To make sure the results would be comparable, I tested all the thermometers first and they were pretty much the same.

Which Water Bottle Keeps Drinks the Coldest?

Most people use large water bottles for ice water instead of hot drinks, so I also did a cold water test. For this test, I left the bottles outside so they got some sunlight to simulate if you were using it hiking or at the beach. But because it's a lot harder to predict temperature changes outside compared to inside, I elected to do one big test with all the bottles at the same time while measuring the temperature at the start and end of a 24-hour period.

Bottles on a Table Outside (before filling)

Ice Water in YETI Cooler

Using the Drain as a Strainer

Measuring Ending Temperatures

Methedology:

Lined up all of the bottles on a table outside where sunlight would not vary much based for any particular bottle
Took off all of the lids to make sure each bottle had the same starting temperature
Filled a YETI cooler with ice water
Used the drain as a strainer to fill a bottle, recorded the starting temperature, then closed the lid
Notable, this test involved filling each bottle to the very top to simulate practical real-world use, but it's different than how I did the hot test (16oz of hot water regardless of bottle size)
Repeated for all 30+ bottles
Waited 24 hours
Opened each bottle and recorded an ending temperature, ensuring that the bottles were tested in the same order as they were filled and on the same frequency (a rate of 1 per ~1 minute)
Compared the starting and ending temperatures

Table of Cold Insulation Test Results

There are a few things to note about this test.

Only 1 Test: I only did 1 iteration. Ideally I'd do multiple tests to balance out possible impacts of sunlight, the ice water temperature variability, and the order of the test, but because this test takes so long I haven't had time to do more yet.
Some Odd Results: While these results mostly tracked with the hot test, there were some odd results and notable differences. Some brands like Owala and Camelbak did much better on the cold test than the hot test, while Hydro Flask did much worse. Much of this is likely due to the difference between filling up partially for the hot test and full for the cold test (makes the smaller bottles look better on the hot test). Also, I don't have a good explanation for why Takeya's insulated lid (Actives Series) did so much sorse than their original style lid with the hot water test. These are details I hope to learn more about when I repeat this in the future and have more data to average out possible issues.
Starting Temp: The starting temp of the ice water was higher for the first bottles tested and lower by the end. This is likely because the concentration of ice-to-water increased as the testing went on, leaving the remaining water in the YETI colder. While it was only a few degrees difference, this may have had an impact on the results and made the bottles starting with colder water seem worse if you're measuring based on the 24-hour temperature change. But my hope is that doing it over such a longer period of time negated some of that impact.
Additional Info: I added more columns to this table to give you more practical info, hopefully to help you find the best bottle for your needs and situation.

Conclusions: Which Bottles have the Best Insulation?

Links to each bottle in order from best-to-worst are shown at the beginning under the Sneak Peek Summary, so I won't repeat them here. But after these tests, I came away with four main conclusions in general when it comes to water bottles and insulation.

Conclusion #1: Mouth Diameter is Important

The easiest way to guess a bottle's insulation that's also fairly reliable is the mouth diameter. A good rule of thumb is the wider the opening, the worse the insulation. That makes sense because most heat is lost through the lid, as you can clearly see in thermal imaging between Owala's bottle (narrower) and Owala's newer Sway tumbler (wider opening).

Just don't forget to consider the mouth diameter too if you'd mostly use it with ice water, so think about the size of your ice cubes too.

Thermal Imaging of Owala Sway vs Owala Original

Conclusion #2: Lid Design is Even More Important

While the mouth diameter is the most common factor, the lid design, and specifically if it makes a dual-seal, seems to be the most important factor.

Each of the top three bottles on both tests creates your typical seal at the rim of the bottle that you see in every single bottle on this list, but they also make a second seal on average about an inch or two down the neck of the bottle.

With S'well's lid, this seal presses up against this part of the neck than narrows a little bit more.

Double Seal on S'well

RevoMax has a threadless lid that expands in the neck of the bottle.

Double Seal on RevoMax

The dual seal traps some heat and acts extra insulation insulator. So bottom line, if you look at a bottle and see it's designed to create a dual seal, then odds are it will have really good insulation.

Conclusion #3: Best Big Tumbler (like Stanley Quencher)

If you like a big tumbler with a side-mounted handle, the bad news is that most of them have pretty poor insulation because they have such a wide mouth diameter. But if insulation is important to you and you really like that style bottle, then take a serious look at Simple Modern because they were way better than all the other similar tumblers on this list.

Here's the breakdown if you grouped the bottles by different volumes, and it's really clear just how much better Simple Modern was. Here's the breakdown for the hot test, and it was also by far the best large tumbler in the cold test.

Table of Hot Test Results for 40oz Bottles and Tumblers

Conclusion #4: Popular and Expensive does not Guarantee Better Insulation

Branding and marketing really don't matter much when it comes to insulation. Brands like Owala and Stanley always say they have amazing insulation, and Stanley in particular got a lot of viral attention when a car caught on fire but the Stanley inside survived and still had ice. But that that doesn't mean they have better insulation than any of these other brands, and in fact they have consistently tested worse.

The best example of this is how Ozark Trail costs about $12, and it has the same or even better insulation than many brands 3-4x their cost like YETI and Hydro Flask.

The truth is most bottles with dual-wall vacuum insulation are good enough for most people most days, so instead consider focusing on other buying factors like whether you like the brand, lid design, and if it fits in your cupholder.

Here's our most comprehensive list of bottles yet, including their benefits and drawbacks.

Our Biggest Water Bottle Comparison Yet

See our Ultimate Comparison Post

Hope this helps, and happy hydrating!

0 Comments

What is the Best Filter Bottle? Brita's Straw vs GRAYL's Press vs Vitaloop's Pump

4/30/2025

What is the Best Filter Bottle?

(10 minute read)

What is the Best Bottle with a Built-In Filter?

There are a growing number of water bottles with built-in filters on the market, and there are plenty good reasons to have one, including camping, travel, emergencies like natural disasters, or if you just for some extra peace of mind. In this post, you'll see three very different options: Brita's straw filter bottle, GRAYL's press filter bottle, and Vitaloop's pump filter bottle.

You'll see:

how each one works
which contaminants they're designed to remove
the cost to buy one as well as continuing cost of filters
a filter test

So let's dive right in and find out which is the best filter bottle for you.

Sneak Peek Summary

Brita (Straw)

Brita Filter Bottle (32oz)

Good:
More affordable
Decent filtering

Bad:
Filter isn't as good as others

Best for:
Everday use for some added peace-of-mind and better tasting water

GRAYL (Press)

GRAYL GeoPress (24oz)

Good:
Great filtering
Manual (no power needed)

Bad:
Expensive
Awkward to use in public

Best for:
Backpacking (lightest)
Natural Disasters
Worst-case scenarios

Vitaloop (Pump)

Vitaloop (17oz)

Good:
Great filtering
Powered (easier & effective)

Bad:
Expensive
Trickier to clean

Best for:
Travel for business or vacations
General everyday use for filtering that's more effective than Brita and easier than GRAYL

See Vitaloop

Video: Which Filter Bottle is the Best?

We also cover this info in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap that way.

Amazon Associates Disclosure
BottlePro is part of the Amazon Associates Program. There are a few products linked in this article, and if you make a purchase using one, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you!

What Comes with Each Filter Bottle?

How Brita's Filter Bottle Works

First, let's look at how each one works, starting with Brita. This is the simplest option because it just has a bottle, a lid, a straw, and the filter. To use it, you just press the filter into this silicone fitting, then slide the straw over the filter and lock it into the lid by twisting to the right. Then you just sip like any other straw lid.

What Comes with Brita's Filter Bottle?

How GRAYL's Filter Bottle Works

GRAYL is different because it has a press-style filter. This bottle comes with an outer plastic sleeve, an inner plastic bottle, the lid, and the filter cartridge. To use it, you scoop up some water in this outer sleeve, then you take this inner bottle with the filter on the bottom and press it down into the sleeve. This forces water through the filter, and these one-way valves keep the clean water inside. It takes quite a bit of effort to force it down, so you'll probably need to put the bottle on the ground and press on it like they show in these pictures.

What Comes with GRAYL's Filter Bottle?

How Vitaloop's Filter Bottle Works

Vitaloop on the other hand has a pump inside the lid to force water through the filter. It consists of an outer metal sleeve on the lid, the lid that includes a spout and a large housing for the pump, an inner flexible plastic pouch that holds the untreated water, the outer hard plastic bottle that holds the clean water, and the filter cartrige. To use this bottle, first you add water to the inner flexible pouch. Push this button and take off the outer sleeve, then add water through this opening. If you're dipping the bottle like in a stream or pond for example, angle the bottle like this so the inlet is below the spout. Alternatively, you can unscrew the outer bottle and then unscrew the inner flexible pouch, then add water and screw it all back together. When you push this button, the pump will activate and go through a filter cycle. It moves water from the flexible pouch, through the filter, and into the hard outer plastic bottle.

What Comes with Vitaloop's Filter Bottle?

Filter Test (Brita, GRAYL, and Vitaloop)

Now let's do a test. I scooped some sandy dirt into a bin of water and stirred it up, then got about 16 ounce in this measuring cup. Then I passed water through each filter.

Dirty water for filter test

For Brita, I used a syringe to pull water up the straw. GRAYL and Vitaloop were used as directed. Vitaloop is a little tricky to pour water into the opening on the side, so it's probably best to either submerge the bottle if you can while keeping the power button above water, or remove the flexible pouch and fill it up separately then reassemble it all. Brita took awhile because of how I had to use a syringe, GRAYL was the fastest but it does take some effort, and Vitaloop starts after pressing this button for about 1 second, then it ran a pump cycle for about 45 seconds.

Vitaloop had the least amount of uncleaned water left behind because Brita's straw doesn't reach all the way to the bottom, and GRAYL had more unfiltered water even after two filter presses.

Visually, each one seemed to help a lot, and the filtered water with each one was much clearer than the starting water.

Filter Test Results

I used these water quality test strips to see if there was any kind of noticeable difference, and as far as I could tell, none of them were really any different.

Maybe Vitaloop was a little better on chlorine.

And it actually looks like GRAYL and Vitaloop are a little worse on manganese, but I think that's actually just discolored a little because some of the dye from zinc flowed down because I didn't keep the strips level enough during the 15 second wait time.

Either way, it's hard to tell any significant differences from these very basic tests.

Test Strip Results

Which Contaminants do Brita, GRAYL, and Vitaloop Remove?

What does Brita Remove?

Brita uses an activated carbon filter, and the marketing around focuses on improving taste, as well as removing "chlorine and more." I'm not sure what more is, and it also says "this is not a water purifier bottle." I reached out to Brita to ask if they had any data on whether it removes things like PFAS or microplastics, but I never heard back so at this point I'm not sure.

What does GRAYL Remove?

GRAYL on the other hand has a much more robust filter. It also has activated carbon like Brita, but it also has non-woven ceramic fibers with a high electropositive charge. Their marketing shows it both as a filter and a purifier bottle that removes things like viruses, bacteria, heavy metals, and even things as small as PFAS chemicals, which are mind-blowingly small.

Check out this deep-dive video to learn more about those.

I reached out to GRAYL, and they sent me a summary of a test that showed the filter is effective at removing PFAS chemicals, so as far as I can tell, they've done their homework and have some data and tests to back up their claims.

What GRAYL Filters (from their listing)

What does Vitaloop Remove?

Vitaloop's filter uses activated carbon and multistage filtration, and because the pump pushes water through the filter at a consistent rate, that allegedly makes the filtering more reliable. The filters are rated to remove a wide range of impurities, including basically all the same things as GRAYL like bacteria, heavy metals, and PFAS, which I was able to confirm because Vitaloop sent me the test results.

They also show several of their tests on their website, and I certainly appreciate this level of due diligence and transparency.

What Vitaloop Filters (from their listing)

What do Brita, GRAYL, and Vitaloop Cost? (including filters)

What does Brita Cost?

Brita is the least expensive option. The 32oz stainless steel version costs $42 up-front, and they market how each filter lasts for 40 gallons, or about 2 months. You can buy a 6-pack like this for $16 right now, so it's not really that expensive.

Summary:
Up Front: $42 (stainless steel version)
Annual: $16 (6-pack, on sale)

Brita (32oz)

Brita Straw Filter Bottle (32oz)

See Brita Bottle

Brita Straw Filters

Brita 6-Pack Straw Filters

See Brita Filters

What does GRAYL Cost?

GRAYL on the other hand is a lot more. Their 24oz GeoPress is their most popular bottle, and it costs $100 to get started. The replacement cartriges are $30 each and last about 350 uses, or 65 gallons. So assuming that a filter lasts you 3 month if we're comparing similar usage rates as Brita, your on-going annual cost-to-own is about $120. If you're really bougie, you could also go for their titanium series bottles that get up over $200.

Summary:
Up Front: $100 (standard GeoPress)
Annual: $120 (4 filters, $30 each)

GeoPress (24oz)

GRAYL GeoPress Filter Bottle

See GeoPress Bottle

GeoPress Filter

GRAYL GeoPress Filter Cartridge

See GeoPress Filter

What does Vitaloop Cost?

Vitaloop is on sale right now for $100, but its retail price is $140. It's a newer brand, so I'm not entirely sure where the price will eventually level out, but it's definitely still an investment. Each filter cartrige costs $30 and lasts up to 66 gallons, so it's comparable to GRAYL's GeoPress series. Assuming you replace it every 3 months, your on-going annual cost-to-own will be about $120.

Summary:
Up Front: $100 (on sale)
Annual: $120 (4 filters, $30 each)

Vitaloop (17oz)

Vitaloop Filter Bottle

See Vitaloop Bottle

Vitaloop Filter

Vitaloop Filter Cartridge

See Vitaloop Filter

0 Comments

How to Remove Stains, Rust, and Rainbowing from Stainless Steel Mugs and Bottles

3/25/2025

What are the Best Ways to Clean Stains, Rust, and Rainbowing from Stainless Steel Bottles and Mugs

(10 minute read)

How to Clean Stainless Steel Mugs and Bottles

So, what exactly are the best ways to remove stains and rust from your stainless steel bottle? And what exactly is that oily-looking rainbow color that you sometimes see, and is it harmful?

It honestly gets really confusing, and everyone seems to have their own trick or solution. So today, let's talk about and test eight of the most commonly-mentioned options to see which are the best for removing stains, rust, and rainbowing in stainless steel water bottles.

You'll see some that work amazing, and others that don't so much at all. So let's get started and learn how to make your stainless steel bottle look like new.

Best for Stains and Rainbowing (Not Rust)

Given that this is the most common question, we wanted to highlight this answer first by showing the cheapest, fastest, and easiest ways to remove stains and rainbowing from stainless steel mugs and bottles.

Keep reading below to learn more about our tests, as well as which are the best cleaning options for removing rust.

Cheapest

(harder to use in narrow bottles)

Step 1:
Pour some baking soda on the stain.

Step 2:
Add hot water and mix it into a paste.

Step 3:
Spread the paste around on on the stain and let it sit for ~10 minutes.

Step 4:
Scrub it around, wipe it off, and rinse.

Fastest

(harder to use in narrow bottles)

Step 1:
(for their Soft Cleaner formula)
Read the instructions on the bottle first, because you need to be a little more careful compared to just using baking soda.

Step 2:
Pour some Bar Keepers Friend onto the stain.

Step 3:
Immediately start scrubbing and wiping it around with a paper towel or rag.

Step 4:
After 30 seconds, wipe it off and rinse. Don't let it sit for more than 60 seconds.

Easiest

(easy for any mouth diameter)

Step 1:
Fill up your bottle with hot water (ideally close to boiling)

Step 2:
Add one Bottle Bright tablet, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Note that the bubbles may cause the water and foam to spill over some at first if you filled your bottle to the rim.

Step 3:
After 30 minutes, use a long-neck brush like this one to scrub around inside the bottle, then rinse.

Video: How to Remove Stains, Rust, and Rainbowing from Stainless Steel Mugs and Bottles

We also cover this info in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap that way.

Amazon Associates Disclosure
BottlePro is part of the Amazon Associates Program. There are a few products linked later in this article, and if you make a purchase using one, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. Big thanks if you use one because it really does help!

Stains vs Rust vs Rainbowing

First, it helps to know the difference between stains, rust, and rainbowing because knowing what you have can change which type of cleaning agent or method you should use.

Stains

Coffee and Tea Stains (in 16oz Hydro Flask)

Stains are most commonly formed if you are a regular coffee or tea drinker. This is because of tannins, which most people associate with wine, but they also exist in coffee and tea. They're basically organic compounds you find in things like fruit, bark, and leaves, and fun fact, the name "tannin" comes from how people can use tree bark to tan animal hides when making leather.

Because tannins are so small, they work their way into the microscopic pores and imperfections in stainless steel, which creates that staining effect.

Another type is water stains, which is when water droplets dry up and leave behind oils or dissolved minerals like calcium, and it's a lot more common if you live in an area with hard water.

But notably, none of these stains actually damage your bottle.

Rust

Rusting

Rust on the other hand is corrosive and can leave lasting damage if left unchecked.

Regular carbon steel corrodes because the iron in the steel reacts with water and moisture in air to form iron oxide, also known as rust. Stainless steel is different because it contains a percentage of chromium, along with a few other metals. The amount of each type of metal varies based on the type of stainless steel you have, but the important detail is that the chromium in stainless steel forms a protective chromium oxide layer, also known as a passive layer.

That's what actually prevents rust from forming, and it's why stainless steel stains less. But it's really thin, typically just a few nanometers thick.

Rainbowing

Rainbowing in a Corkcicle Mug

Rainbowing is what happens when that chromium oxide passive layer gets a little thicker. When stainless steel is heated up, that can actually increase the thickness of that oxidized top layer, creating that rainbowing effect.

Because it's related to heat, that's also why you sometimes hear rainbowing referred to as heat tinting. Even though it looks a little weird and oily, rainbowing stainless steel bottles are totally safe to use.

What We're Testing

Sometimes it's hard to tell exactly what's a stain, rust, or rainbowing, especially if it's really bad because maybe there's a combination of these issues. And even though stains and rainbowing aren't inherently unsafe, they make it more difficult to know if a bottle is truly clean.

For those reasons, it can be a good idea to clean bottles regularly so they look like brand new stainless steel. These are eight of the most commonly-mentioned methods you'll find online.

Baking soda
Vinegar
Salt and lemon juice
Bar Keeper's Friend
Cleaning tablets (like Bottle Bright)
Bleach
Abrasive cleaners (like steel wool and Magic Erasers)
Cleaning beads

We're going to test some of these three mugs: a rainbowing Corkcicle mug, a coffee and tea-stained Contigo mug, and a stained and rainbowing Hydro Flask 16oz bottle.

And I don't have any bottles with enough rust to run multiple tests, but I did accidentally left this camping stovetop outside too long, so that'll give us plenty of surface area to test a few different ways to remove rust.

Corkcicle (Rainbowing)

Corkcicle Mug (Rainbowing)

Contigo (Staining)

Contigo Mug (Staining)

Hydro Flask (Staining and Rainbowing)

Hydro Flask (Staining and Rainbowing)

Camping Stove (Rusting)

Camping Stove (Rusting)

Test 1 Setup: Corkcicle (Removing Rainbowing)

First on the testing block is the Corkcicle with the heavy rainbowing.

Rather than testing one method after another, I taped off four sections inside the mug so we can hopefully see the differences side-by-side against the exact same types of stain.

Taping Off 4 Sections

Test 1 (Rainbowing): Baking Soda

Sprinkled a bunch on, added warm water to make a paste, let it sit for 10 minutes, then did some light scrubbing and washed it off.

Baking Soda

Test 1 (Rainbowing): Vinegar

Made a 1:1 solution of 5% distilled white vinegar with warm water and let that also sit for 10 minutes.

Vinegar

Test 1 (Rainbowing): Lemon Juice and Salt

Made a solution then poured that on, also leaving it for 10 minutes.

Lemon Juice and Salt

Test 1 (Rainbowing): Bar Keeper's Friend

Bar Keeper's Friend recommends using it for no more than 1 minute, so I did more of a wipe-on-wipe-off approach over about 30 seconds.

Bar Keepers Friend

Test 1 Results: Corkcicle (Removing Rainbowing)

Baking soda and Bar Keeper's Friend had by far the best results of these four methods when it comes to removing rainbowing. The baking soda results did not look at good as BKF, but that's probably because I did not make as even of coverage with the baking soda paste. It looked really good in the middle where I know there was good coverage with the paste.

Both the vinegar/water solution and the lemon juice/salt solution did not appear to remove rainbowing much at all.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Results

Bar Keepers Friend and Lemon Juice and Salt Results

Test 1 (Rainbowing): Bottle Bright

Next was Bottle Bright, and for this, I filled the same mug up about halfway with warm water, added a tablet, and let it sit for 10 minutes. (show footage). You can can how it cleaned some of the mug, but it wasn't as good as I thought it would be.

Bottle Bright Results (Half Full, Warm Water, 10min)

I've used these tablets before with amazing results, so I ran the test again like how I normally use them by adding boiling water, letting it sit for 30 minutes, then scrubbing it some with a long brush. You can see that really did the trick, and now the whole inside of the Corkcicle looks like new.

Bottle Bright Results (Full, Hot Water, 30min)

Test 2 Setup and Results: Contigo (Removing Stains)

After that, I tested the Contigo with heavy coffee and tea stains the exact same way using a mug that's been taped into 4 sections.

Again, baking soda and Bar Keepers Friend were great at removing stains, while vinegar and lemon and salt may have removed some of the stains but not nearly as much.

And Bottle Bright worked the same too. You can see where I filled it halfway up with warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes, but you can really see the difference when used with boiling water and a 30-minute sit time.

Test 2 (Staining): Baking Soda (top middle)

Sprinkled a bunch on, added warm water to make a paste, let it sit for 10 minutes, then did some light scrubbing and washed it off.

Baking Soda Results

Test 2 (Staining): Vinegar (top middle)

Made a 1:1 solution of 5% distilled white vinegar with warm water and let that also sit for 10 minutes.

Vinegar Results

Test 2 (Staining): Lemon Juice and Salt (top middle)

Made a solution then poured that on, also leaving it for 10 minutes.

Lemon Juice and Salt Results

Test 2 (Staining): Bar Keeper's Friend (top middle)

Bar Keeper's Friend recommends using it for no more than 1 minute, so I did more of a wipe-on-wipe-off approach over about 30 seconds.

Bar Keepers Friend Results

Test 2 (Staining): Bottle Bright (line halfway up)

Mixed 1 tablet with warm water, then soaked for 10 minutes.

Bottle Bright Results (Half Full, Warm Water, 10min)

Test 2 (Staining): Bottle Bright (filled to top)

Mixed 1 tablet with hot water, then soaked for 30 minutes and lightly scrubbed with a soft bristle brush.

Bottle Bright Results (Filled to Top, Hot Water, 30min)

Test 3 Setup and Results: Hydro Flask 16oz (Removing Stains and Rainbowing)

For good measure, I also cleaned a 16 ounce Hydro Flask bottle. However, since I'm not able to get my hand inside it, I just used Bottle Bright with hot water, soaked for 30 minutes, then scrubbed it lightly with a brush. The results speak for themselves!

Bottle Bright Results

Test 4 Setup and Results: Camping Stove (Rust)

Next was the rust test using that camping stove. I used all of the same methods and durations again, each time just testing one side of this flat part of the stove.

Rusted Camping Stove

For rust, lemon juice and salt did much better and seemed to have the best result. Bar Keeper's Friend and baking soda both removed some rust, but not as much. And again, vinegar didn't seem to do much at all, and neither did Bottl Bright this time. Then I added a Bottle Bright tablet with warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes on the vinegar section because that was the side that still had the most rust. It didn't do much at all, so I reran the test with boiling water and letting it sit for 30 minutes. But again, Bottle Bright didn't do much.

Test 4 (Rusting): Baking Soda

Sprinkled a bunch on, added warm water to make a paste, let it sit for 10 minutes, then did some light scrubbing and washed it off.

Baking Soda Before/After

Test 4 (Rusting): Vinegar

Made a 1:1 solution of 5% distilled white vinegar with warm water and let that also sit for 10 minutes.

Vinegar Before/After

Test 4 (Rusting): Lemon Juice and Salt

Made a solution then poured that on, also leaving it for 10 minutes.

Lemon Juice and Salt Before/After

Test 4 (Rusting): Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keeper's Friend recommends using it for no more than 1 minute, so I did more of a wipe-on-wipe-off approach over about 30 seconds.

Bar Keepers Friend Before/After

Test 4 (Rusting): Bottle Bright

I added a Bottle Bright tablet with hot water and let it sit for 30 minutes on the vinegar section because that was the side that still had the most rust. It didn't seem to do much.

Bottle Bright Before/After

Conclusion

Here were the best results based on visually comparing the different methods.

If you have a stained or rainbowing bottle with a wide mouth that you can get your hand into like a mug or a Stanley tumbler, you may want to try baking soda or Bar Keeper's Friend for stains first because they work really well and are the fastest. If you can't fit your hand into the bottle, use Bottle Bright with boiling water for 30 minutes, then use a long brush to scrub it and I can almost guarantee that will work.

For rust, try lemon juice and salt first, followed by Bar Keepers Friend. If your bottle is rusting on the inside and you can't get your hand in there, you can try using lemon juice and salt with a long brush, but it might be difficult to get as much scrubbing force with a brush as much as you really need so you may want to consider replacing your bottle.

For Stains

Best Options:

Baking Soda (cheapest)
Bar Keepers Friend (fastest)
Bottle Bright (easiest)

Not as Effective:

Lemon Juice and Salt
Vinegar

For Rainbowing

Best Options:

Baking Soda (cheapest)
Bar Keepers Friend (fastest)
Bottle Bright (easiest)

Not as Effective:

Lemon Juice and Salt
Vinegar

For Rust

Best Options:

Lemon Juice and Salt
Bar Keepers Friend

Not as Effective:

Baking Soda
Bottle Bright
Vinegar

Looking to Buy Some Supplies?

Here are some good options for each of the supplies and cleaning methods mentioned. Big thanks if you use one of the links to buy...it really does help!

Click on any of the images to see the Amazon listing.

Baking Soda

Lemon Juice

Bar Keepers Friend

Salt

Bottle Bright

Retainer Tablets

Mosolan 3-Brush Kit

I've used this kit for years. It's not that expensive, and it has a good range of brushes that help with just about any bottle (including a small detailing brush that helps with threads and hard-to-reach spots with many brands).

It's the one accessory we typically recommend everyone has for ANY bottle because it's so helpful. There are plenty of other brands on the market though, so feel free to shop around.

What about Bleach, Abrasives, and Cleaning Beads?

Eagle-eyed readers may have noticed I didn't test bleach, abrasives (like steel wool), or cleaning beads.

Can You Use Bleach to Clean Stainless Steel?

Why You Shouldn't Use Bleach on Stainless Steel

There's a reason why I didn't test bleach. Yes, it will kill any bacteria and remove some stains, but the problem is that bleach is so corrosive that it can damage or remove the chromium oxide layer, which then makes your stainless steel bottle more likely to corrode in the future by rusting.

You'll see a lot of people say they've used bleach for years on stainless steel with no problems, and I'm sure that's true. If you use a really mild solution and wash it out quickly, then it's probably OK.

But in my opinion, I'm not sure why you'd want to risk that with a stainless steel bottle when there are other effective stain and rust-removal options like we've just seen that are less likely to cause damage.

Can You Use Steel Wool or Magic Erasers to Clean Stainless Steel?

Why You Shouldn't Use Steel Wool on Stainless Steel

It also may not be a good idea to use abrasive things like steel wool. These can scuff up the surface of the stainless steel, adding more of those microscropic imperfections that make it more likely to stain or corrode again in the future. It's safer to use something non-abrasive like a brush or sponge with the right cleaning agent.

Magic Erasers are made of melamine (type of plastic) and are essentially a much finer abrasive. For that reason, we typically still recommend using non-abrasive cleaning methods first, like Bottle Bright with a soft bristle brush. But if that doesn't work, then Magic Erasers could be worth a try. Because the melamine is softer than steel and it's much finer, Magic Erasers are much safer to use on stainless steel when you need some extra abrasive force. However, be careful when using them around painted and powder coated surfaces because it's possibly they could lead to cosmetic damage.

Do Cleaning Beads Work on Stainless Steel?

Do Cleaning Beads Work?

I've seen these mentioned quite a few times, and they're basically just small stainless steel balls. They're designed so you can drop them through a narrow neck then shake them around, and the impact from the beads helps remove some of the stains. I'm not 100% sure, but maybe they just jar some of those tannins loose, and apparently they can work OK and I can see how this would be helpful with something like a rounded wine decanter with a really narrow neck.

But they may not be the best solution for stainless steel bottles. Even though the beads are small, it's probably hard to get them to clean all the corners effectively, like along the bottom rim of your bottle.

Also, it sounds like you're meant to use them along with some kind of cleaning solution anyways, so why not just use Bottle Bright and a cleaning brush?

If you have an extremely narrow neck bottle like a classic S'well, then maybe these cleaning beads could help. But other than that, I'm not sure they're any better than just using a brush, which you should have for your weekly cleaning anyways.

If any of you guys have used cleaning beads, I'd be really curious to hear what you think in the comments.

Cleaning Guide

And Remember...

Regardless of which bottle you get, always clean it regularly. Here's our latest guide on the best practices and cleaning schedules for stainless steel bottles so you can keep your bottle in great (and safe) condition.

See Our Cleaning Guide

0 Comments

What is PFAS, and Which Filters and Bottles Remove It?

3/6/2025

Link to PFAS Cases and Settlements

What is PFAS, and Which Filters and Bottles Remove It?

What are PFAS Chemicals, aka "Forever Chemicals?"

Chances are you've heard the term "PFAS chemicals" or "forever chemicals" within the last few years, but maybe you're wondering what they are.

This article will get you up to speed by covering the most common PFAS-related topics and questions, including:

What are PFAS chemicals?
Are PFAS harmful?
What does PFAS stand for?
Where does PFAS come from?
Why are PFAS chemicals called "forever chemicals?"
What are the current PFAS thresholds and regulations?
How does PFAS get into the water supply?
Which regions of the US have the worst PFAS contamination?
Are PFAS microplastics?

And importantly, what can you do about it?

Can PFAS be filtered out of water?
Which filters remove PFAS?
Which bottles remove PFAS?

What is PFAS?

The term "PFAS" stands for polyfluoroalkyl substances. It doesn't refer to any single chemical, but rather it refers to a group of thousands of similar ones. Some of the more common and problematic variations you'll see are PFOS, PFOA, and GenX.

Their unique chemical properties give them noticeable benefits with certain products and applications, particularly with non-stick and stain-free consumer goods. Because they are inexpensive and have beneficial properties, PFAS chemicals have been used in manufacturing and industry since the 1940s and 50s in all kinds of things, and The most common ones you'll likely hear about are:

non-stick packaging and cookware
wrappers and take-out containers from some restaurants
stain-free clothing and carpets
factories and industrial sites where products containing PFAS chemicals were manufactured
firefighting foam that was commonly used at facilities like military bases

Some of these like non-stick cookware and stain-free clothing are easier to avoid, and you're starting to see more products labeled as PFAS-free like the ones shown on PFAS Central's website. This seems to be leading up to a similar cultural and consumer shift like with what happened in the water bottle industry in the late 2000s with BPAs, which is why nearly every bottle on the market today says they're BPA-free.

And while you may think the products in your home are a more immediate threat, that's not necessarily true. The areas around or downstream from factories and facilities where PFAS was used often have higher contamination levels in the water supply, which has led to multiple high-profile settlements. Contamination is very region-specific, so your location plays a big role on whether you likely have increased levels of PFAS in your water supply (which we'll cover in more detail in an upcoming section).

If you're curious to learn more, here is a link to find more information about active PFAS court cases and settlements, including the one with 3M which requires the company to pay at least $10.5 billion in damages.

What are the Current PFAS Regulatory Limits and Thresholds?

What are PFAS Thresholds and Regulatory Limits?

Perhap the most mindblowing and disturbing thing about PFAS isn't what it is, where it's from, or how it affects you. Rather, it's how such incredibly small amounts of it can impact your health. It's is almost impossible to comprehend, but we're going to use the sun to help us out.

EPA Regulations for Copper, Lead, and PFAS

Regulatory agencies limit concentrations of harmful contaminants in your drinking water. Three common ones you'll see are copper, lead, and more recently PFAS. The US EPA limits copper at 1.3 parts-per-million ("ppm"). What this means is that if the copper concentration exceeds that limit, sometimes known as an "action level," then the utility provider or the company or person causing the contamination has to take corrective actions as well as notify the public of any potential health concerns.

But 1.3 ppm is hard to visualize, so what does that look like? For comparison, let's use the sun as a reference. The sun is on average 93 million miles away, and if you calculate it out, 1.3 millionth of the way to the sun is 121 miles. That's almost halfway to the orbit of the International Space Station, so it's pretty far.

Copper contamination threshold (1.3 ppm) compared to the distance to the Sun

Lead is even more dangerous, so it has a action level of 150 parts-per-billion ("ppb"). If you calculate THAT out, 150 billionths of the way to the sun is roughly 14 miles up, which is about twice as high as most commercial airplanes.

Lead contamination threshold (150 ppb) compared to the distance to the Sun

But some PFAS chemicals have an action level of 4 parts-per-trillion ("ppt").
(link to EPA presentation with info about limits on pg 10)

To go 4 trillionth of the way to the sun, you don't need a rocket or a plane. You just need a short ladder because when you calculate it out, 4 trillionths of the way to the sun is about 2 feet.

PFAS contamination threshold (4 ppt) compared to the distance to the Sun

This is an incomprehensibly small amount, which leads to the question, how does something that small even affect your health?

Are PFAS Chemicals Harmful?

While it may be difficult to believe, those kinds of small concentrations of PFAS chemicals have been linked to a wide range of health issues, including:

decreased fertility
developmental delays in children
increased risk of some cancers
interference with your body's natural hormones
reduced immune system effectiveness
higher cholesterol

Disclaimer: I do not claim to be an expert on PFAS, and I am relying on published data from reputable sources. One such source I used is the US EPA, and you can find their PFAS guidelines here.

Now to be clear, this is a developing set of knowledge on a topic that need more research. Our understanding of what PFAS does to the human body and which concentrations are truly harmful are going to continue evolving based on the evidence, just like all good science.

But there have already been enough peer-reviewed scientific studies from reputable sources that show clear enough negative health impacts to support proposing or enacting some pretty major regulations.

And judging by Google trends and reading headlines about it and multi-billion dollar settlements with major contamination offenders, you're seeing a rise in PFAS awareness with the public which is sure to lead to more changes from brands and manufacturers.

Google Trends search volume for "pfas" from 2020-2025

Are PFAS and Forever Chemicals the Same?

Maybe you've also heard the term "forever chemicals" in recent news, but that's just another name for PFAS. It's catchier and is better at the reader's attention, so the term is used very frequently in news headlines. The nickname was coined for two main reasons:

PFAS chemicals have bonds between carbon and fluorine atoms, which are some of the strongest bonds found in natural. This makes PFAS chemicals very stable, long-lasting, and resistant to degradation.
PFAS has a cumulative affect. Because it does not break down easily, the chemicals can stay in your body or the environment for very long time periods, and further exposure continues to increase PFAS levels in your body.

So don't be confused: PFAS and "forever chemicals" are the same thing. One is simply the technical name, and the other is more of a marketing term.

How does PFAS get into your Water?

Though it is regulated now, PFAS is in many common products that are still used to this day. However, in many ways the bigger problem for many people relates to groundwater and the public water supply.

Factories, manufacturing plants, and government facilities that used PFAS either in products manufacturing or things like firefighting foam exposed the environment to PFAS contamination for decades. Over time, this increased the PFAS concentrations in the soil and groundwater in the immediate area, as well as locations and communities downstream.

Because PFAS chemicals are is so small, many common treatment methods used by public water utilities do not remove it. And because the threshold like the EPA's 4 ppt limit are so low, it does not take much exposure for a public water utility to technically be over the regulated limit.

Are PFAS and Microplastics the Same?

Many people have started hearing the terms "PFAS" and "microplastics" recently, and their Google Trends search volumes have risen around roughly the same time period. As its name suggest, microplastics are small bits of plastic found the water, and increasingly in different parts of the human body.

Both are health concerns that are very widespread in the environment and water systems, making them difficult to avoid. Also, both can relate to the same types of products, making it even more confusing.

Google Trends search volume for "pfas" and "microplastics" from 2020-2025

However, it's important to know that PFAS and microplastics are not the same thing. PFAS is a particular family of chemicals, and microplastics are simply broken down pieces of plastic. Some plastic products and parts have PFAS chemicals, so when they break down over time, this process can release both PFAS and microplastics into the environment. However, they are technically different things.

Some filters can remove both microplastics and PFAS, so it helps to check the manufacturer's product info to see exactly what they are claim to remove before you buy a system. We've listed a few systems later in this article that remove both.

Which Regions of the US have the Worst PFAS?

So should you be worried? Well, to a large degree that depends on where you live.

The Environmental Working Group has this interactive map that lets you look at sampling data at different points throughout the US. Darker blue circles are good, lighter blue are bad, purple are military sites which often times have the highest concentrations, and orange are other types of sites like manufacturing plants.

I've included a screenshot of the map below so you can see the overview, but I encourage you to check out EWG's website and interact with the map to zoom in and see sampling data near you.

PFAS contamination map of the US (Environmental Working Group)

See Interactive Map

Some areas that are closer to major contamination sources often find higher PFAS concentrations, though it's not a given. Wilmington, NC is frequently included in lists of cities with the worst PFAS contamination issues, but the actual source of much of that contamination was roughly 70 miles away at a chemical plant near Fayettville owned at the time by DuPont and more recently their spinoff Chemours.

Even if chemicals aren't directly dumped into the river, they can still get into the groundwater, which can then seeps into rivers over time, which then affect downstream communities like Wilmington. This is what led to the nearly $1.2 billion dollar settlement in 2023 between Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva and downstream water suppliers.

Wilmington, NC and the source of contamination (DuPont / Chemours plant near Fayettville, NC)

Long-story-short, if you want to avoid PFAS and have some flexibility on where you live, getting closer to the headwaters at higher elevations is probably a safer bet.

Can You Remove PFAS, and Which Home Filter Systems Work Best?

Of course, most of us can't move to Aspen, so what can we do?

Consumer Notice.org has this really helpful summary of PFAS, and it includes ways you can limit your exposure, mostly focusing on which products to avoid. When it comes to your drinking water, that's a little trickier but thankfully there are a few options.

Disclaimer: A single PFAS test costs hundreds of dollars because it requires highly senstive and technical tests. I run a small YouTube channel and blog, so I don't have the money to pay for tests like that yet. But after researching this and reaching out to companies, here's what I've found.

Not all filters will remove PFAS, so you need to be careful. The below recommendations are based largely on this the Duke University article referenced above and these test results from the Environmental Working Group.

Amazon Associates Disclosure
BottlePro is part of the Amazon Associates Program. If you make a purchase using a link, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. It really helps, so thank you very much if you use one!

Reverse Osmosis Filters: Proven to Work

APEC 5-Stage Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis

APEC Under-Sink System

I have this 5-stage system by APEC, and it's worked well so far. They're certainly not cheap, but they're not a huge investment either if you're just getting an under-the-sink system for drinking water and cooking.

It takes a bit of effort and technical ability to install, so if you're not comfortable with doing that then add in the cost of a plumber. But once it's set up, you just change some of the filters on a schedule. Some are every 6-12 months, and others are every few years.

If you have the budget, space, and technical ability to set this up, this kind of filter system is probably your best option.

2-Stage Filters: Likely to Work

Aquasana 2-Stage Under-Sink Filter

Aquasana

Two-stage filters are also good, and they are less expensive and bulky compared to APEC's 5-stage system. That makes them a better fit as a budget or limited space option. I'm assuming Duke's test referred to filter systems like this one by Aquasana.

It's worth noting that the article also mentions how they didn't test too many of these types of systems, so they didn't seem as certain about it. But according to Aquasana's listing on Amazon, it does specifically mention that the filter works to remove PFAS.

Countertop System: Proven to Work

Travel Berkey Filter

Travel Berkey

The Environmental Working Group which made that map from before also has a few filters they've tested that reduced PFAS completely or close to that.

They list this system by Travel Berkey as a good high-end option that removed 100% of PFAS in their tests.

Pitcher Systems: Proven to Work

The Environmental Working Group also tested a number of pitchers, which can be a better option for traveling or events. These two had at least 98% PFAS removal in their testing, and they're some of the lowest-cost ways to start removing PFAS from your drinking water.

Zerowater

Lower initial cost

Epic Water

Longer filter life

Which Bottles Filter Out and Remove PFAS?

Now on this website I mostly talk about water bottles, and they have a place in this discussion too. Even if you have an under-sink reverse osmosis system, but that doesn't help you out when you're on the road, especially if you're flying somewhere and you can't take any water with you.

So for traveling professionals and road warriors, having a bottle that can help filter out PFAS can be appealing. Here are a few options that may be worth considering.

Two Bottles that May Help Some, but not as Certain

Brita Filter Bottle

Brita's Insulated Bottle

Brita is one of the most well-known water filter companies, and they have this bottle with a built-in straw filter. It uses activated carbon, so it potentially does help with PFAS according to the Duke University article.

However, even if it does help some, it's unlikely to be as effective as other systems like reverse osmosis or some bottles you'll see next.

I reached out to Brita, but as of today I have not heard back. I'll update this post when I do.

Simple Modern Filter Bottle

Simple Modern's Insulated Bottle

This bottle is essentially the same as Brita, but in a more stylish design

I reached out to Simple Modern to ask if the bottle has been tested to remove PFAS. They responded within a day of my message and mentioned how the filter removes chlorine and particulates up to about 15 to 30 microns in size, but they "don't have any other information...regarding PFAS or microplastics."

So it was helpful and quick response in some ways, but ultimately inconclusive for PFAS. Though based on the Duke University article, it's possible this may remove some PFAS.

Two Bottles that are Proven to Remove PFAS

GRAYL's GeoPress Filter Bottle

GRAYL's GeoPress

GRAYL has this press-style filter where you push down like a French-press and it forces water through a filter cartridge.

From their website FAQ section, it uses activated carbon like Brita and Simple Modern, but it also included non-woven ceramic fibers that have a high electropositive charge.

GRAYL responded within a day of my inquiry and provided the cover letter from a test. I can't see the details like how much PFAS was filtered, but it says their UltraPress bottle passed the test for two of the most common PFAS chemicals.

(UltraPress and GeoPress use the same type of filter)

Vitaloop's Filter Pump Bottle

Vitaloop

Last but not least is this bottle by Vitaloop. This bottle has a built-in filter pump, so it's a little easier to use than straw filters that can be restrictive and GRAYL's design that you have to press down on.

They sent me a testing report that shows an almost full reduction in the two most common PFAS chemicals (PFOA and PFOS).

This bottle would certainly be easier to use discretely compared to GRAYL, which requires pushing it against the ground.

Some of these are more conclusively good at removing PFAS, others are easier to use, and some are a lot more affordable. It's a developing mix of products, but I'm just glad there are some viable options on the market today and there will almost certainly be more coming soon. If you made it this far, consider using one of the links if you're going to buy one of these products anyways. It doesn't cost you any extra, and I may earn a commission that really helps out.

Hope this information helps. Thanks again, and happy hydrating!

0 Comments

Owala FreeSip vs Sway | What are the Differences, and Which is Better?

2/25/2025

1 Comment

Owala FreeSip vs FreeSip Sway

(10 minute read)

Which is Better: Owala's Original FreeSip or FreeSip Sway?

Owala recently released their FreeSip Sway tumbler, but is it good and how does it compare to Owala's Original FreeSip bottle?

This post will review the main differences and similiarities to help you find the best bottle for you so you don't waste your hard-earned money and you can make an informed decision.

See FreeSip on Amazon

See Sway on Target

Video: FreeSip Sway vs Original FreeSip

We also cover this info in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap that way.

How are Owala's FreeSip and Sway Bottles Similar?

Owala's FreeSip bottle took over 2024, mainly because of its wacky, fun color combinations and the FreeSip lid, which is a combination straw and chug spout. This bottle remains very popular and is an excellent straw lid (though using it like a chug lid feels weird at first and can take some getting used to). Given Owala's incredible popularity and viral success, it's no surprise that the new FreeSip Sway tumbler did not stray far from Owala's winning formula, so there are a number of similarities between the two.

Original FreeSip vs Sway: FreeSip Spout

The 6 Main Similarities

FreeSip Spout

Both feature Owala's FreeSip spout, which is an ergonomic spout that includes both a straw and chug opening. This gives to you the option to sip or take a larger swig depending on how much water you need, and it's still what really makes Owala different.

Spring-Loaded Cover

Both include a spring-loaded cover that goes over the FreeSip spout, and you open them by pressing a button on the front. This helps keep the surface on the spout that your mouth touches much cleaner throughout the day.

Same Materials

Both are made with stainless steel bottles with a durable powder coating, and the lids and straw are made of plastic.

Not Recommended for Some Drinks

Neither the Owala Original FreeSip or FreeSip Sway should be used for hot, carbonated, or perishable beverages.

Technically Dishwasher Safe (but...)

The lids are all top-rack dishwasher safe, and technically the bottle are safe to put in the dishwasher too. However, Owala recommends handwashing the bottles to prevent cosmetic damage to the powder coating.

Triple-Layer Insulation

Both bottles have dual-wall vacuum insulation, and they're techincally triple-layer insulated bottles because they have a copper coating on one of the stainless steel layers (on one of the surfaces in the vacuum-area).

How are Owala's FreeSip and Sway Bottles Different?

We poured over the two bottles and found 12 main differences between Owala's original FreeSip bottle and the FreeSip Sway tumbler. Some are certainly more significant than others, but they're all notable.

#1 - Handle Size

Owala's original FreeSip bottle has a relatively small handle that only fits two fingers for most people, and it's not particularly comfortable. Owala's Sway has a much wider handle that can fit a full-hand grip and is more comfy.

Original FreeSip vs Sway: Handle

#2 - Lock Design

The original Owala FreeSip bottle used its handle to double as a lock to prevent you from accidentally opening the lid. Because of Sway's redesigned handle, Owala also changed the way the lock works by making it a switch you toggle back and forth behind the flip-cover. While we're concerned this may add more small plastic parts that could break, the benefit is that you can now use the handle or clip it to a bag while the lid remains locked.

Original FreeSip vs Sway: Lock

#3 - Base Diameter

This is the reason why the new Sway is technically a tumbler, not a bottle. The Original FreeSip is a traditional bottle with straight-vertical walls. Tumblers are known for having tapered (angled) walls that get smaller towards the bottom, making them much more cupholder friendly.

Original FreeSip vs Sway: Base

#4 - Mouth Diameter

The original FreeSip bottle has a 2.5 inch wide mouth opening. Owala widened the FreeSip Sway to 3.2 inches. This makes the bottle easier to clean, and you may not even need a bottle brush with Sway's larger design because your hand can fit inside much more easily with a sponge.

Original FreeSip vs Sway: Mouth

#5 - Thread Design

The original FreeSip bottle has external threads, while the FreeSip Sway has internal threads. What this means from a practical standpoint is that FreeSip Sway is easier to deep clean because the seal on the lid is easier to remove. The downside is that you have to be more careful when filling up the Sway because it's easier to over-fill and have water spill when you screw on the lid.

Original FreeSip vs Sway: Threads

#6 - Spout Seal Design

Both bottles have a spout seal in the flip-up lid that's easy to remove for cleaning, but they look a lot different. The seal with the Original FreeSip is actually a little easier to remove because the pull-tab is easier to grab, and I found Sway's a little more difficult to remove when my hands were wet. But it's not a big difference, and both are still pretty easy to remove.

The bigger deal is how the new design seems to fit better. The Original FreeSip spout seal seemed to fit more tightly, and you had to press down harder on the spout cover to get it to close. The Sway seems to fit better while still proving a water-proof seal, and you don't have to press down as hard to close the cover.

Original FreeSip vs Sway: Spout Seal

#7 - Lid Turns

The older design takes roughly a full turn to close the lid. However, the new Sway tumbler takes roughly a half-turn to close. This is a very minor difference, but it makes the new one a little easier to clean and use.

#8 - Springs

Maybe the smallest change that could grow on you the most deals with those small springs. My Original FreeSip bottle has started having occasional issues where the flip-cover did not open as reliably when I pressed the button. Well, it looks like Owala may have tried to fix this because the springs now have 6 rotations on either side instead of 4. This makes the Sway feel like it opens with more force.

Original FreeSip vs Sway: Springs

#9 - Button Fit

If you've used the Original Owala, maybe you've noticed that the button can wiggle quite a bit. It feels like the button in the new Sway tumbler has been fine-tuned to fit better within the lid, and this also helps make opening and closing feel better and easier overall.

It's difficult to show this in pictures, but you can see it more easily in the video.

#10 - Grip Groove

The Original FreeSip has a bottle with a smooth, uniform, cylindrical design, much like you find with 99% of other bottles on the market. However, with the Sway tumbler, Owala added in little grooves on opposite sides of the bottle. This gives it a slightly different look, and it makes it a little easier to pick up. I didn't think much of this change when I first used the Sway tumbler, but I'm starting to like this tweak more and more as a very small but noticeable improvement.

Original FreeSip vs Sway: Grip

#11 - Bulk/Weight

Sway's 30oz tumbler holds less water than the Original FreeSip's 32oz bottle, but it weighs roughly 20% more. It's bulkier too because of a much larger lid design.

However, this is countered by the larger handle and cupholder-friendly tapered base, which both make the Sway tumbler easier to get around with in most cases despite the added weight and bulk.

Original FreeSip vs Sway: Weight

#12 - Insulation

Both bottles have triple layer insulation, which includes a dual-wall vacuum insulation construction with a layer of copper to limit heat transfer through radiation. However, they do NOT have the same insulation results.

I did a hot water test using wireless thermometers, and Sway was about 16% worse than the Original FreeSip. But honestly, both Owala bottles performed poorly against other dual-wall vacuum insulated bottles, so if insulation is your top priority, then Owala is probably not a good option.

Though to be fair, Owala still has good insulation compared to any uninsulated bottle like a plastic Nalgene for example, and it's good enough for most people most days. So for most people, Owala's insulation is good enough, and people should decide whether to buy an Owala based on the other factors, like the lid, color options, and handle design.

Conclusion

When you add all of these changes up, honestly they're almost all improvements or at worst the same or not a big deal.

If you're into taking your bottle with you on hikes or long walks, Sway's larger handle may help. And if you like to sip while driving, Sway's tapered cupholder-friendly base can help it fit in more vehicles.

Yes, the insulation for the new Sway bottle is significantly worse, but Owalas in general aren't exceptional when it comes to insulation anyways so if that's a primary decision factor for you, other brands like YETI or S'well might be better. Also, Sway is bulkier and heavier, but the big handle and cupholder-friendly design more than make up for it.

Everyone is different, so it's ultimately up to you. But if I were to buy one Owala today, I'd go with a Sway tumbler instead of a FreeSip bottle. It just seems like Owala really listened to the feedback from customers and made some good design choices that improve the overall experience.

Getting an Owala?

If this review helped, consider using one of the links to buy whichever bottle is the best fit! We may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Owala FreeSip (Original)

Owala Original FreeSip (32oz)

Owala's original FreeSip is available now on Amazon.

FreeSip Sway

Owala FreeSip Sway (30oz)

As of today, Sway is on Target and Owala's website.

See on Target

Recommended Accessories

We always recommend getting a good brush kit and cleaning tablets to help keep your new bottle in great (and safe) condition for many years to come. Here are the ones we use.

Brush Kit

Brush Kit

This kit includes a big brush, straw brush, and detailing brush, which helps with Owala's spout.

Cleaning Tablets

Bottle Bright Tablets

Cleaning tablets work great to clean stains and buildup. We recommend using them once per month.

Buying a Large Reusable Bottle?
Keep us in Mind!

See our Amazon store for helpful accessories, like fruit infusers and cup holder adapters.

See Our Store

1 Comment

Which Stanley is the Best? (Quencher vs IceFlow vs ProTour)

2/11/2025

Which Stanley Tumbler is the Best?

(10 minute read)

Which Stanley is the Best Bottle?

Stanley just released their Protour lid, but is it good and how does it compared to Stanley's other tumblers, the Quencher and Iceflow?

This post will help you find the best bottle for you so you don't waste your hard-earned money and you can make an informed decision.

We'll look at the main differences between Stanley's Quencher, IceFlow, and ProTour bottles, including which ones are:

leak-proof
easier to clean
have better insulation
easier to carry
more durable
and whether the lids are interchangeable

Amazon Associates Disclosure

BottlePro is part of the Amazon Associates Program. If you make a purchase using a link, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. It really helps, so thank you!

Video: Which Stanley is the Best?

We also cover this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap that way.

The Big Picture

Quencher

Stanley Quencher

Leaks like crazy
The side-mounted handle is convenient, but bulky.
The straw is exposed on top, so the bottle takes up more space. The dial on top lets you twist between closed or chug settings. (straw must be removed to close)
Most viral

IceFlow

Stanley IceFlow

Leak-proof
The top-mounted, rotating handle makes this bottle less bulky.
The flip spout is extemely difficult to remove, making cleaning this bottle more challenging.
Best insulation

ProTour

Stanley ProTour

Leak-proof
Side-mounted handle is convenient, but bulky
The flip spout is removable, making it much easier to clean this bottle fully compared to the IceFlow.
Uses the same body and handle as the Quencher, so just the lid is different.

Which Stanleys are Leak-Proof?

One of the most common complaints about Quencher is that it leaks like crazy, even when you have it set to closed, which has led to a lot of damaged electronics and unintended baths over the years. The good news is, and we've confirmed it here, the Protour lid is leakproof. The IceFlow bottle also uses a similiar flip-up spout, so it's leak-proof too. Just make sure you close the spout completely both both.

So if you're looking for a leak-proof bottle, avoid Quencher and go with IceFlow or ProTour.

Which Stanley is Easiest to Clean?

Most straw lids are notoriously difficult to clean because they always have some kind of seal under them that's difficult to get to without damaging the lid. Quencher avoids this problem altogether. The straw comes out easily, and you can pinch these prongs to remove the dial to clean underneath it.

Iceflow's flip-up spout is not removable to my knowledge, so you have to rely more on cleaning tablets, soap baths, and small brushes to clean it the best you can.

Protour has a removable spout and this removable seal underneath. It's a little more difficult to pop out the spout than the directions make it sound, but it can be done. You angle it at about 45 degrees like this, then pull it out. I've done it a few times and the spout has loosened up a bit, but it still fits together and works nicely. The seal is a bit of a pain to get back into place, but you can use the straw to push it through.

Overall for cleaning, Quencher is definitely the easiest, Iceflow is the worst, and Protour is somewhere in the middle, though it should get easier the more you do it.

Which Stanley Has the Best Insulation?

I did a standardized hot water test to compare the bottles relative to each other. I use wireless thermometers and measure the amount of time it takes the hot water to drop from 165 to 150 degF then average two tests for each bottle.

The results showed the Quencher and Protour are essentially the same, while Iceflow is roughly 35% better.

Insulation works similarly for both hot and cold drinks, so these rankings should also apply if you're using ice water too, which is how the vast majority of people use these bottles. I'll be doing a big ice test shortly, so follow our YouTube channel to see that video when it posts.

Overall, if insulation is your most important factor, Iceflow is the best option.

Which Stanley is Easiest to Use?

The answer to this question is more based on your own personal preferences, but here's a good rule-of-thumb.

Iceflow's top-mounted handle can be more comfortable for longer durations, so it might be a better choice for hiking.

Quencher and Protour have the same side-mounted handle, and this can be better for more casual everyday use, like around the house, at work, or when driving and doing errands.

The bottles all weigh roughly the same for a given size, so there's not a major difference there. But it's worth considering the bulkiness of the bottle too, and Iceflow's rotating handle certainly helps limit the overall size.

And for taking quick sips, the Quencher is the best choice because you don't have to flip up a spout.

Overall, each of these bottles is pretty easy to use. I wouldn't say one is really better, so think about how you'll use it most often and decide based on that.

Which Stanley is More Durable?

When it comes to durability, none of these bottles really stand out from the others. They're all made with stainless steel which will dent and scratch if you drop it, and they all have plastic parts that can break.

If durability is your most important factor, consider getting a bottle boot or carrying pouch which doubles as a protective sleeve.

Or it honestly could be worth looking at a brand like YETI because their bottles are made with a thicker steel that can resist dents more easily. But as far as the Quencher, Iceflow, and Protour go, there's not a major difference here.

Bottle Boot

These silicone bottle boots are great at limiting scratches and dents from most drops.

Carrying Pouch

Slings double as a protective sleeve. Couple them with a boot for even more protection.

Are Stanley's Lids Interchangeable?

nd if you're wondering whether the lids are interchangeable, there's good news good news and bad news. The good news is that the Quencher, Iceflow, and Protour lids are all interchangeable. Just make sure you get it for the same size bottle because for example a 30oz lid won't fit with a 40oz one.

The bad news is only the Quencher and Iceflow lids seem to currently be available by themselves. The new Protour lid is not available individually yet, at least not from Stanley (though you can find similar lids from other knockoff brands).

Which is the Best Stanley Tumbler?

These three bottles play an interesting game of rock-paper-scissors. Quencher is easier to clean and is popular, but it leaks. IceFlow doesn't leak and is better for hikes, but it's more difficult to clean. ProTour is easier to clean than IceFlow but not Quencher.

This is one scenario where it's hard to pick a best bottle because each one has its own strengths and weaknesses, and each person has his or her own priorities. But for my money, ProTour seems to be the best all-around option because it solves two of the most glaring issues of the Quencher leaking and the IceFlow being difficult to clean.

For those reasons, I'd choose ProTour over Quencher or IceFlow.

How to Buy a Stanley Tumbler

If you're in the market, here are links to each bottle. Big "thank you" if you use one to buy! We may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, and it really helps our channel.

Stanley Quencher

See Quencher

Stanley IceFlow

See IceFlow

Stanley ProTour

See ProTour

Buying a Large Reusable Bottle?
Keep us in Mind!

See our Amazon store for helpful accessories, like fruit infusers and cup holder adapters.

See Our Store

BottlePro's Amazon Store

0 Comments

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Bottle (Ultimate Guide and Best Practices)

1/24/2025

(10 minute read)

What is the Best Way to Clean a Stainless Steel Bottle?

Big reusable water bottles can be difficult to clean, and in fact, many people still use disposable bottles for that very reason. But it's really not that bad if you're prepared, and in the long run reusable bottles are way better for the environment as well as your wallet.

These are our recommended best practices and guidelines for cleaning your bottle, including:

are they dishwasher safe,
how to pick the right one,
what accesories can make it easier,
how often to clean it,
what are some ways you can save money,
and four things I would absolutely avoid doing.

Amazon Associates Disclosure
BottlePro is part of the Amazon Associates Program. If you make a purchase using a link, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. It really helps, so thank you!

Video: How to Clean Your Bottle

We also cover this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap that way.

Part 1: Are Stainless Steel Bottles Dishwasher Safe?

Maybe you're wondering can you put stainless steel bottles in the dishwasher? It's a simple question, but an unfortunately complicated answer. Many bottles today are labeled as dishwasher safe, but in general I don't recommend it for three reasons.

Reason #1: It's not always clear which bottles are dishwasher safe

For example, regular Hydro Flasks ARE dishwasher safe, while their Trail Series bottles AREN'T.

Even more confusing, older regular Hydro Flasks with a thinner metal band below the lid are NOT dishwasher safe.

This varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it can be difficult to know unless you look up the manufacturer's recommendations (which is highly recommended).

Reason #2: Dishwashers are more likely to damage your bottle

Even if the manufacturer says the bottle is dishwasher safe, cleaning it regularly this way can lead to more damage.

Some bottle brands like Owala even say their bottles are dishwasher safe, but they recommend hand-washing. Any damage would most likely be cosmetic from your bottle banging into something else in the dishwasher and wouldn't make your bottle unusable, but cosmetic wear-and-tear is still not ideal.

Plus, smaller parts commonly found with lids are more likely to fall through the racks and potentially drop onto the heating element at the bottom of the dishwasher.

Reason #3: Handwashing isn't (usually) difficult

Yes, handwashing takes more time, but it's really not that bad once you get into the habit and have the right tools, like a brush kit and cleaning tablets. And in most cases it's necessary for deep cleaning anyways (see below).

Brush Kit

Good All-Around Brush Kit

Cleaning Tablets

Easy-To-Use Cleaning Tablets

Part 2: Which Bottles are Easiest to Clean?

Not all bottles are created equal, and some are easier to clean than others.

Factor #1: Mouth Diameter

Narrow mouth bottles are more difficult to clean than their wide mouth counterparts. With bottles like the 25oz S'well shown below, I can't fit my big bottle brush so I have to rely on cleaning tablets and soap baths. But with others like a Stanley Quencher, you don't even really need a brush because you can fit your hand inside.

If keeping your bottle clean is a priority, there's no doubt wide mouth bottles are an easier choice (in addition to making it easier to add ice).

Factor #2: Lid Type

A good rule-of-thumb is that chug-style lids and the most basic lids (twist all th way on-and-off) are easier to clean than straw lids and sip lids.

Using YETI's lids as examples:

Basic Lids

These are super-simple, so cleaning them is pretty straightforward.

Chug Lids

They're a little more complex than basic lids, but still pretty simple and easy to clean (usually).

Sip Lids

These lids are typically used with smaller bottles for coffee or tea, and they're designed to restrict flow. Often times they have smaller parts and inner pathways for your drink compared to chug lids, which makes cleaning more complicated (YETI's isn't actually that bad though).

Straw Lids

Straw lids are traditionally the worst for cleaning. They add a straw, which requires another brush. And flip-up spouts like this one have a seal underneath that can be difficult to get to (sometimes it's not possible without damaging the lid).

Factor #3: Pull Tabs

Also, consider whether the seals have pull tabs that make them easier to remove. It's such a simple addition and we're always surprised more bottles don't do this.

Unfortunately, bottles that have this feature don't seem to advertise it much, but two options I know that do include Owala (just their spout seal, but not the one between the lid and the bottle) and Takeya Actives (both the spout seal AND the lid seal).

Part 3: What Accessories Help with Cleaning Bottles?

Fortunately the main things you'll need are easy and cheap: warm, soapy water and a sponge.

Beyond that, there are two accessories I almost always recommend getting with bottles like these. I mentioned them earlier, but I'll add them here again because I really do think they are great investments and are important to keep your bottle in tip-top (and safe) condition.

Brush Kit

Good All-Around Brush Kit

Cleaning Tablets

Easy-To-Use Cleaning Tablets

Money Saving Tip:
Consider buying denture or retainer tablets like these. I've seen a bunch of people recommend this on my YouTube channel, and though I haven't tried it personally, the ingredients look very similar. And they're A LOT less expensive per tablet than Bottle Bright.

I personally stick with Bottle Bright because I feel comfortable with the company (instead of an Amazon store brand I'm not familiar with), and they're really not that expensive in the grand scheme if you're just using them once per month, which leads into...

Part 4: How Often Should You Clean Your Bottle?

Having and easy-to-clean bottle and the best accessories doesn't matter if you don't clean your bottle.

To prevent bacteria, grime, and mold from building up, you need to stay on top of your cleaning habits. Here is our recommende schedule.

Daily

For every day use, it's more about preventing stagant water by pouring out any water that's been sitting for awhile, like overnight or especially if it's been in a hot car. Then replace it with clean, fresh water.

Weekly

Every few days (or at least once per week) is a quick clean. Use warm soapy water and a bottle brush to scrub everywhere you can reach. Then wash it out and let it dry overnight.

Monthly

About once per month, do a deep clean. Take out all the seals and gaskets and wash them with warm soapy water. Drop in a Bottle Bright tablet, which can help remove any buildup like hard water residue that the brush couldn't easily reach (this also includes soaking the lid in a bowl with a Bottle Bright tablet or soap).

Keep up with this cleaning schedule, and you should be fine and will keep your bottle in great (and safe) condition. Just don't be afraid to adjust this schedule as-needed. For example, if you drink from a questionable water source when traveling, then give it a good wash after. Or if you notice stains or smells from coffee, go ahead and use a Bottle Bright tablet early.

When in doubt, clean it out.

Part 5: 4 Mistakes I'd Avoid with Cleaning Bottles

If you've been paying attention, I've already mentioned the three things I'd avoid doing:

Buying a narrow mouth lid
Avoid straw lids (with some notable exceptions like Owala, Hydro Flask's Flex Straw, and Stanley's ProTour)
Avoid using the dishwasher

But the fourth is very important.

#4: Whatever you do, don't use bleach to clean your stainless steel bottle.

Yes, bleach would clean your bottle, and it's probably not a huge deal in very dilute concentrations. But it's also very toxic so it's risky if you don't wash it all out by mistake.

And for stainless steel in particular, it can damage the material and lead to potential corrosion or pitting in the steel.

Just keep up with your cleaning schedule, use Bottle Bright or denture tablets, and you should be fine.

Hope this helps, and happy hydrating!

Buying a Large Reusable Bottle?
Keep us in Mind!

See our Amazon store for helpful accessories, like fruit infusers and cup holder adapters.

See our Store

BottlePro's Amazon Store

0 Comments

Top 10 Most Ridiculous Bottles | Owala, FlasKap, LARQ and More

12/12/2024

Top 10 Ridiculous Bottles on the Market Today

What is the Most Ridiculous Water Bottle?

The water bottle industry is incredibly competitive, which leads to many brands looking for sometimes ridiculous ways to set themselves apart. But as with any new innovation, sometimes you get an iPod, and other times you get a Google Glass.

So with each bottle in this video, I'll rate them as:

ridiculously cool,
ridiculously bad,
or somewhere inbetween

And don't worry, because there's something for everyone on this list, whether you want to be impressed or get a laugh. And whether you want something for a child, signifcant other, or just new for yourself.

Amazon Associates Disclosure

BottlePro is part of the Amazon Associates Program. If you make a purchase using a link, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you!

Video of the Most Ridiculous Bottles

We also cover this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap and see some of the bottles in action!

#10: Owala (Crazy Colors)

Owala Bottle with Ridiculous Colors

Let's start at number 10 with one bottle you may have heard from recently, Owala. They've really made a name for themselves within the last year or two, and a big reason is because of the FreeSip lid, which is a combination straw and chug spout.

But the real eye-catcher is the colors, which are straight up ridiculous. It's like walking walking into a paint store, they ask what color you want, and you say yes. But, it's clear this is something a lot of people love, and you've even seen that influence spread to other brands like Stanley and Hydro Flask who in the past had more traditional color options.

They do have an all-black option I'd prefer and I can recognize that other people love the funky colors, and I also can appreciate the lid design. From a functionality standpoint, it's honestly my favorite straw lid right now.

So for those reasons, I'm calling Owala ridiculously cool.

Price: $32.99 for a 32oz

#9: FlasKap (Hidden Flask)

FlasKap Bottle with Hidden Flask

At number 9 is FlasKap, and Don Draper would be a fan of this one. It looks like a regular 32oz bottle, but in reality it's a 26oz bottle with a separate 6oz one inside. The lid lets you choose whether you drink from the main bottle, the smaller one, or mix both together.

It's pretty clear what the intended use case is, so if you're out enjoying golf, a tailgate, or the beach and want to be a little more discreet about your beverage choices, this is a good option.

I'm also going with ridiculously cool on this one.

Price: $58.48 for a 32oz

#8: Litflask (Detachable Bluetooth Speaker)

Litflask Bottle with Bluetooth Speaker

At number 8 is Litflask, which was on Oprah's favorite things list for 2024. It has a built-in but detachable bluetooth speaker, so it's one to consider if you're a fan of music.

Apparently it can connect to other Litflasks, so you could make your own little surround sound concert. It even has a microphone so you can call someone, and if you'd told me 10 years ago someone could call you through your bottle I'd have called you crazy.

The speakers are kind of cool, but the calling option seems unnecessary.

For me this one's just ridiculously OK.

$99 for a 20oz

#7: air up (Scent-Based Flavors)

air up vs an Amazon Knockoff

Most times when you add flavor to water, you either add fruit or some kind of sweetner like how Cirkul's flavor pods work. Air up is different. They also have pods that go in the lid, but instead of releasing artificial sweeteners that you taste, they release a scent when water passes through the pod whenever you take a sip.

There's a very clear scientific link in you brain between what you smell and what you taste. It's the same reason why you don't taste anything if you pinch your nose when you're eating.

So while this bottle doesn't use technology in the traditional sense, I'm including here because of the cool science behind how it works. But at the same time, I've seen a lot of reviews about how it's not the best drinking experience.

With a combination of bad reviews but a cool concept, I'll settle for ridiculously OK.

$49.99 for a 22oz

#6: Hidrate Spark Pro (Hydration Coach)

Hidrate Spark Pro Bottle for Hydration Tracking

Number 6 is Hidrate Spark Pro, and if you're a fan of data and tracking progress, this is a good option because it's basically a hydration coach. It connects to an app on your phone, and it has a built-in sensor that knows when you take a sip. This lets you more easily track your fluid intake throughout the day, and there are whole bunch of LED lights that flash on and off with reminders whenever you haven't had a drink in awhile.

I'm certainly a fan of improving hydration habits, but I'm personally not sure about hooking my bottle up to a tracking app.

For me, this is just ridiculously OK.

$56 for a 21oz

#5: LARQ (UV Sanitizing)

LARQ Bottle UV Sanitizing Light in Lid

Number 5 is one I've shown before, and that's LARQ. The thing this bottle has going for it is a built-in UV light in the lid, and you can easily charge and use the UV light to quickly sanitize your bottle from bacteria and viruses.

This bottle really made a splash in 2021 when it was on Shark Tank and received the highest valuation of any company up to that point.

It's worth noting that it doesn't have a filter and just helps against viruses and bacteria, but with so many questions about water quality nowadays, sometimes having that extra piece of mind is worth the investment.

It certainly qualifies as ridiculously cool in my book.

$118 for a 25oz

#4: Vitaloop (Built-In Filter Pump)

Vitaloop Bottle with Built-In Filter and Pump

I've talked quite a bit before about filters, including Lifestraw's accessory, Brita's straw bottle, and GRAYL's French-press style filter bottle. But they're all a little tricky to use, either because they require quite a bit of suction to pull water through the straw or they take a lot of force to press water through the filter like iwth GRAYL.

Vitaloop has a pretty intruguing design that seems to solve these issues because it has a built in filter pump system. Just press a button, and the pump moves water through the filter to clean it. I'm going to be testing this bottle out in person in 2025, so this is more of an introduction. But I love the concept.

Definitely a ridiculously cool bottle as long as it works as well as advertised.

$99 for a 17oz

#3: Vejo (Blender Bottle)

Vejo Bottle with Built-In Blender

Number 3 on the list is Vejo, and this is a bottle gym rats, health freaks, and boat drinks. It has a built-in blender, which lets you press a button to easily stir up your favorite protein powder mix much better than a traditional shaker bottle would. You can also use it for juices or any other drink that needs mixing.

So whether you're looking for a healthy juice cleanse or a boat drink, this could be a good option to consider.

Because it fills an interesting niche, I'm going to go with ridiculously cool.

$69.99 for a 12oz

#2: Echo Go+ (Hydrogen Water)

Echo Go+ Hydrogen Water Bottle

At number 2 is the Echo Go+ Hydrogen water bottle. With this one you push a button and then the bottle generates hydrogen gas, and allegedly water with hydrogen gas in it has a range of health benefits.

Now this is a tricky topic because it's really hard to know whether this is a real benefit. It's probably not unsafe, but does it really have all of these health benefits? I'm not so sure. It does look pretty cool, especially if you're a fan of bubbles.

But given what I know right now, I'm going to go with ridiculously bad mainly because most of what I've seen about hydration water look very scammy.

But I'm planning to dive deeper into this subject next year on my new series about hydration facts and myths, so I'll update this later if hydration water looks legit.

$199.99 for a 10oz

#1: Fracsco (Bottle with LiDAR Sensor)

Fracsco Bottle with LiDAR Sensor in Lid

And number 1 is this bottle by the company Fracsco. I stumbled across this one while researching for this video, and it's kind of wild. It seems like a sup'ed up version of the Hidrate Spark Pro in that it lets you track your hydration habits, but it also tells you the time, weather, water temperature, water level, and even apparently lets you track your BMI. It sports a really unique look that some people will love and others will hate, but it will definitely stand out either way. And the price tag stands out too because this bottle is on sale for $240.

But the real reason why I'm including it at #1 is because of what's in the lid.

LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging, and it's kind of like using light in the same way that sound is used for sonar. You might have seen it mentioned a few months ago when there was news about LiDAR surveys being used to find hidden Mayan ruins.

Well, this bottle has a LiDAR sensor in the lid. By measuring the reflection time it can detect and record the water level in the app so you can have a detailed breakdown of your water bottle's volume throughout the day.

I'm all for cool water bottles, but for me this one just went way over the top and qualifies for ridiculously bad.

But hey, if you've been craving a bottle with a built-in LiDAR sensor, this could be your new best friend.

$239.99 for a 17oz

See on Fracsco

Buying a Large Reusable Bottle?
Keep us in Mind!

See our Amazon store for helpful accessories, like fruit infusers and cup holder adapters.

See our Store

BottlePro's Amazon Store

0 Comments

What is the Best Water Bottle? (our Biggest Comparison Yet!)

9/30/2024

1 Comment

What is the Best Water Bottle?

What is the Best Bottle?

If you're wondering what is the best water bottle on the market today, you're not alone. The water bottle market is incredibly saturated (pun intended), so there's a lot to consider. Well, I've collected 31 bottles over the years for this business, so today I'm going to reveal my full collection to help you find the best bottle for your situation.

What's Next?

Video review
Good accessories to have regardless of which bottle you go with
Part One: Giving my recommendations for the best (and worst) bottles for different uses, like value, hiking, and overall.
Part Two: Rapid-fire review of each bottle, including the main pros and cons.

Video Review: What is the Best Water Bottle? (31 Tested!)

We also cover this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap!

Good Accessories for Most Large Bottles

Whether you go with Owala, Hydro Flask, YETI, Stanley, or anything else, these are our three most popular recommended accessories for any large reusable bottle.

Brush Kit

Bottle Brush Kit

There are a lot of brush kits on Amazon at this point, so feel free to shop around. This is the one I have, and it has a range of brush sizes that work with any bottle.

See Brush Kit

Cleaning Tablets

Bottle Bright Tablets

I've tested these, and they work really well when cleaning out coffee and tea stains. I also recommend using them roughly once per week during your deep cleaning routine.

See Cleaning Tablets

BottlePro Max Adapter

BottlePro Cup Holder Adapter

Bottles that are 24 ounces or less can fit in the majority of cup holders. Bottles that are larger than that typically need an adapter, like our BottlePro Max.

A key difference is if you purchase a tumbler-style bottle, like a Stanley Quencher. Tumblers are known for having tapered sides that are better able to fit in more cup holders.

See BottlePro Max

Part One: Recommended Bottles by Use

Different bottles are better for different situations, so here let's take a look at various uses to see which bottle is the best option.

Scroll down to Part Two to read more about any particular brand or bottle.

Best Bottle for Everyday, All-Around Use

These are the two bottles I find myself going back to most regularly when I'm not deliberately testing a different one. They each have a great combination of features that make them amazing choices for everyday use.

Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal

Owala FreeSip

Dual straw/chug lid
Easy sipping for a straw lid (less air constriction)
Ergonomic (actually feels weirdly better)
Cover keeps the mouthpiece clean

See Owala

FJbottle 32oz

FJbottle

Has both a rigid handle and a built-in carrying strap
Magnetics keep the spout cap out of your face when sipping
Silicone grip pad on base
Comes with a brush to help you get started (though you'll probably want to upgrade to a different kit)

Best Bottle for Value

Ozark Trail 32oz

Ozark Trail

Least-expensive stainless steel insulated bottle
Good handle
No-slip base

See Ozark Trail

Iron Flask Lids

Iron Flask

3 lids included

See Iron Flask

ThermoFlask 2-Pack

ThermoFlask

One of the few brands that regularly offers 2-packs
2 bottles and 4 lids included

See ThermoFlask

Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth

Nalgene

One of the least-expensive bottles
Extremely durable and won't dent

Best Bottle for Hiking

Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth

Nalgene

Extremely lightweight
Durable and dent-resistant
Best if used with a carrying pouch or stashed in a bag because the lid tether isn't much of a handle

Hydro Flask Trail Series

Hydro Flask Trail Series

Lightest vacuum insulated bottle
Good handle

See Trail Series

FJbottle 32oz

FJbottle

Having both a rigid handle and a carrying strap makes it easier to bring with you on long hikes
Silicone grip pad on base
(If you'd like to add flavor and love the carrying strap, see Vesmoon in Part Two below)

GRAYL Filter Bottle

GRAYL Filter Bottle

This is a good option if you're going on a very long hike or backpacking trip and want to refill from a stream or other questionable water source
I tested this bottle, and it was one of the best options to filter out visible particulates

Best Bottle for Sports

Takeya Actives

Takeya (Actives Series)

Good handle
Attached spout cover
Recommended: This lid style has a built-in ice blocker

See Takeya Actives

Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal

Owala FreeSip

Dual straw/chug lid, so you can sip or chug depending on how much water you need
Easy sipping for a straw lid (less air constriction)
Ergonomic (actually feels weirdly better)
Cover keeps the mouthpiece clean

Best Bottle for Driving

Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip

Hydro Flask Flex Sip

Sip-style lids are the best for coffee or tea during a commute, and this is one my favorites
Good handle
Easy to know when the lid is opened or closed

See Hydro Flask

Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal

Owala FreeSip

Straw lids are great for driving because it's easier to keep your eyes on the road
Owala's FreeSip is one of my favorite straw lid options
You will likely need a cup holder adapter like this one with 32oz or 40oz sizes

See Owala

Stanley Quencher Handle

Stanley Quencher

Straw lid
Tapered base fits in more cup holders
Side-mounted handle makes it easy to grab

See Stanley

Best Bottle for Road Trips

Any of the bottles listed under "Best Bottle for Driving" are good options here, but I'd also consider having a 2nd larger bottle on hand for refills.

Hydro Flask Growler

Hydro Flask Growler

The large 64oz size makes it a good option for refilling a smaller bottle that you keep in your cup holder
However, this bottle is too large to be used as a stand-alone bottle for most people and most situations, especially when driving
YETI and other brands also have comparable "growler" sized bottles, so feel free to check those out

See Hydro Flask Growler

Best Bottle for Home or Office

Stanley Quencher Handle

Stanley Quencher

The big side-mounted handle makes it easy to grab when you're just walking from one room to another
The always-open straw makes it really easy to quickly take a sip (though be careful of it getting too dirty)

See Stanley

Brita Bottle Filter

Brita Filter Bottle

I haven't tested many filter bottles yet, but of the ones I have, this is by far the easiest to use as an every-day bottle
It's a good option for extra assurance that you're drinking as clean of water as possible

Best Bottle for Clumsy People

YETI Rambler Lid

YETI Rambler

Extremely durable
Good handle

See YETI Rambler

Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth

Nalgene

Extremely lightweight
Durable and dent-resistant
If you somehow break it (not likely), this is an inexpensive bottle to replace

Best Bottle for Iced Water

Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal

Owala FreeSip

In general, straw lids are good options if you love sipping ice-cold water from your bottle without having to worry about any ice coming out
Owala is one of my favorite straw lid options right now

EcoVessel Strainer

EcoVessel

One of EcoVessel's key features is a built-in strainer that serves as an ice blocker
Vesmoon is another option with a strainer, or you can look at Takeya's ice strainer lid

See EcoVessel

Best Bottle for Fruit Infusing

Vesmoon Infusers

Vesmoon

This has the largest built-in strainer of any bottle I've tested
Good option to avoid plastic infusers

See Vesmoon

FlavorFuze Pod

This is our design, and we sized it to fit in nearly any wide-mouth bottle
Each comes with two lids. One is sized to fit snugly in Hydro Flask wide mouths and act as a splash guard. The other has a larger handle and is meant for drop-in infusing

See FlavorFuze Pod

Best Bottle for Tea Infusing

Steepware Infusers

Steepware

This bottle does do a good job at what it was designed for, which is brewing tea
The bottle is the right size, and the infusers are also a good size to keep your loose-leaf tea contained while giving it more surface area to diffuse into your water

See Steepware

Best Bottle for Limiting Plastic Contact

Healthy Human Lid

Healthy Human (Stein or Curve)

Healthy Human is a great option to avoid plastic because their standard lids have stainless steel underneath, making sure your water touches as little plastic as possible

See Healthy Human

EcoVessel

EcoVessel is unique in that it's the only chug-style lid I've seen that avoids plastic contact under the lid
Both parts of the lid have either silicone or stainless steel contact points with your water, but not plastic

See EcoVessel

Best Bottle for Easy Cleaning

Zulu Ace

Zulu Ace

One of only a few bottles I'm aware of that has a removable bottom so you can clean it from both sides

See Zulu Ace

Owala FreeSip

Owala FreeSip

Easiest straw lid to clean all surfaces where water touches the lid
Does not have a rotating spout, which is common in most other straw lids and is the most difficult part to clean
Easily-removable seal

Stanley Quencher

Stanley Quencher

Largest opening on top, making it easier to clean without needing a bottle brush kit

See Stanley

Best Bottle for Sanitizing Water

Brita Bottle Filter

Brita Filter Bottle

I haven't tested many filter bottles yet, but of the ones I have, this is by far the easiest to use as an every-day bottle

LARQ UV Bottle

LARQ UV Bottle

Easy to use, but expensive
Requires charging
The UV kills bacteria and viruses, but it's not a filter bottle so it won't remove particulates

See LARQ

GRAYL Filter Bottle

GRAYL Filter Bottle

Not convenient for an everyday bottle
Good for filtering particulates, ideally when hiking or backpacking

Best Straw Lid

Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal

Owala FreeSip

Dual straw/chug lid
Easy sipping for a straw lid (less air constriction)
Ergonomic (actually feels weirdly better)
Cover keeps the mouthpiece clean

Hydro Flask 32oz Flex Straw

Hydro Flask Flex Straw

Removable insert that lets you clean around the spout more easily
Good brand with other interchangeable lids
Good handle

See Hydro Flask

Best Chug Lid

Takeya Actives

Takeya (Actives Series)

Good handle
Attached spout cover
Actives series comes with an insulated lid

See Takeya Actives

FJbottle 32oz

FJbottle

Magnet keeps the spout cap out of your face
Has a rigid handle and a carrying strap

See Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip

Best Sip Lid

Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip

Hydro Flask Flex Sip

Good handle
Easy to know when the lid is opened or closed
Easy to disassemble (though it does take a few steps and has more parts than some other brands)

Many people prefer YETI's Hotshot because it has fewer pieces and you can drink from any side, which are both good points. But it's not my personal favorite because it does not have a handle and is more difficult to open and close because of how the piece you twist is recessed below the rim of the lid. With Hydro Flask's design, you can grab the outside of the lid and twist it which is just easier, and this is one of those small differences that you probably wouldn't notice unless you tried both side-by-side.

Part Two: Rapid-Fire Review of All 31 Bottles

Most are vacuum insulated stainless steel around 32 ounces in size, but there are some different types of bottles and sizes mixed in.

They're in no particular order.

1 of 31: Owala FreeSip

Owala FreeSip Lid

Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal

Let's start with the most popular brands by looking at a bottle that's quite possibly overtaking Stanley as the most trendy option on the market today, Owala.

Owala's FreeSip is good because it has an ergonomic combination straw and spout lid that's honestly pretty nice to use. It's also a reasonably priced bottle.

Cons with Owalas are the handle and at least for me, the colors (though some people love the funky combinations).

I recently made a dedicated post about this brand, so check out this link if you'd like to learn more.

See Hydro Flask 32oz Flex Straw

2 of 31: Stanley Quencher

Stanley Quencher Handle

Stanley Quencher Lid

Stanley's Quencher tumbler has been atop the social media mountain for a few years.

Stanley's Quencher is good because it has a large handle that's easy to hold because it's side-mounted. It also has a tapered base that lets it fit cup holders.

Cons with Stanley Quenchers are that the lid is not leak-proof. Also, the large handle makes an already-bulky bottle even bulkier

See Stanley Quencher

3 of 31: YETI Rambler

YETI Rambler Lid

YETI Rambler Spout

YETI's Rambler series is incredibly popular and includes a wide range of different products, but I'm just referring to their bottles like these.

YETI Rambler pros are the durability and the wide handle with their chug and straw lids.

Cons with YETI Ramblers are the high cost and the handles or lack thereof with their other lids.

I recently made a dedicated video about this brand, so check out this link if you'd like to learn more.

See YETI Rambler

4 of 31: Cirkul

Cirkul Flavor Pod

Cirkul Flavor Dial

Cirkul took social media by storm a few years ago, and it's known for having flavor pods with a dial so you can control how much flavor you get. While an interesting concept, I really don't like this bottle.

Cirkul bottles are good if you'd like to easily add flavor to your drink, but that's about it.

Cons with Cirkul bottles are:

that the flavor pods are disposable so they add a lot of waste while also costing you a lot more money in the long run
the handle is also truly awful
the bottle finish scratched easily
the straw lid makes weird noises and takes a lot of sucking compared to Owala's design
and there are legitimate questions and concerns about about how artificial sweeteners affect your health and you're essentially drinking non-carbonated diet soda.

If you'd like to add flavors to your water bottle, a more natural option is our FlavorFuze Pod drop-in infuser.

See Cirkul

5 of 31: Hydro Flask 32oz Flex Straw

Hydro Flask 32oz Flex Straw

Next is Hydro Flask, and our company really got started by making accessories for these so I have a few of their bottles. Hydro Flask's 32oz wide mouth style bottle was the social media darling a few years before Stanley, and even though they've dropped off the radar some, they're still great bottles.

Pros about Hydro Flasks are the lids, which all have great handles (other than the original straw lid). They also have a wide range of color options.

Cons are the high price, though they do seem to be on sale pretty often nowadays to compete more with Stanley and Owala.

6 of 31: Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip

Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip

Hydro Flask Flex Sips are great bottles for coffee and tea.

Pros about the lid are the wide handle and that it's easy to take apart for cleaning.

Cons are the high price and that taking the lid apart takes quite a few steps (though it's not particularly difficult).

See Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip

7 of 31: Hydro Flask 24oz Flex Straw

Hydro Flask Narrow 21oz

Hydro Flask Narrow Flex Straw

I typically don't like narrow or standard mouth bottles as much as wide mouths because they're more difficult to clean, have smaller lids and handles, and aren't as easy to add things like ice or flavorings.

But a positive of bottles with narrower mouths like this are that they typically have better insulation than their wide mouth counterparts.

See Hydro Flask Narrow 24oz

8 of 31: Hydro Flask 32oz Trail Series

Hydro Flask Trail Series

Another good variation to know about is their Trail Series. This style is lighter and actually tested a little better in an insulation test I did recently compared to their original wide mouth.

Cons of this series is that they don't have many color options, though they do all share a cool metallic look that is different from the market-standard powder coating with most bottles.

See Hydro Flask Trail Series

9 of 31: Hydro Flask 64oz Growler

Hydro Flask Growler

Hydro Flask's 64oz Growler is a good one to have for situations like long road trips when you can use the growler to refill a smaller bottle that's better to use when driving. But for most people, growlers are too big to be the main bottle they drink water from and are better used for refills.

It's also worth noting that I have Hydro Flask's standard style growler, not their beer growler, which is another 64oz bottle with a different lid that's specifically designed to handle carbonation.

See Hydro Flask Growler

10 of 31: S'well 25oz

S'well 25oz Narrow Mouth

S'well is one of the original trendy brands, and for good reason.

S'well is good for its sleek look, which is more aesthetic than most other brands. The narrow mouth one I have also had one of the best insulation test results of any bottle from my collection.

A con is that it's too narrow to easily get ice into it so there's a bit of a tradeoff, and this makes it more difficult to clean too. The bottle also doesn't have a handle so it's not as easy to carry with you, and they're pretty pricey.

See S'well

11 of 31: Klean Kanteen Classic 40oz

Klean Kanteen Classic 40oz

Klean Kanteen is another premium brand, and I have two of their bottles.

The good things about Klean Kanteen's non-insulated bottles like this 40-ounce single-wall are that they're lightweight, reasonably priced, and have stainless steel under the lid.

The bad side is that it's not insulated and the handle is truly awful, though their updated loop style lid is much better. The lid shown in these pictures is an older style.

See Klean Kanteen Classic

12 of 31: Klean Kanteen TKWide 32oz

Klean Kanteen TKWide 32oz

Bump-Style Threads

I also have their 32-ounce TKWide, which is their insulated series.

These bottles have pretty good lid options, and the bump-style threads are easier to clean compared to traditional threads.

Some downsides with TKWides are that some people find the thin metal handle uncomfortable, and they are very bulky, especially because of the bump cap which is essentially a bumper on the bottom that's intended to save your insulation if you drop your bottle.

The problem I have with that is that is that I found in a recent test that most dents don't affect insulation anyways and if the dent is bad enough to affect insulation then your bottle is probably too wobbly and ready to be replaced anyways, so that extra cap on the bottom just seems to add more to the bulk of this already bulky bottle.

See Klean Kanteen TKWide

13 of 31: Takeya 32oz

Takeya Actives

Now we're getting into some mid-range brands that are still great options but may not have the prestige of a brand like YETI or Stanley. First is Takeya.

Pros are the reasonable cost and the great chug lid, which has a connected spout cap and a wide handle design.

I honestly don't have many negatives to say about this brand, but some people do prefer a rigid handle like YETI's over Takeya's hinged design.

If you get a Takeya, go with their Actives series listing because it'll come with their insulated lid and a protective bottle boot.

See Takeya Actives

14 of 31: Nalgene 32oz

Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth

Nalgene is the only plastic bottle in this video, and yes, I realize it's not stainless steel, but I'm grandfathering this bottle in because it's a cult classic with a place in history as the first popular reusable bottle for outdoors and hiking.

Good things about Nalgenes are that the plastic construction is really lightweight and inexpensive

Bad things are they don't have a great handle and are not insulated.

15 of 31: Healthy Human 32oz Stein

Healthy Human 32oz Stein

Healthy Human Lid

If you avoid Nalgene because of the plastic, then a good alternative to consider is Healthy Human. I have two of their bottles, a 32-ounce classic design and a 21-ounce from their Curve series.

Both have stainless steel under the lid so you can avoid plastic contact with your water. They also come with a lid that has a wide handle and a light-duty carabiner so you can clip it to a bag

The Curve series is more ergonomic for some people.

One downside is the lack of a sip style lid for coffee in their bottles, though they do have tumblers and cups that are a better fit for that.

See Healthy Human Stein

16 of 31: Healthy Human 21oz Curve

Healthy Human Curve

The Curve series is more ergonomic for some people, and it has some other color combinations and gradients.

Other than that, it's very similar to the Stein and use the same style lid.

See Healthy Human Curve

17 of 31: Camelbak Chute Mag 32oz

Camelbak Chute Mag 32oz

Next is Camelbak's Chute Mag. Camelbak is one of the brands that's been around the hydration world for a long time, so their bottles are very common and well-known.

Good things are that the lid has a magnet in the spout cap that helps keep it out the way when you're taking sips. They're also some of the least-expensive insulated options out there.

Bad things are that I'm personally not a huge fan of the offset handle, but some people prefer that style. The magnets are cool, but I'm not a huge fan of the all-plastic hinge design because it is tricker to link up the cap with the spout compared to bottles with fixed hinges like Takeya and FJbottle.

Overall, this is a pretty middle-of-the-road bottle in my opinion that does a lot well but doesn't excel at anything in particular in my opinion.

See Camelbak

18 of 31: ThermoFlask 32oz

ThermoFlask 32oz

ThermoFlask 2-Pack

ThermoFlask is another solid mid-range brand that doesn't have much that really differentiates it in either a good or a bad way.

But one good thing that you don't see with many other brands is that ThermoFlask regularly offers two-pack options for additional savings, so if you're already thinking about buying two bottles then it's a good option.

Fun fact, this brand is owned by Takeya, so they have a lot of similarities.

See ThermoFlask 2-Pack

19 of 31: Iron Flask 40oz

Iron Flask 40oz

Iron Flask Lids

Next is Iron Flask, and you can probably guess what this brand is going for.

They have done a good job establishing their footing on Amazon as a lower priced alternative to Hydro Flask. Pros are the value, as you'll get three lids included for a reasonable price.

The downside is that the lids feel cheap compared to what you get from Hydro Flask itself.

See Iron Flask

20 of 31: Ozark Trail 32oz

Ozark Trail 32oz

Ozark Trail Lid

Ozark Trail is Walmart's bottle brand, and as much as I hate to admit it, this is a pretty solid bottle.

Pros are that it has a grippy base and a good lid that has a connected spout cap and wide handle. And surprisingly, Ozark Trail has also consistently had the best insulation tests out of all the wide mouth bottles that I have compared it against.

Cons are that you can't buy it on Amazon, so if you're looking to use Prime shipping then you're out of luck. The handle is also just a touch small for comfortably fitting three larger fingers like mine.

See Ozark Trail

21 of 31: FJbottle 32oz

FJbottle 32oz

FJbottle Strap

FJbottle is a brand most people haven't heard of, but if you saw my comparison video last year then you know I really like their bottle.

What I love about FJbottle is that it has both a fingerhold handle and a built-in carrying strap, which is something most bottles don't have. The strap is something I didn't expect to like as much as I did, and it makes it a lot easier to carry your bottle when your hands are full with other things. It's also reasonably priced, has a no-slip base, and has a magnetic spout cap that I honestly prefer over Camelbak's design.

A downside is that the spout opening is a little too small, but for the most part I'm easily able to overlook that inconvenience because of everything else this bottle has going for it.

22 of 31: EcoVessel 32oz

EcoVessel 32oz

EcoVessel Strainer

EcoVessel is another reasonably priced bottle for what you get.

Pros are that it comes with a bottle boot and has stainless steel under the lid to avoid plastic contact with your water. It also has a built-in strainer that can be used for tea or blocking ice.

Unfortunately, the strainer is too small to hold fruit, and the bottle doesn't have a true handle, though you can use the cap tether.

See EcoVessel

23 of 31: Steepware 22oz

Steepware 22oz

Steepware Infusers

Steepware is one of the first bottles I am aware of that had a built-in strainer, and it also has a larger section here that screws into the strainer. This makes it a better option than EcoVessel for loose leaf tea or even some smaller fruits.

Other than that, I don't really like Steepware though. It was an outlier on the bad side on an insulation test, and the lid isn't that great.

See Steepware

24 of 31: Vesmoon 32oz

Vesmoon 32oz

Vesmoon Infusers

Vesmoon is a new brand that has the best built-in infuser in my opinion. It's a larger infuser than Steepware's, and the chug lid is a really good design that includes a carrying strap.

The downside is that it's a smaller brand, but if that's not a problem for you and you're looking for a good infuser bottle then this is one of the best options I've seen.

See Vesmoon

25 of 31: RevoMax

RevoMax

RevoMax Threadless Lid

RevoMax has a really unique feature in that it's the only bottle in this video that is completely threadless. You pull on this part here to lock the lid into place, and to unlock it you pinch the side buttons and press this button on top.

The main pros and cons are really opposite sides of the same coin. The lid is easy to open with one hand, but because this lid is separate it makes it difficult to use this bottle when driving unless you put the lid down somewhere.

And the lack of threads makes it easier to clean in some ways, but the lid itself is trickier to disassemble than other lids when you need to do a deep clean.

It's a narrow mouth bottle, and it tested really well on an insulation test I did last year taking the top spot in essentially a tie with my narrow mouth S'well.

See RevoMax

26 of 31: Zulu Ace

Zulu Ace

Zulu Ace Removable Bottom

Zulu Ace is a great bottle to consider if you're a clean freak because you can open the bottle from both sides. This is a good option if you don't want a tumbler like a Stanley Quencher, but you also don't want to deal with a bottle brush kit.

The downside is that there are more threads where it could potentially leak if a seal is misaligned, and it doesn't have a built-in handle.

See Zulu Ace

27 of 31: Stanley Classic Thermos

Stanley Thermos

Stanley's Thermos is certainly not a new design, but I'm including it in this part of my review because it's so much different from all the other bottles I've mentioned.

This bottle has great insulation, but you wouldn't want to use it as a main water bottle. It's best used in situations like outdoor events to store and distribute hot coffee or tea while you drink from other cups.

See Stanley Thermos

28 of 31: Otiem Copper

Otiem Copper Bottle

Copper has been used for thousands of years as a drinking container and vessel, but it's good to know what you're getting into before you buy one.

Most brands heavily market health benefits associated with using copper bottles, though I personally have not seen trusted sources or scientific research that definitively backs this up (at least not to the degree that the benefits are marketed).

They also take a lot more regular maintenance compared to stainless steel and plastic bottles because the copper tarnishes over time.

But there's no doubt that they look really cool!

See Otiem

29 of 31: Brita Filter Bottle

Brita Bottle

Brita Bottle Filter

Brita's bottle stays true to their roots by focusing on filtration because the bottle has a built-in filter. This is a great option if you're traveling and are not sure about the water quality. If you're familiar with LifeStraw, just think of this bottle like having a built-in accessory like that.

I'm not a fan of the handle though, and the bottle itself isn't as aesthetically pleasing as many others on this list.

30 of 31: GRAYL Filter Bottle

GRAYL Filter Bottle

GRAYL is a different take on the filter bottle. Instead of sucking water through a filter straw, you use this bottle like a French press.

It looks really cool and rugged and helps clean water when you're camping or hiking and need to get water from a stream.

But this isn't a convenient bottle for every-day use because it's a lot of effort to go through if you already have good water and the handle isn't much to write home about. And these bottles are crazy expensive, with this version costing $100 and their titanium version costing $200.