 The Hidden Plastic Liner in Many Cups, Cans, and Bottles (10 minute read) Which Cups, Cans, and Bottles have Plastic Liners, and Which Ones Don't?Many supposedly "eco-friendly" cups, cans, and bottles actually use a plastic liner on the inside. In addition to eventually ending up in landfills and adding to the growing microplastic problem, there are legitimate concerns over whether these plastic liners are healthy with long-term use. In this post, we'll take a closer look to learn more about the plastic liners hidden in many common cups, cans, and bottles so you can make a more informed decision. What's Next?
Video Review: Which Bottles have Plastic Liners?If videos are more your thing, check out my Youtube video that covers most of the same information. Amazon Disclaimer Some links are provided below to products mentioned in this post. If you find this information helpful, I hope you'll consider using a link to buy. We're part of the Amazon Associates program, and if you click a link then purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's the main way I can continue to provide detailed, unbiased reviews without relying on direct sponsorships. Thank you! Which Cups, Cans, and Bottles have Plastic Liners?There are three types of popular containers that most people consider eco-friendly or plastic-free that actually have a plastic liner hidden on the inside.  Each of these has a plastic liner on the inside
Experiment Setup We're going to use a bit of science to find the plastic liner hidden in each of these containers. Drain cleaner contains sodium hydroxide, which reacts with raw aluminum to dissolve it, leaving the plastic liner behind. It also can saturate the paper in the paper cup, which eventually lets you peel it away. What I used:
Total cost: ~$50 (mostly the Sigg) Safety Notice! Drain cleaner is a very caustic (basic) mixture that includes sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorate (bleach). These chemicals are very dangerous if used improperly. Always follow all safety requirements and recommendations from the manufacturer, including but not limited to gloves, safety goggles, and close-toed shoes. Also, be sure to do this in a well-ventilated space. I did the experiment outside and placed a large plastic tote over everything when I was away from the experiment.
The Hidden Plastic Liner in an Aluminum Can (90 Minutes After Starting)
At this point the cup looked saturated, but the paper still had a lot of strength to it. The aluminum bottle looked unchanged. The Hidden Plastic Liner in a Paper Cup (4 Days After Starting)
The Sigg aluminum bottle had started dissolving, but I let it go a few more days. The Hidden Plastic Liner in an Aluminum Sigg Bottle (7 Days After Starting)
Are Plastic Liners in Paper Cups, Soda Cans, and Aluminum Bottles Safe?So now you've seen the plastic liner on these three containers, and it's a practical and inexpensive way for manufacturers to offer drinks. But the question is, is it safe? This is where it gets a little murky. It's worth noting that all of the plastic liners you've seen in this video are classified as food safe. However, plastic containers have a long, troubled history with our health, usually after research over decades indicates that certain chemicals commonly used in plastics can have negative effects on your health. BPAs and Phthalates  BPA and Phthalate health risks (Wikipedia and a Scientific Article) BPAs and phthalates were all in the news in the late 2000s because of their effects on hormone regulation in your body, and that's what fueled the public's transition away from reusable plastic bottles like Nalgenes to stainless steel ones like Klean Kanteens.  Sigg BPA Controversy (Spokesman-Review) Interestingly, Sigg was a haven at first for many Nalgene refugees, but then it came out that the company had used misleading marketing that made many loyal customers believe it was BPA-free when in fact it wasn't. And they only changed their formulation around 2008 after a lot of public backlash. PFAS and Microplastics  PFAS health risks (ConsumerNotice.org) More recently the spotlight is on PFAS and microplastics. PFAS usually deals more with non-stick coatings like Teflon and isn't as relevant for bottles as far as I've read. You'd actually be more likely to have PFAS in your water supply, and you can see my deep dive into that topic in this other video.  The plastic liners, which eventually would break down into microplastics Microplastics on the other hand are almost definitely a problem with any of these because just think about what happens when you throw them away. The paper will probably dissolve relatively quickly while the aluminum will take much longer to corrode, but either way you still have a plastic liner. I suspect it will eventually break down into smaller and smaller pieces, contributing further to the microplastic problem in the environment. Multiply that by every restaurant, gas station, and all the other places you find them, and that's a lot of plastic being thrown away in cups, cans, and bottles that most people think are plastic free. Which Bottles Avoid Plastic LinersSo what can you do? When it comes to disposable paper cups and aluminum cans, it's best to avoid them as much as possible. You could recycle them, but the inefficiencies and issues with recycling programs in general could be the topic of a much longer post. The sad fact is that many things we think are recycled end up just being thrown away. Case in point, the Subway where I got the cup for this experiment has the typical trash can near the door that's inside a cabinet. There are two holes on top, one for trash and one for recycling. But if you look inside, both holes drop into the same trash bin. Bottles without Plastic Liners The best options that avoid plastic liners are stainless steel and glass bottles.  Stainless steel and glass bottles avoid plastic liners No stainless steel bottles I'm aware of have a plastic liner, so going with popular brands like Owala, YETI, Stanley, or Hydro Flask is a great option. Unless you have a nickel allergy, it's a really safe bet. Glass does not contain plastic at all, and there are a bunch of those to choose from including Lifefactory, Ello, and W&P Porter.
Which Bottles Avoid Plastic Under the Lid? If you really want to go all out and limit plastic contact with your water as much as possible, you could also look for a bottle with stainless steel under the lid.
Unfortunately, this seems to be a growing sub-product niche that hasn't gone mainstream yet, and I've seen quite a few brands and options with stainless steel under the lid that have come-and-gone. Some of the links above were out of stock when I wrote this article, but I'm hoping they'll be back in stock soon so I still left the links in so you can check them yourself.
Hope this helps, and happy hydrating!
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 What is the Best Smart Mug? (10 minute read) What is the Best Self-Heating Mug?This is your guide to find the best self-heating mug for yourself or to give as a gift. You'll see three popular mugs representing three price tiers, including Kepwam, Nextmug, and Ember. We'll start with some tests, then we'll look at similarities and differences, and last we'll recommend which mug is best for different uses and situations. Let's find your perfect self-heating mug! What's Next?
Amazon Disclaimer If you find this information helpful, I hope you'll consider using a link to buy. We're part of the Amazon Associates program, and if you click a link then purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's the main way we can continue to provide detailed, unbiased reviews without relying on direct sponsorships. Thank you! Video Review: What is the Best Smart Mug?If videos are more your thing, check out our Youtube video that covers most of the same information. The Big PictureWe tested and compared these three top-selling options on the Amazon US marketplace.
Recommendations for the Best Smart Mug
TestingHeat-Up Test I completely charged each mug, filled them with exactly 13 ounces of tap water, then set them to the highest temperature setting. And to show you how they compare to a more traditional option, I took this all-ceramic unheated Momnt Mug and put it on a warming plate. The results showed that the more expensive the mug, the faster it heats up with Ember having the fastest heat rate. However, Nextmug and Ember also ran out of their charge much faster each lasting just under one hour, while Kepwam was like the tortoise in the race going slow and steady for almost an hour and a half, eventually finishing just a fraction of a degree below Ember.  Holding Temp Test Notably, none of them were able to reach their target temperature when they had to heat up the water from room temperature. So next, I did temperature maintaining test based on how you'd actually use it by pouring hot water into each mug and seeing how long the battery would last on its hottest setting. Because the water is already hot, the mugs don't have to spend as much battery heating it up but surprisingly Nextmug had almost the same battery result as before. Ember's battery life extended to 69 minutes, and that's 13 minutes longer than the previous test. Kepwam's battery lasted the longest with a battery life of 93 minutes, or about 6 minutes longer than the heat-up test. Nextmug and Ember both settled a few degrees lower than their advertised high temperature settings, though you could see that slowly drop off as the battery started getting lower before plummeting after running completely out of charge. Kepwam had a bigger discrepancy between its advertised high temperature of 149 degF, seeming to settle around 143 degF for most of the test.  Recharge Test Next was the recharge test. With each mug's battery depleted, I put them all back on their charging coasters to see how quickly they returned to full charge. Ember was the fastest, and Nextmug wasn't far behind. Kepwam took much longer, needing over 4 hours to completely charge.  Scratch Test Next was the scratch test. Thankfully each mug comes with a grip pad to prevent scratches on the bottom. To test the coating on the side, I made 4 light passes on 100 grit sandpaper and noted the results. Honestly, each one held up pretty well. There are some obvious scratches because the sandpaper is so coarse, but it didn't cut through enough to show the stainless steel construction underneath the ceramic so it must be a fairly thick layer. Kepwam's scratches were more noticeable, but that's probably more because the Nextmug and Ember mugs are black so it's just harder to see.
Waterproof Test First I submerged the electronics with the mugs off for 1 minute, and each one worked fine after. Then I repeated it with the mugs turned on, and they all did OK again. The blinking you see here is just the mugs detecting that they're empty so they're starting to automatically turn off. And just to confirm they're still working, I filled each mug after the 2nd waterproof test and turned them on, and each one began heating up the water. So based on this test, each mug has acceptable waterproofing.  Customer Service Test
And last in case something does wrong and you end up having to reach out to the company, I also did a customer service test to get a general idea about how responsive each company is. I sent the same three questions to each one. Then I noted how quickly they responded, if they fully answered the questions, and if it was an automated response at first, how easy was it to get through to an actual human. Nextmug and Kepwam both had a human response within one day that fully answered the three questions. Ember's response was not as good. First was an immediate AI-powered automated response that answered parts questions but not very well. For example, I asked for the battery capacity in mAh, but the response just noted their marketed battery life of 80 minutes. It said my inquiry would be transfered to the Ember team to respond with more detailed specifications, but as of me writing this post it's been this audio it's been 16 days and I have not heard back.  What is the Best Travel Mug? What is the Best Travel Mug for Coffee and Tea?If you're wondering what is the best travel mug, you're not alone. There are thousands of travel mugs, tumblers, and coffee bottles on the market today, so it can be a big overwhelming. The good news is that I've collected, tested, and overanalyzed many of the most of the popular brands over the years for this business, and today I'll show you my full collection to help you find the best travel mug for your preferences and lifestyle. Depending on where you look, this type of bottle may also be called "travel tumblers," "travel bottles," or "coffee bottles." Because this post focuses on mugs and tumblers that are easier for traveling, ones with side-mounted handles are not included because they are not as compatible with many cupholders. But we'll have a separate post focusing on those soon! What's Next?
Video Review: What is the Best Travel Mug?This video goes into even more detail and analysis about each bottle by ranking them all according to 12 different criteria, so check this out for an even deeper dive! Good Accessories for Most Travel MugsWhether you go with Fellow, Stanley, YETI, or Zojirushi, these are two fo our most popular recommended accessories that help make cleaning any big reusable bottle much easier.
Part One: Recommended by UseDifferent travel mugs 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 Travel Mug for Everyday, All-Around Use These are the two travel mugs I've recently found myself going back to most regularly when I'm not deliberately testing a new one. They each have a great combination of features that make them outstanding options for everyday use. Worst Travel Mug for Everyday Use: Frank Green (more on this further down) Best Travel Mug for Value
Best Travel Mug for Driving, Commutes, and Road Trips Honorable Mention: Stanley Aerolight Transit (narrow design, lid cover pushes all the way back to stay out of your view), Owala SmoothSip (tapered for cupholders, one-handed open/close) Worst Travel Mugs for Driving: Fellow Carter Move (2-handed open/close, wider base than most, lid isn't tethered, wide mouth with the fastest flow even with the splash guard inserted), YETI Hotshot (very bulky, 2-handed open/close) Best Travel Mugs with Ceramic Lined Interiors Best Travel Mug for Insulation
Honorable Mentions: Stanley Aerolight Transit and YETI Hotshot Worst Travel Mugs for Insulation: With vacuum insulated bottles, most heat transfers through the lid. That's why a general rule-of-thumb is that bottles with wider rims have worse insulation. This includes traditional tumblers like YETI's Magslider, Healthy Human's Cruiser, Owala's SmoothSip, Simple Modern's Voyager, and Weto Weto's tumbler. Best Travel Mug for Home or Office Honorable Mention: Hydro Flask Flex Sip (has a handle that you can grab with one finger when holding other things, like if you're carrying several things and your bottle to a meeting), Stanley Aerolight Transit (good combination of small diameter to take up less space, lightweight, and good insulation) Worst Travel Mugs for Home or Office: YETI Hotshot (very large and bulky with no handle) Best Travel Mug for Easy Cleaning
Honorable Mention: Zojirushi (for a complex lid it's well-designed and surprisingly easy to clean, but you'll want several brush sizes from a kit like this one) Worst Travel Mugs for Easy Cleaning: Frank Green (ridiculously complex to disassemble the lid) and Simple Modern Voyager (unable to disassemble the lid) Best Travel Mug for Clumsy People (Most Durable)
Least Durable Travel Mugs: Frank Green (many small plastic parts), Zojirushi (scratches easily), Weto Weto (slider is hard to clean around without damaging the plastic connection) The Most Popular Travel Mugs and Best to Give as a Gift Best Travel Mug for Safety and Limiting Plastic Contact
Best Travel Mug for Cold Brew Best Travel Mug with a Handle
Best Travel Mug for Arthritis Worst Travel Mugs for Arthritis: YETI Hotshot or Commuter (have to twist hard to disassemble the lid for cleaning), Frank Green (complex lid design with many small parts), Hydro Flask Flex Sip (complex lid for cleaning, but better than the prior two), Owala SmoothSip (slider is tricky to use and disassemble if your hands have limited mobility or strength). And Now...What is the Worst Overall Travel Mug?
Part Two: Rapid-Fire Review of All 12 Travel Mugs TestedAll are vacuum insulated stainless steel between 16 and 20 ounces in size. Top-Tier Options These travel mugs have the best combination of a range of criteria and test results, making them a great fit for the widest range of people and uses. YETI Magslider
Owala SmoothSip
Zojirushi
Fellow Carter Move
Mid-Tier Options These are all solid options that many people use and they can excel at certain criteria, but in most cases there's at least one major drawback or they're not particularly exceptional overall. Hydro Flask Flex Sip
Stanley Aerolight Transit
Simple Modern Voyager
YETI Hotshot (soon-to-be Commuter)
Healthy Human Cruiser
Bottom-Tier Options These can serviceable, particularly for budget-friendly options. But at some point you may want to upgrade. Contigo Byron
Weto Weto
Basement-Tier Option (Recommend Avoiding) Very rarely do I straight-up recommend avoiding a particular bottle, but in this case I believe it's warranted. Frank Green
Big thanks if you use a link to buy! Those impartial referrals are what help me purchase every product tested and avoid direct sponsorships, all to help reviews like this continue to be completely unbiased.
Thanks again, and happy hydrating (and caffeine-ating).  Mesa Loop | Simple Modern's Answer to Owala (10 minute read) Owala's FreeSip Bottle or Simple Modern's Mesa Loop | Which is Better?Simple Modern just released their Mesa Loop bottle, which is their answer to the insanely popular Owala FreeSip. But how does it actually compare, and could this be the beginning of the end of Owala's reign as the trendiest bottle as more alternatives inevitably come to market. So let's dive right in to look at what's similar, what's different, and which one's actually better. What's Next?
Video: Simple Modern's Mesa Loop vs Owala FreeSipWe also cover this info in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap that way. Amazon Associates Disclosure Amazon links are provided below. If you find this post helpful, I hope you'll consider using a link to buy. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and these indirect referrals help us remain truly unbiased. Thank you! The Big Picture
And in case it helps, here are the specs I measured for each one.  Mesa Loop and Owala Specs Good Accessories for Either BottleWhether you go with Owala, Simple Modern, or honestly any other large bottle, these are two of our most popular recommended accessories that make cleaning a lot easier. Especially deep cleaning, which we recommend doing at least once per month as outlined in this other post.
How are Simple Modern's Mesa Loop and Owala Similar?Now, let's look at the main similarities between these two bottles. Similarity #1: Contoured Spout Both have contoured spouts that fit around your mouth's natural shape, which feels weirdly good. Owala's seems to feel ever so slightly better, but both are good.  Spout is shaped around your mouth Similarity #2: Easy Sipping Both have a large opening that acts like a wide open vent so sipping is really easy. That means you won't feel the same air restriction or get those wheezing sounds you sometimes get with a lot of straw bottles with flip-up spouts like the one shown below that have a lot more air restriction through small vent holes.
Similarity #3: Easy Deep Cleaning They're both easy to deep clean, especially compared to most traditonal straw bottles. That's mainly because they have fixed straws instead of those flip-up spouts that are harder to clean around.  Fixed Straw Spouts are Usually Easiert to Clean than Flip-Up Ones They both also have removable seals, though Simple Modern's are a little easier as you'll see in a minute.  Removable Spout Seals are Always Welcome Similarity #4: Spring Loaded Cover Both have a spring-loaded cover that goes over the spout to keep it clean, which is yet another common problem with most straw bottles with traditional flip-up spouts or fully-exposed spouts like Stanley Quenchers.  Spring-Loaded Covers Swing Open Similarity #5: Button to Open You open both by pressing a button on the side.  Buttons to Open the Covers Similarity #6: Lockable You're able to lock each bottle, though they do work a little differently.
Similarity #7: Handle They both have a handle that neatly rotates back into the lid, so they're not as bulky as large side-mounted ones.  Mesa Loop's Handle is a Little Bigger and More Comfortable Similarity #8: Leak-Proof Both bottles are leak-proof as long as the seals are properly seated and the lid is tightly closed.  Both are Leak-Proof Similarity #9: Insulation I did a 24 hour cold water test that showed the insulation with Simple Modern is slightly better, but the reality is that either will be good enough for most people most days.  Essentially the Same Insulation Similarity #10: Price And last, they both cost about the same, with the 30 and 32oz versions coming in right at $35.  Same Price for Comparable Sizes How are Simple Modern's Mesa Loop and Owala Different?Now that is a lot of similarities, and it makes sense given that Owala heavily influenced the Mesa Loop bottle. But Simple Modern didn't just copy Owala's design. Instead, they made some interesting design choices, some of which are really good and others that have some drawbacks. So let's take a look at the main differences, and we'll pick which bottle is better for each then add up the results at the end. Difference #1: Chug Opening First is the chug opening. Owala's trademark FreeSip lid includes a combination straw and chug spout, so you can either take a sip or a bigger swig depending on what you need. Mesa Loop on the other hand doesn't have a chug opening at all and is just a straw lid. In my opinion it's not that big of a deal because sipping is so easy with either one and using Owala's chug opening can be a little awkward, but it's still nice to have both options. Advantage: Owala  Owala's Chug Opening (no Chug Opening with Mesa Loop) Difference #2: Handle Size and Comfort Next is the handle size. Owala's design realistically only fits two fingers, while Mesa Loop fits three and is more comfortable in general. Mesa Loop also uses a more comfortable plastic that has more of a grippy texture. Advantage: Mesa Loop
Difference #3: Lock Design The handle also factors into how they lock. For Owala, the handle is the lock, which means you can't use the handle to carry it or clip it to a bag and keep it locked at the same time. Mesa Loop on the other hand has a toggle built into the button, so you can freely use the handle while keeping it locked. Mesa Loop on the other hand has a toggle built into the button, so you can freely use the handle while keeping it locked. Advantage: Mesa Loop
Difference #4: Dishwasher Safe Mesa Loop is dishwasher safe, while Owala is hand wash recommended. It is worth noting that Owala's website says the bottle is technically dishwasher safe and they mainly say hand wash recommended to prevent cosmetic damage, but I'm still giving Mesa Loop the nod here because it's explicitly dishwasher safe. Advantage: Mesa Loop  Mesa Loop is Dishwasher Safe, Owala is Handwash Recommended Difference #5: Threads Owala has internal threads on the lid while Mesa Loop has threads on the outside. What this means practically is that Mesa Loop is easier to clean because the rim seal is easier to remove and put back on. Owala by comparison has the rim seal positioned up in this recessed area where you need some kind of tool like a butterknife to get it out. Advantage: Mesa Loop
Difference #6: Spout Seal Both have a spout seal that fits into the lid cover, but the designs are notably different. Both are easy to remove, but Owala's is a little more straightforward to reattach to the lid because it slides straight on instead of having to fit it over edges like Mesa Loop's design. But on the side that comes into contact with water, Owala has more nooks and crannies that can hide moisture and germs while Mesa Loop is flatter and easier to clean. So because each one has slight advantages in different ways, this one is a tie. Advantage: Tie
Difference #7: Straw Connection The way the straw connects to the lid is very different. Owala has a simple friction fit, while Mesa Loop has a threaded connection fixed permanently onto the straw, and you just twist it a quarter turn to remove or attach it from the lid. It's slightly easier to handle, but it's also trickier to clean, especially around the threads and where the straw fits into the lid. Honestly, I personally Owala's simpler design mainly because it's easier to clean. It's worth noting that I've seen more comments recently from people who have had issues with Owala's straw coming loose, especially when using ice water. If that's a problem for you, Mesa Loop's threaded straw would be a good solution. Advantage: Owala
Difference #8: Grip Pad Owala has a regular base, while Mesa Loop has a built-in silicone grip pad. It won't do much to prevent dents and dings like a bottle boot can, but it does help dampen noise and prevent scratches both on the bottle and any surfaces you put it on. Advantage: Mesa Loop  Mesa Loop's Grip Pad Ring Difference #9: Opening Speed and Closing Force One of the more extreme differences you wouldn't notice without testing both bottles is with the opening speed and closing force. Mesa Loop's lid is heavier and has a smaller spring so it opens more slowly, while Owala's opens really fast. Now that's not a huge deal, but the bigger difference is with the force needed to close the cover. Mesa Loop closes really easily, while Owala takes significantly more effort. Advantage: Mesa Loop  Mesa Loop's Cover is Easier to Close Difference #10: Turns for Lid Another sneaky difference is the number of turns needed to remove or secure the lid. For Owala, it takes about one full turn. But for Mesa Loop, it's only about 1/8th of a turn, which honestly feels really weird because it's so much less than pretty much any other type of threaded product out there. Advantage: Mesa Loop  Mesa Loop's Lid Needs Fewer Turns to Open or Close Difference #11: Car-Friendly Mesa Loop has a little smaller diameter, so it's more likely to fit in a wider range of cup holders. Though be sure to measure your cup holder first because it's by no means a given. To recap the specs, Mesa Loop's 30oz bottle is 3.1 inches across, and Owala's 32oz bottle is 3.5 inches across. Advantage: Mesa Loop  Mesa Loop Fits in More Cup Holders Difference #12: Weight and Height (Bulkiness) And last, yes it's a smaller diameter, but because it's a smaller diameter and has a bulkier lid, Mesa Loop's bottle is taller and heavier even though it holds 2 fewer ounces volume. Advantage: Owala  Mesa Loop is Taller and Heavier, Despite Holding 2oz Less Volume Summary: Which is Better, Mesa Loop or Owala?So which bottle is actually better? Well out of the 12 notable differences, Mesa Loop is better on 8 of them, Owala is better on 3, and one is essentially a tie. So as a whole, I'd say Mesa Loop will be a better bottle for more people.  Overall, Mesa Loop has More Advantages However, a lot of these differences are really small and nitpicky, and both of these are really good bottles so I don't think it makes sense to buy one if you already have the other. But if you're buying for someone who has limited gripping strength or arthritis, Mesa Loop has some advantages there, mainly for these reasons including the cover needing less force to close, the larger grippy handle, the lid needing less twisting to remove, and a straw that's easier to remove and put back on. How to BuyIf you found this post helpful, I hope you'll consider using a link to buy. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and these indirect referrals help us remain truly unbiased. Thank you!
A Good Alternative to Either: Owala's Sway TumblerI compared Mesa Loop to Owala's FreeSip bottle because that's Owala's flagship product most people are familiar with, but I'd highly recommend looking at their Sway tumbler too because in my opinion that's possibly the most well-rounded bottle on the market right now that will be a good fit for the widest range of people. It has:
The only real advantages Mesa Loop has over Sway are the grip pad on the bottom and being labeled dishwasher safe, though as you learned before, Owalas are technically dishwasher safe too. For the sake of time I won't repeat everything about the Sway tumbler here, but check out this post that goes into more detail if you're interested to learn more about that option in particular. Thanks again, and happy hydrating!
Best Insulated Steel Bottle for Everyday Use? (Rankings for Insulation, Durability, and 7 More!)7/7/2025  Best Bottle Rankings (Preview Showing Durability Criteria) Update 9/20/2025: Check out our new Best Bottle Calculator! It takes the information from this post and makes it even easier to find the bottles that are the best matches for your lifestyle and preferences. This guide cuts through all the biased marketing to help you find the best insulated bottle that fits your lifestyle and preferences. We'll specifically focus on bottles that are meant for general everyday hydration, so no fancy filter or infuser bottles here (but we have other guides that include those). Don't worry though because you'll still see plenty of options, including 21 different stainless steel bottles and 1 plastic for comparison, each having its own strengths and weakensses. Buckle up, and let's find your new favorite everyday bottle! What's Next?
Video Review: Best Everyday Insulated Water Bottle RankingsWe also cover this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap! Disclosures BottlePro is part of the Amazon Associates and YouTube Referral Programs. If you make a purchase using a link, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. This is our main source of income and how we stay independent without sponsorships or paid ads, so big thanks if you use one! Bottles ConsideredHere's the full list, and I'll likely add bottles and update this post as I purchase more of them.
Good Accessories for Most Large BottlesWhether you go with Owala, Hydro Flask, YETI, Stanley, or one of countless other options, these are our two most recommended accessories for any large reusable bottle.
Part 1: Best Bottles, Ranked by 9 CriteriaIn this section, we'll run through each criteria according to the SABCD format, where "S" is the best and "D" is the worst. Criteria 1: Which Bottles are Leak-Free? Let's start with an easy one, which bottles are leak-free?  Which Bottles are Leak-Free? (Rankings) Bottles that Leak Bottles that are Leak-Free All of the other bottles mentioned here are leak free, including Brumate, Camelbak, Cirkul, EcoVessel, Fjbottle, Hydro Flask Wide Flex Straw, Hydro Flask Standard Flex Straw, Hydro Flask Trail, Klean Kanteen, Nalgene, Owala, Owala Sway, Ozark Trail, Revomax, Stanley IceFlow, Stanley ProTour, S'well, Takeya, and YETI. If you have issues with them leaking, check the seals to make sure they're clean and properly seated and that the spout or threaded connections are closed all the way. And notably, if you prefer tumblers with the large side mounted handles, Brumate's Era and Stanley's ProTour are good options with leak-free lids. Criteria 2: Which Bottles have the Best Insulation? Now let's look at insulation, and there are some clear winners and losers.  Which Bottles have the Best Insulation? (Rankings - Cold Water Test) Bottles with the Best Insulation Bottles with the Worst Insulation Nalgene was technically the worst bottle in this review, but that makes sense because it's the only non-insulated bottle (included it for reference). Of the vacuum-insulated dual wall bottles, the worst results were from:
Keep in mind there are A LOT of variables that determine how well a bottle insulates your water. For an even deeper dive into this topic, check out this article. You can also do a wide range of tests, including hot vs cold, ice vs no ice, same volume for each bottle vs filled to the top, and the list goes on. Different test setups can yield different results, so you'll see different rankings on some of my previous tests. But since it's summer, this post focused on my most recent cold water tests since. Just don't forget to consider the bottle's mouth diameter since a small diameter bottle like S'well is not great for adding ice. Criteria 3: Which Bottles are the Most Durable? Now let's look at which bottles are most likely to last you 20 years instead of just two.  Which Bottles are the Most Durable? (Rankings) The logic behind the rankings can be admittedly tricky to follow. For example, some bottles may have one feature that make them more durable (Owala's spout is fixed), while also having other features that drop them down the rankings (Owala's lid cover has small plastic parts and springs). The rankings are my best attempt to take all these different factors into account based on observations, testing, and how each one feels in-person. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. The Most Durable Bottles The Least Durable Bottles
Cirkul
Factors Considered
Straw Lids In most cases, leak-proof straw lids are not a good choice if having the most durable bottle is important to you. Straw bottles typically either have flip-up spouts or fixed spouts with a cover, and both have their own benefits and drawbacks.
Bottle Boot vs Grip Pad
The bottom line is any stainless steel bottle can dent if dropped, but differences in the construction, lid, and finish can make one a better option than another if durability is your most important criteria. Criteria 4: Which Bottles are Easiest to Clean? Now let's look at how easy each bottle is to clean, which is very important but many people don't consider when buying.  Which Bottles are Easiest to Clean? (Rankings) Bottles that are Easiest to Clean
Bottles that are Hardest to Clean
Factors Considered The rankings initially focused on which bottles are easiest to deep clean. Then I adjusted that ranking up or down based on how dishwasher-safe both the bottle and lid are.
Deep Cleaning!!!
A good brush kit and cleaning tablets make it a lot easier. Here are the two I've used for the last few years. You can also consider using denture or retainer tablets to save some money as they have very similar ingredients. Standard and Chug Lids
Straw Lids
Leak-Free Straw Lids that are Easiest to Clean Since leak-free straw lids are some of the most popular options on the market, some brands have made real improvements that make their bottles easier to keep clean.
Criteria 5: Which Bottles have the Best Handles? Let's face it, big bottles like these can be a pain to bring with you, but having a good handle can make all the difference.  Which Bottles have the Best Handles? (Rankings) Bottles with the Best Handles
Bottles with the Worst Handles Factors Considered
Side vs Top This is more of a preference, so it didn't play into the rankings for best handles (but it will in the next section). But the handle design is noted in the Best Bottle Spreadsheet for quick reference to make things easier.
Criteria 6: Which Bottles are the Least Cumbersome? The overall size and weight of the bottle also plays a role in which one's a good fit for your lifestyle. A good handle definitely helps, but maybe it's not a good fit in your car or you're looking for something that takes up less space on your desk.  Which Bottles are the Least Cumbersome? (Rankings) I thought about standardizing this part and picking all of the bottles that are closest to 32 ounces since the size bottle you get factors into how cumbersome it is, but I also wanted to focus on bottles I actually own and can test. Also, this way the recommendations you'll get in the Best Bottle Spreadsheet are ones you've seen in this post. So I ended up just adding notations to the chart so you can see how different volumes from different brands compare., but it's certainly a good idea to consider buying different size options of a certain brand if you like everything else about that bottle. The Least Cumbersome Bottles
The Most Cumbersome Bottles
Factors Considered This criteria is pretty straighforward, and the two main factors that I looked at were the weight and bulkiness of the bottle. Criteria 7: Which Bottles are the Most Affordable? Let's face it, 20 years ago, you'd have called me crazy if I said everyone would be walking around with +$35 bottles.  Which Bottles are Most Affordable? (Rankings) Most Affordable Bottles (Under $20) Most Expensive Bottles (Over $45)
The rankings are split like this: Below $20: S $20 - $30: A $30 - $40: B $40 - $45: C Above $45: D Each one is ranked based on the list price, but keep an eye out for price breaks because most of these brands run sales all the time or might be higher priced if they are low on inventory (especially with color drops). The bottle volume also plays a big role in the price since bigger bottles cost more than smaller one of the same style, but like I mentioned in the previous section, this list sticks to bottles I actually own and that will show up in the Best Bottle Spreadsheet (though I'm planning to expand that spreadsheet in the future). Criteria 8: Which Bottles are Car-Friendly? For the commuters and road warriors, having a bottle that can stay secure next to you when on the road can be very helpful.  Which Bottles are Most Car Friendly? (Rankings) LEGAL DISCLAIMER Be sure to check with your local laws to make sure sipping while on the go is OK since it counts as distracted driving in some areas. Even if it's legal where you live, it's a good idea to get a bottle or a cup holder adapter setup that will make staying hydrated in the car easier and safer. Most Car-Friendly Bottles
Least Car-Friendly Bottles
Factors Considered
Need an Adapter?
Criteria 9: Which Bottles are the Most Popular? How well-known the brand is can make be a real factor, particularly if you prefer to have a viral bottle or you're giving one as a gift.  Which Bottles are Most Popular? (Rankings) The Most Popular Bottles and Brands (2025, USA Primarily) These three are at the top of the water bottle world right now.
The Least Popular Bottles and Brands (2025, USA Primarily) These are still great bottles in the right circumstances, and it's also important to re-state that this is just for the bottles in this post. But these are not as widely-known or prestigious, so they may not be as good of options for gift-giving. Factors Considered This criteria is pretty hard to classify since different bottles are popular for different people, but I looked at a combination of places to come up with this list, which is my best attempt to rank them in an way that's unbiased towards any particular style, brand, or generation.
Part 2: Get Your Personalized RecommendationsNow we have one more step to come up with your personalized recommendations. If you click the link below, you'll see an Excel file on my Google Drive. You won't be able to edit it while it's on my Google Drive since that would change it for everyone else too, so download it first then make your edits. The first tab "Start (Ranking)" looks like this and is where you'll enter how important each criteria is to you.  Rank Your Criteria (Tab 1) You know all those ranking charts from before? This spreadsheet converts the tiers into numbers, with higher numbers being better. Then it calculates a weighted total for each bottle by multiplying the tier numbers and your rankings for which criteria were most important.  Converting Tiers to Numbers Click the 2nd tab "Your Recommendations" to see something like this. Click the sort button on "Total" (cell X7), then sort from largest to smallest. This re-arranges the list, and the bottles with the highest point totals are the best matches for you.  Recommended Bottle List (Tab 2) Review all the other info like the handle type to really hone in on what you'd prefer, and consider how different lids and sizes could change things too. Then to see current pricing, click the hyperlinks on the "Link to Listing" column (column AG). Most go to Amazon, but Owala's Sway goes to Target and Ozark Trail goes to Walmart. Comments:
Part 3: Deep DivesAfter you've narrowed your search, check out the bottle's listing for more info. You can also look at this other post, which focuses less on rankings for each criteria and more on the individual features for each bottle.
Or if you've really narrowed it to just a few bottles, there are a couple links below.
Hope this helps, and happy hydrating!
 Hydro Flask's Micro Bottle (5 minute read) Is Minimalism the Next Water Bottle Trend?Hydro Flask released their new Micro Bottle earlier this year, and it tops out at only 6.7oz (200ml). If you're like me, you may think at first why would anyone want a bottle that small, but the thing is may have hit the jackpot by bucking the big water bottle trend that's dominated the last decade. It's already gone out of stock and is reselling for over 3x the retail price, but what do you even use a bottle that small for? To find out, I looked at all of posted reviews and found that two things in particular were mentioned by far the most frequently. I also checked on Reddit because that's always good for some entertainment, and there were some interesting suggested uses. But either way, given how this new product seems to be building momentum, let's take a closer look to see what people are saying about what's good and how they're actually using it. Video ReviewWe also covered this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap that way. Where can you Buy Hydro Flask's Micro Bottle?As of today, this bottle appears to only be available on Hydro Flask's website here, but it's probably a matter of time before it's available on Amazon and other outlets. It's also sold out currently, but you can sign up on their website to be notified when Micro is restocked. How Big is Hydro Flask's Micro Bottle?Here are the specs compared to a 32oz Hydro Flask so you can really understand how small this thing is. It holds 6.7oz, is 2.25" wide, 6.65" tall, weighs a third of a pound, and costs $20. By comparison, Hydro Flask's 32oz bottle is 3.8" wide, 10.35" tall, weighs one pound, and costs $45.  Specs Comparision: Hydro Flask 32oz vs Micro To put it into practical terms with something you're probaby familiar with, it's pretty close the same size as a 16oz soda or beer can. Just a little shorter on the diameter and a little taller on the height. As someone who has been using mostly 32 and 40oz bottles for over a decade, I thought this seemed incredibly small so I went to Hydro Flask's website to learn more.  Comparable Size to 16oz Soda Can What do you Use Hydro Flask's Micro Bottle For?As someone who has been using mostly 32 and 40oz bottles for over a decade, I thought this seemed incredibly small so I went to Hydro Flask's website to learn more. They mention on the listing how it's perfect for ramen, hot water maybe to mix with something else, wine, and cold sips, but I went to the reviews to really find out how people are using it. After looking through all 96 posted reviews and counting up keywords and use cases, I came up with this chart and there are two clear winners.  Keywords, Uses, and Topics Mentioned in Reviews For sure, the most common use will still be water, and I didn't include that on the chart because it seemed like a given and I wanted to see what else people were saying.
That tracks with Reddit, where the most upvoted post was simply how it's the cutest bottle ever. But there were a lot more votes for alcohol, so that's Reddit for you. Then it went into even more unexpected directions with things like salad dressing, hot sauce, and even hollandaise. But there were a lot of comments from people who said they don't think the size is practical for them, and that sets up a very interesting battle of trends. Big Bottle vs Minimalism Battle of Trends: Big Bottles vs Minimalism For years the focus has been on big bottles and improving hydrating by drinking a lot more water, which is why big 32 and 40oz bottles are so common. But this micro bottle is clearly trending more towards minimalism, and being more discrete with a bottle you can stow in a backpack or purse instead of carrying around a large, bulky bottle.
It's impossible to know how many people legitimately bought this bottle because it's a size they need or if they bought it because it looks cool and then they had to find a use to justify it, though given that there are a few comments like these, the latter is clearly happening to some extent. But regardless, this product launch has clearly been a hit for Hydro Flask, and it comes after years of losing traction to brands like Stanley and Owala. Just don't be surprised if other major brands follow suit and come out with their own micro bottles over the next year or so, and we'll see in a few years if this ends up being a trend or just another water bottle fad.  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).
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 TestsWe 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.
Methodology:
 Table of Hot Insulation Test Results There are a few things to note about this test.
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.
Methodology:
 Table of Cold Insulation Test Results There are a few things to note about this test.
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 Hope this helps, and happy hydrating!
 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:
So let's dive right in and find out which is the best filter bottle for you. Sneak Peek Summary
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 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) 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) 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)  (10 minute read) How to Clean Stainless Steel Mugs and BottlesSo, 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.
Video: How to Remove Stains, Rust, and Rainbowing from Stainless Steel Mugs and BottlesWe 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 RainbowingFirst, 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 TestingSometimes 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.
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.
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 ConclusionHere 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.
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.
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.  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:
And importantly, what can you do about it?
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:
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? 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:
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:
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) 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
2-Stage Filters: Likely to Work
Countertop System: Proven to Work 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. 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
Two Bottles that are Proven to Remove PFAS
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!  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. 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 if you use one! Video: FreeSip Sway vs Original FreeSipWe 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
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. ConclusionWhen 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. Recommended AccessoriesWe 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.  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:
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
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. 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 TumblerIf 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.  (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:
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 BottleWe 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). 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:
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. 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.
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 BottlesIf you've been paying attention, I've already mentioned the three things I'd avoid doing:
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!  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:
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 BottlesWe 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  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. Updated: November 16, 2025 What's Next?
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 BottlesWhether you go with Owala, Hydro Flask, YETI, Stanley, or anything else, these are our three most popular recommended accessories for any large reusable bottle.
Part One: Recommended Bottles by UseDifferent 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.
Best Bottle for Value Best Bottle for Hiking
Best Bottle for Sports
Best Bottle for Driving
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
Best Bottle for Home or Office
Best Bottle for Clumsy People Best Bottle for Iced Water
Best Bottle for Fruit Infusing
Best Bottle for Tea Infusing  Steepware Infusers Steepware
Best Bottle for Limiting Plastic Contact
Best Bottle for Easy Cleaning
Best Bottle for Sanitizing Water
Best Straw Lid
Best Chug Lid Best Sip Lid  Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip Hydro Flask Flex Sip
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 BottlesMost 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
2 of 31: Stanley Quencher
3 of 31: YETI Rambler
4 of 31: Cirkul
5 of 31: Hydro Flask 32oz Flex Straw
6 of 31: Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip
7 of 31: Hydro Flask 24oz Flex Straw
8 of 31: Hydro Flask 32oz Trail Series
9 of 31: Hydro Flask 64oz Growler
10 of 31: S'well 25oz
11 of 31: Klean Kanteen Classic 40oz
12 of 31: Klean Kanteen TKWide 32oz
13 of 31: Takeya 32oz
14 of 31: Nalgene 32oz
15 of 31: Healthy Human 32oz Stein
16 of 31: Healthy Human 21oz Curve 17 of 31: Camelbak Chute Mag 32oz
18 of 31: ThermoFlask 32oz
19 of 31: Iron Flask 40oz
20 of 31: Ozark Trail 32oz
21 of 31: FJbottle 32oz
22 of 31: EcoVessel 32oz
23 of 31: Steepware 22oz
24 of 31: Vesmoon 32oz
25 of 31: RevoMax
26 of 31: Zulu Ace
27 of 31: Stanley Classic Thermos
28 of 31: Otiem Copper
29 of 31: Brita Filter Bottle
30 of 31: GRAYL Filter Bottle
31 of 31: LARQ UV Bottle
 Are YETI Ramblers Overrated? Are YETI Rambler Bottles Overrated?(7 minute read time) There's no doubt that many people love YETI products, but their bottles cost a fortune. This has contributed to YETI's drinkware category grossing over $1 billion dollars in revenue in 2023). But why are so many people so passionate about YETI Ramblers, and are they actually overrated? Today let's take an honest look at YETI to see what's good, what's bad, if they're worth the steep price, and what are good alternatives. What's Next:
Amazon Associates Disclaimer: This post contains links to products. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and it really helps. Thank you! Video Review: Are YETI Rambler Bottles Worth It?We also cover this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap! What is a "YETI Rambler?" What isn't? All of these are technically "Ramblers" First things first, it's important to know what type of YETI Rambler you're talking about. Rambler is their branding for basically anything that holds a drink and is made of stainless steel. These include a standard bottle, tumbler, tumbler with a handle, stackable lowball, stackable cup, mug, colster (insulation sleeve for soda or beer cans), cockstail shaker, wine chiller, gallon jug, french press, and even a bucket. All of these products are included in YETI's Rambler series, but notably their newer plastic bottles are branded separately as their Yonder series. Focus of this Post - YETI Rambler Bottle To keep this post from running too long, I'm going to focus on their Rambler bottles with vertical walls because those are the closest to the other bottles I usually talk about on this channel. YETI Rambler Bottle SizesWhat's Good about YETI Rambler Bottles?Durability YETI's biggest differentiator is their durability. It feels like the bottles and lists are made with thicker materials compared to other brands like Hydro Flask, which makes them much more dent resistent and less prone to breaking. In this recent article on CNN, the writer compared YETI and Owala and mentioned how they did a 4' drop test and the YETI came out relatively unscathed. Now I did a similar drop test with a different bottle recently on my video about dents and insulation, but I don't have as much money as CNN so I haven't cut open a YETI or done a drop test with mine to confirm this yet so I'll refer to their drop tests as proof of YETI's durability.  YETI's durability Branding YETI's durability ties into another benefit, which is YETI's branding. They have one of the most powerful brands in the water bottle industry, and ever since their start with coolers, YETIs have been defined by high priced but durable products. These two factors are baked into their brand identity which extends to their water bottles as well. Many people think of YETIs as being more rugged and geared towards men compared to Stanley tumblers which tend to be associated with women, though these are certainly stereotypes. All I'm saying though is that both of them have passionate customers who will buy their products just for the logo, so they're not really as different as you might think. Even if your uncle Bob says he just got his YETI tumbler for the insulation, let's be honest, he got it for the branding too.  YETI's branding Color Options There are plenty of colors to choose from. As of today, there are 39 colors available with their 18 ounce size!  Color Options for YETI Rambler Bottle (18oz) Wide Mouth Opening and Lids It's helpful that the Rambler bottles have a wider mouth diameter than brands like Hydro Flask because this makes it easier to add ice. There are also 5 lids that fit any of their Rambler bottle sizes, so you have a good range of options. I like that their chug and straw lids have wide handles that fit 3 larger fingers like mine, which is why they market it as their TripleHaul lid. This is a lot better than some bottles like Owala that have a narrower handle design. I also did a deep-dive last year that goes over each one in more detail (minus the original standard twist-off lid, which seems to have been replaced by the Chug lid as the "standard" option. Here's a link to that post if you'd like to check it out.  YETI's lids Insulation (Sort Of) One of the most common benefits you'll hear YETI-lovers praising is the insulation. It's true that dual-wall vacuum insulation is better than a non-insulated bottle like their Yonder series. From what I've seen, any bottle with dual-wall vacuum insulation is going to be good enough for the average user for most days of regular use. However, it's worth noting that YETI did not have the best results in a few insulation tests I've done using hot water and measuring the drop over a 4 hours period. I even repeated the test a few times against Ozark Trail, Walmart's brand that sells for $12, and Ozark Trail beat YETI every time. It's not that much different and honestly either one is going to insulate water fine for most people over the course of a normal day, but anyone claiming that YETI has the best insulation because it has the highest price doesn't know what they're talking about.  Insulation Results from my Dual-vs-Triple Insulation Test (click image for link to that post) What's Good about YETI Rambler Bottles?So YETI clearly has a lot of good things going for it, and that's helped them build a passionate and devoted fan base. But like I always say, there's no perfect bottle for every person and every situation, and YETI is certainly not exempt. So let's look now at why you may not want to buy a YETI Rambler bottle. Cost The most obvious drawback is the cost. Unless you like to brag about how much money you can afford to spend, the steep purchase price with most YETI products is one of it's biggest negatives. In fact, if you were to purchase every single item and size in their Rambler line (including items like the bucket), you'd easily spend over $1000. Some of that is because they have a lot of products, but let's be honest, charging $150 for a bucket feels like price gouging because they know they have a strong brand and many people will swallow the high price just to complete their YETI collection.  YETI's cost Sub-Par Lids This is certainly an opinion that not everyone shares, but for me, the lid options are underwhelming.
What is the Best YETI Lid? I would go as far as saying the best YETI lid isn't made by YETI. This one called SmartKap is inspired by Takeya's awesome chug lid, which has a connected spout cap and a good handle. It's the one I've been using the most with my YETI because it's so much more functional and easy to use, and while it doesn't feel as hefty at the YETI lids, it's held up fine so far for me. Weight I mentioned before how a benefit is that these bottles are so durable, but the downside is that they're a lot heavier so they're not a good option if you're going on a hike or long walk where weight is more important. This also compounds the issue with some of their lids not having handles.  YETI's Magdock lid (no handle) Plastic Contact Under Lid Every year, more and more people are looking to avoid plastic contact with their water as much as possible. Most lids on the market today have plastic underneath, including all of YETI's lids. So if you're looking to avoid plastic contact with your water entirely, please note that YETI is not a good choice because all of their lids have plastic underneath. Check out this post to learn about other bottle options that avoid plastic contact with your water (stainless steel under the lid).  YETI's Chug lid (plastic underneath both lid pieces) Ridiculous Marketing and Branding at Times YETI is a branding titan, and they are experts at making sure every aspect of their image is curated to make them seem like the premium and most advanced bottles on the market to make them seem worth the high price. But in my opinion, this over-the-top branding can sometimes go too far. One example is YETI's Over-The-Nose Technology. It was basically their way of promoting how they made the bottle opening half an inch wider than bottles like Hydro Flasks. They even included this cheap-looking graphic to show it.  YETI's Marketing (Over-The-Nose Technology) That's all fine and good I guess, but then they stopped selling the only lid that actually required you to unscrew the top all the way off to drink from the bottle that way. So now is it Under-The-Nose Technology? I don't know, but what I do know is that YETI scrubbed references of that technology from their website and listings when they stopped selling that lid, though you can still find it referenced on YETI's EU site. Yes, this is a nit-picky thing to mention, but in my opinion, trying to push something like this as "technology" is more of an insult to their customers' intelligence. Summary: Who Should Buy a YETI Rambler Bottle?So how does this all balance out and should you buy a YETI Rambler, or are they overrated? Well honestly, it depends on your situation. Yes, they are the most durable bottles out there, so for people who work in industries like construction where your bottle could take a beating or if you're prone to denting bottles and want to stop having to buy new ones, it could be a good investment. And if you like the brand and can afford YETI's prices, by all means go for it. The bottle will last you forever if you take good care of it. But for most people, including anyone who works in an office or at home, getting a YETI is like getting a King Ranch to haul mulch once a year. Yes it looks great and you can show it off, but you probably don't really need it and paid way too much. My tendency is to look for the functionality you get compared to the price you pay, and I personally don't put a lot of value in branding. So with that perspective and from what I've personally seen, my opinion is that YETIs are overrated and you'll pay more but you'll get less. What are Good Alternatives to YETI?
 Why are Owala Bottles Popular, and Are They Actually Good? Are Owala Water Bottles Worth the Hype?(5 minute read time) Today let's look at a relative newcomer to the market, Owala. With 42,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars on Amazon, it's clear there are a ton of people who love this bottle, and in fact it's been the most common brand I've seen in comments on our videos when people suggest which bottles I should check out next. So today let's take a deeper look at Owalas to see what's good, what's bad, and whether the hype is deserved. What's Next:
Video Review of Owala BottlesWe also cover this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap! Owala FreeSip Bottle SizesAs an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and it really helps. Thank you! What Is Good About Owala Bottles?What is Owala's FreeSip Lid? First, let's look at the good side of Owala bottles. The most common feature you'll hear people talk about is the combination straw and chug lid, which is trademarked as their FreeSip lid and made Time Magazine's list of 200 of the best inventions for 2023. The ability to sip when you want a little water and chug when you want more is the main differentiator compared to other bottles that typically make you pick one or the other.  Owala's FreeSip Lid Ergonomics It's ergonomically designed around your mouth's shape, which doesn't sound important and is something you probably never would have thought about before trying it, but once you use Owala, it's hard to look at traditional straw bottles with those pivot-style rectangular spouts the same.  Owala's Ergonomic Spout Easy Sipping But the best part of this combination lid is the chug opening, but not for the reason you would expect. Most straw lids have a rotating spout that has a little plastic pin that goes into a little vent seal, so when you rotate open the spout, the vent opens to allow you to more easily take sips from the straw. The following two pictures are of Hydro Flask's Flex Straw and original straw lids. Both are similiar to most straw lids on the market because they have the plastic pin that goes into a small vent seal. The problem is that these types of lids still have a very small air vent, so the airflow is constricted and doesn't equalize as easily when you take a sip, making it a little more difficult and sometimes cause wheezing or popping noises.
The chug opening in Owala's design acts as a wide open vent, which makes it ridiculously easy to take a sip of water. This is the main reason why I found myself exclusively using the straw side because it's so easy to drink from, and I'd be willing to bet that 90% of people do the same thing.  Owala's Chug Opening Doubles as a Vent Easy Cleaning and Prevents Dirt on the Drinking Surface The straw is easier to clean completely in all of its nooks and crannies, which is something that straw lids with rotating spouts are notoriously bad about. With traditional lids like in the next picture, you have to pop off the rotating spout to be able to clean the seal underneath, so many people don't do this often and some nasty buildup can occur. One notable exception is Hydro Flask's Flex Sip lid which as a silicone insert that essentially replaces that seal and makes it easier to clean. But there are still areas of that lid that are not possible to clean unless you pop off the spout. And notably, removing the spout can deform the connections a little over time, leading to a loose fit.  Traditional Straw Lids have Water Contact Points that are Difficult to Reach With Owala, the straw is fixed, so there isn't a rotating spout with a pivot point to clean around. This makes it much easier to clean everything. The silicone seal under the lid cover is also removable to make it even easier to clean. The lid cover goes over the entire spout area and is spring-loaded to open when you push this button, which means you won't have to touch the surface that your mouth will go on to open it up.  All of Owala's Water-Contact Surfaces are Easily Accessible Leak-Free The vent seal with pivot-style straw lids is a common leak point, but Owala avoids that issue. From my experience, this straw lid has been less likely to leak compared to traditional straw lids. Reasonable Price The standard price is very reasonable, and you can buy a 32 ounce bottle for $34. This contrasts with YETI or Hydro Flask who regularly charge $40 to $50 for a similar volume bottle.  Owala's Pricing (May 2024) Lead-Free More recently, Owala got another popularity bump compared to Stanley because their bottles are completely lead free, which is something Stanley and most bottles on the market can't say because of a lead-based solder that seals the vacuum. Practically-speaking the lead isn't a danger unless your bottle is damaged enough to expose the area between the two stainless steel layers, but some people rest easier knowning there isn't lead anywhere so it's worth mentioning.  Owala Doesn't Use a Lead-Based Solder Insulation (Sort-Of) The bottle also comes with triple-layer insulation, which includes both a vacuum seal to prevent conduction heat transfer and a copper layer to prevent radiation heat transfer. But while this is a benefit over non-insulated bottles, this reason alone isn't enough to consider Owala over other brands with vacuum seals, regardless of whether they are triple-layered or not. I did our standard 4 hour hot water test twice, and the results showed that Owala actually underperformed compared to similar bottles, even if they didn't have triple layer insulation. What's Bad about Owala Bottles?But like I say all the time on this blog, there is no perfect product for every person and every situation. Owala is no exception, and there are some negatives to be aware of. Handle For one, the hard plastic, two-finger handle is not great. For such an ergonomically-focused spout, the handle was really a disappointment for me because it really doesn't feel good when you're holding it. And the way I use and transport my bottle, the fact that the handle is also a lock for the lid cover is more annoying than useful, though I can see how that would be a benefit for people who would throw the bottle into a purse or a bag.
Harder to Close The lid can also take a decent amount of force to get it to close compared to some other types of lids, but is some ways that's good because it's necessary for a good watertight seal. This is certainly not a big deal, but it was noticeable.  You Have to Press more Firmly to Close Compared to some other Straw Lids Exposed Plastic under the Lid There is also exposed plastic under the lid and in the straw, so your water will come into contact with plastic. It's worth noting that these plastics are BPA free and allegedly safe by today's standards, but given the history of plastics and how sometimes new issues come up after years of research, I don't fault anyone for wanting to avoid plastic altogether.  No Available Options for All-Stainless Steel Water Contact Points Dirt Magnet One other very nit-picky issue is that I found the grippy, textured area around the flip cover to be a dirt magnet, so while you should always stay on top of cleaning the inside of your bottle regularly regardless of which one you own, you might find yourself scrubbing this part of your Owala more frequently too.  This Flexible, Grippy Part Attracted Dirt More Easily Colors (Sort Of) And lastly, this may be an unpopular opinion, but for me, I can't stand most of the color combinations. To me, it looks like they blindfolded someone and told them to throw darts at a board with different colors. It's like walking into a Home Depot, they ask what paint color you want, and you say "yes." That may be a little harsh and many people love the combos. That's perfectly OK! But most of the colors are a little too funky for my taste. Then again, I'm fully aware that I've never been accused of being a stylish trend-setter, and I'm willing to concede that the colors are a big draw for many people.  Owala's Color Combos Summary: Are Owala Bottles Worth It?Overall, Owala really does have a solid product offering. The FreeSip lid is one of those things that makes you wonder why it wasn't invented before, and the benefits far outweight the negatives in my opinion. So if you're in the market for a straw lid, consider giving Owala a try. There's a good chance you won't want to go back to traditional straw lids every again.  What are the Best Bottles and Accessories for Infusing Water with Fruit, Tea, and Coffee? What are the Best Bottles for Infusing?If you're like me, you get bored drinking regular, plain water all day. I used to be addicted to sodas, so switching from extremely sugary drinks to water was a big shift. The thing that helped me the most was adding my own flavors. Now, technically sodas are flavored water with carbonation and you can also add flavor with enhancers like Mio, but for the purposes of this video I'm calling flavored water anything that gets its taste from more natural sources like fresh fruit, loose-leaf tea, or coffee grounds. And at the end, I'll also give my take on two bottle brands that have more recently taken social media by storm, Cirkul and air up. (spoiler alert, it might not be positive) Video Review: Which Bottles are Best for Infusing?We also cover this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap! Links to Products: As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and it really helps. Thank you! Adding Fruit Directly into Your Bottle (No Infuser)First, I have to mention the most obvious way to flavor your water, and that's simply by adding fruit like lemons, cucumber, mint, or a whole range of other flavors directly into your bottle! This works well enough, but the problem is that you ideally would have some way to strain it so it's not a good option with most bottles. The good news is that more and more bottles are coming to market with built-in stainless steel strainers at the lid. For stainless steel, EcoVessel is one brand that's been around awhile, and for glass, Mayu is a brand I've mentioned a few times on this channel. Just add your fruit, snap the strainer into place, and you're good to go. It's also worth noting that these strainers double as ice-blockers, which can be a life-saver when driving in particular.
Bottles with Built-In InfusersSome brands take the built-in strainer a step further by having a larger strainer that screws into the smaller one, which makes it a better option for tea or coffee. It's also a good option if you want your fruit to be contained instead of free-floating. Notably, none of the "major" brands that I'm aware of currently have bottles with built-in infusers, including Stanley, YETI, and Hydro Flask. We would not be surprised if they come out with options within a few years, but for now you'll have to go with lesser-known brands or add-on accessories (see further down the page). The first brand I tried with a larger infuser was Steepware, but honestly I'm not too much of a fan of this bottle. It did the worst by far on an insulation test, and the handle isn't anything to write home about. A much better all-around option is a new brand I came across called Vesmoon. Now to be clear, there do appear to be other similar bottles with the same size strainer coming to market, but this is the one I've tested in person and I'm a pretty big fan. Unfortunately, Vesmoon was not available for purchase as of 6/2/2024. This is sometimes a problem with brands that are smaller and newer because the water bottle market is incredibly competitive But there are other options on the market today, and these ones by Hemli and Akvati look to be comparable. Stanley Bottle with a Fruit InfuserNow I'm not a huge fan of Stanleys, but I recognize many people love them. Unfortunately, Stanley does not have a fruit infuser bottle option at this time, though a good alternative is from a brand called Fimibuke. It's essentially a Stanley knockoff with a large built-in infuser for one third the price, and while I can't say much about the company or brand itself, the design and functionality look pretty solid. Best Bottle Infusers for Fruit InfusingLlet's say you're in the market for an add-on infuser because you don't want to buy an entire new bottle. Well, there are a few options you can look at. Let's start with ones for fruit, which generally have larger openings that work well for fruit but not for loose leaf tea or coffee grounds.
Best Bottle Infusers for Tea and Coffee InfusingNow each of the add-on infusers I mentioned is made with either plastic or silicone, so let's look at some stainless steel ones, which can be used for fruit but are also better for tea and coffee because they have a finer mesh strainer.
Bottles with Flavor Pods (Cirkul and Air Up)And finally, let's take a look at the two elephants in the room that have taken social media by storm recently, Cirkul and air up. They each have flavor pods, but they work very differently.
 Which Bottles Completely Avoid Plastic Contact With Your Water? Which Bottles Avoid Plastic Completely?Today we're exploring the question, which bottles completely avoid plastic contact with your water? You might think going with a stainless steel bottle like a Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley would be fine, but the vast majority of bottles still have exposed plastic under the lid. So what can you do? The good news is that there are an increasing number of brands with options that completely avoid plastic on the inside. Water Bottle Options Covered Next that Avoid Plastic Contact with Water: #1: Hydro Flask's Stainless Steel Flex Cap #2: Healthy Human #3: Klean Kanteen #4: EcoVessel #5: Glass Options (Mayu and Sunkey) Video Review: Which Bottles Avoid Plastic?We also cover this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap! Links to Products: As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and it really helps. Thank you! Which Lid Styles Avoid Plastic?As a general rule-of-thumb, you're typically going to have to use the type of lid that you have to screw all the way on and off to take a sip ("Standard" type shown below). Each brand has a different name for it, but you'll normally need to avoid straw, spout, and sip style lids. They have more moving parts and connections that make it more difficult to make a lid that's completely stainless steel on the bottom.  Common Water Bottle Lid Styles Option #1 - Hydro Flask's Stainless Steel Flex Cap ("Flex Steel")
 Hydro Flask's Flex Cap vs Stainless Steel Flex Cap ("Flex Steel") Option #2: Healthy Human
 Stainless Steel Under Healthy Human Lid Option #3: Klean Kanteen
Option #4: EcoVessel
 EcoVessel's Chug Style Lid Option #5: Glass Bottles by Mayu and SunkeyThat's it for what I've seen from stainless steel bottles, but what about glass? Lifefactory is one of the biggest names in glass bottles, but as far as I can tell all of their lids have exposed plastic. So you'll have to look at some other brands like Mayu or Sunkey. These names don't carry the same weight as one like Hydro Flask, but I woudn't be surprised if a glass bottle brand takes over the social media landscape in the next few years in the same way that Hydro Flask, YETI, and now Stanley have over the last decade. It just seems like more and more people are looking to avoid stainless steel too, especially after all the recent media attention about lead.  Do Dents Affect Your Bottle's Insulation? Do Dents Affect Your Bottle's Insulation?Today we're exploring the question, will a dent affect your bottles insulation? Unless you have Spiderman-like reflexes, inevitably you will drop your bottle. Plastic bottles like Nalgenes will be fine, but dual-wall stainless steel bottles are a different story. Steel is a very strong and durable material for water bottle construction, but one major downside is that it is prone to denting. Many of these water bottles are not exactly cheap, costing as much as $50 for larger bottles from brands like YETI and Hydro Flask. So if you've invested in a brand you love, you want to know that your insulation still works, right? The truth is that dents CAN affect your bottle's insulation, but it's not as simple of a question to answer as it may seem at first. The location and size of the dent play a role, so there are more things to consdier than you might expect. So today we're exporing the question, "which dents affect your bottle's insulation?" Coming Next:
 The Inside of an Insulated Bottle (RevoMax) Video Review: Do Dents Affect Your Bottle's Insulation?I recently posted two videos about this test. One that's a 3-minute recap of the most important details, and another that's a full-length 18-minute video showing more of the testing footage and general information about these types of bottles. They each cover similar info as this post, so check those out if you'd prefer to watch the recap!
How Do Dual-Wall Insulated Bottles Work?Heat transfer through three primary methods:
Dual wall bottles work so well because they have a vacuum between the two stainless steel layers. Of the three heat transfer methods, only radiation is able to work through a vacuum. So when you have an intact vacuum, you're able to limit heat transfer in (or out) of your bottle. Another type of bottle you will see more and more commonly is what's normally referred to as a "triple-layer" bottle. These types of bottles have the same general construction as dual-wall bottles, but they add a copper coating to the outside of the inner stainless steel layer. The idea is that copper is better at limiting radiation heat transfer than steel, so this further improves the insulation properties of your bottle. To show you, I cut into a Hydro Flask (dual-wall) and a RevoMax (triple-layer with the copper coating). Fun fact, in the video you can actually hear the air rushing in to replace the vacuum when I cut through the Hydro Flask!
Do Triple-Layer Bottles Work Better Than Dual-Wall Bottles?
Where Is The Worst Place On Your Bottle To Get A Dent?From cutting open these two bottles, I found that the spacing between the two layers is much wider on the bottom compared to the sides. So your bottle can have bigger dents on the bottom and still hold its insulation, which is probably by design because the bottom is the most likely place to get a dent. But if you are unlucky enough to drop your bottle on its side onto a rock or something else that dents it there, then the dent doesn't need to be as deep to create a contact point between the two layers.  Approximate Spacing Between The Two Steel Layers In A 40oz Hydro Flask How Big Does A Dent Need To Be To Affect Your Bottle's Insulation?It's not just the location of the dent, but also the severity that matters. Insulation Failure A: Gradual Decrease Smaller isolated dents can create contact point between the two steel layers. Any contact point like this is going to be a pathway for heat transfer through conduction, so these dents can affect your insulation. But the good news is that your bottle will still have good insulation around the majority of it, so it won't be a complete failure.  Small Dents Can Create Contact Points for Conduction Heat Transfer Insulation Failure B: Complete Loss (Vacuum No Longer Intact) Worst-case, you might get a larger dent that cuts through the outer layer of steel. This allows air to enter the space between the steel layers to replace the vaccum, and then your bottle will be not better at insulating than a single-wall bottle.  Large And/Or Compound Dents Can Lead To Complete Insulation Loss Insulation TestsNext, I stress tested a RevoMax bottle by dropping it from increasing heights. I did a 4 hour insulation test before the test and after each drop. The bottle took A LOT of damage before the insulation was effected, even including some dents with extreme buckling and folding of the steel. The bottle still had the same insulation after 12", 24", 36", and 48" drops.  Buckling From The 48" Drop Full Of Water (Held Insulation) Eventually the insulation was completely compromised (Failure B mentioned above) after the 60" drop. This occurred when multiple dents with severe buckling overlapped, and that overlapping area is where there was too much repeated strain on the steel to the point that it cut through the outer layer.  Overlapping Dents After 60" Drop (Lost Insulation) So the main reason the insulation failed is because the compound dents overlapped. I wouldn't be surprised if the bottle would have held insulation after a single 60" drop. Conclusion: Do Dented Bottles Hold Insulation?In the vast majority of cases, YES! The bottom line is that you probably don't need to worry about your bottle's insulation being compromised by a dent. Most dents, even really severe ones, are not large enough to affect the insulation. Plus, the vast majority of people will replace their bottle before the insulation is affected because large dents can make the bottle sit wobbly, which is pretty annoying. But if you like to hang onto your bottles longer than the average person and you start to get overlapping major dents, that's when you would be more likely to start seeing your insulation get worse or potentially even competely fail. Do Your Own Insulation Test!But if you have any doubts, do an insulation test. Fill your bottle with the hottest water from your sink, measure the temperature, then let it sit for about 4 hours and measure it again. If the temperature dropped less than ~10 degrees F, your insulation is still probably good. More than ~10 degF and you might have a problem.  Doing An Insulation Test With Your Bottle How Do You Protect Your Bottle's Insulation?Other than never dropping your bottle EVER, there plenty of effective, easy options to keep your bottle protected and insulation as-designed. Here are a few to consider:
Good All-Around Sling for Many Bottles Slings for 32 and 40oz Hydro Flasks Bottle Boots  Best Water Bottles for Cleaning What is the Best Water Bottle for Clean Freaks?Let’s face it, reusable water bottles are amazing for many reasons, but they’re also great at hiding bacteria and germs. So today, let's look at some bottles that have features designed specifically to make it easier to keep them clean. In this post, I’m only going to cover dual wall vacuum insulated stainless steel bottles because they're some of the more popular bottle in today's market. LONG STORY SHORT Here's the summary of the bottles. Keep reading for more details about each one!
Water Bottle Cleaning TipsBefore we dive into specific bottles, let's start with some general water bottle cleaning tips and guidelines.
Can You Use your Dishwasher to Clean your Bottle? Many bottle manufacturers state that their bottles and lids are dishwasher safe, which at first makes this seem like a great option. Besides, why go through all the work of using a bottle brush and cleaning tablets when you can let the dishwasher do everything? Different people will have different opinions, but here's ours. For the most part, we do not recommend putting reusable bottles or accessories in dishwashers. These bottles can be expensive, so we think it's better to take a hands-on approach to make sure your bottle is cleaned sufficiently while minimizing the chances that it could get damaged or chipped from knocking into something else while your dishwasher is running. Also, you'll probably want to remove and hand-wash the seals anyways periodically because the dishwasher won't be able to get all around them. And it's not always clear which products are really dishwasher safe. For example, newer Hydro Flasks are dishwasher safe, but older ones are not. For the average user, it can be confusing or difficult to really know, so we generally like to play it safe and recommend handwashing. What are the Easiest Water Bottles to Keep Clean?Let’s move on to some bottles that have features designed specifically to make them easier to keep clean, and at the end I'll give my overall recommendation. Bottles with Internal Threads
Bottles with No Threads
Bottles with Seals with Pull Tabs
Bottles with Removable Bottoms
Bottles with FiltersThere are a ton of filter bottles and accessories to choose from at this point, and while they don't help clean your bottle, they do help clean the water you'll drink so they are worth mentioning. A few include Lifestraw, Simple Modern, and Brita. I'm planning another post later this year where I'll compare different filter options, so I'll have much more info about this subgenre coming soon. Bottles with UV LightEasiest Straw Lids to Keep Clean
Conclusion: What is the Easiest Bottle to Keep Clean?From an objective standpoint, it's hard to beat the LARQ bottle because UV light is proven to kill bacteria and viruses. Of course that doesn't replace cleaning with a brush and bottle tablets, but it's an extra step to santize your water that the other bottles simply don't have. But for over $100 for the 25oz bottle, it's understandably outside of most people's price point. So for most people, Zulu Ace is probably the best choice. Being able to take off both sides of the bottle makes it so much easier to make sure you're cleaning the bottle thoroughly, so we'll give the nod to this one for anyone who prioritizes cleaning your bottle over everything else. But ultimately, you can make any of these bottles work if you have a good brush kit, use cleaning tablets periodically, and develop a habit of cleaning your bottle often. Now we just need someone to come out with a bottle that has a UV light, seals with pull tabs, easy-to-clean-threads, and a detachable bottom. There is a growing level of concern and awarness about microplastics in water, but a new study suggests that boiling water may remove many of these tiny particles.  What are Microplastics and Nanoplastics?If you have not heard of microplastics in the past, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration gives a quick recap here. (or just google "what are microplastics" and it should come up near the top of the list). Essentially, microplastics are small pieces of plastics that are less than 5 millimeters long. They are caused when small plastics are washed away or discarded, and they can also be created when larger plastics break down over time. The widespread use of plastics combined with the difficult of filtering these small pieces has caused to them to become increasingly prevalent and widespread in our drinking water, lakes, and oceans. And as you might expect, nanoplastics are similare but are even smaller. Some microplastics with common examples include:
 Does Boiling Water Remove Microplastics?The experiment is titled "Drinking Boiled Tap Water Reduces Human Intake of Nanoplastics and Microplastics." According the the abstract, the authors claim to: "present evidenence that polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene NMPs can coprecipitate with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) incrustants in tap water upon boiling. Boiling hard water (>120 mg L–1 of CaCO3) can remove at least 80% of polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene NMPs size between 0.1 and 150 μm. Elevated temperatures promote CaCO3 nucleation on NMPs, resulting in the encapsulation and aggregation of NMPs within CaCO3 incrustants." Essentially, this means that boiling water causes the plastics to combine with calcium cabonate (aka the "hard" in "hard water" that is in most people's homes), then the combined particles then drop to the bottom, leaving a layer of cleaner water on top.  Visualization of the Precipitation of Microplastics ("NMP") and Calcium Carbonate (credit to the authors Yu, Wang, Liu, Li, and Zeng) I do not have full access to the article, but I would expect two followup questions should be considered that weren't covered in the abstract.
 Hydration News with BottlePro At BottlePro, we keep an eye out for hydration and water bottle news, then we summarize it and post it here. Check back with us to stay in the loop!
 Which Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Lid is the Best? Which Hydro Flask Lid Should You Get?Hydro Flask currently has 7 wide mouth lid options, so which one is the best for you? I'll review each lid available, including 2 that many people have not seen before. Each Hydro Flask lid has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it can help to know more so you can get the best lid for you and your situation. Here's the quick list showing each of Hydro Flask's 7 available wide mouth lids as of today. Keep scrolling down for the full details. Video Review of Hydro Flask's Wide Mouth LidsWe also cover this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap! First, Some Overall Guidelines about Hydro Flask's LidsBefore we dive in, I'm going to review some of the most common general questions we see about Hydro Flask's lids. Are Hydro Flask's Wide Mouth Lids Interchangeable? For the most part, yes! With one exception, all wide mouth Hydro Flask lids fit all wide mouth Hydro Flask bottles. If you're buying a new lid, just double-check that it's a wide mouth lid, not a standard, aka "narrow" mouth lid. Are Hydro Flask's Lid Dishwasher Safe? Yes. Technically Hydro Flask's lids are all top-rack dishwasher safe according to Hydro Flask, as mentioned here. From Hydro Flask: "All Hydro Flask powder coated bottles are dishwasher safe. Hydro Flask Coffee Mugs are not powder coated, and they are not dishwasher safe." Should you hand-wash Hydro Flasks? Even though Hydro Flask lids are all technically dishwasher-safe, I typically recommend handwashing so you can make sure some of those hard-to-reach areas are scrubbed. Also, some of the lids have small pieces and seals that are better left to handwashing. Either way, it's a good idea to also use Bottle Bright cleaning tablets or a similar alternative every month or so to give your bottle a deep clean. These things really work! How to Contact Hydro Flask Directly I'm giving this information based on what I've read online, seen in person with their products, or heard back from Hydro Flask when I've submitted questions. If you have additional questions, either leave a comment on our Youtube video or send us a message and I'll try to answer it, or you can out to Hydro Flask directly with the link below. They're usually pretty good about getting back with answers within a couple days, and I've had great experiences with their customer support. Here are Hydro Flask's Available Wide Mouth Lids
 Are Stanley Mugs Safe?So it's official, Stanley bottles contain lead. But what does that really mean? Here's the cliff-notes summary:
But if the base of your bottle becomes damaged, then you may want to consider switching it out for a new one. Three of the most popular alternative brands that already use a lead-free plug are (click for links to their statements about lead):
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission if you make a purchase through one of the links. Thank you for your support! If that's all the info you were looking for, then I hope this helped, thanks for stopping by, and we hope to see you later! But if you'd like to learn a little more about the backstory and ramificiations, then stay tuned because I'll dive into a little more detail and give my thoughts on what's coming next. Video ReviewWe also cover this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap! What Happened to Stanley?This all started when recent viral videos on Tiktok showed lead tests coming back positive in their Stanley bottles. Eventually, the company had to respond and issued a statement saying essentially that
Stanley's Statement about LeadStanley's full statement (as of 2/7/2024) is currently shown at this link and is copied below for easy reference:
"At Stanley, one of the key features of our products is our vacuum insulation technology, which provides consumers with drinkware that keeps beverages at the ideal temperature. Our manufacturing process currently employs the use of an industry standard pellet to seal the vacuum insulation at the base of our products; the sealing material includes some lead. Once sealed, this area is covered with a durable stainless steel layer, making it inaccessible to consumers. Rest assured that no lead is present on the surface of any Stanley product that comes into contact with the consumer nor the contents of the product. In the rare occurrence the base cap of a product comes off due to ordinary use and exposes this seal, it is eligible for our Lifetime Warranty, available here: https://www.stanley1913.com/pages/contact-warranty
Stanley assures that its products meet all US regulatory requirements including Prop65. Stanley tests for and validates compliance on all products through FDA accredited 3rd party labs that verify our products follow strict guidelines including but not limited to BPA/BPS, PFOS, and phthalate regulatory requirements." Where is the lead in Stanley bottles?As mentioned, the specific use is in a lead-based solder that seals off the vacuum insulation. It's located at the base of the bottle in the middle. Lead Safe Mama, LLC. has an amazingly detailed breakdown and investigation into all kinds of different bottles, and these are some of her images showing what they look like in other bottles with similar construction.
If you're looking for more information about lead free bottles and containers, or just more information about lead safety in general, I'd highly recommend visiting Lead Safe Mama, LLC's website. She's been covering this information for years and has a pretty comprehensive review of most major bottle brands. Lead Safe Mama, LLC Links: Stanley's "Nalgene" Moment - Lead & BPAsTo summarize, lead doesn't contact the inside of the bottle, and it's covered up on the outside so you can't come in contact with it. So for most people and most situations, this is not a safety concern. And Stanley's statement also correctly noted that this is an industry standard because most dual wall vacuum insulated bottles you find on the market today use this same type of lead-based seal. But the problem for Stanley is that most people won't listen to the finer details or justifications. Instead, they just see the headlines saying "Stanley bottles contain lead." This gets shared and creates shockwaves online.
 How Public Pressure Caused Nalgene to Change their Materials to Avoid BPAs But the damage had already been done, and fallout from the BPA revolution paved the way for alternative brands like Klean Kanteen and Hydro Flask to take significant market share away from Nalgene. What will Stanley do about Lead?Now Stanley is in a similar situation with lead, and they will almost certainly update their manufacturing process to remove lead from the equation. The good news for Stanley is that this is already being done. As mentioned, companies like Hydro Flask, Klean Kanteen, and Owala already use a lead-free method to seal in the vacuum, so it shouldn't be difficult for Stanley to adopt similar procedures. The problem for Stanley is whether they can do this quickly, transparently, and fairly enough for their loyal customers in a way that won't leave them feeling alientated. If they can pull this off, then they could maintain their position as social media's favorite bottle brand. If not, you can bet that other brands will fill the public's new requirement to know their bottles are 100% lead-free. Will Stanley Let you Exchange Bottles for Lead-Free Ones?Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Stanley offers some kind of bottle swap promotion where customers can trade in their older bottles for a new lead-free version. Yes, this would be extremely costly, but this kind of move would show their loyal followers that the company stands by them and their products. Time will tell if they do something like this, but you can almost guarantee that most major brands will switch to lead-free plugs as soon as possible and update their packaging to make sure people know about it. In the end, this is a welcome change. The further we can keep lead from our food and beverages, the better, and this market shift will make many people feel a lot more comfortable with their water bottles that they use every day.  8 Bottles that Change HydrationToday’s water bottle market is crowded and complex, and manufacturers are always looking for innovative ways to stand out. Many times, these features are just gimmicks, but some bottles really do improve what water bottles are capable of. At BottlePro, we’ve reviewed and seen a lot of these market changes, and we’re going to share with you 8 of our favorite innovators. The first ones start with some simpler quality-of-life improvements, and towards the end of the video we’ll show some of the more high-tech options on the market. We’ll also branch out a bit and show a couple of coffee mugs that you might want to take a look at. Video ReviewWe also cover this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap! As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission if you make a purchase through one of the links. Thank you for your support! The Big PictureBonus: Coffee MugsThe DetailsFJbottle (Convenience)
EcoVessel (Multi-Use)
Owala (Combo Lid)
RevoMax (Threadless Lid)
GRAYL Geopress (Filter)
Boundless (Titanium)
Hidrate Spark (Hydration Tracking)
LARQ (UV Sanitizing)
Ember (Temperature Control)Momnt Mugs (Ergonomic, No-Slip Grip)
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