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What is the Best Water Bottle, and Which One Should You Get? (The Ultimate Guide)

7/7/2023

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What is the Best Water Bottle, and Which One Should You Get?

What is the Best Water Bottle?

It’s 2023, and there are literally hundreds if not thousands of water bottle brands to choose from that initially can appear very similar.  With such a saturated market you might be wondering, what is the best water bottle today?  But really, that’s an impossible question to answer since different bottles are better for different situations.

The better question to ask is, which water bottle is best for you based on how you plan to use it?

Content Overview:

Heads up, this is a pretty long post with a lot of information.  Here's what we'll cover in case you'd like to skip ahead to a certain point.
  • Link to our video review (covers the same info as this article)
  • Part 1: Questions you should ask yourself before your start searching for a bottle
  • Part 2: Review of popular and notable water bottles and brands
  • Part 3: Our recommendations for best water bottles by category (hiking, commutes, tea, value...)

Our Video Review

Our YouTube video covers the same information in this post, so click the link if you'd rather see the video.  Otherwise, keep reading the full post below!

First, a few things to note.
  1. We’re reviewing a fairly arbitrary selection of 13 brands and 15 bottles.  It’s a decent number of options, but there are way more out there that could be compared.  We can only do so much in one video, and this is meant to be a good starting point.
  2. We’re primarily focusing more on the more established brands.  And we are exploring a few non-mainstream brands, but for the most part, we’ll stick to the big dogs.
  3. We also mostly stick to insulated stainless steel bottles with wide mouth openings, with a few notable exceptions.  Dual-wall vacuum insulated bottles are very popular in today’s market, and we generally like wide mouth bottles more than narrow mouth ones.  See our other video for more about why.
  4. Two of the bottles we’ll talk about have triple-layer insulation.  Many people think this means three layers of stainless-steel, but it actually refers to a layer of copper.  We won’t go into much detail about that distinction in this video, but we have another video in the works that focuses entirely on insulation where we’ll test them to see if these triple-layer bottles really hold up.
  5. And lastly, our recommendations are mostly based on our own opinions.  Let us know in the comments if you agree or disagree, and especially if you have any other thoughts or considerations that could help other buyers hone in the best bottle for them.

Part 1: What Questions to Ask Yourself before Looking at Bottles

What Type of Water Bottle Do You Need?

Before you even look at any bottles, ask yourself these questions.
  1. WHERE: Where will you primarily use it?  Around the house or at work?  On your commute so you need something that’s easy to use in the car?  On hikes?  There will always be some crossover use, but think about how you’ll use your bottle most of the time.
  2. WHAT: What will you be drinking?  Water bottles don’t need to just be used for plain water.  Many people use them for tea, coffee, fruit infusing, or adding ice, and some bottles are better for these than others.
  3. BRANDING: How important is branding to you?  This is directly related to cost, since most of the prominent brands like Hydro Flask and YETI come with higher price points than brands like Nalgene and Iron Flask.
  4. LID: What type of lid do you prefer?  Most lids fall into four basic categories: standard, straw, spout, and sip.  Standard lids that you screw on and off completely are a good starting option that comes with most bottles, but they don’t offer many additional advantages.  Straw lids are the easiest to drink from but are typically harder to clean.  Spout lids are pretty good all-around options and are generally an improvement over standard lids.  And sip lids are best when used for coffee, tea, or other hot drinks.
  5. VOLUME: And finally, think about how much volume you will need.  According to the University of Missouri, a good rule of thumb is to take your weight in pounds, divide it in half, and the result is how many ounces of water you should drink per day.  Use this to calculate how many ounces you should drink per hour, and then consider how easily you can refill your bottle.  When taking all of these factors into account, you should be able to get a good idea of which volume water bottle makes sense for you.
And if your main use will be hiking or some other physical activity, there are some other factors to consider, like heat and elevation gain.  Check out our video where we do a deeper dive into this topic.

Part 2: Reviewing Popular and Notable Bottles and Brands

Popular and Notable Water Bottles and Brands

​Now let’s look at some of the more popular bottles and brands.  We'll cover:
  • Nalgene
  • Klean Kanteen Classic
  • Klean Kanteen TKWide
  • Hydro Flask
  • Hydro Flask Trail Series
  • YETI Rambler
  • Takeya
  • Iron Flask
  • ThermoFlask
  • Stanley
  • Camelbak
  • S'well
  • FJbottle
  • Steepware
  • EcoVessel

Nalgene

Nalgene Water Bottle Review
Nalgenes are lightweight, inexpensive, dishwasher safe, and they come in many color options.  And while all of the bottles in this review are pretty durable overall since most are made of stainless-steel, Nalgenes are also much more dent resistant because of the plastic construction compared to stainless-steel bottles which can dent more easily.  Nalgene is also the only bottle brand we looked at that is made in the USA.

​​Some drawbacks are that they only come in plastic, they don’t have a built-in handle if you don’t count the tether for the lid, they don’t have an insulated version, and there aren’t many options to choose from for lids.  It doesn’t feel like the brand has innovated like others have, which has left Nalgene struggling behind other bottles in many aspects. But they still make a great, dependable bottle at an affordable price point, which makes it a good option for many people.
See Nalgene Listing

Klean Kanteen Classic (Non-Insulated)

Klean Kanteen Classic Review
Klean Kanteen has a mix of insulated and non-insulated bottles.  Non-insulated Klean Kanteens are lighter than dual-wall bottles, and they have a simple design that is very easy to clean. They’re also notable for how the standard cap has steel on the bottom, so your water never touches plastic. Most other stainless-steel bottles on the market, including Klean Kanteen’s own TKWide Series, have plastic under the lid.

​Some drawbacks are that we don’t like the standard loop caps very much, and they aren’t insulated.
See Klean Kanteen Classic Listing

Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated

Klean Kanteen TKWide Review
Klean Kanteen recently came out with their TKWide insulated bottles.  They have a range of well-engineered lid options that feel unique compared to other brands.  The rigid handle feels very sturdy, and one unique benefit is the Impact Base Cap on the bottom.  This is a hollow cap that absorbs an impact if you drop your bottle, which lessens the chance that a dent could affect the vacuum insulation.  This is one of the easier bottles to clean because the threads on the bottle are made of small bumps in the stainless-steel instead of traditional thread grooves.

​Some downsides are the overall bulk, both in terms of weight and size for a 32-ounce bottle.  We also wish the spout cap was a little easier to keep out of the way.  You have to snap it onto the metal handle, which isn’t as easy as some other bottles like Takeya, Camelbak, and FJbottle.  There aren’t too many color options for Klean Kanteens, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for your own style.
See Klean Kanteen TKWide Listing

YETI Rambler

YETI Rambler Review
​YETI is in the top-tier for brand prestige, and therefore cost.  They are notoriously expensive, but their products are generally very high-quality, which has led to a devoted following of fans and supporters.  There are six lid options for their Rambler series wide mouth bottles, so you can pick what’s best for you.
​
​
Downsides are definitely the cost, but also that these bottles are heavier than some comparable ones on the market.
See YETI Rambler Listing

Hydro Flask

Hydro Flask Review
Hydro Flask is the brand that really catapulted dual-wall insulation into the mainstream, and they’re also a top-tier brand on par with YETI.  Their bottles come in a wide range of colors, and they have a good range of well-engineered caps and accessories to choose from, though some are better than others.  We love the Flex Straw, but we’re not huge fans of the Flex Chug.

​You can expect to pay a premium for any Hydro Flask, but the customer service is very good and the company stands behind their products.
See Hydro Flask Listing

Hydro Flask Trail Series

Hydro Flask Trail Series Review
​Another Hydro Flask bottle that’s good to know about is their Trail Series lineup.  These bottles have the same great insulation, branding, and look, but Hydro Flask really focused on reducing the weight of the bottle so it’s easier to hike and get around with.  This makes it one of the best insulated bottles for hiking compared to really heavy options like Klean Kanteen’s TKWide and YETI’s Rambler.
See Trail Series Listing

Takeya

Takeya Review
Takeya is a good mid-range alternative to Hydro Flask, and their Takeya Actives bottles in particular are a great all-around option.  The spout lid is a really good design with a wide handle, a spout cap that locks out of the way for when you need to take a drink, and a nice textured grip.  It also comes with a matching bottle boot to protect your bottle from dents and scratches.

​There aren’t many downsides and this is a jack-of-all-trades kind of bottle, but some people do prefer rigid handles instead of the hinged Takeya design.
See Takeya Listing

Iron Flask

Iron Flask Review
​Iron Flask is an Amazon-focused knock-off of Hydro Flask, but they’re notable for a few reasons.  They come with three cap options, so that helps you figure out which style you like without having to buy more lids.  Iron Flask is definitely a good brand to consider if you’re looking for unique color options, including gradients.

One downside is that the caps are good, basic options, but they do feel more standard and less engineered than Hydro Flask’s lids.  
See Iron Flask Listing

ThermoFlask

ThermoFlask Review
ThermoFlask is a bottle brand that we’ve always thought was a ripoff of Takeya, but while editing this video we found out that’s because ThermoFlask is a brand registered by Takeya.  So if you notice a lot of similarities between the two, that’s why.  But one difference we’ve noticed is that ThermoFlask seems to have more 2-pack options available on Amazon, which means you can get an even better value.

One downside is that there don’t seem to be as many color options.
See ThermoFlask Listing

Stanley Quencher

Stanley Quencher Review
Stanley has been around a long time, but in recent years it has had a major resurgence thanks to their Quencher Series insulated tumblers.  The main difference between this bottle and every other bottle on this list is the built-in handle on the side.  Most of the other bottles have handles on the lid, but Stanley’s side-mounted handle, while not our personal favorite, is a big hit with many people.  It’s also more tapered at the bottom like a classic tumbler-style, so it fits in more cup holders without needing an adapter.

​The biggest downside is the overall bulky design.  Yes, this is easier to manage because of the handle and the tapered base, but it’s still a very bulky bottle. 
See Stanley Listing

Camelbak Chute Mag

Camelbak Chute Mag Review
Camelbak is a well-known brand that really made a name for themselves with hydration bladder packs for biking and on longer hikes, but they have also released some solid bottle options as well.  They are more reasonably priced than the other well-known brands like Hydro Flask and YETI, and the Chute Mag bottles in particular are very popular because of the magnets that lock the spout cap back when you go to take a sip.

​We’re not huge fans of the hinge design though, as it doesn’t flip open as smoothly as other spout caps like Takeya and FJbottle.
See Camelbak Listing

S'well

S'well Review
Many bottles on this list can be difficult to distinguish at first glance, like Hydro Flasks, Iron Flasks, Takeyas, and ThermoFlasks.  On the other end of the spectrum, you have S'well, which is another high-end brand on par with Hydro Flask and YETI.  The aesthetic design and sleek look are the main selling points, and they’ve also come out with many narrow mouth lids, including a filter cap that’s unique to this list.  They are also the first brand we’ve talked about that has triple-wall insulation.

​However, they are pretty expensive, and there aren’t many lid options for their wide-mouth Traveler series bottles.
See S'well Listing

FJbottle

FJbottle Review
The next brand is FJbottle.  Quick disclosure, they reached out to us and sent us a bottle to test.  We told them we would only cover the bottle if we liked it, but after using it for a few weeks, we can honestly say that we like this bottle way more than we thought we would.  It’s right up there with Takeya for our favorite spout-style lid.

Like Camelbak’s Chute Mag, it uses magnets to keep the spout cap out of the way when you’re taking a drink, but the hinge design is much better and is easier to open, especially if you’re just using one hand like when you’re driving.  The spout cap also takes the least amount of turning to unlock compared to any of the other spout lids, which is also helpful when driving.  There’s a silicone grip pad on the bottom that keeps your bottle from sliding around and protects against some scratches, though not on the outside edges.  There’s also a strap on the side, and we’ve ended up using this strap all the time.  They also include a brush with each bottle to help with cleaning right out of the gate.

​One downside is that the spout cap doesn’t flip out of the way as much as Takeya’s version, but you can either tilt your head more or angle the bottle to get around this issue.  Also, the rigid handle on top is a little small, but in our opinion the strap on the side more than makes up for this.

​Overall, we honestly do like this design, and it might become our go-to bottle for a while.
See FJbottle Listing

Steepware Everest

Steepware Review
​Steepware’s Everest tumbler was made primarily for one thing, and that’s brewing tea.  And they really do have a good product for this purpose.  There’s a built-in tea strainer that you can use for loose-leaf tea, or you can use it as an ice strainer if you’re looking for a cooler drink.  The strainer is pretty big too, so there’s quite a bit of surface area for your loose-leaf tea to steep.  You could always take out the strainer and use it like a regular bottle, but the larger strainer is really the feature that sets this bottle apart.
See Steepware Listing

EcoVessel Boulder

EcoVessel Review
The last brand we’re discussing is EcoVessel.  Their Boulder series bottles might have the most features and accessories packed into one bottle that we’ve seen yet.  It has a strainer for ice and fruit, comes with a silicone bottle boot to protect the base of the bottle, and has triple-layer insulation.

​Some drawbacks are that the strainer is smaller compared to Steepware’s version, so it’s not as good for loose leaf tea, especially in larger 32-ounce bottles.  We’re also not a huge fans of lid tethers that double as handles in general, but that’s more of our personal preference and at least EcoVessel has a wider tether compared to Nalgene.  It’s hard to put our finger on it, but the construction feels cheaper in a way compared to some other bottles we’ve reviewed.  But with so many extra features and a reasonable price, this bottle has a lot going for it.
See EcoVessel Listing

Part 3: Our Recommendations and Favorite Bottles

Our Recommendations for Best Water Bottles

Now let’s move on to our recommendations by category.  We’ll give you a few of our favorites, and we encourage you to check out each one to decide which is the best fit for you.

Best Water Bottle for Hiking

Best Bottle for Hiking
​For hiking, we like Nalgenes because they are lightweight, but we highly recommend getting a carrying pouch like this one because the lid tether isn’t much of a handle.  For insulated bottles, FJbottle is a great choice because it has both a rigid handle and a strap, and the lid is the spout style that we prefer when hiking.  Hydro Flask's Trail Series bottles are also worth a look because they are the lightest insulated design.
Nalgene
Lightweight and durable
See Nalgene Listing
Nalgene Carrying Pouch
Recommend a pouch for bottles without good handles
See Nalgene Pouch Listing
Hydro Flask Trail Series
Lightweight and insulated
See Trail Series Listing
FJbottle
Carrying strap and good lid
See FJbottle Listing

Best Water Bottle for Sporting Events

Best Bottle for Sports
​When it comes to sporting events, there are some different considerations compared to hiking.  You don’t have to worry as much about the weight of the bottle, and you don’t have to carry it around for long distances.  Because of these reasons, it really opens the door on the number of bottles that we recommend, and we really think you should just get a bottle with a spout cap.  This cap style lets you get a good amount of water quickly without it all splashing in your face.  Our favorite spout cap bottles are Takeya and FJbottle, and keep in mind that ThermoFlask has a 2-pack option with a lid that’s nearly identical to Takeya’s.


Hydro Flask and YETI have pretty good spout cap design options that many people love, but they’re not our favorites for varying reasons.  Honorable mention in this category goes to EcoVessel’s Boulder series bottles because they have spout caps and you can use the strainer for ice.
Takeya Actives
Good spout lid
See Takeya Listing
ThermoFlask
Good spout lid
See ThermoFlask Listing
FJbottle
Good spout lid
See FJbottle Listing

Best Water Bottle for Road Trips

Best Bottle for Road Trips
​For road trips and driving in general, we like straw lids because you don’t need to tilt your head back and potentially take your eyes off the road.  Stanley’s Quencher is a good choice because it has a large volume but still has a better chance of fitting in your car’s cup holder.  We also like Hydro Flask’s Flex Straw more than most other straw lids because it’s easier to clean thoroughly without popping off the spout.  We don’t recommend using standard lids when driving because it’s so easy to splash water all over your face.

Spout or sip caps are OK if you’re not into straw lids, but we recommend getting one that’s easier to use one-handed.  For example, FJbottle and Takeya’s spout lids are a lot easier to open one-handed than Camelbak’s design, and the spout caps are attached so you can’t accidentally drop it like you could with YETI or Hydro Flask.
Hydro Flask Flex Straw
See Hydro Flask Listing
Stanley Quencher
See Stanley Listing
Bottle doesn't fit in your cup holder?
Picture
If you want a bottle that doesn’t fit in your car’s cup holder, like a large Hydro Flask in most cases, consider buying our BottlePro Max cup holder adapter, which fits any of the bottles on this list.  ​
See BottlePro Max Listing

Best Water Bottle for Commutes

Best Bottle for Commutes
​For shorter commutes to and from work, we’d wager you’re probably drinking coffee or tea.  Any sip-style lid is pretty good for this, but we really like Hydro Flask’s Flex Sip Lid in particular because, like with their straw lid, their sip lid is easy to disassemble for cleaning.  YETI’s Hot Shot Lid is another good option too because you can take a sip from any angle.  And you’re probably OK with a smaller bottle like a 16 or 20 ounce, which means you’re less likely to need a cup holder adapter.
Hydro Flask 20oz with Sip Lid
Easy to disassemble for cleaning
See Hydro Flask Sip Lid Listing
YETI 18oz Hot Shot Lid
Can sip from any side
See YETI Hot Shot Listing

Best Bottle for the House or Office

Best Bottle for Around the House or Office
​For general use around the house or office, it’s really up to you.  Any of these bottles can be a good option since you probably can refill it easily, and the lid style doesn’t need to factor as much in your decision compared to other situations like driving.  The Stanley Quencher is a good one to consider though because of the big handle.
Stanley Quencher
See Stanley Listing

Best Water Bottle for Tea

Best Bottle for Tea
​The best bottle for loose-leaf tea or coffee infusing is without a doubt Steepware’s design, with EcoVessel coming in second because the strainer is much smaller and is really better for blocking ice or fruit instead of brewing tea or coffee.  For wide mouth Hydro Flasks and similar bottles like Iron Flasks and ThermoFlasks, you can also look at our FlavorFuze Steel infusers.  They come with a small and large size infuser, and they are specifically designed to fit wide mouth Hydro Flasks.
Steepware Everest
Biggest built-in strainer
See Steepware Listing
Picture
Has strainer, but smaller size
See EcoVessel Listing
FlavorFuze Steel
Sized for wide mouth Hydro Flasks
See FlavorFuze Steel Listing

Best Water Bottle for Ice

Best Bottle for Ice
​For ice, EcoVessel is a good option because of the built-in strainer.  Other spout lids can have ice cubes sneak out once they melt down some.  Straw lids are also a good option, and as mentioned before, we really like Hydro Flask’s Flex Straw.  If you have a Hydro Flask with a standard Flex Lid, you can also use our SplashPro splash guard.  We designed it specifically for Hydro Flask lids so it fits around the insulation.
Picture
Built-in strainer
See EcoVessel Listing
Hydro Flask Flex Straw
Straw lids are good for ice
See Hydro Flask Listing
SplashPro Splash Guard
Sized for wide mouth Hydro Flasks
See SplashPro Listing

Best Water Bottle for Fruit Infusing

Best Bottle for Fruit Infusing
​For fruit infusing, you can also go with Steepware or EcoVessel and add the fruit so it’s loose behind the strainer.  Alternatively, try our FlavorFuze Pod fruit infuser.  Just add your fruit into it, pop on the lid, then drop it into any wide mouth bottle.  Our FlavorFuze Straw infuser is a really good option too for Hydro Flask straw lids.  Just slide and snap it onto the straw.
Steepware Everest
Built-in strainer
See Steepware Listing
Picture
Built-in strainer
See EcoVessel Listing
FlavorFuze Pod Fruit Infuser
Drop-in lid fits in any wide mouth
See FlavorFuze Pod Listing
FlavorFuze Straw Infuser
Snaps on Hydro Flask straw lids
See FlavorFuze Straw Listing

Best Water Bottle for Limiting Plastic Contacting Water

Best Bottle for Limiting Water Contacting Plastic
We also wanted to highlight which bottles do the best job limiting how much plastic touches your water.  Nalgenes are the only all-plastic bottles in our video, but most of the other bottles also have exposed plastic under the lid that can touch your water.  The only bottles that have all-stainless-steel interiors, including under the lid, are Klean Kanteen’s non-insulated classic bottle and EcoVessel’s Boulder series.
Klean Kanteen Classic
Stainless-steel under the lid (classic, non-insulated only)
See Klean Kanteen Classic Listing
Picture
Stainless-steel under the lid
See EcoVessel Listing

Best Spout (Chug) Lid

Best Spout Lid
​For spout lids, we love Takeya and FJbottle.  They’re a little different from each other, but they both do several things well.  The spout cap is easy to open, stays attached so you can’t drop it, and locks into the open position easier than some other designs.  They are also easier to carry around because of Takeya’s good handle and FJbottle’s strap. 

ThermoFlask has a spout cap that is essentially the same as Takeya, and you can get them in 2-packs for a better deal.

Klean Kanteen's TKWide has a few novel features as well.  The threads on the bottle are rounded metal bumps that are much easier to clean thoroughly than traditional threads, and impact base cap can absorb dents that may otherwise have affected the dual wall insulation.
Takeya Actives
Wide handle, connected spout cap
See Takeya Listing
FJbottle
Handle and strap, connected spout cap
See FJbottle Listing
ThermoFlask
2-packs for better value
See ThermoFlask Listing
Klean Kanteen TKWide Chug Cap
Easy-to-clean threads and impact base cap
See TKWide Listing

Best Straw Lid

Best Straw Lid
​For straw lids, we really like Hydro Flask’s Flex Straw because it’s the easiest straw lid to clean more thoroughly without having to pop off the spout.
Hydro Flask Flex Straw
Easier to clean thoroughly than other straw lids
See Hydro Flask Listing

Best Sip (Cafe/Commuter) Lid

Best Sip Lid
​For sip lids, we also like Hydro Flask’s version, the Flex Sip, because it’s easy to disassemble for cleaning.  YETI’s Hot Shot is a good one to consider too because you can sip from any angle.
Hydro Flask 20oz with Sip Lid
Easy to disassemble for cleaning
See Hydro Flask Sip Lid Listing
YETI 18oz Hot Shot Lid
Can sip from any side
See YETI Hot Shot Listing

Best Value Water Bottle

Best Value Bottle
​The best value bottles in our opinion are Nalgene, Iron Flask, ThermoFlask, and FJbottle because they’re more affordable but they are still great at what they do.
Nalgene
Lowest cost bottle in this article, and most durable
See Nalgene Listing
Iron Flask
Includes three lid styles
See Iron Flask Listing
ThermoFlask
2-packs available
See ThermoFlask Listing
FJbottle
Inexpensive, and many features other bottles don't have (carrying strap, good spout cap, no-slip base)
See FJbottle Listing

Best Looking Water Bottle

Best Looking Bottle
​The best aesthetic design goes to S’well, and brands like Iron Flask and Hydro Flask are great options too with so many color choices.
S'well Bottle
Sleek design and prints
See S'well Listing
Iron Flask
Many colors, including gradients
See Iron Flask Listing
Hydro Flask Flex Straw
Many colors
See Hydro Flask Listing

Best Water Bottle Brand

Best Bottle Brand
​The best brands in terms of brand power in today’s market are YETI and Hydro Flask, with an honorable mention to Stanley and S’well because of their unique designs really being core to their brand.
YETI Rambler Bottle
See YETI Listing
Hydro Flask Flex Straw
See Hydro Flask Listing

Best All-Around Bottle

Best All-Around Bottle
​We thought about giving our recommendation for best all-around bottle, but we decided against it because of the countless variations for each person, like budget, preferences, lifestyle, and plenty of other factors.  For us, we will probably use the FJbottle because it impressed us so much, but we encourage you to make your own decision.  If you’ve made it to this point in the video, you’ve already heard more than you ever thought you ever needed to know about water bottles so hopefully you have a better idea of which bottle will work best for you.

​And that’s it!  Hopefully this helps you figure out which bottle works best for you.  Again, we'd love it if you could use our links to purchase since we get a small referral fee, but either way we hope this information helps you on your path towards better hydration habits.  Thanks again!

Buying a Large Bottle?  Keep Us in Mind!

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
BottlePro's Amazon Store
BottlePro's Amazon Store
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Our Review of Hydro Flask’s Carrying Pouches – Which is the Best, and What are Good Alternatives?

3/3/2023

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Our Review of Hydro Flask’s Carrying Pouches – Which is the Best, and What are Good Alternatives?

Content Overview:
  1. Intro
  2. Link to our Video Review
  3. Hydro Flask's Packable Sling
  4. Hydro Flask's Tag Along Sling
  5. Hydro Flask's Slingback Bag
  6. 3rd Party Bottle Slings to Consider

Products Mentioned in this Post:
  • Hydro Flask Packable Bottle Sling
  • Hydro Flask Tag Along Bottle Sling
  • Hydro Flask Slingback Bottle Pack
  • More Storage – Wild Wolf Bottle Sling (32oz)
  • Leather – HikerPouch
  • Budget – BottlePro’s Neoprene Sling
  • Paracord Sling – Wontego 2.0 Paracord Bottle Sling
  • Just a Handle – QeeCord Paracord Carrying Handle
  • Best for the Gym – Bottle Caddy

Which Hydro Flask Bottle Sling is the Best?

​Hydro Flask has two bottle slings, the Packable and the Tag Along.  We’re reviewing how they are different, which one you should get, and whether any alternative options could be better for you.  The short answer is that different pouches are better for different situations, and at the end of the post we’ll give our opinions on why you might want to pick one over another.

Video Review

Our YouTube video covers the same information in this post, so click the link if you'd rather see the video.  Otherwise, keep reading the full post below!

Review of Hydro Flask's Packable Sling

Hydro Flask's Packable Sling
Hydro Flask's Packable Sling
See Amazon Listing
First, we’ll start with Hydro Flask’s Packable sling.  Some benefits are:
  • Lightweight: It’s just under 2 ounces, so you’ll hardly be adding any extra weight on your walks.
  • Packable: As the name says, it’s very packable.  You can even fold it up into a built-in pocket, which certainly helps save on space and makes this a great option to stow in the car, a bag, or wherever else you might end up needing it.

​But there are a few downsides to keep in mind.
  • Shoulder Strap:  The shoulder strap doesn’t have any extra padding, so it’s not as comfortable on longer hikes with a heavy bottle.
  • Lack of Large Pockets: It doesn't have a built-in larger pocket that's meant for your phone, keys, or other accessories.
    • ​Side note: you can technically use the pocket that's meant to let you pack the sling into itself for stowing, but the pocket is a tight fit for larger phones.
  • Durability: We’re not sure how well this pouch would hold up to continuous use due to the thin plastic construction.
  • More Difficult to Insert the Bottle: We found it a little difficult to get the bottle into the pouch because the material is so flexible, but maybe this is something that just takes some getting used to.
    • Side note: this definitely got easier as we tested out the pouch more!  It helps to hold the pouch at the connection points with the strap.
  • Expensive: The 32oz size shown here is currently $24.95, which seems steep for what you get, but it’s a Hydro Flask product so you can expect to pay a premium for the logo.

All-in-all, this bottle sling is successful in what it was primarily designed for, which is to be super portable and stowable.  This makes it a great choice for certain situations like keeping it in your car or pack for whenever you might need it, but this is not the best sling for daily use.

Review of Hydro Flask's Tag Along Sling

Hydro Flask's Tag Along Sling
Hydro Flask's Tag Along Sling
See Amazon Listing
​Next we’ll look at the Tag Along.  Some benefits are:
  • Easier to Use: It’s easier to get your bottle in this pouch compared to the packable sling, which makes it quicker and simpler to use each day.
  • Phone Pouch: We also love that they added a pouch with a flexible mesh material to hold your phone.  It comfortably fit this iPhone which is roughly 3” wide and 6” tall, but anything larger than that would start to be a tight fit.
  • More Comfortable Shoulder Strap: The woven strap feels much better and is more comfortable compared to the packable sling.
  • Still Lightweight: At 4 ounces, the Tag Along pouch is heavier than the packable sling, but it’s still super lightweight and great for longer hikes.
  • Easier to Clean: The fabric is coated with what feels like a plastic liner.  The intent of the coating is to make the pouch easier to clean, and in that way Hydro Flask succeeded.

But this also leads to the first downside.
  • Plasic-y Feel: There’s something about the synthetic, plastic-y feel of this pouch that doesn’t feel right to us, though we acknowledge that’s just our preference.
  • Strap Could Be Better: Although the strap is more comfortable than the packable sling, it still doesn’t have any extra padding so it might get a little uncomfortable on really long hikes with heavy bottles.
  • Two Clips that Many People Won't Need: There are also two clips that let you attach the bottle pouch to a Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler.  This sounds like a cool feature and we wish we had the budget to buy a cooler to test it out, but instead we just ended up taking out the clips so the sling was more comfortable on our backs.
  • Expensive: The 32oz size shown here is currently $39.95, which like with the packable sling seems steep but is to-be-expected for a Hydro Flask brand product.

Overall, the Tag Along bottle sling is a really good option for daily use.  It comes in two sizes, so be sure to check which one is good for you.

Hydro Flask's Slingback Bottle Pack

Hydro Flask's Slingback Bottle Pack
Hydro Flask's Slingback Bottle Pack
See Amazon Listing
​One Hydro Flask brand option that we didn’t review was their newer Slingback bottle pack.  This thing looks really cool and seems like it would be the best option for longer hikes and walks because of the extra storage and padded strap.  We hope to test it out in the near future.

Summary of Hydro Flask Sling Options

​Overall, we recommend getting the Packable Sling if you’d like to store a carrying pouch in your car or pack for whenever you might need it.

But for everyday use, the Tag Along is the more user-friendly and useful Hydro Flask sling.

And definitely consider trying the Slingback if you’re looking for more of a backpack for longer hikes or walks and let us know what you think below.

3rd Party Slings for Hydro Flasks

​Before you buy a Hydro Flask product, you should also look at the competition.  Here are a few ones to consider.

Wild Wolf Outfitters Bottle Sling (32oz)
Wild Wolf Outfitters Bottle Sling (32oz)
More Storage
Wild Wolf Outfitters has a great pouch that gives plenty of storage and has a more rugged look with a padded shoulder strap.  This is a great option for longer hikes.
See Amazon Listing

BottlePro's HikerPouch
BottlePro's HikerPouch
Leather
Our HikerPouch is the best option if you’re looking for a leather Hydro Flask carrier.  Each HikerPouch comes with a tin of leather conditioner to keep your sling in good shape for years.
See Our Amazon Listing

BottlePro's Neoprene Sling
BottlePro's Neoprene Sling
Budget
For a more budget-friendly option, you can also look at our neoprene slings which are currently $9.95.
See our Amazon Listing

Wontego's Paracord Sling
Wontego's Paracord Sling
Paracord Sling
Paracords and Hydro Flask's have a colorful history together!  For man color options for paracord slings, consider Wontego’s shoulder-strap paracord design.
See Amazon Listing

Picture
Just a Handle
If you’re just looking to add a handle and don't need the shoulder strap, try QeeCord’s paracord carrying handle.
See Amazon Listing

Bottle Caddy
Bottle Caddy
Best for the Gym
And if you need storage without the strap like at the gym, try Bottle Caddy’s bottle sleeve.
See Amazon Listing

Buying a Hydro Flask?  Keep us in mind!

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
BottlePro's Amazon Store
See BottlePro's Store
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Why are Hydro Flasks so Popular And Expensive (And Are They Still Worth It in 2023?)

11/24/2022

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PictureWHY ARE HYDRO FLASKS SO POPULAR AND EXPENSIVE (AND ARE THEY STILL WORTH IT IN 2023?)

What's the Big Deal with Hydro Flasks?

Today we’re answering the question, why are Hydro Flasks so popular and expensive, and are they still worth it in 2022 and 2023?  Are Hydro Flasks good, and are they worth the price?

At BottlePro, we’ve been involved in the niche world of large water bottles since we released our first cup holder adapter in 2015, so we’ve seen and tested our fair share of bottles.  Here we’ll give you a quick history of Hydro Flask, and by the end of it you’ll know more than you thought you ever needed to know about water bottles.  Then we’ll give our thoughts and recommendations about Hydro Flasks in particular, and we’ll also let you know some good alternatives to Hydro Flasks in 2022 and 2023, especially if you’re looking for a gift for the Holidays.

Quick Summary

We know you're busy!
If you're looking for less expensive alternatives to Hydro Flask, here are some of our favorites.
​Keep reading the rest of the post or watch the video for more details.
Recommended less expensive alternatives to Hydro Flasks
Recommended less expensive alternatives to Hydro Flasks

Click the links below to see these products on Amazon
Takeya Actives
Iron Flask
ThermoFlask

Why are Hydro Flasks so Popular and Expensive, and What are Good Alternatives? (A Video Review)

If you'd rather watch a video than read a post, you're in luck!  In this video, we review the history of Hydro Flasks and give our recommendations on whether it's still worth buying one in 2022 or 2023.  We'll also let you know some good alternatives.  The video mostly reviews the same info as the blog post below.

What's with big water bottles?

For most people, water bottles are not a huge part of their life or their daily routine.  But many people won’t leave their house without their favorite water bottle by their side, and this group of people is growing every day.  Large reusable water bottles are winning over an increasing number of people for many reasons, with the most common being to improve hydration habits, to limit plastic waste, and to keep a cool drink nearby on a hot day (or vice-versa).

Even if you don’t think much about bottles, we bet you’ve noticed more and more people carrying around awkwardly-large water bottles, particularly in the last 5-10 years.  The bottle brand with the most meteoric rise in popularity during that period is without a doubt Hydro Flask.  But when you first look up Hydro Flask, one of the first things you’ll notice is the price tag.  And today, with high inflation and an economic downturn, budgeting is becoming more essential for many people and families.

Which makes many people ask, why are Hydro Flasks so popular and expensive?  And are Hydro Flasks still worth buying in 2023?

When did Hydro Flasks Become Popular?

Before Hydro Flask, the most common reusable water bottles that focused on the outdoor recreation industry were plastic bottles, like Nalgenes, or single-wall stainless steel bottles like Klean Kanteens.  Both bottle types have their own benefits and drawbacks, which we go into more detail in our previous post.  There were also some insulated bottles like Stanleys, but they had a mostly rugged design that focused on utility.  Each bottle brand had a loyal following in the outdoor recreation community, and to many outsiders it seemed like the market was saturated.
​
But then came along Hydro Flask, and everything changed.  The company was founded in 2009 and quickly began building a cult-like following of devoted users in the outdoor recreation community, particularly in Hawaii and on the western US coastal states.  The company moved to Bend, Oregon, which is where Hydro Flask is still headquartered today.
Searches for Hydro Flask (Google Trends)
Searches for Hydro Flask (Google Trends)
Hydro Flask, Interest by Location (Google Trends)
Hydro Flask, Interest by Location (Google Trends)
By 2012 as Hydro Flask really started gaining popularity, you may have started noticing people, usually Gen Z’s or Young Millennials, carrying these bottles.  Popularity continued to steadily increase until it peaked in 2019, when the Gen Z the subculture known as “VSCO girls” received a lot of press and attention.
VSCO Girls Articles in 2019
VSCO Girls Articles in 2019
​Since peaking in 2019, Hydro Flask’s search popularity based on Google Trends has fallen significantly.  But the trend curve has mostly leveled off and continues to be significant, vastly out-performing previous market leaders like Nalgene and Klean Kanteen.
Google Search Comparison, Hydro Flask vs Klean Kanteen vs Nalgene (Google Trends)
Google Search Comparison, Hydro Flask vs Klean Kanteen vs Nalgene (Google Trends)

Why did Hydro Flasks Become so Popular?

Even when you know that Hydro Flasks are popular, that still doesn’t answer the question of why they became popular.  So how did Hydro Flask become such a staggering success as a brand and company?  There are a few reasons, including having a high-quality product, marketing very effectively, and honestly, having some lucky timing.
Why Hydro Flask became so successful
Why Hydro Flask became so successful
Hydro Flask had a great product, but so did many other similar bottle brands at the time.  Nalgenes had color options and are very durable.  Klean Kanteens had the easy-to-clean, plastic and BPA-free stainless steel option covered.  Stanleys and other thermos-style mugs had insulation.  But Hydro Flask was the first company to effectively combine all those benefits into one bottle.  ​
Hydro Flask's benefits
Hydro Flask's benefits
Even still, the rise of Hydro Flask cannot be fully explained without also considering the rise of social media, particularly Instagram.  Instagram was launched in 2010, and it quickly became the must-have app for younger generations.  With Hydro Flask starting around the same timeframe and targeting similar customers, they were a natural fit.  Hydro Flask began gaining traction from influencers, followers, and fans posting pictures of their colorful bottles, and with a healthy dose of FOMO, Hydro Flasks quickly became the go-to water bottles for eco-conscious Gen Z’s and Millennials.

​There is no doubt that Hydro Flask would not have become as widespread and popular without Instagram.

​Of course, all those factors don’t matter without execution, and you really have to hand it to Hydro Flask with what they accomplished.  The company is a great example of what effective planning and execution can accomplish with a little bit of luck and timing. 

Is a Hydro Flask Worth Buying in 2023?

So now you know more than you ever thought you needed to know about the history of Hydro Flask.  The original question remains: is a Hydro Flask still worth buying in 2023?  With a price tag of roughly $50 for their 40oz, it’s a sizeable purchase for most people and families.
​
The answer is a little subjective and depends on your situation.

If you’re doing OK financially and you want to buy a great product that will last for many years, it’s hard to go wrong with a Hydro Flask.  They make great products, and we’ve been using Hydro Flasks for over a decade.  Invest in a 32oz or 40oz bottle and you’ll find it much easier to stay hydrated wherever you go, and you’ll look great doing it.  Or if you really want a well-known bottle brand but aren’t into Hydro Flasks, consider YETI, which also makes a great range of bottles that are at similar price points.

But it’s almost 2023, not 2012.  Back in 2012, there weren’t many other alternatives for insulated, colorful water bottles.  Nowadays, we see new bottle brands pop up every month.  And honestly, many of them are just as good as Hydro Flasks and come with more accessories, all for a lower price.
Amazon Search Results, Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Amazon Search Results, Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Cost for the Logo

​Based on what we’ve seen, you can just think of Hydro Flask’s logo as $10-$20 of your purchase. For many people, why spend that extra cost when you can get a great bottle from a company like Iron Flask, ThermoFlask, Takeya, Simple Modern, COLDEST, RTIC, or Hydro Cell (and on and on and on).
Estimated cost of the Hydro Flask logo
Estimated cost of the Hydro Flask logo

What are Good Alternatives to Hydro Flask in 2023?

With the ever-expanding list of companies selling Hydro Flask ripoffs, we recommend sticking to the established competitors to make sure quality is up to par.  Here are a few of our favorite alternatives to Hydro Flask in 2022 and looking ahead to 2023.  We stuck to 40oz bottles for consistent comparisons.

Mid-Range Alternative

Takeya and Takeya Actives Bottles
Takeya and Takeya Actives Bottles
Takeya
  • Available now for $27.99.
  • This is a great mid-range alternative to Hydro Flask.
  • Spend an extra few dollars and get the Takeya Actives bottle, which comes with a matching silicone bottle boot to help prevent dents and dings.
Takeya 40oz
Takeya Actives 40oz

Budget-with-Accessories Alternative

Iron Flask 40oz
Iron Flask 40oz
Iron Flask
  • Available now for $28.95.
  • Each Iron Flask comes with three lids, which can seem useful or wasteful depending on your point of view.  We recommend getting an Iron Flask if you’re not sure which lid you’d prefer yet.
  • Many unique color options, particularly gradients.
Iron Flask

Gift for Two (or a Spare for You!)

ThermoFlask 40oz 2-Pack
ThermoFlask 40oz 2-Pack
ThermoFlask
  • ​Available now for $44.99 as a 2-pack.
  • Each bottle comes with two lids (just make sure you pick the correct option on Amazon).
  • If you’re looking for to give a gift to a couple, consider getting ThermoFlasks because they seem to sell 2-packs more regularly.
  • If you get one of these we recommend the newer design with the wide loop handle (pictured here), which looks similar to Takeya’s design.
ThermoFlask

In Conclusion

There are a lot of water bottle options in 2022, with more certainly coming onto the market in 2023.  Many of these are great alternatives to expensive Hydro Flasks.  But while each person may have their own reasons to buy from one brand or another, we believe the best water bottle is the one you’re using (as long as it’s reusable).  Get a bottle for yourself, a friend, or a family member, and it’ll help improve hydration habits while also minimizing plastic waste from single-use bottles.  And those are both wonderful reasons to invest $20-$50 in a new bottle that you can reuse for years to come.

Want to take your favorite bottle to the next level?

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See BottlePro's Store
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What is the Best Water Bottle for Hiking?  (Hydro Flask vs Klean Kanteen vs Nalgene)

8/15/2022

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What is the Best Water Bottle for Hiking? Part 1 of 3 (Short Hikes, 1-3 Hours)

So Many Options

With so many water bottle options available, you might be asking which one is the best for hiking.  Here, we’ll review our favorites and let you know our recommendations.

Quick Summary

We know you're busy, so here's the short-short version.
​Keep reading the rest of the post or watch the video for more details.
When to buy a Nalgene vs Klean Kanteen vs Hydro Flask
When to buy a Nalgene vs Klean Kanteen vs Hydro Flask

Click the links below to see these products on Amazon.
Nalgene Listing
Klean Kanteen Listing
Hydro FLask Listing

The Best Water Bottles for Hiking - A Video Review

In this video, we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of some of the most popular and iconic water bottles, including Nalgenes, Klean Kanteens, and Hydro Flasks.  If you'd rather read through our recommendations, keep scrolling down for the full post (the video and written post cover the same info).

Safety First!

As always, be safe out there.  Generally you should plan to bring approximately 17 oz of water per hour of hiking.  We highly recommend checking out our previous post that discusses hydration safety to make sure you’re bringing enough.
See Our Previous Post
Recommended water volumes for hiking
Recommended water volumes for hiking

Our Recommendations for Water Bottles for Short Hikes (1-3 Hours)

​Today we’re focusing on short hikes between 1-3 hours in length.  For these length hikes, a large water bottle is usually enough to keep you hydrated.

If you’re looking for full-day or multi-day hydration solutions, that’s when you start getting into bladder packs and filtration systems.  We’ll cover those in a future post.

Bottle Brands

When it comes to the bottle brand, we love the classics: Nalgenes, Klean Kanteens, and Hydro Flasks.  These happen to be three of the more popular water bottle brands for outdoor enthusiasts, and for good reason.
Shown: 32oz Wide Mouth Nalgene
Nalgene
Shown: 40oz Wide Mouth Klean Kanteen, Not-Insulated
Klean Kanteen
Shown: 40oz Wide Mouth Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask
There are TONS of other great brands and bottles out there, including YETIs, Takeyas (we LOVE Takeyas), and Camelbaks to name a few, but for the sake of time, we’re limiting our review to Nalgenes, Klean Kanteens, and Hydro Flasks because each one marked a new milestone in hydration bottles for hiking.

Nalgene: The Original Hiking-Focused Bottle

Nalgenes are the original reusable water bottles that focused on outdoor recreation, and they're still a great option today.
Classic Nalgene, Pros and Cons
Classic 32oz Wide Mouth Nalgene, Pros and Cons
Pros:
  • They are inexpensive, usually costing between $10 and $20.
  • They are lightweight.
  • And they are extremely durable and dent-resistant, even more-so than the next bottles we’ll talk about.
  • There are also plenty of color options to choose from, so you can surely find something that matches your style.
Cons:
  • The main downside is that they are not insulated.
  • There’s also no carrying handle built into standard Nalgene wide mouth bottles.  You can use the lid tether, but it’s not exactly comfortable and isn’t centered.

What about BPAs?

BPAs, or bisphenal A, are chemicals that have been linked to certain health issues.  We're not medical experts, so we'll refer to the Mayo Clinic on this one.
There was a lot of press about BPAs in Nalgene bottles in the early 2000s, but they changed their manufacturing formulas in 2008 to make sure their bottles are all BPA-free.

Who Should Get a Nalgene?

Overall, we recommend getting a Nalgene if you’re trying to limit your spending or are very focused on carrying as little weight as possible.  Even though they’re not the premium option on this list, they’re still great bottles that will keep you hydrated for many years.  And they're also made in the USA if that influences your buying decision!
See Pricing on Amazon

Klean Kanteens: The Original Stainless Steel Hiking-Focused Bottle

Klean Kanteens started around 2004 and were the first stainless steel bottles focused on hiking and outdoor recreation.  They really started taking off when Nalgenes were in the news for BPAs.  At first they had non-insulated bottles, but more recently they’ve expanded their line to include dual-wall vacuum sealed options.
Classic Klean Kanteen, Pros and Cons
Classic 40oz Wide Mouth (Not-Insulated), Pros and Cons
Pros
  • These tend to be in the middle ground on prices.  The non-insulated bottles are generally between $18 and $35.
  • All of their bottles are plastic free (other than the lid), so if that’s a priority for you, then Klean Kanteens are a great option.
  • The classic stainless steel is very durable.  (But if you drop your bottle, don’t be surprised if you get a ding or dent in the metal that you won’t be able to fix.)
  • It also has a built-in handle.
Cons
  • One downside of any stainless steel bottle vs plastic is that these bottles are heavier.  But for shorter hikes, this isn’t as big of an issue.
  • The classic design is not insulated.
  • Some people, including us, say the classic cap/handle in the image above isn't great because it can be a little more difficult to unscrew and isn’t a great carrying handle.  However, the newer loop cap with a metal handle seems to be the new standard that most of their bottles are shifting towards, and that handle is great (see below)!
  • There are not many color options, so if you’re looking to get a unique color to help your bottle stand out, you might want to consider a different brand.
  • As mentioned above, these bottles dent fairly easily if dropped.  It'll still work, it just won't look as good as it did.

The Newer, Better Klean Kanteen Handle

Klean Kanteen's New Style Metal Handle on their Loop Cap
Klean Kanteen's New Style Metal Handle on their Loop Cap
Klean Kanteen's newer bottles have a much better lid than the original style.  The newer design has a metal loop handle.  If you're buying one of these bottles, we definitely recommend looking for one that has this type of handle.  Most of their newer style lids (loop cap, cafe cap, twist cap) seem to have this metal handle built-in.

​We thought they were only incorporated into the new TKWide insulated bottles, but we just stopped by REI and saw these on the shelf.  We're glad they made this change, and we hope it's becoming the new standard.

What about Klean Kanteen's Insulated TKWide Bottles?

Klean Kanteen's TKWide 32oz Insulated Bottles (Loop Cap)
Klean Kanteen's TKWide 32oz Insulated Bottles (Loop Cap)
​We’ve mostly talked about their non-insulated classic design so far, but Klean Kanteen recently came out with their TKWide insulated bottles.  Expect the TKWides to cost and weigh more than other Klean Kanteen options, but they look like they'd be worth the price.  We’re excited to try these out at some point.  ​
See Pricing on Amazon

Who Should Get a Klean Kanteen?

To sum it up, we recommend getting a Klean Kanteen if you want to avoid drinking out of a plastic bottle but still want to be cost-conscious.

Just remember that Klean Kanteen has a mix of insulated and non-insulated bottles, make sure to pay attention when buying to make sure you’re getting what you want.  But either way we think you’ll be happy with one of these bottles.
See Pricing on Amazon

Hydro Flask: The Premium Insulated Hiking-Focused Bottle

​Hydro Flask is arguably the most popular water bottle on the planet in 2022.  These bottles burst onto the scene in 2009 as one of the first major bottles with dual wall vacuum insulation.  With a great product and a healthy dose of FOMO through social media, they became staples of certain subcultures.
Classic 40oz Wide Mouth Hydro Flask, Pros and Cons
Classic 40oz Wide Mouth Hydro Flask, Pros and Cons
Pros
  • But the best thing is that all Hydro Flasks are insulated.  Just add ice before your hike, and that should keep your drink cool throughout your short hike.
  • They’re plastic free, other than the lid.
  • Because they’re stainless steel, they’re very durable bottles.  (But if you drop your bottle, don’t be surprised if you get a ding or dent in the metal that you won’t be able to fix.)
  • We like the handle more than the classic Klean Kanteen style.
  • Like with Nalgenes, there are plenty of color options to choose from, so you should be able to find something that fits your style.  The powder coat paint feels and looks great, and it holds up really well over time as long as you don’t get a severe dent or scrape.
Cons
  • The main downside to Hydro Flasks are that they are the most expensive of the three bottle brands mentioned so far.  The cheapest options generally start around $25, and 40oz bottles are currently around $50. 
  • Hydro Flasks are heavier than either Nalgenes or non-insulated Klean Kanteens, so if carrying as little weight as possible is your priority, then you may want to look elsewhere.  Or consider looking at Hydro Flask’s more recent Trail Series bottles that are lighter than their classic design.
  • As mentioned, your bottle can dent easily if you drop it.

Who Should Get a Hydro Flask?

We recommend getting a Hydro Flask if you want your drink to stay cool through your hike and if you want to get a specific color that fits your style. 

But at the same time, we realize that Hydro Flasks are expensive, and some of the cost you pay is just for the logo on the front.  Many people argue that you can get a better deal and more cap options with similar brands like Iron Flask, Thermoflask, or Takeya and they’re not necessarily wrong.  But if you decide to invest in a Hydro Flask, we doubt you’ll be disappointed, and you’ll have a fantastic bottle that you can reuse for years to come.
See Pricing on Amazon

What about Hydro Flask's Trail Series?

Picture
​If the weight of Hydro Flask’s standard bottles is a big downside for you but you like the bottle design, we recommend taking a peek at Hydro Flask’s newer Trail Series bottles.  They’ve been around for a few years and have a sleeker look.  And best of all, they’ve been engineered to weigh less than Hydro Flask’s standard bottles.
See Pricing on Amazon

Slings: A Useful Add-On for Hands-Free Hiking

With any of these three bottle brands, we recommend also buying a carrying sling for hands-free hiking with your big bottle.  At BottlePro, we have a couple options available, but there are plenty of other options to choose from in today’s market.  Here are a few to consider, and look at the listings to be sure to make sure you're getting the right size for your bottle!

BottlePro's Neoprene Sling
BottlePro's Neoprene Sling
This inexpensive option is great for short hikes and keeps your bottle well-protected.
See Pricing on Amazon

Wild Wolf Outfitters' 40oz Sling
​Wild Wolf Outfitter's 40oz Sling
This is a good all-around and cost-effective pouch to keep your bottle protected, and it comes with quite a bit of storage space for your phone, keys, or other items.
See Pricing on Amazon

BottlePro's HikerPouch
BottlePro's HikerPouch
Our leather option.  It's a little on the expensive end, but it's made with quality leather and includes a pocket for your phone and several d-rings along the rim for multiple ways to clip it onto your bag.
See Pricing on Amazon

Hydro Flask's Bottle Slings
Hydro Flask's Slings
Hydro Flask has a couple of sling options.  They're lightweight and packable, which is great to offset the weight of your bottle.  Like all things Hydro Flask, expect to pay a little more for the logo.  But it's still a great product and can help keep your Hydro Flask protected and easier to hike with.
See Pricing on Amazon

Want to take your favorite bottle to the next level?

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See BottlePro's Store
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The 10 Best Hydro Flask Accessories in 2022

4/20/2022

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Picture

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

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

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


ACCESSORIES FOR GETTING AROUND

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

#1: Cup Holder Adapter

Picture

Swigzy

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

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

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

See Swigzy Pricing on Amazon

Picture

Honorable Mention for Cup Holders - BottlePro

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

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

See bottlePro Pricing on Amazon

#2: Stylish Bottle Sling

Picture

Hydro Flask's Bottle Sling

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

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

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

#3: Heavy-Duty Bottle Sling

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Wild Wolf Bottle Sling

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

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

#4: Leather Bottle Sling

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HikerPouch

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

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

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

#5: Paracord Handle

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Slolife

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

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

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

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

ACCESSORIES FOR PROTECTION

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

#6: Bottle Sleeve

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Thermi

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

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

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

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

#7: Bottle Boot

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Hydro Flask Boot

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

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

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

ACCESSORIES FOR FLAVOR AND ICE

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

#7: Flavor Infuser

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FlavorFuze (Original)

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

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

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

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​FlavorFuze Straw

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

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

#8: Ice Alternative

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Ice Cube Sticks

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

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

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

#9: Splash Guard / Ice Stopper

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SplashPro

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

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

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

ACCESSORIES FOR CLEANING

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

#10: Brush Kit

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Mosolan

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

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

Bonus: Bottle Tablet Cleaners

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Bottle Bright

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

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

The tablets are biodegradable, chlorine free, and environmentally safe, so you don't have to worry about using them.
​
See Bottle Bright Pricing on Amazon
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