BOTTLEPRO
  • Home
  • Learn
    • Comparisons and Insulation Tests
    • Health and Hydration
    • Sip or Skip (Individual Bottles) >
      • Bottles >
        • Camelbak
        • EcoVessel
        • Fjbottle
        • Hydro Flask >
          • Hydro Flask Standard
          • Hydro Flask Trail
          • Hydro Flask Wide
        • Iron Flask
        • Klean Kanteen TKWide
        • Nalgene
        • Owala FreeSip
        • Ozark Trail
        • RevoMax
        • S'well Original
        • Takeya
        • ThermoFlask
        • YETI Rambler
      • Tumblers >
        • Brumate Era
        • Hydro Flask
        • Owala FreeSip Sway
        • Simple Modern
        • Stanley >
          • Stanley Quencher
          • Stanley IceFlow
          • Stanley ProTour
      • Specialty Bottles (Filters, Infusing) >
        • Brita (Filter)
        • Cirkul (Infusing)
        • GRAYL (Filter)
        • LARQ (UV)
        • Stanley Thermos (Insulation)
        • Steepware (Infusing)
        • Vesmoon (Infusing)
        • Vitaloop (Filter)
        • Zulu Ace (Removable Base)
  • Shop
    • Cup Holder Adapter
    • Infusers >
      • FlavorFuze Pod
      • FlavorFuze Straw
      • FlavorFuze Steel
    • Splash Guard
  • Demos
  • Hydration Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Find a Store

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

12/12/2024

0 Comments

 
Top 10 Ridiculous Bottles on the Market Today
Top 10 Ridiculous Bottles on the Market Today

What is the Most Ridiculous Water Bottle?

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

So with each bottle in this video, I'll rate them as:
  • ridiculously cool,
  • ridiculously bad,
  • or somewhere inbetween

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

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

Video of the Most Ridiculous Bottles

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

#10: Owala (Crazy Colors)

Owala Bottle with Ridiculous Colors
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
See on Amazon

#9: FlasKap (Hidden Flask)

FlasKap Bottle with 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
See on Amazon

#8: Litflask (Detachable Bluetooth Speaker)

Litflask Bottle with 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
See on Amazon

#7: air up (Scent-Based Flavors)

air up vs an Amazon Knockoff
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
See on Amazon

#6: Hidrate Spark Pro (Hydration Coach)

Hidrate Spark Pro Bottle for Hydration Tracking
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
See on Amazon

#5: LARQ (UV Sanitizing)

LARQ Bottle UV Sanitizing Light in Lid
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
See on Amazon

#4: Vitaloop (Built-In Filter Pump)

Vitaloop Bottle with Built-In Filter and 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
See on Amazon

#3: Vejo (Blender Bottle)

Vejo Bottle with Built-In Blender
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
See on Amazon

#2: Echo Go+ (Hydrogen Water)

Echo Go+ Hydrogen Water Bottle
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
See on Amazon

#1: Fracsco (Bottle with LiDAR Sensor)

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

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

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

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

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

But hey, if you've been craving a bottle with a built-in LiDAR sensor, this could be your new best friend.
$239.99 for a 17oz
See on Fracsco

Buying a Large Reusable Bottle?
Keep us in Mind!
​See our Amazon store for helpful accessories, like fruit infusers and cup holder adapters.
See our Store
BottlePro's Amazon Store
BottlePro's Amazon Store
0 Comments

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

9/30/2024

1 Comment

 
What is the Best Water Bottle?
What is the Best Water Bottle?

What is the Best Bottle?

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

What's Next?

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

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

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

Good Accessories for Most Large Bottles

Whether you go with Owala, Hydro Flask, YETI, Stanley, or anything else, these are our three most popular recommended accessories for any large reusable bottle.
Brush Kit
Brush Kit
Bottle Brush Kit
There are a lot of brush kits on Amazon at this point, so feel free to shop around.  This is the one I have, and it has a range of brush sizes that work with any bottle.
See Brush Kit
Cleaning Tablets
Cleaning Tablets
Bottle Bright Tablets
I've tested these, and they work really well when cleaning out coffee and tea stains.  I also recommend using them roughly once per week during your deep cleaning routine.
See Cleaning Tablets
BottlePro Max Adapter
BottlePro Max Adapter
BottlePro Cup Holder Adapter
Bottles that are 24 ounces or less can fit in the majority of cup holders.  Bottles that are larger than that typically need an adapter, like our BottlePro Max.

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

Part One: Recommended Bottles by Use

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

Scroll down to Part Two to read more about any particular brand or bottle.
Best Bottle for Everyday, All-Around Use
These are the two bottles I find myself going back to most regularly when I'm not deliberately testing a different one.  They each have a great combination of features that make them amazing choices for everyday use.
Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal
Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal
Owala FreeSip
  • Dual straw/chug lid
  • Easy sipping for a straw lid (less air constriction)
  • Ergonomic (actually feels weirdly better)
  • Cover keeps the mouthpiece clean
See Owala
FJbottle 32oz
FJbottle 32oz
FJbottle
  • Has both a rigid handle and a built-in carrying strap
  • Magnetics keep the spout cap out of your face when sipping
  • Silicone grip pad on base
  • Comes with a brush to help you get started (though you'll probably want to upgrade to a different kit)
See FJbottle
Best Bottle for Value
Ozark Trail 32oz
Ozark Trail 32oz
Ozark Trail
  • Least-expensive stainless steel insulated bottle
  • Good handle
  • No-slip base
See Ozark Trail
Iron Flask Lids
Iron Flask Lids
Iron Flask
  • 3 lids included
See Iron Flask
ThermoFlask 2-Pack
ThermoFlask 2-Pack
ThermoFlask
  • One of the few brands that regularly offers 2-packs
  • 2 bottles and 4 lids included
See ThermoFlask
Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth
Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth
Nalgene
  • One of the least-expensive bottles
  • Extremely durable and won't dent
See Nalgene
Best Bottle for Hiking
Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth
Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth
Nalgene
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Durable and dent-resistant
  • Best if used with a carrying pouch or stashed in a bag because the lid tether isn't much of a handle
See Nalgene
Hydro Flask Trail Series
Hydro Flask Trail Series
Hydro Flask Trail Series
  • Lightest vacuum insulated bottle
  • Good handle
See Trail Series
FJbottle 32oz
FJbottle 32oz
FJbottle
  • Having both a rigid handle and a carrying strap makes it easier to bring with you on long hikes
  • Silicone grip pad on base
  • (If you'd like to add flavor and love the carrying strap, see Vesmoon in Part Two below)
See FJbottle
GRAYL Filter Bottle
GRAYL Filter Bottle
GRAYL Filter Bottle
  • This is a good option if you're going on a very long hike or backpacking trip and want to refill from a stream or other questionable water source
  • I tested this bottle, and it was one of the best options to filter out visible particulates
See GRAYL
Best Bottle for Sports
Takeya Actives
Takeya Actives
Takeya (Actives Series)
  • Good handle
  • Attached spout cover
  • Recommended: This lid style has a built-in ice blocker
See Takeya Actives
Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal
Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal
Owala FreeSip
  • Dual straw/chug lid, so you can sip or chug depending on how much water you need
  • Easy sipping for a straw lid (less air constriction)
  • Ergonomic (actually feels weirdly better)
  • Cover keeps the mouthpiece clean
See Owala FreeSip
Best Bottle for Driving
Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip
Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip
Hydro Flask Flex Sip
  • Sip-style lids are the best for coffee or tea during a commute, and this is one my favorites
  • Good handle
  • Easy to know when the lid is opened or closed
See Hydro Flask
Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal
Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal
Owala FreeSip
  • Straw lids are great for driving because it's easier to keep your eyes on the road
  • Owala's FreeSip is one of my favorite straw lid options
  • You will likely need a cup holder adapter like this one with 32oz or 40oz sizes
See Owala
Stanley Quencher Handle
Stanley Quencher Handle
Stanley Quencher
  • Straw lid
  • Tapered base fits in more cup holders
  • Side-mounted handle makes it easy to grab
See Stanley
Best Bottle for Road Trips
Any of the bottles listed under "Best Bottle for Driving" are good options here, but I'd also consider having a 2nd larger bottle on hand for refills.
Hydro Flask Growler
Hydro Flask Growler
Hydro Flask Growler
  • The large 64oz size makes it a good option for refilling a smaller bottle that you keep in your cup holder
  • However, this bottle is too large to be used as a stand-alone bottle for most people and most situations, especially when driving
  • YETI and other brands also have comparable "growler" sized bottles, so feel free to check those out
See Hydro Flask Growler
Best Bottle for Home or Office
Stanley Quencher Handle
Stanley Quencher Handle
Stanley Quencher
  • The big side-mounted handle makes it easy to grab when you're just walking from one room to another
  • The always-open straw makes it really easy to quickly take a sip (though be careful of it getting too dirty)
See Stanley
Brita Bottle Filter
Brita Bottle Filter
Brita Filter Bottle
  • I haven't tested many filter bottles yet, but of the ones I have, this is by far the easiest to use as an every-day bottle
  • It's a good option for extra assurance that you're drinking as clean of water as possible
See Brita
Best Bottle for Clumsy People
YETI Rambler Lid
YETI Rambler Lid
YETI Rambler
  • Extremely durable
  • Good handle
See YETI Rambler
Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth
Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth
Nalgene
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Durable and dent-resistant
  • If you somehow break it (not likely), this is an inexpensive bottle to replace
See Nalgene
Best Bottle for Iced Water
Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal
Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal
Owala FreeSip
  • In general, straw lids are good options if you love sipping ice-cold water from your bottle without having to worry about any ice coming out
  • Owala is one of my favorite straw lid options right now
See Owala FreeSip
EcoVessel Strainer
EcoVessel Strainer
EcoVessel
  • One of EcoVessel's key features is a built-in strainer that serves as an ice blocker
  • Vesmoon is another option with a strainer, or you can look at Takeya's ice strainer lid
See EcoVessel
Best Bottle for Fruit Infusing
Vesmoon Infusers
Vesmoon Infusers
Vesmoon
  • This has the largest built-in strainer of any bottle I've tested
  • Good option to avoid plastic infusers
See Vesmoon
Picture
FlavorFuze Pod
  • This is our design, and we sized it to fit in nearly any wide-mouth bottle
  • Each comes with two lids.  One is sized to fit snugly in Hydro Flask wide mouths and act as a splash guard.  The other has a larger handle and is meant for drop-in infusing
See FlavorFuze Pod
Best Bottle for Tea Infusing
Steepware Infusers
Steepware Infusers
Steepware
  • This bottle does do a good job at what it was designed for, which is brewing tea
  • The bottle is the right size, and the infusers are also a good size to keep your loose-leaf tea contained while giving it more surface area to diffuse into your water
See Steepware
Best Bottle for Limiting Plastic Contact
Healthy Human Lid
Healthy Human Lid
Healthy Human (Stein or Curve)
  • Healthy Human is a great option to avoid plastic because their standard lids have stainless steel underneath, making sure your water touches as little plastic as possible
See Healthy Human
Picture
EcoVessel
  • EcoVessel is unique in that it's the only chug-style lid I've seen that avoids plastic contact under the lid
  • Both parts of the lid have either silicone or stainless steel contact points with your water, but not plastic
See EcoVessel
Best Bottle for Easy Cleaning
Zulu Ace
Zulu Ace
Zulu Ace
  • One of only a few bottles I'm aware of that has a removable bottom so you can clean it from both sides
See Zulu Ace
Owala FreeSip
Owala FreeSip
Owala FreeSip
  • Easiest straw lid to clean all surfaces where water touches the lid
  • Does not have a rotating spout, which is common in most other straw lids and is the most difficult part to clean
  • Easily-removable seal
See Owala FreeSip
Stanley Quencher
Stanley Quencher
Stanley Quencher
  • Largest opening on top, making it easier to clean without needing a bottle brush kit
See Stanley
Best Bottle for Sanitizing Water
Brita Bottle Filter
Brita Bottle Filter
Brita Filter Bottle
  • I haven't tested many filter bottles yet, but of the ones I have, this is by far the easiest to use as an every-day bottle​
See Brita
LARQ UV Bottle
LARQ UV Bottle
LARQ UV Bottle
  • Easy to use, but expensive
  • Requires charging
  • The UV kills bacteria and viruses, but it's not a filter bottle so it won't remove particulates
See LARQ
GRAYL Filter Bottle
GRAYL Filter Bottle
GRAYL Filter Bottle
  • Not convenient for an everyday bottle
  • Good for filtering particulates, ideally when hiking or backpacking
See GRAYL
Best Straw Lid
Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal
Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal
Owala FreeSip
  • Dual straw/chug lid
  • Easy sipping for a straw lid (less air constriction)
  • Ergonomic (actually feels weirdly better)
  • Cover keeps the mouthpiece clean
See Owala FreeSip
Hydro Flask 32oz Flex Straw
Hydro Flask 32oz Flex Straw
Hydro Flask Flex Straw
  • Removable insert that lets you clean around the spout more easily
  • Good brand with other interchangeable lids
  • Good handle
See Hydro Flask
Best Chug Lid
Takeya Actives
Takeya Actives
Takeya (Actives Series)
  • Good handle
  • Attached spout cover
  • Actives series comes with an insulated lid
See Takeya Actives
FJbottle 32oz
FJbottle 32oz
FJbottle
  • Magnet keeps the spout cap out of your face
  • Has a rigid handle and a carrying strap
See FJbottle
Best Sip Lid
Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip
Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip
Hydro Flask Flex Sip
  • Good handle
  • Easy to know when the lid is opened or closed
  • Easy to disassemble (though it does take a few steps and has more parts than some other brands)
See Hydro Flask 16oz 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 Bottles

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

​They're in no particular order.
1 of 31: Owala FreeSip
Owala FreeSip Lid
Owala FreeSip Lid
Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal
Owala FreeSip Lid and Removable Seal
Let's start with the most popular brands by looking at a bottle that's quite possibly overtaking Stanley as the most trendy option on the market today, Owala.

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

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

​I recently made a dedicated post about this brand, so check out this link if you'd like to learn more.
See Owala FreeSip
2 of 31: Stanley Quencher
Stanley Quencher Handle
Stanley Quencher Handle
Stanley Quencher Lid
Stanley Quencher Lid
Stanley's Quencher tumbler has been atop the social media mountain for a few years.

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

Cons with Stanley Quenchers are that the lid is not leak-proof.  Also, the large handle makes an already-bulky bottle even bulkier
See Stanley Quencher
3 of 31: YETI Rambler
YETI Rambler Lid
YETI Rambler Lid
YETI Rambler Spout
YETI Rambler Spout
YETI's Rambler series is incredibly popular and includes a wide range of different products, but I'm just referring to their bottles like these.

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

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

I recently made a dedicated video about this brand, so check out this link if you'd like to learn more.
See YETI Rambler
4 of 31: Cirkul
Cirkul Flavor Pod
Cirkul Flavor Pod
Cirkul Flavor Dial
Cirkul Flavor Dial
Cirkul took social media by storm a few years ago, and it's known for having flavor pods with a dial so you can control how much flavor you get.  While an interesting concept, I really don't like this bottle.

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

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

If you'd like to add flavors to your water bottle, a more natural option is our FlavorFuze Pod drop-in infuser.
See Cirkul
5 of 31: Hydro Flask 32oz Flex Straw
Hydro Flask 32oz Flex Straw
Hydro Flask 32oz Flex Straw
Hydro Flask 32oz Flex Straw
Hydro Flask 32oz Flex Straw
Next is Hydro Flask, and our company really got started by making accessories for these so I have a few of their bottles.  Hydro Flask's 32oz wide mouth style bottle was the social media darling a few years before Stanley, and even though they've dropped off the radar some, they're still great bottles.

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

​Cons are the high price, though they do seem to be on sale pretty often nowadays to compete more with Stanley and Owala.
See Hydro Flask 32oz Flex Straw
6 of 31: Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip
Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip
Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip
Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip
Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip
Hydro Flask Flex Sips are great bottles for coffee and tea.

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

Cons are the high price and that taking the lid apart takes quite a few steps (though it's not particularly difficult).
See Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip
7 of 31: Hydro Flask 24oz Flex Straw
Hydro Flask Narrow 21oz
Hydro Flask Narrow 21oz
Hydro Flask Narrow Flex Straw
Hydro Flask Narrow Flex Straw
I typically don't like narrow or standard mouth bottles as much as wide mouths because they're more difficult to clean, have smaller lids and handles, and aren't as easy to add things like ice or flavorings.

​But a positive of bottles with narrower mouths like this are that they typically have better insulation than their wide mouth counterparts.
See Hydro Flask Narrow 24oz
8 of 31: Hydro Flask 32oz Trail Series
Hydro Flask Trail Series
Hydro Flask Trail Series
Hydro Flask Trail Series
Hydro Flask Trail Series
Another good variation to know about is their Trail Series.  This style is lighter and actually tested a little better in an insulation test I did recently compared to their original wide mouth.

​Cons of this series is that they don't have many color options, though they do all share a cool metallic look that is different from the market-standard powder coating with most bottles.
See Hydro Flask Trail Series
9 of 31: Hydro Flask 64oz Growler
Hydro Flask Growler
Hydro Flask Growler
Hydro Flask Growler
Hydro Flask Growler
Hydro Flask's 64oz Growler is a good one to have for situations like long road trips when you can use the growler to refill a smaller bottle that's better to use when driving.  But for most people, growlers are too big to be the main bottle they drink water from and are better used for refills.

​It's also worth noting that I have Hydro Flask's standard style growler, not their beer growler, which is another 64oz bottle with a different lid that's specifically designed to handle carbonation.
See Hydro Flask Growler
10 of 31: S'well 25oz
S'well 25oz Narrow Mouth
S'well 25oz Narrow Mouth
S'well 25oz Narrow Mouth
S'well 25oz Narrow Mouth
S'well is one of the original trendy brands, and for good reason.

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

A con is that it's too narrow to easily get ice into it so there's a bit of a tradeoff, and this makes it more difficult to clean too.  The bottle also doesn't have a handle so it's not as easy to carry with you, and they're pretty pricey.
See S'well
11 of 31: Klean Kanteen Classic 40oz
Klean Kanteen Classic 40oz
Klean Kanteen Classic 40oz
Klean Kanteen Classic 40oz
Klean Kanteen Classic 40oz
​Klean Kanteen is another premium brand, and I have two of their bottles.

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

The bad side is that it's not insulated and the handle is truly awful, though their updated loop style lid is much better.  The lid shown in these pictures is an older style.
See Klean Kanteen Classic
12 of 31: Klean Kanteen TKWide 32oz
Klean Kanteen TKWide 32oz
Klean Kanteen TKWide 32oz
Bump-Style Threads
Bump-Style Threads
I also have their 32-ounce TKWide, which is their insulated series.

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

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

The problem I have with that is that is that I found in a recent test that most dents don't affect insulation anyways and if the dent is bad enough to affect insulation then your bottle is probably too wobbly and ready to be replaced anyways, so that extra cap on the bottom just seems to add more to the bulk of this already bulky bottle.
See Klean Kanteen TKWide
13 of 31: Takeya 32oz
Takeya Actives
Takeya Actives
Takeya Actives
Takeya Actives
Now we're getting into some mid-range brands that are still great options but may not have the prestige of a brand like YETI or Stanley.  First is Takeya.

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

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

​If you get a Takeya, go with their Actives series listing because it'll come with their insulated lid and a protective bottle boot.
See Takeya Actives
14 of 31: Nalgene 32oz
Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth
Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth
Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth
Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth
Nalgene is the only plastic bottle in this video, and yes, I realize it's not stainless steel, but I'm grandfathering this bottle in because it's a cult classic with a place in history as the first popular reusable bottle for outdoors and hiking.

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

Bad things are they don't have a great handle and are not insulated.
See Nalgene
15 of 31: Healthy Human 32oz Stein
Healthy Human 32oz Stein
Healthy Human 32oz Stein
Healthy Human Lid
Healthy Human Lid
If you avoid Nalgene because of the plastic, then a good alternative to consider is Healthy Human.  I have two of their bottles, a 32-ounce classic design and a 21-ounce from their Curve series.

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

The Curve series is more ergonomic for some people.

​One downside is the lack of a sip style lid for coffee in their bottles, though they do have tumblers and cups that are a better fit for that.
See Healthy Human Stein
16 of 31: Healthy Human 21oz Curve
Healthy Human Curve
Healthy Human Curve
Healthy Human Curve
Healthy Human Curve
The Curve series is more ergonomic for some people, and it has some other color combinations and gradients.

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

See Healthy Human Curve
17 of 31: Camelbak Chute Mag 32oz
Camelbak Chute Mag 32oz
Camelbak Chute Mag 32oz
Camelbak Chute Mag 32oz
Camelbak Chute Mag 32oz
Next is Camelbak's Chute Mag.  Camelbak is one of the brands that's been around the hydration world for a long time, so their bottles are very common and well-known.

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

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

Overall, this is a pretty middle-of-the-road bottle in my opinion that does a lot well but doesn't excel at anything in particular in my opinion.
See Camelbak
18 of 31: ThermoFlask 32oz
ThermoFlask 32oz
ThermoFlask 32oz
ThermoFlask 2-Pack
ThermoFlask 2-Pack
ThermoFlask is another solid mid-range brand that doesn't have much that really differentiates it in either a good or a bad way.

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

​Fun fact, this brand is owned by Takeya, so they have a lot of similarities.
See ThermoFlask 2-Pack
19 of 31: Iron Flask 40oz
Iron Flask 40oz
Iron Flask 40oz
Iron Flask Lids
Iron Flask Lids
​Next is Iron Flask, and you can probably guess what this brand is going for.

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

​The downside is that the lids feel cheap compared to what you get from Hydro Flask itself.
See Iron Flask
20 of 31: Ozark Trail 32oz
Ozark Trail 32oz
Ozark Trail 32oz
Ozark Trail Lid
Ozark Trail Lid
Ozark Trail is Walmart's bottle brand, and as much as I hate to admit it, this is a pretty solid bottle.

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

Cons are that you can't buy it on Amazon, so if you're looking to use Prime shipping then you're out of luck.  The handle is also just a touch small for comfortably fitting three larger fingers like mine.
See Ozark Trail
21 of 31: FJbottle 32oz
FJbottle 32oz
FJbottle 32oz
FJbottle Strap
FJbottle Strap
FJbottle is a brand most people haven't heard of, but if you saw my comparison video last year then you know I really like their bottle.

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

A downside is that the spout opening is a little too small, but for the most part I'm easily able to overlook that inconvenience because of everything else this bottle has going for it.
See FJbottle
22 of 31: EcoVessel 32oz
EcoVessel 32oz
EcoVessel 32oz
EcoVessel Strainer
EcoVessel Strainer
EcoVessel is another reasonably priced bottle for what you get.

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

Unfortunately, the strainer is too small to hold fruit, and the bottle doesn't have a true handle, though you can use the cap tether.
See EcoVessel
23 of 31: Steepware 22oz
Steepware 22oz
Steepware 22oz
Steepware Infusers
Steepware Infusers
Steepware is one of the first bottles I am aware of that had a built-in strainer, and it also has a larger section here that screws into the strainer.  This makes it a better option than EcoVessel for loose leaf tea or even some smaller fruits.

Other than that, I don't really like Steepware though.  It was an outlier on the bad side on an insulation test, and the lid isn't that great.
See Steepware
24 of 31: Vesmoon 32oz
Vesmoon 32oz
Vesmoon 32oz
Vesmoon Infusers
Vesmoon Infusers
Vesmoon is a new brand that has the best built-in infuser in my opinion.  It's a larger infuser than Steepware's, and the chug lid is a really good design that includes a carrying strap.

​The downside is that it's a smaller brand, but if that's not a problem for you and you're looking for a good infuser bottle then this is one of the best options I've seen.
See Vesmoon
25 of 31: RevoMax
RevoMax
RevoMax
RevoMax Threadless Lid
RevoMax Threadless Lid
RevoMax has a really unique feature in that it's the only bottle in this video that is completely threadless.  You pull on this part here to lock the lid into place, and to unlock it you pinch the side buttons and press this button on top. 

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

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

​It's a narrow mouth bottle, and it tested really well on an insulation test I did last year taking the top spot in essentially a tie with my narrow mouth S'well.
See RevoMax
26 of 31: Zulu Ace
Zulu Ace
Zulu Ace
Zulu Ace Removable Bottom
Zulu Ace Removable Bottom
​Zulu Ace is a great bottle to consider if you're a clean freak because you can open the bottle from both sides.  This is a good option if you don't want a tumbler like a Stanley Quencher, but you also don't want to deal with a bottle brush kit.

The downside is that there are more threads where it could potentially leak if a seal is misaligned, and it doesn't have a built-in handle.
See Zulu Ace
27 of 31: Stanley Classic Thermos
Stanley Thermos
Stanley Thermos
Stanley Thermos
Stanley Thermos
Stanley's Thermos is certainly not a new design, but I'm including it in this part of my review because it's so much different from all the other bottles I've mentioned.

This bottle has great insulation, but you wouldn't want to use it as a main water bottle.  It's best used in situations like outdoor events to store and distribute hot coffee or tea while you drink from other cups.
See Stanley Thermos
28 of 31: Otiem Copper
Otiem Copper Bottle
Otiem Copper Bottle
Otiem Copper Bottle
Otiem Copper Bottle
Copper has been used for thousands of years as a drinking container and vessel, but it's good to know what you're getting into before you buy one.

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

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

But there's no doubt that they look really cool!
See Otiem
29 of 31: Brita Filter Bottle
Brita Bottle
Brita Bottle
Brita Bottle Filter
Brita Bottle Filter
Brita's bottle stays true to their roots by focusing on filtration because the bottle has a built-in filter.  This is a great option if you're traveling and are not sure about the water quality.  If you're familiar with LifeStraw, just think of this bottle like having a built-in accessory like that.

I'm not a fan of the handle though, and the bottle itself isn't as aesthetically pleasing as many others on this list.
See Brita
30 of 31: GRAYL Filter Bottle
GRAYL Filter Bottle
GRAYL Filter Bottle
GRAYL Filter Bottle
GRAYL Filter Bottle
GRAYL is a different take on the filter bottle.  Instead of sucking water through a filter straw, you use this bottle like a French press.

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

But this isn't a convenient bottle for every-day use because it's a lot of effort to go through if you already have good water and the handle isn't much to write home about.  And these bottles are crazy expensive, with this version costing $100 and their titanium version costing $200.
See GRAYL
31 of 31: LARQ UV Bottle
LARQ UV Bottle
LARQ UV Bottle
LARQ UV Bottle
LARQ UV Bottle
And last we have LARQ, which is the most high-tech bottle I own.  You may have seen them on Shark Tank, and this bottle's main calling card is the built-in UV light that sanitizes your water.

The pros are that UV light is proven to make water safer to drink by killing bacteria, and it's a cool concept that you can show off.

The cons are the high cost, having to recharge the battery, and they only have a narrow mouth design.
See LARQ
1 Comment

Why are YETI Ramblers so Expensive? (And Are They Worth It?)

7/31/2024

0 Comments

 
Are YETI Ramblers Overrated?
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:
  • Video review
  • What YETI Rambler are we talking about?
  • YETI Rambler bottle sizes
  • What's good about YETI Rambler bottles?
    • Durability
    • Branding
    • Colors
    • Range of lids
    • Insulation
  • What's bad about YETI Rambler bottles?
    • Cost
    • Lid design functionality
    • Weight
    • Plastic contact under lid
    • Some ridiculous aspects of their branding (opinion)
  • Summary - Who should buy a YETI Rambler bottle?
  • What are good alternatives to YETI?
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
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 Sizes

YETI Rambler Chug 18oz
YETI Rambler Chug 18oz
See Pricing
YETI Rambler Chug 26oz
YETI Rambler Chug 26oz
See Pricing
YETI Rambler Chug 36oz
YETI Rambler Chug 36oz
See Pricing
YETI Rambler Chug 46oz
YETI Rambler Chug 46oz
See Pricing

What'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
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
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)
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
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
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
YETI's cost
Sub-Par Lids
This is certainly an opinion that not everyone shares, but for me, the lid options are underwhelming.
  • The chug lid isn't the best because the spout cap isn't attached, so it's not great when you don't have both hands available like when you're driving or when dropping it has higher stakes like if you're kayaking or hiking somewhere that you could lose it.
  • The straw lid is so basic that it feels like an afterthought.
  • The Hotshot lid doesn't have a handle and is more difficult to use and clean compared to Hydro Flask's Flex Sip, which is better in almost every way.
  • The MagDock is pretty cool because of the magnets, but the spout cap still isn't directly connected and can be easy to drop, and it doesn't have a handle so using it with a larger bottle like a 36oz or 46oz can be unwieldy.
  • And the Cup Cap essentially turns the Rambler into the equivalent of an older Stanley but the lid costs more than the entire Stanley bottle.  You could buy an entire Stanley bottle for just a few dollars more than the Cup Cap accessory.
As mentioned before, I'd recommend reading my in-depth post about YETI lids to learn more about the details.
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.
SmartKap YETI Rambler Lid
SmartKap YETI Rambler Lid
SmartKap (3rd Party Lid)
  • Good handle
  • Good spout cap
  • Not as heavy (though admittedly this probably makes it less durable in the long-run)
See Pricing
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)
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)
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)
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?

SmartKap Spout Lid for YETI Rambler Bottles
SmartKap Spout Lid for YETI Rambler Bottles
Spout Lid Upgrade for YETI
If you already have a Rambler, the 3rd party chug lid I mentioned is a good upgrade over YETI's Chug or Magdock lids that gives you a good handle, an attached spout cap, and pull tabs on these seals that makes them easier to clean.
See SmartKap
Owala (32oz)
Owala (32oz)
Straw Lid Alternative
For a straw bottle, Owala has probably the best lid on the market.  It's an ergonomic combination chug-and-straw spout that makes it really easy to use and good for a range of situations, though Owala's color schemes are probably a turn-off for many YETI fans who are used to a more rugged, classic look.

I just posted a deep dive about them that you can check out here.
See Owala
Hydro Flask's Flex Sip Lid
Hydro Flask's Flex Sip Lid
Sip Lid Alternative (Coffee & Tea)
​For a sip-style bottle for coffee, I still really like Hydro Flask's Flex Sip design because it's easy to use and take apart, and it has a handle.
See Hydro Flask Flex Sip

Buying a YETI?
​Keep us in mind!

​See our Amazon store for helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See Our Store
See BottlePro's Amazon Store
See BottlePro's Amazon Store
0 Comments

Why Are Owala Bottles Popular, and Are They Actually Good?

6/19/2024

5 Comments

 
Why are Owala Bottles Popular, and Are They Actually Good?
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
  • Product Links
  • What's Good about Owala Bottles?
    • FreeSip lid
    • Ergonomics
    • Easy sipping
    • Easy cleaning
    • Leak-free
    • Reasonable price
    • Lead-free
    • Insulation (sort of)
  • What's Bad about Owala Bottles?
    • Handle
    • Harder to close
    • Exposed plastic under the lid
    • Dirt magnet
    • Colors (sort of)
  • Summary | Who should buy an Owala bottle?

Video Review of Owala Bottles

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

Owala FreeSip Bottle Sizes

Owala 24oz
Owala 24oz
See Pricing
Owala 32oz
Owala 32oz
See Pricing
Owala 40oz
Owala 40oz
See Pricing
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!

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
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
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.
Hydro Flask's Flex Straw
Hydro Flask's Flex Straw
Hydro Flask's Original Straw
Hydro Flask's Original Straw
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
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
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
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)
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
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.
Owala's Handle Only Fits Two of my Fingers
Owala's Handle Only Fits Two of my Fingers
The Handle Doubling as a Lock Adds a Step to Sip
The Handle Doubling as a Lock Adds a Step to Sip
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
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
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
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
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.

Buying an Owala?
Keep us in mind!

​See our Amazon store for helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See Our STore
See BottlePro's Amazon Store
See BottlePro's Amazon Store
5 Comments

What are the Best Bottles for Infusing (Fruit, Tea, and Coffee)

6/2/2024

0 Comments

 
What are the Best Bottles and Accessories for Infusing Water with Fruit, Tea, and Coffee?
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.
EcoVessel (Steel Bottle with Strainer)
EcoVessel (Stainless Steel)
EcoVessel (Stainless Steel)
  • $28 for the 32oz (as of 6/2/2024, on sale)
  • Small strainer included - snaps into neck of bottle
  • All stainless-steel interior
  • 20, 24, and 32oz size options
  • Reasonable prices for a stainless steel insulated bottle
  • Triple-layer insulation
  • Spout lid to prevent spills
  • Includes a bottle boot
See EcoVessel
Sunkey (Glass Bottle with Strainer)
Sunkey (Glass)
Sunkey (Glass)
  • $19 (as of 6/2/2024)
  • Small strainer included - snaps into neck of bottle
  • All stainless-steel interior
  • Carrying sleeve included (for easier handling and protection)
  • Not insulated
See Sunkey

Bottles with Built-In Infusers

Some 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.
Hemli
Hemli Bottle with Infuser
Hemli Bottle with Infuser
See Hemli ($28)
Akvati
Akvati Bottle with Infuser
Akvati Bottle with Infuser
See Akvati ($40)

Stanley Bottle with a Fruit Infuser

Now 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.
Fimibuke Fruit Infuser Bottle
Fimibuke Fruit Infuser Bottle
Fimibuke 
  • Side-handle
  • Straw lid
  • Built-in fruit infuser (not good for tea or coffee grounds)
See Fimibuke

Best Bottle Infusers for Fruit Infusing

Llet'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.
FlavorFuze Pod Fruit Infuser
FlavorFuze Pod Fruit Infuser
FlavorFuze Pod Fruit Infuser
FlavorFuze Pod Fruit Infuser
FlavorFuze Pod
This was our first infuser, and it's personally still my favorite.  Originally I just sold it with a splash guard style lid for wide mouth Hydro Flasks, but then I added a second lid with a handle on top that makes it a great option for drop-in infusing in any wide mouth bottle.  Honestly, I like the new lid more because it makes it more universally useful.  I sized it as large as possible to still fit in bottles like 20 ounce Hydro Flasks, but that also means it can have a tough time giving you enough flavor in really large bottles like 64oz growlers.  But in general, it's a good all-around option for most wide mouth bottles, and I'm really proud of how this product turned out.​
  • 2 lids
    • Drop-in style with a large handle on top that fits most wide-mouth bottles.
    • Splash-guard style that fits snugly in wide-mouth Hydro Flasks
  • Sized to fit the most fruit in a drop-in infuser in bottles like 20oz Hydro Flasks.
  • Can be too small to flavor very large bottles like 64oz growlers.
See FlavorFuze Pod
FlavorFuze Straw
FlavorFuze Straw
Side Channel for Straw
Side Channel for Straw
FlavorFuze Straw
If you have a Hydro Flask or Iron Flask with a straw lid, you can try our FlavorFuze Straw version that snaps onto the straw.  It's even easier to use, it just doesn't work with as many bottles like Stanleys or Owalas because those have thicker straws.

It doesn't have as good of reviews as FlavorFuze Pod, but some of those are from people trying to use it with different bottles.  So just make sure you have the intended bottle so it'll work correctly.  If you do, you may find this is even easier and faster to use than FlavorFuze Pod for your situation.
  • Snaps onto Hydro Flask straws and similar brands (like Iron Flask).
  • Does not fit straws from some other brands like Stanley or Owala.
See FlavorFuze Straw
Prodyne Ice Mold Fruit Infuser
Prodyne Ice Mold Fruit Infuser
Prodyne Ice Molds for Fruit Infusing
​This one takes more advance planning, but it's pretty cool, literally and figuratively.  Just add fruit and water to the mold and let it freeze overnight.  Then in the morning, pop the fruit-cicle into your bottle.
See Prodyne

Best Bottle Infusers for Tea and Coffee Infusing

​Now 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.
FlavorFuze Steel Infuser
FlavorFuze Steel Infuser
FlavorFuze Steel
Our FlavorFuze Steel is sized for wide mouth Hydro Flasks, and it comes with two sizes.  It's ideally used when you're getting ready for your day and have time to leave your bottle on the counter while it's brewing because it can be difficult to add the lid on top of our infuser.  But brewing tea doesn't take that long so it's usually still a great option.

Like with most of our infusers, we designed them primarily around Hydro Flasks, so it likely won't fit other bottles with different diameter openings.
See FlavorFuze Steel
RumbleGo Portable Coffee Infuser
RumbleGo Portable Coffee Infuser
RumbleGo Portable Infuser
RumbleGo is a drop-in style stainless steel infuser that's sized for wide mouth bottles like Hydro Flasks.  It's designed primarily for coffee, but you could use it for tea (or fruit) as well.
See RumbleGo
FinalPress Infuser
FinalPress Infuser
FinalPress Portable Coffee and Tea Infuser
FinalPress is a portable french press you could use with any wide mouth bottle, but keep in mind it's not a drop-in style infuser so it's not good to use when actively driving or moving.  But if you have time in the morning at your hotel room, campsite, or wherever you are, this is a good option to consider.
See FinalPress

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.
Cirkul's Flavor Pod
Cirkul's Flavor Pod
Cirkul's Flavor Dial
Cirkul's Flavor Dial
Cirkul's Handle
Cirkul's Handle
Cirkul
Cirkul's pod screws into the cap, and there's a packet of flavor that is slowly released with your water.  Just know that with Cirkul, you're essentially drinking fruit-flavored diet soda without carbonation.

Good
  • Control how much flavor your bottle releases
  • Easy to change out flavor pods

Bad
  • High cost over time
  • More waste because the pods are disposable
  • The flavor tasted fine enough, but it didn't last as long as I would have expected
  • Lid and bottle look and feel cheap in my opinion
  • One of the worst handles I've ever used on a bottle
  • Contains sucralose
  • Harder to drink from than most straw lids, and it makes weird bubbling noises before and after you take a sip
  • The outside of the bottle I purchased feels plasticy even though it's a steel bottle, and it scratched very easily

I personally don't prefer to use Cirkul, but if you'd like to give it a try, here's a link to check out.
See Cirkul
air up
air up
air up Knockoff on Amazon
air up Knockoff on Amazon
air up
To be up front, I haven't tried air up in person yet, so I'm willing to give it a try eventually before completely discounting this one.  I certainly like the idea of using scents to trick your brain into tasting flavors instead of relying on sugar substitutes, but I've also read a bunch of reviews commenting about how the flavors taste weird and the straw doesn't work well because it causes you to suck in more air for the scents to work as intended.

Good
  • Uses scent instead of added flavors from potentially harmful additives like sugar or replacements like sucralose

Bad
  • High cost over time
  • Aesthetics (my opinion)
  • Reviews I've read say it's harder to drink from than most straw lids because you have to suck air and water through the flavor pod for it to work.
  • There's apparently not an option to drink from the lid normally without flavors to avoid the more difficult drinking.
​I didn't actually see a real listing on Amazon for air up.  Instead, there are some listings from other companies who are being sneaky by calling their bottles names like Air Water Up Bottle to trick Amazon's search results while still technically being legal.
See air up's Website
See air up Amazon Knockoff

Buying a water bottle?
​Keep us in mind!
​See our Amazon store for helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See Our Store
See BottlePro's Amazon Store
See BottlePro's Amazon Store
0 Comments

Which Water Bottles Completely Avoid Plastic?

5/20/2024

0 Comments

 
Which Bottles Completely Avoid Plastic Contact With Your Water?
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
Common Water Bottle Lid Styles

Option #1 - Hydro Flask's Stainless Steel Flex Cap ("Flex Steel")

Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Flex Cap (
Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Flex Cap ("Flex Steel")
​I'll start with one that costs the least amount of money if you already have a Hydro Flask.  Most of their lids have plastic on the bottom.  However, you can purchase their stainless steel Flex Cap lid as a separate add-on (I call it the "Flex Steel").

​I'm a fan of saving money and not buying more bottles than you need, so consider getting this lid if you already have a Hydro Flask.
See Flex Steel Lid
Hydro Flask's Flex Cap vs Stainless Steel Flex Cap (
Hydro Flask's Flex Cap vs Stainless Steel Flex Cap ("Flex Steel")

Option #2: Healthy Human

Healthy Human Water Bottle
Healthy Human Water Bottle
​Next is Healthy Human.  I recently got my hands on my first bottles from this brand, and they're pretty solid.  The handle is a good width and each bottle came with a carabiner so you can clip it to a bag.

​I was really happy to see that they include stainless steel under the lid.  And it's worth noting that both their traditional bottle shape as well as their newer "Curve" series have stainless steel under the lids.
See Healthy Human
Stainless Steel Under Healthy Human Lid
Stainless Steel Under Healthy Human Lid

Option #3: Klean Kanteen

Klean Kanteen Classic Insulated
Klean Kanteen Classic Insulated
Now let's look at Klean Kanteen.  They have the most options I'm aware of, and it makes sense with their brand since they really helped popularize stainless steel bottles as an alternative to plastic in the wake of the Nalgene BPA revolution.

To my knowledge, these are the options that have stainless steel under the lid (confirmed with an inquiry to Klean Kanteen).
  • Their loop caps, which includes their non-insulated single walls, classic insulated, and TKWides.
  • Their Reflect series, which is a little trendier with a bamboo lid.
  • Their pour-through lid and TKPro thermos, both of which are designed more for pouring your drink or cocktail into another cup.
See Classic Insulated
Klean Kanteen Reflect Series
Klean Kanteen Reflect Series
See Reflect Series
Klean Kanteen Pour Through
Klean Kanteen Pour Through
See Pour Through
Klean Kanteen TKPro
Klean Kanteen TKPro
See TKPro

Option #4: EcoVessel

EcoVessel's Boulder Series
EcoVessel's Boulder Series
EcoVessel is one other brand that's not quite as well-known as the others, but it has some cool things going for it.  Each bottle comes with a bottle boot and a strainer for ice, fruit, or tea, which is something the other brands don't have.

More important to this post, the lid is the only spout/chug style one I've seen that has stainless steel underneath.

​
Your water will touch some silicone so that's something to keep in mind if that's too close to plastic for you, but from what I've read, silicone doesn't seem to have the same level of concern as plastic when it comes to contacting water.
See EcoVessel
EcoVessel's Chug Style Lid
EcoVessel's Chug Style Lid

Option #5: Glass Bottles by Mayu and Sunkey

That'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.
Mayu Glass Bottle with Stainless Steel under Lid
Mayu Glass Bottle with Stainless Steel under Lid
See Mayu
Sunkey Glass Bottle with Stainless Steel under Lid
Sunkey Glass Bottle with Stainless Steel under Lid
See Sunkey

Buying a water bottle?
​Keep us in mind!
​See our Amazon store for helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See Our Store
See BottlePro's Amazon Store
See BottlePro's Amazon Store
0 Comments

Do Dented Bottles Still Hold Insulation?

4/19/2024

0 Comments

 
Do Dents Affect Your Bottle's Insulation?
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:
  • Reviewing why insulated bottles work
  • Cutting open bottles (for science!)
  • Insulation tests after dropping a bottle from greater and greater heights
The Inside of an Insulated Bottle (RevoMax)
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!
Longer Version (18-Minutes)
Shorter Version (3-Minutes)

How Do Dual-Wall Insulated Bottles Work?

Heat transfer through three primary methods:
  • Conduction (through contact between solid materials)
  • Convection (through the movement of fluids or air, like hot air rising)
  • Radiation (through visible and non-visible wavelengths, like sunlight)

​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!

The Inside of a Dual-Wall Bottle (Hydro Flask)
The Inside of a Dual-Wall Bottle (Hydro Flask)
The Inside of a Triple-Layer Bottle (RevoMax)
The Inside of a Triple-Layer Bottle (RevoMax)

Do Triple-Layer Bottles Work Better Than Dual-Wall Bottles?

While theoretically triple-layer bottles will have better insulation, I'm not convinced it makes a significant practical difference.  I recently did another insulation test that compared multiple triple-layer and dual-wall bottles, and the results suggested that the most important factors that determine how well your bottle insulates are:
  1. whether it's a narrow or wide mouth (narrow is better)
  2. whether the lid has insulation

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
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
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
Large And/Or Compound Dents Can Lead To Complete Insulation Loss

Insulation Tests

​Next, 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
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
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
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:
  • Nuovo Adjustable Carrying Pouch
  • BottlePro's Neoprene Sling: https://amzn.to/3TMVrLF
  • Hydro Flask Bottle Boot: https://amzn.to/43ynstN
  • Hydro Flask Bottle Carrier: https://amzn.to/4ctTlHI​

Good All-Around Sling for Many Bottles
Nuovoware Adjustable Carrying Pouch for 25/32oz Bottles
Nuovoware Adjustable Carrying Pouch for 25/32oz Bottles
Nuovoware Adjustable Carrying Pouch for 25/32oz Bottles
  • Good storage
  • Adjustable strap
  • Draw-string top to help it fit more bottles securely
See on Amazon
Slings for 32 and 40oz Hydro Flasks
BottlePro's Neoprene Bottle Sling
BottlePro's Neoprene Bottle Sling
BottlePro's Neoprene Sling (Budget Option)
  • Good protection
  • Affordable
See on Amazon
HikerPouch Leather Bottle Sling
HikerPouch Leather Bottle Sling
BottlePro's HikerPouch (Leather Option)
  • Natural leather
  • Phone pouch
  • Leather conditioner included
See on Amazon
Bottle Boots
TFAKs Bottle Boots
TFAKs Bottle Boots
TFAKs Bottle Boots (5-Pack)
  • Inexpensive
  • Many options available (this is one of hundreds of listings)
  • Make sure you get the right size for your bottle
See on Amazon

Buying a water bottle?
Keep us in mind!

​See our Amazon store for helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See Our Amazon Store
See BottlePro's Amazon Store
See BottlePro's Amazon Store
0 Comments

What are the Easiest Water Bottles to Clean?

3/10/2024

0 Comments

 
Easiest Water Bottles to Keep Clean
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!
  • Klean Kanteen's TKWides (easier threads to clean)
  • YETI Rambler (internal threads on bottle)
  • RevoMax (no threads)
  • Takeya (pull tabs on seals)
  • EcoVessel (pull tabs on seals)
  • SmartKap (3rd party lid for YETIs that has a pull tab on the seal for the spout cap)



Video Review of the Best Water Bottles for Cleaning

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

Water Bottle Cleaning Tips

Before we dive into specific bottles, let's start with some general water bottle cleaning tips and guidelines.
  1. ​Clean your bottle regularly.  All the features in the world won't help you keep your bottle clean if you don't actually put in the work.  It's also not a bad idea to invest in a Kuppy, which is a silicone accessory that is a drying rack for your bottle.  Cheers to those folks for coming up with such a simple, useful product.
  2. It helps to have a bottle brush kit and some Bottle Bright tablets.  Brushes help clean the entire inside of your bottle more thoroughly, and the Bottle Bright tablets you may have seen on Shark Tank really do work well and are great to use for a deep clean every few weeks.
  3. Avoid using bleach.  Yes, bleach would absolutely kill any bacteria in your bottle, but bleach can also damage certain bottles and make them more susceptible to corrosion.  Just stick with warm soapy water, your bottle brush kit, and Bottle Bright tablets.
  4. Avoid straw lids. While convenient to use, straw lids are notorious for being harder to clean, especially at the pivot point around the spout.
  5. Take the mouth diameter into account when deciding what to buy.  A tumbler-style bottle like a Stanley has a much wider opening on top will be much easier to clean compared to a narrow mouth bottle.

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

Klean Kanteen's TKWide Chug
Klean Kanteen's TKWide Chug
TK Closure Internal Threads
TK Closure Internal Threads
Klean Kanteen's TKWide Series​
Most bottles have threads on the exterior of the bottle and the interior of the lid.  One problem this can create is on the lid, especially with bottles like Hydro Flasks.  These bottles have extra insulation under the lid, and while that's great to keep your drink cool or hot, it makes it much more difficult to fully clean this area because it's such a tight space.

However, some bottles reverse the threads.  Two examples includes Klean Kanteen's TKWides and YETI Ramblers.

The benefit to internal threads on the bottle and external threads on the lid is that it's much easier to clean the threads on the lid in particular.  It's also easier to take the seals on and off.

Klean Kanteen's TKWide bottles have one extra feature that places them above YETI Ramblers, and that's the different thread pattern. Instead of continuous spiraling metal or plastic threads on the outside of the bottle, they use a modified thread pattern called their TK Closure internal threads that consist of small metal bumps inside the rim.  Klean Kanteen says they improve thermal performance, but they also make it easier to clean because they don't have as many nooks and crannies as traditional threads.
See on TKWide

Bottles with No Threads

RevoMax (Threadless Lid)
RevoMax (Threadless Lid)
Picture
RevoMax
You could also skip threads altogether with RevoMax because their bottle has a completely threadless design.  The lid is easy to lock and unlock with one hand, and it still feel really secure even without the threads.  The lid still needs to be cleaned regularly, but it can be disassembled fairly easily.

​One downside is that they currently only have a narrow mouth bottle, so keep that in mind.
See RevoMax

Bottles with Seals with Pull Tabs

Pull Tab on Takeya's Lid
Pull Tab on Takeya's Lid
Pull Tab on Takeya's Spout Cap
Pull Tab on Takeya's Spout Cap
Takeya and EcoVessel
Seals are often overlooked but are good to include in your deep cleaning every few weeks.  One design feature that I wish more bottle manufacturers would incorporate is to add tabs to the seals in the lid.  It’s such a simple change that makes removing the seals for cleaning so much easier, and it amazes me that more bottles don’t include this feature.

A few that I’m aware of are Takeya and EcoVessel.
Takeya
Takeya
See Takeya
EcoVessel
EcoVessel
See EcoVessel
Picture
SmartKap (3rd Party Lid for YETIs)
And for YETIs, this aftermarket lid that's modeled after Takeya's amazing lids has a seal for the spout cap that also has a little pull tab.
See SmartKap

Bottles with Removable Bottoms

Zulu Ace Bottle
Zulu Ace Bottle
Zulu Ace Removable Base
Zulu Ace Removable Base
Zulu Ace
Now we've talked about the threads and seals near the lid, but what about the inside of the bottle itself?  Some bottles have removable bottoms, which is helpful so you can clean the inside from both sides.

One bottle I know of with this feature is Zulu Ace.

​​The main downside of the Zulu bottle is that there's a seal that's difficult to remove from the base cap, but if you get a brush kit that includes one of the smaller detailing brushes and use cleaning tablets, you can usually keep this pretty area pretty clean.
See Zulu Ace

Bottles with Filters

​There 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 Light

Picture
Picture
LARQ UV Sanitizing Bottle
​LARQ is a brand with a more high-tech solution to clean the inside of your bottle using a lid with a built-in UV light. Press the button to activate the UV light, then wait a few seconds for it to sanitize your water and the inside of your bottle.
See LARQ

Easiest Straw Lids to Keep Clean

Hydro Flask Flex Straw
Hydro Flask Flex Straw
Hydro Flask Flex Straw
​I mentioned before that we don’t recommend using straw lids if you’re concerned about cleaning, but if you’re set on getting one, then Hydro Flask's Flex Straw is a good option.

It has a removable silicone insert that makes it easier to clean more areas under the spout.
See Flex Straw
Hydro Flask Compatible Lid with Dust Cover (No-Touch Spout)
Hydro Flask Compatible Lid with Dust Cover (No-Touch Spout)
Straw Lids with Dust Cover / Hinge
​Other good options are any after-market lids that have this extra hinge on the spout which lets you pull the spout up without touching the area where your mouth goes.  Or get a straw lid that has a spring to open a cover with the press of a button.  There are a ton of options for these.
See Lid

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.

Buying a water bottle?
Keep us in mind!

​See our Amazon store for helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See Our Store
See BottlePro's Amazon Store
See BottlePro's Amazon Store
0 Comments

Are Stanley Mugs Safe? (and What Are Lead-Free Alternatives?)

2/7/2024

0 Comments

 
Are Stanley Mugs Safe, and What are Lead-Free Alternatives?

Are Stanley Mugs Safe?

​So it's official, Stanley bottles contain lead.  But what does that really mean?
Here's the cliff-notes summary:
  • A lead-based solder is used in the bottom of Stanley bottles to seal in the vacuum insulation.
  • Realistically this isn't a health risk in most cases.
  • If your bottle is in good condition then you probably don't need to worry.

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):
  • Hydro Flask
  • Klean Kanteen
  • Owala
Hydro Flask 32oz Original Series
Hydro Flask 32oz Original Series
Great choice for color and lid options, and including one with a stainless steel lid
See Hydro Flask
Klean Kanteen Insulated TKWide Series
Klean Kanteen Insulated TKWide Series
Good all-around bottle with an impact base cap that prevent damaging the vacuum seal if dented.
See Klean Kanteen
Picture
Owala 32oz FreeSip
Ergonomic lid with both a straw & spout.  Unfortunately no options with stainless steel under the lid.
See Owala
​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 Review

​We 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
  • lead is used in the manufacturing process, but
  • that customers won't come in contact with it on the inside or outside as long as their bottle is in good condition.
  • If the bottle does become damaged, you can file a warranty claim.

Stanley's Statement about Lead

Stanley'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."
Link to Stanley's Official Statement

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.
The lead seal is located below the cover in the center with the Stanley logo
The lead seal is located below the cover in the center with the Stanley logo
What the lead seal looks like in another similar bottle
What the lead seal looks like in another similar bottle
What the lead seal looks like in another similar bottle (under the paint)
What the lead seal looks like in another similar bottle (under the paint)
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:
Which Bottle Brands have Lead
What the Lead Seal Looks Like

Stanley's "Nalgene" Moment - Lead & BPAs

​To 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.
Nalgene Water Bottle
Nalgene Water Bottle
​In many ways, this is Stanley's Nalgene moment.

You know how every single bottle you look at says "BPA-free" somewhere on the packaging?

​That's because of the controversy years ago with Nalgenes and how they contained BPAs, which are compounds found in certain plastics.  The public pressed for change after learning the potential health risks, and eventually when some major retailers stopped carrying any products with BPAs, Nalgene and similar brands switched to BPA-free alternatives like Tritan, which Nalgene, Camelbak, YETI, and many other brands still use today.
How Public Pressure Caused Nalgene to Change their Materials to Avoid BPAs
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.

​Buying a water bottle?
​Keep us in mind!

​See our Amazon store for helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See Our Store
BottlePro's Amazon Store
0 Comments

8 Innovative Water Bottles (and 2 Mugs) We Love not named YETI or Hydro Flask

12/16/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture

8 Bottles that Change Hydration

Today’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 Review

We 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 Picture

FJbottle
FJbottle (CONVENIENCE)
Innovations:
  • ​Magnetic lid
  • Handle & strap
  • No-slip base
See FJbottle
EcoVessel
EcoVessel (MULTI-USE)
Innovations:
  • Tea-strainer
  • Triple-layer insulation
  • Bottle boot included
  • Plastic-free inside
See EcoVessel
Owala
Owala (COMBO LID)
Innovations:
  • Combination straw & spout lid
  • Easiest straw to sip from
  • Ergonomic
See Owala
RevoMax
RevoMax (THREADLESS)
Innovations:
  • No threads to clean
  • One-handed opening/closing
  • GREAT insulation
See RevoMax
Geopress
Geopress (FILTER)
Innovations:
  • French press-style filter
  • Rugged design
See GeoPress
Boundless
Boundless (TITANIUM)
Innovations:
  • Extremely durable & lightweight
  • No plastic
See Boundless
Hidrate Spark
Hidrate Spark Pro (HYDRATION TRACKING)
Innovations:
  • Bluetooth connection
  • Tracks your hydration intake vs goals
  • Lights up for hydration reminders
See Hidrate Spark
LARQ
​

LARQ (UV SANITIZING)
Innovations:
  • UV light built into the lid
  • Sanitizes your bottle in seconds.
See LARQ

Bonus: Coffee Mugs

Ember
Ember (TEMPERATURE CONTROL)
Innovations:
  • Maintains your drink's temperature
  • Connects to your phone
See Ember
Momnt Mugs
Momnt Mugs (ERGONOMIC, NO-SLIP GRIP)
Innovations:
  • Never slips
  • More comfortable
See Momnt

The Details

FJbottle (Convenience)

FJbottle
First is a brand you probably haven’t heard of called FJbottle.  If convenience and ease-of-use is your priority, then this is a good bottle for you.

The spout cap is magnetic, so it stays out of your face when you’re taking a drink.

The base has a no-slip grip to help prevent unwanted spills and damage.

​And in addition to the rigid handle, they also include a carrying strap.

​None of these changes are revolutionary on their own, and you’ll find features like these with other bottles or accessories that you can purchase separately.  But we really appreciate how FJbottle incorporated so many of these simple quality-of-life improvements into a single, affordable bottle.
See FJbottle

EcoVessel (Multi-Use)

EcoVessel
Next is EcoVessel.  This is one of our favorite all-around bottles because of its value and wide-ranging functionality.

One of the best improvements in this bottle is the built-in strainer which can either function as a tea infuser or an ice stopper.

The inside of the bottle does not contain plastic, so this is a great option if your main goal is to limit plastic contact with your water.  The vast majority of other bottles still let water come in contact with plastic somewhere, usually under the lid

EcoVessel’s triple-layer insulation didn’t hold temperatures as well as some other triple-layer bottles in a recent test we did, but it still tested better than most dual-wall bottles.

It also comes with a bottle boot to help prevent damage on the base.  Overall, this bottle is packed with features and is very affordable.

You'll be hard-pressed to find another brand that has so many different improvements and wide-ranging functionality packed into a single bottle at such an affordable price.
See EcoVessel

Owala (Combo Lid)

Owala
Next is Owala.  This is one of the trendier bottles on this list, and for good reason.

The main thing this bottle has going for it is the dual-function lid, which offers both straw and spout-style drinking.

In addition, this is the best bottle we've seen when it comes to ergonomics.  The lid is designed around your mouth’s shape, and while this may not seem like a big deal at first, you’ll probably change your mind the first time you take a sip

If you’re looking for the easiest straw to drink from, we highly recommend Owala.
See Owala

RevoMax (Threadless Lid)

RevoMax
Now let’s look at RevoMax.  What makes this bottle different is how you attach the lid.

This is the only bottle we’ve seen that doesn’t have any threads.  Instead, the lid is secured by pulling up on part of the handle until it clicks.  And to unlock, you press down the button in the middle and then pinch the pins on the side.

It’s truly one-handed operation, which can really be helpful when driving.

​This bottle also insulates extremely well because it's a narrow mouth, insulated lid, and the triple-layer bottle design.  In fact, it was tied at the top of our insulation test with S'well.

Some people may like the threadless lid while others may not, but there's no questioning the fact that it's a very innovative approach to everyday hydration.
See RevoMax

GRAYL Geopress (Filter)

Geopress
Next is GRAYL’s GeoPress.  This is a great option for those of you who like to travel off the beaten path.

This bottle has a built-in filter that you use like a French press.  Use this to clean your water when you’re out hiking or camping and need to refill from a stream.

The rugged design looks great and seems like it should hold up well compared to some other filtered bottles and accessories we’ve seen. 

One thing to note is that we’re relying on the marketing material that says this filter works really well, but we can’t confirm how well the filter actually works.  It's something we're looking to test soon, so stay tuned.  But regardless, we're sure the filter in GRAYL's Geopress is better than nothing if you're out-and-about and need to refill in the wild.
See GeoPress

Boundless (Titanium)

Boundless
Now let’s get into some of the higher-tech options, starting with Boundless.  Technology doesn’t always mean electronics, and in this case, I’m counting a modern material like titanium as high-tech.

Boundless has a titanium bottle that offers a wide range of benefits over traditional stainless steel and plastic bottles.

They’re extremely durable and lightweight, making them great bottles for hikes.

They’re a pretty good option for camping too because you can boil water in the bottle to purify it.

The Boundless bottle comes with a carrying pouch to help make hiking even easier.

​Overall, we’re pretty excited to see how the industry innovates with new titanium options, and we wouldn’t be surprised if you start seeing options like this a lot more frequently.
See Boundless

Hidrate Spark (Hydration Tracking)

Hidrate Spark
Now let’s start incorporating electronics into your bottle by looking at Hidrate Spark.

This is a great bottle if you want to get serious about achieving your hydration goals and changing your habits for the better.

It has Bluetooth that connects to your phone or smart watch.

The app helps you keep track of your hydration goals and water intake.  For some people, this ability to measure and visualize your goals and progress are what makes staying on track possible.

The LED lights on the base even light up when it’s time to take another drink.

​Some people might find the bright lights too distracting, but for others this might be the motivation they need to help achieve a healthier lifestyle.
See Hidrate Spark

LARQ (UV Sanitizing)

LARQ
​

And last but not least is LARQ.  They have a few designs to choose from, including one that has a filter similar to GRAYL’s GeoPress.

But the really innovative bottle they have has a UV light built into the lid to sanitize your water.  Just press the button, wait a bit, then your water should be much safer to drink.

Now like I said with GRAYL’s bottle, we’re relying on the manufacturer’s claims about how well the bottle helps sanitize your drink, but given that UV light is widely known to kill bacteria in water, we expect it should work pretty well.

We think this would also be a great bottle to test in future videos and posts, so stay tuned!
See LARQ

Ember (Temperature Control)

Ember
One mug that you may have heard of is Ember.

This popular high-end mug is temperature-controlled, so you can connect it to your phone then set the temperature you want your drink to stay at.

​If you’re one of those people who likes to sip your coffee or tea for awhile, this could be the mug for you. 
See Ember

Momnt Mugs (Ergonomic, No-Slip Grip)

Momnt Mugs
Another mug that’s much newer is Momnt, and this mug really takes ergonomics seriously.

They looked at how your hand is naturally shaped and built the handle around that, which leads to a much more comfortable grip.

The way that your fingers interact with the handle gives you a grip that never slips in your hands.

I have it on good authority that this brand is easy to work with and has more mug colors, styles, and sizes in the works, so be sure to keep an eye on them!
See Momnt

​Buying a water bottle?
​Keep us in mind!

​See our Amazon store for helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See our Store
BottlePro's Amazon Store
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Follow us for more hydration-focused updates!

    Try searching for things like "infusers" or "Hydro Flask".


    Categories

    All
    Bottle Cleaning
    Bottle Protection
    Bottles
    Bottle Slings
    Coffee
    Cup Holders
    Environment
    Filters
    Fruit Infusers
    Healthy Lifestyle
    Hiking
    Hydration Products
    Hydro Flasks
    Ice
    Insulation
    Iron Flasks
    Klean Kanteens
    Lead
    Mason Jars
    Microplastics
    Mugs
    Owala
    PFAS
    Plastic Free
    Soda Habit
    Splash Guards
    Stanley
    Tea
    Weight Loss
    YETI

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    September 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    December 2023
    October 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022


    Amazon Associates Program

    BottlePro is part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  We strive to provide helpful information and product recommendations, and we receive a commission on purchases made after you click through our links.
Contact Us/Returns
Refund Policy
Shipping Policy
Wholesale Inquiries
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
PS Kreative, LLC, Licensed in North Carolina, USA (ID # 2514262), DBA "BottlePro"
  • Home
  • Learn
    • Comparisons and Insulation Tests
    • Health and Hydration
    • Sip or Skip (Individual Bottles) >
      • Bottles >
        • Camelbak
        • EcoVessel
        • Fjbottle
        • Hydro Flask >
          • Hydro Flask Standard
          • Hydro Flask Trail
          • Hydro Flask Wide
        • Iron Flask
        • Klean Kanteen TKWide
        • Nalgene
        • Owala FreeSip
        • Ozark Trail
        • RevoMax
        • S'well Original
        • Takeya
        • ThermoFlask
        • YETI Rambler
      • Tumblers >
        • Brumate Era
        • Hydro Flask
        • Owala FreeSip Sway
        • Simple Modern
        • Stanley >
          • Stanley Quencher
          • Stanley IceFlow
          • Stanley ProTour
      • Specialty Bottles (Filters, Infusing) >
        • Brita (Filter)
        • Cirkul (Infusing)
        • GRAYL (Filter)
        • LARQ (UV)
        • Stanley Thermos (Insulation)
        • Steepware (Infusing)
        • Vesmoon (Infusing)
        • Vitaloop (Filter)
        • Zulu Ace (Removable Base)
  • Shop
    • Cup Holder Adapter
    • Infusers >
      • FlavorFuze Pod
      • FlavorFuze Straw
      • FlavorFuze Steel
    • Splash Guard
  • Demos
  • Hydration Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Find a Store