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How to Remove the Spout from Hydro Flask's Flex Straw Lid for Cleaning

2/12/2023

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How to remove the spout from Hydro Flask's Flex Straw Lid for cleaning

HOW TO REMOVE THE SPOUT FROM HYDRO FLASK'S FLEX STRAW LID

If you’ve had one of the original Hydro Flask straw lids, then you probably know how to take off the spout for cleaning.  A common question people have about the new Flex Straw lid is whether you can do the same thing.
​
The good news is that you can take off the spout, but it’s a little more difficult and you have to do it a little differently. 

​Here's how to remove the spout from your Hydro Flask Flex Straw lid for cleaning.

A Video Review

If you'd rather watch a video on this topic, check out our YouTube video.
​It covers most of the same information, just in a different format if videos are more your style.

Step 1: Open the spout to 45 degrees

Step 1: Open to 45-degrees
Step 1: Open to 45-degrees
​First, open the spout to about a 45-degree angle.

​This is important to help prevent damaging your lid and to make it easier to pop the spout off.  You'll see why later.

Step 2: Push the spout to the side and up

Step 2: Push the spout up and to the side
Step 2: Push the spout up and to the side
Then grip the cap like this with the spout between your thumb and index finger.  (This is called the thenar web space for those who wanted to know!)

​Push the spout to the side while also lifting upward some, and it should pop out.

Having trouble?

​If you’re having trouble, try keeping the lid on your bottle for leverage.  We find this makes it a lot easier.

Why is the 45-degree angle important?

Why is the 45-degree angle important when taking off the Flex Straw spout?
Why is the 45-degree angle important when taking off the Flex Straw spout?
Once the spout is out, you can see how the grooves align with the pegs in the cap base, which is why it helps to pop it off at a 45-degree angle.

If you try to pop the spout off at a different angle or push it beyond open like with the original straw lid, then you run the risk of stripping the pegs or grooves so they don't line up as well.  Your lid may still work OK, but it probably won't open and close as crisply / nicely.

Thanks for your support!

We’ve included a link to the Flex Straw lid below.  If you purchase after clicking the link, we earn a small commission.  Every little bit helps our business, and we really appreciate the support.  Thanks again, and happy hydrating.
Hydro Flask's Flex Straw Lid
Hydro Flask's Flex Straw Lid
Flex Straw Lid
We love this lid!

​Compared to the original straw lid, this one is easier to deep clean, leaks less, provides more insulation, has a better handle, and looks more like a Hydro Flask (with the loop handle and metallic handle connections).
See Pricing on Amazon

FlavorFuze Straw Snap-On Fruit Infuser for Hydro Flasks
FlavorFuze Straw Snap-On Fruit Infuser for Hydro Flasks
FlavorFuze Straw: Our Snap-On Fruit Infuser
Make your water fun!

Try our snap-on fruit infuser made specifically for Hydro Flask straw lids, including the original and Flex Straw designs.  ​It's a great way add flavor to help stay motivated as you work towards better hydration goals.
See Pricing on Amazon

Buying a Hydro Flask?  Keep us in mind!

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
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See BottlePro's Store
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Narrow Mouth vs Wide Mouth Bottles - Which is Better?

12/1/2022

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Are Narrow or Wide Bottle Openings Better?

When you’re buying a reusable bottle, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is whether to get a narrow mouth or wide mouth bottle.  Virtually all bottle brands have narrow mouth and wide mouth options, so this is something you’ll need to think about whether you’re looking to buy a Hydro Flask, Nalgene, or any of the countless other bottle brands on the market today.  We’re going to review the main factors you should be thinking about when making your decision.  And spoiler alert, we have a pretty strong opinion on this one.

Please note that some bottle brands have different terminologies.  For example, Hydro Flask has a “standard mouth,” and that’s what we would classify as a narrow mouth design. 
​​
Links are given to the Amazon listings for each product.  Thanks for your support!

Narrow Mouth vs Wide Mouth - A Video Review

If you'd rather watch a video than read our post, then check out our Youtube video below!  We review the same information and give our recommendation on whether narrow mouth or wide mouth bottles are better.

​Factor #1 – How Easy is it to Drink from a Narrow vs Wide Mouth Bottle?

One of the most common reasons that someone might prefer a narrow mouth is that it’s easier to take sips of your drink, and this is certainly true with the base bottle.  With wide mouth bottles it’s not uncommon to take a sip of water and accidentally splash yourself in the face.  Then don’t be surprised when your friends and family make an Airplane reference about having a drinking problem.  Narrow mouth bottles help prevent this issue.

But if you have a wide mouth bottle, you can easily avoid this problem by purchasing a different style lid, like a straw, sip, or chug style.  For Hydro Flasks, see our videos reviewing their Flex Straw and Flex Sip lids to take a closer look.  Or get a splash guard, like a SplashPro for Hydro Flasks, or Guyot or Watergate for Nalgenes.
​
So all-in-all, there’s not much of a difference here between narrow and wide mouth bottles, other than the small cost you might run into if you’re buying a different lid or splash guard.

Lids to Prevent Spills

Hydro Flask's Flex Straw Lid
Hydro Flask's Flex Straw Lid
Straw Lids
Generally speaking, straw lids are a great option to prevent spills.  But be aware that some lids tend to leak, especially through the air hole on top.

Pictured is Hydro Flask's newer Flex Straw lid offering that has several improvements compared to their original straw lid design.
See Flex Straw Amazon Listing

Hydro Flask's Flex Sip Lid
Hydro Flask's Flex Sip Lid
Sip Lids
Sip lids, as the name suggests, are great for sipping smaller amounts of your beverage.  This usually makes them a great option for hot drinks like coffee or tea.

Pictured is Hydro Flask's Flex Sip.
See Flex Sip Amazon Listing

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Tzuoieo's Chug Lid
Chug/Spout Lids
Some companies call these chug lids, while others call them spouts.  But the design is usually pretty similar.  You screw your lid onto your bottle like normal, but there's a smaller threaded cap that you can remove.  This lets you drink from a smaller opening.

Pictured is Tzuoieo's chug lid that fits Hydro Flasks.
See Tzuoieo's Chug Lid Amazon Listing

Alternative: Splash Guards

SplashPro Splash Guard
SplashPro Splash Guard
For Hydro Flasks: SplashPro
We designed our SplashPro splash guard to fit around Hydro Flask Flex Lids (the standard ones that you screw on and off each time you take a drink).
See our SplashPro Listing

​Factor #2 – How Easy is it to Clean a Narrow vs Wide Mouth Bottle?

First off, regardless of which bottle you use, we highly recommend getting a bottle brush to help make cleaning your big bottle more easy.  But in general, you’ll find narrow mouth bottles more difficult to clean than wide mouth bottles.

Narrow mouth bottles limit the size of a bottle brush you can fit, and with smaller brushes, the bristles usually aren’t long enough to easily reach the spot where the bottle widens just under the neck.  Wide mouth bottles can fit bigger brushes with longer bristles, so it’s easier to clean this area.
​
So when it comes to ease of cleaning, wide mouth bottles are the clear winners.

MOSOLAN's Bottle Brush with Straw Cleaner
MOSOLAN's Bottle Brush with Straw Cleaner
Bottle Brush with Built-In Straw Cleaner
We like this bottle brush because the straw cleaner is easy to use and wash, and screws into the handle of the brush.  It also comes with a smaller "detailing" brush that's great for cleaning the threads on the caps.
See MOSOLAN's Bottle Brush Amazon Listing

​Factor #3 – Adding Ice and Flavorings

Many people like to add ice or flavorings to their water to change things up, but if you get a narrow mouth bottle, you’re really limiting what you can do.  Adding ice is more tedious, and that’s if your ice cubes even fit.  Some bottles, like narrow mouth Nalgenes, have really small openings that don’t even fit most standard ice cubes.  And odds are you won’t have an easy time adding fruit or tea leaves since most infusers won’t fit.  You can add liquid flavorings and flexible tea bags to narrow mouth bottles, but that’s about it.

Wide mouth bottles are much more versatile than narrow mouth bottles.  Its easier to add ice, fruit and tea infusers, and other natural flavorings.  Our FlavorFuze Pod fruit infuser fits great in most wide mouth bottles, and you can fit many common tea infusers as well.  So when it comes to adding ice or other flavorings, wide mouth bottles are better than narrow mouth bottles.

Accessories to Add Flavoring (Narrow Mouth)

Mio Liquid Flavoring
Mio Liquid Flavoring
Liquid Flavorings like Mio
You won't be able to fit larger fruits or infusers in narrow mouth bottles, so you'll probably have to stick with Mio or a similar liquid flavoring.
See Mio's Amazon Listing

Accessories to Add Flavoring (Wide or Narrow Mouth)

Be sure to check your bottle's mouth diameter before buying an infuser.  But in general, most popular wide mouth bottles tend to have mouth openings that are at least 2.0 inches diameter.  So get infusers that are less than 2" around and you should be good.
LULLATTI Tea Infusers
LULLATTI Tea Infusers
Tea Infusers
Brew loose-leaf tea in your bottle! LULLATTI makes a tea infuser that fits in wide mouth Hydro Flasks and other similar bottles.
See LULLATI'S Tea Infuser Amazon Listing

FlavorFuze Pod Fruit Infuser
FlavorFuze Pod Fruit Infuser
FlavorFuze Pod and Straw
Get a fruit infuser for your wide mouth bottle to have truly natural flavorings each day.

FlavorFuze Pod has two lid: a drop-in lid for wide mouth bottles (opening at least 2.0" diameter), and a splash guard lid that fits Hydro Flasks.

Or try our FlavorFuze Straw infuser (different listing) that clips onto straw lids.
See FlavorFUze Pod Amazon Listing

​What about the Cost?

​You might be asking if narrow mouth or wide mouth bottles are more expensive, but the opening style really is not much of a factor.  The variables that make the most impact on the bottle cost are the brand and bottle size, not the opening style.

Our Recommendation

So when it comes to deciding whether narrow or wide mouth bottles are better, our opinion is that wide mouths are the clear winners.  They’re easier to clean, they’re more versatile when it comes to adding ice and flavorings, and you can make it just as easy to take sips as a narrow mouth bottle by getting the right lid or splash guard.

Do you agree with our recommendation?  Let us know!

Buying a Wide Mouth Bottle?  Keep us in mind!

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See BottlePro's Store
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Which Hydro Flask Lid is the Best? (We Have a Favorite)

7/8/2022

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Which Hydro Flask Lid Should You Get?

Congrats, you have a Hydro Flask (or are thinking about getting one soon)!  It's hard enough deciding which Hydro Flask bottle to get, but have you also thought about which lid you'll use?

Hydro Flask has four (4) lids available right now on Amazon: Flex Cap, Flex Sip, Flex Straw, and Straw Lid.

In this video, we go over how each one works, what we like and don't like about each design, and how we use them.

If you'd rather read through the review than watch the video, see the written summary below.

Summary

​Hydro Flask has four lid options, and you might be asking which lid is best for you. We've reviewed and tested each lid extensively, and here's what we think.  Links are in the description.

Which one is best for you?  Well, it depends on how you want to use it, but we can tell you how we like to use them.
  • We like using a Flex Cap with a SplashPro in our largest bottles when we're doing something active. We find it easier to get smooth pours and bigger gulps of water while also keeping water out of your face.
  • For sipping at work or in the car, we like using Flex Straw with a FlavorFuze Straw infuser to add some flavor.
  • And for coffee and tea in the morning, we prefer to use the Flex Sip lid with a smaller Hydro Flask like a 16oz.
  • The only lid we recommend against using is the original straw lid. If you want a straw lid, just get the Flex Straw.

Flex Cap

Hydro Flask Flex Cap Lid
Hydro Flask Flex Cap Lid
First is the Flex Cap, which is their "standard" lid.

Pros:
  1. Simple to clean.
  2. Nice handle for easy carrying.
  3. Insulated (better than the other lids).​
Cons:
  1. Unscrew the cap each time to take a sip.
  2. Without a splash guard, it's easy for water to splash in your face.  If you're using this lid, check out our SplashPro splash guard to help keep water and ice under control.
Our Rating: 3/5 Stars
See Pricing on Amazon
Make It Even Better with a SplashPro Splash Guard

Flex Sip

Flex Sip Lid
Flex Sip Lid
Next is the Flex Sip lid that was released in 2020.

Pros:
  1. No need to unscrew the cap to take a sip.  Just twist the cap to the right.
  2. Keeps water and ice from splashing in your face.
  3. It has the same great handle as the Flex Cap. 
  4. Insulated.

Cons:
  1. There are a lot more steps to clean the lid properly. It's not hard, it just takes a little more time than you would have with the other caps.
  2. ​Bulkier than the Flex Cap
Our Rating: 4/5 Stars
See Pricing on Amazon
Make It Even Better with a ​FlavorFuze Steel

Flex Straw

Flex Straw Lid
Flex Straw Lid
Third we have the Flex Straw lid, and this is their newest lid that was released in 2022.

Pros:
  1. The spout snaps closed securely and doesn't leak.
  2. Easy to clean.
  3. Good handle.
  4. Insulated.

Cons:
  1. Not as easy to take big swigs of water as with Flex Cap.
  2. Not much else.  We love this lid, and it's our favorite one right now.
Our Rating: 5/5 Stars
See Pricing on Amazon
Make It Even Better with a FlavorFuze Straw Infuser

​Straw Lid (Original Design)

Straw Lid (Original)
Straw Lid (Original)
And last is the original straw lid.

Pros:
  1. It's a little simpler to clean than the Flex Straw, but that's about where the benefits end.

Cons:​
  1. Bad handle.
  2. Not insulated.
  3. Leaks more.
  4. More expensive for some reason (as of July 7, 2022)
  5. Design feels like an afterthought
Our Rating: 2/5 Stars (Just get the Flex Straw)
See Pricing on Amazon
​Also works with a ​FlavorFuze Straw Infuser

Want to take your Hydro Flask to the next level?

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See BottlePro's Store
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How to Make Loose Leaf Tea in a Hydro Flask

5/4/2022

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How to Make Loose Leaf Tea in a Hydro FlaskPicture

Loose Leaf Tea in Hydro Flasks - A Match Made in Heaven

Many people search Google for things like:
  • How to make loose leaf tea in a Hydro Flask?
  • Can you make hot tea in a Hydro Flask?
  • Tea infuser for Hydro Flask
  • Tea strainer for Hydro Flask
  • Tea steeper for Hydro Flask
  • Making tea in Hydro Flask
  • Hot tea in Hydro Flask
  • Loose leaf tea Hydro Flask
  • Brewing tea in a Hydro Flask
We get a lot of questions about this too.  Hydro Flasks are primarily used for water, but plenty of people would love it if they could have different flavors, like fruit infused water, coffee, or tea.  In particular, tea is what we're focusing on today.

And check out our FlavorFuze Steel Mini demo video at the end!


Can You Make Hot Tea in a Hydro Flask?

First off, we'll put to rest any questions about whether it's OK to put hot tea in a Hydro Flask.  The answer is, YES!  Hydro Flasks are made with durable, food-grade stainless steel.  Hydro Flask bottles are perfectly able to safely store your hot tea, or any other hot beverage for that matter.

Stainless steel is extremely heat resistant, at least for any temperature range you'd come across when making a beverage.  There's a reason why Hydro Flask prominently markets how many hours their bottles can keep your drinks hot!  Unless you're planning to put liquid hot magma in your bottle, you'll be good!
Liquid Hot Magma
And unlike some concerns with plastic and even aluminum, from what we have found, stainless steel won't leach chemicals or pollutants into your beverage.  Flaske has a great article covering more details about the question of "Are Stainless Steel Water Bottles Safe to Drink From."  So does Elemental Bottles, where they recommend looking for bottles that are either made from #304 or 18/8 stainless steel (Hydro Flasks are made from 18/8).  We highly recommend checking these articles out if you have any other questions or concerns.

Best Hydro Flask Bottles for Tea

You should also consider what type of Hydro Flask you want to use, since that can have an effect on which type of tea infuser will work best.
16oz Hydro Flask Mug
16oz Hydro Flask Mug
See Pricing on Amazon
A good choice for around the house.  It's also easier to clean than the other options here because it's shorter.

The downside in our opinion is that it's not as great for taking a drink on the go as the tumbler or Coffee bottle.  We prefer the handle style of the Coffee Bottle when traveling.

​Drop-in tea infusers are a great option for these mugs.
16oz Hydro Flask Tumbler
16oz Hydro Flask Tumbler
See Pricing on Amazon
Like many tumblers, it's great for on-the-go people, particularly because the tapered bottom is more likely to fit in cup holders.

Our main beef with tumblers like this though is the push-in lid.  We prefer screw-on lids (like with the Coffee Bottle) to give us that extra layer of security against spills.

Drop-in tea infusers are also a great option for tumblers.
16oz Hydro Flask Coffee Bottle
16oz Hydro Flask Coffee Bottle
See Pricing on Amazon
This is our favorite.  Hydro Flask calls it their "Coffee Bottle", but we use ours all the time for tea!

We just love having the handle on top to help carry it.  And the flex-sip lid is fantastic.  The downside is that it's a little tougher to clean, but a bottle brush like this one makes cleaning simple.

These are trickier for tea-making because the top opening is smaller.  Read further for more info!

Tea Infusers for Wide Mouth Hydro Flasks (like the 12/16/20oz Coffee Bottles and also 32oz/40oz Bottles)

Now that we know putting hot tea in stainless steel bottles like Hydro Flasks is safe, let's look at the best ways to do it!

OPTION #1: MAKE IT SEPARATELY

Historically, the most common way to enjoy tea in your Hydro Flask has been to brew it outside of your Hydro Flask first.  Then just pour the tea into your flask, and you're good to go.  This is great for many people because they already have tea-making equipment.

You'll also need to go this route if you are using a narrow-mouth Hydro Flask bottle.

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Standard Small Tea Strainers

You can find plenty of options for this type of tea strainer.  This is a serviceable option when you're just looking to make a personal cup of tea.
See Pricing on Amazon

Tea Press for Larger Batches

Tea Press for Larger Batches

Maybe you want to make a batch of tea for your an your significant other, or maybe you just want an easy option for refills later.  Whatever your reason, sometimes the smaller strainers like in the prior example just won't make enough tea.

In that case, you might want to consider a bigger tea infuser, or even a tea press like the one here.  Teabloom's tea press makes 34 ounces of tea!
See Pricing on Amazon

OPTION #2: MAKE IT IN YOUR HYDRO FLASK

​You can save yourself some extra dishes and time by brewing your tea right in your Hydro Flask!

But this option can be a little trickier because not all tea infusers and strainers will fit in Hydro Flask bottles.  The inside diameter of wide mouth Hydro Flasks is right around 2.1 inches across, so be sure that your strainer is smaller so it can fit!



Drop-In Tea Infusers

Drop-In Tea Infusers

The Kitcherish drop-in tea infusers are listed as 1.5 inches wide, so they should fit just fine in wide mouth Hydro Flasks.  And the cool part is that the chain has a hook on the end that you can rest on the rim of your bottle!
See Pricing on Amazon

FlavorFuze Steel

FlavorFuze Steel is a great option that is specifically designed for Hydro Flasks.  It's sized specifically for wide mouth Hydro Flask bottles so it can rest on the rim, and the thin design even lets you screw on standard Hydro Flask lids!  (though not the "Flex Sip" lids though unfortunately)

Our improved FlavorFuze Steel is almost in stock.  We re-designed this year to look much sleeker and be more dent resistant.
  • FlavorFuze Steel is the larger version that's better for coffee, fruits, and large volumes of tea (like in a 32oz/40oz bottle).
  • FlavorFuze Steel Mini (NEW!) is the smaller version that's best for tea brewing in a 12/16/20oz Hydro Flask Coffee Bottle.
Both sizes will be available very soon using the link below, so check back in a few months or subscribe to our newsletter for an update when it's ready for purchase.
See pricing on Amazon

FlavorFuze Steel Mini Demo

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How I Kicked My Soda Habit (And You Can Too)

4/27/2022

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How I Kicked My Soda Habit, and You Can TooPicture

My Soda Habit Story

I'll be 35 years old tomorrow, and I've had a soda habit since I was a kid.  Growing up, it wasn't uncommon for me to drink 2, 3, or even 4 sodas per day.  As you might guess, I've also been overweight most of my life too, which is certainly not a coincidence.  But at 35, I finally kicked my soda habit.  I'm down almost 10 pounds this year, and best of all, I feel like what I'm doing is sustainable.

​Here's what's working for me, and hopefully it'll help you on your journey too.

Step 1: Know the Problem

​If you're reading this, then you've likely already heard or read about the major health issues that can result from regularly eating or drinking high levels of sugar.

And a lot of other people have too, judging Google Trends.  The interest-over-time for "Low Sugar" has been slowly-but-steadily increasing over the last several years.
Google Trends - Searches for "Low Sugar" for the Previous Five (5) Years

Of all the ways that consumers regularly ingest sugar, sugary beverages are the primary culprits.  These include:
  • Sodas 
  • Sports drinks
  • Fruit juices
  • Energy drinks
  • Coffee or tea with added sugar
20oz Coke Bottle
20oz Gatorade Bottle
12oz Minute Maid Orange Juice Bottle
16oz Rockstar Energy Can
18.5oz Pure Leaf Sweet Tea Bottle
According to the American Heart Association, the maximum recommended sugar intake is 36 grams of sugar per day for men.  For women, it's 25 grams.  Each one of the drink examples above is either right at those limits or way above them, all from one drink.

Seeing how bottle and can sizes vary, it's also interesting to look at the sugar concentration as shown below.

​One of the more surprising realizations for most people is how most fruit juices really aren't good for you.  Sure they provide some benefits like vitamins and other nutrients, so in that way they are better than sodas.  But the sugar content per ounce for Minute Maid orange juice is essentially the same as a Coke!
Grams of Sugar per Fluid Ounce
There are plenty of people smarter than me that study this topic for their day jobs, so I'll leave it to them to provide additional details and research about sugar and health.  Here are some of the more helpful articles we've read.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Guidance on Added Sugars

WebMD: How Sugar Affects Your Body

American Heart Association: How Much Sugar is too Much?

Healthline: 11 Reasons Why Too Much Sugar is Bad for You

And keep in mind that diet sodas aren't free-and-clear of problems either.  There is growing evidence that drinks with artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose are bad for you as well, as discussed here.

Step 2: Find Your Real Motivation

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Many other articles online start with the facts about sugar and then move onto discussing strategies for reducing sugar intake, but that's not what we recommend.

Knowing how to cut back on sugar won't help you change your habits if you don't also figure out your reasons for why you're seeking change.

***Notice that I underlined "your."  Once you find out what really motivates you, that's when you can achieve sustainable change.  Some motivations that may work for you include:

Losing Weight

Weight loss can lead to many measurable and immeasurable health benefits.

Feeling Better in General

Studies indicate that cutting out sugar can lead to better focus, more energy with less crashes, and reduced muscle aches and joint pain.

Better Sleep Habits

Limiting sugar intake, particularly at night, can improve health sleeping habits and quality of sleep.

Long-Term Health

Reducing sugar is proven to help prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic liver disease, cancer, among others.

Saving Money

Many sugary drinks are expensive, and the costs add up over time.  Water is usually much less expensive.

Peer Pressure (Secondary)

Normally I would say that peer pressure is bad.  But constructive and positive peer pressure can be very effective motivation.  This can come from friends, family, or a group of health-focused people who can help keep you on track and accountable.  But the key is for this to be a secondary motivation.  Find a primary motivational focus that works for you first, and use positive peer pressure to help stay on course.  And if your group of people uses negative peer pressure or makes you feel bad about yourself, get out.
You can always have a combination of motivations, and many of these are related (like weight loss and long-term health).  ​But whatever the situation, the key is to figure out what primary focus and goal really motivates you.

A Personal Story - My New Motivation

After reading articles about how sugar essentially acts like a poison and how sodas in particular are "empty calories" that provide no nutritional benefit, I knew it was in my best interest to quit.

Each time I tried to change, I would start off a few days or weeks without sodas, but then I would slip and start drinking them again.  The most common backfiring strategies I used were:
  • Comforting: "I had a rough day.  A soda will make me feel better."
  • Celebrating: "I had a good day.  I'll have a soda to celebrate." (ironic, right?).
  • Rationalizing Now vs Future: "I'll have one soda today and get back on the soda diet starting tomorrow."  Or, "I have many more years to develop better habits, so one soda today won't kill me."

The reason that these backfiring strategies worked on me was that I hadn't determined what my real motivation was yet.  I said I wanted to lose weight, and that can work for many people.  But the problem, for me, is that I'm fairly comfortable in my own skin already.  Also, I have always been overweight so it's not easy for me to truly realize how much better I might feel to achieve a healthy weight.  It was more abstract.

But as I got older, something happened.  I started thinking more about how little time we truly have, and how chronic diseases that we always read about and learned of back in school are very real.  And then someone very close to me passed away.  He smoked most of his life, and though he was finally able to quit a few years ago, by then the damage was done.  He developed cancer and passed away earlier this year.  He urged me to improve my habits now and to learn from his life experiences.  This changed my motivational focus.
Instead of just wanting to lose weight, my new focus became achieving better long-term health.  This seemingly small change in my focus and goals made all the difference for me.

Step 3: Strategies for Change

Once you know what really motivates you, it's time to start thinking about how you'll make changes.
​There are many strategies that you can use to cut out soda from your diet.  Here are a few.

#1: Drink More Water

If you start feeling the urge for a soda, drink a glass of water first.  Many times that can satisfy or delay a soda urge.

#2: Don't Bring It with You

Keeping sodas at home or work with you is just asking for trouble.  Don't make it easy to get a soda.  Make it take more effort.

#3: Take a Walk

Make yourself take a walk before grabbing a soda, especially if your soda craving might be happening because you're feeling stressed or tired.  Many times you'll feel better after your walk and won't want a soda when you get back.

#4: Find a Healthy Flavored Alternative

If you're used to drinking sodas like I was, then sometimes plain water just won't cut it and you need flavor.  Find a healthy flavored alternative that you can sip on, like unsweet tea, fruit infused water, or one of many popular flavored seltzers on the market today.

#5: Enable Healthy Peer Pressure

We're counting this as both a motivational factor and a strategy for change.  As mentioned earlier, healthy peer pressure from friends or family can be a fantastic way to help change habits.  Just make sure it stays positive.

#6: Measure the Results

This can be a wonderful tool to stay engaged with new habits.  Measuring weight loss is easy, but the key is to find ways to measure whatever your primary motivation is.  If you're motivated to cut out soda so you'll have have better sleep habits, then keep a sleep journal.  If you want to save money, then calculate out how much you expect to save each week and set yourself regular reminders on how much you're saving each week.  Whatever your motivation is, make it measurable.

A Personal Story - My New Routine

Honestly, I've used all of the strategies listed above to varying degrees.  But the ones that helped me the most are #1 and #4.  By drinking more water, I've been able to feel fuller and am less likely to drive to the store for a soda.  And by using a flavored drink alternative, I can still take a break from "boring" water each day and satisfy my need for flavor.
This is what's working for me.

40oz Hydro Flask and 40oz Iron Flask

Bringing Two Bottles to Work

In the past, I would bring one 40oz Hydro Flask to work.  I would often finish that by noon, and that'd leave the door open to my brain saying "go get yourself something to drink like a soda" in the afternoon.

Now, I bring two 40oz bottles: my old reliable  Hydro Flask and a new Iron Flask.  I typically finish one before noon, and the other before I leave work.

By always having enough water nearby, I'm able to reach for that first instead of going for a soda.
Need another bottle?  Check out Hydro Flask's Amazon store.
Visit Hydro Flask Store

FlavorFuze Straw in a 40oz Iron Flask

Finding a Healthy Alternative

Without a doubt, this has been the #1 most effective strategy for me.

I've always had a craving for flavor instead of just plain water.  Besides, what good is bringing more water to work if I still need to get flavors somehow?

To satisfy my flavor cravings, I started using our FlavorFuze Straw Kit every day.  Today, I cut up some strawberries and kiwi.  It was delicious.
Buy a FlavorFuze Straw Kit

SplashPro Splash Guard in a 40oz Hydro Flask

Having a Cool Drink on a Hot Day

It gets hot here in western Colorado.  We actually broke our all-time record in 2021 and reached 107 degrees!

In the past, I would get a soda on hot days.  Something about Coke's ads from back in the day would trigger me into getting a "refreshing" soda (though in reality, sodas dry you out more than they hydrate).

Insulated bottles like Hydro Flasks and Iron Flasks are key to helping with this.  I just add some ice to my Hydro Flask in the morning and use a SplashPro splash guard as an ice stopper.
Buy a SplashPro

40oz Hydro Flask in a HikerPouch and a 40oz Iron FlaskPicture

Carrying My Bottles

Bringing two large bottles with me to work each day was a pain in the butt because they're so bulky.  I quickly realized it would be a lot easier if I started using a bottle sling to free up some hands.

My go-to nowadays is a HikerPouch, but there are plenty of these on the market today.  See our other post here for a few suggestions.
Buy a HikerPouch

Step #4 (If Needed): Don't Be Afraid to Reset

Stopping any habit can have its ups and downs.  It took me over a dozen attempts over the years before I reached sustainable change.  Don't feel ashamed if you don't succeed initially.  Re-evaluate your motivations and strategies, and keep trying.
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The 10 Best Hydro Flask Accessories in 2022

4/20/2022

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

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

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


ACCESSORIES FOR GETTING AROUND

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

#1: Cup Holder Adapter

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Swigzy

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

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

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

See Swigzy Pricing on Amazon

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Honorable Mention for Cup Holders - BottlePro

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

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

See bottlePro Pricing on Amazon

#2: Stylish Bottle Sling

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Hydro Flask's Bottle Sling

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

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

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

#3: Heavy-Duty Bottle Sling

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Wild Wolf Bottle Sling

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

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

#4: Leather Bottle Sling

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HikerPouch

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

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

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

#5: Paracord Handle

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Slolife

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

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

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

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

ACCESSORIES FOR PROTECTION

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

#6: Bottle Sleeve

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Thermi

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

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

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

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

#7: Bottle Boot

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Hydro Flask Boot

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

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

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

ACCESSORIES FOR FLAVOR AND ICE

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

#7: Flavor Infuser

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FlavorFuze (Original)

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

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

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

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​FlavorFuze Straw

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

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

#8: Ice Alternative

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Ice Cube Sticks

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

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

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

#9: Splash Guard / Ice Stopper

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SplashPro

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

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

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

ACCESSORIES FOR CLEANING

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

#10: Brush Kit

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Mosolan

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

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

Bonus: Bottle Tablet Cleaners

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Bottle Bright

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

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

The tablets are biodegradable, chlorine free, and environmentally safe, so you don't have to worry about using them.
​
See Bottle Bright Pricing on Amazon
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Hiking the Colorado National Monument, Independence Monument (And What we Used for hydration)

3/30/2022

1 Comment

 
The Colorado National Monument is a relatively lesser-known park, at least compared to nearby Arches and Canyonlands in Moab, Utah.  But as Grand Junction locals know, that almost makes it better.  You won't get the massive crowds like you do around Moab, and the scenery is out of this world.  Here's our recap of our hike on the amazing Independence Monument hike, starting from the lower trailhead.

Location, Parking, and Services

  • 5 miles R/T with approximately 700 ft of elevation gain.
  • The trailhead starts off of Broadway (Rt 340), roughly 9 miles west of downtown Grand Junction.  And only 12 minutes from our warehouse!
  • There are a couple porta-potties at the start.
  • No water fill-ups, so bring your own (it gets VERY hot in the summer).
  • We were the first ones there at 7am on a Monday in March.  But it isn't unusual for the parking lot to fill up on weekends and during the summer.  This is a pretty popular hike for locals.

Hydration Products and Accessories We Used while Hiking

1) Iron Flask 40oz Wide Mouth (Fire): See on Amazon
2) BottlePro Cup Holder Adapter: See on Amazon
3) FlavorFuze Straw and Straw Lid Kit: See on Amazon
4) HikerPouch Leather Bottle Sling: See on Amazon
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The 5 Best Fruit Infusers for Losing Weight

3/20/2022

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(As an Amazon Associate, BottlePro earns from qualifying purchases.)
Proper hydration is a key and highly-effective way to help with losing weight.  Benefits of drinking enough water each day include:
  1. Keeps you feeling fuller;
  2. Helps with recovery after workouts, and even;
  3. Increases your body's shorter term burned calories.

But a common complaint that people have (including myself) ​is that plain water is boring.  If you're like me, after awhile, it's good to drink something with a little flavor.  For the longest time, I was satisfying these flavor cravings with soda, Gatorade, and other sugary drinks.

That's where fruit infusing comes in.  Fruit infusing is the healthiest way to add flavor to your water and can be a game-changer in the quest to drinking more water each day.

With all of that in mind, many people ask what is the best type of fruit infuser for losing weight?  

The best type of fruit infuser that will help you lose weight is the one that you'll consistently use.  So the most important thing is to get a fruit infuser that fits your lifestyle the best.

Here we'll review some of the most popular infusers on the market, and hopefully you'll find one that fits your lifestyle, improves your health routine, and helps cut out those unhealthy sugary drinks.  These are our five picks for infusers you could use to lose weight.

Au Naturel (aka, ​No Infuser)

Mason Jars

Some people prefer the freshest, most natural form of fruit infusing.  For that, it's hard to go wrong with putting pieces of fruit in a mason jar.

Pros:
  1. Convenient - You may already have some mason jars lying around the house!
  2. Space for Fruits - Since you are not contained by the size of a fruit infuser, you can have a higher fruit-to-water ratio for more intense flavors.
  3. Plastic Free - This is an ideal option if you're looking for a plastic-free solution.  (Sip with a metal straw like this one!)
​
Cons:
  1. Not as Portable - Not ideal for traveling or hiking because mason jars can be awkward and are heavier than plastic bottles.
  2. Loose Seeds/Fruit - The fruit is not contained, so any seeds or small pieces might come loose.  Some people just don't prefer that (pulp-free orange juice anyone?)
  3. Not Insulated - Expect your drink to be lukewarm if you let it sit for a while after taking it out of the fridge.
See Pricing on Amazon

Best Option for Single Serve Drinks and Nalgenes

Fruzer Bags

We don't use these ourselves because we try to limit what we throw away, but plenty of people find these little infuser bags quite handy.  While we aren't huge fans of the fact that these are disposable bags, they still can have their place.  Say you're traveling and it's more difficult to keep your reusable infuser(s) clean.  

Pros:
  1. Easy to Use - You can drop them in almost anything.  They are able to fit in wide mouth bottles like Nalgenes, Hydro Flasks, and other similar bottles.
  2. Simple - There's not much to it, but sometimes simpler is better!
  3. Easy Cleaning - In that, there is no cleaning needed.

Cons:
  1. Waste - As mentioned, we are not huge fans of how these are meant to be disposable.  Whenever possible, we recommend reusable solutions, but we acknowledge that these Fruzer bags can also have their place in certain situations.
  2. Very Small - One pod is OK for a glass of water, but for something like a 32oz water bottle, you may need to add multiple pods to get the desired taste.
  3. Recurring Cost - Because they are disposable, you'd have to keep buying them to keep pace with your infusing.
See Pricing on Amazon

Best Option for Hydro Flasks, Iron Flasks, and Other Insulated Bottles

FlavorFuze (Original) and FlavorFuze Straw

Our 1st version FlavorFuze has a splash guard lid that is specifically designed to fit in Hydro Flasks.  More recently we came out with FlavorFuze Straw that snaps onto Hydro Flask brand straw lids.

Pros:
  1. Use with Insulated Bottles - FlavorFuze works great with Hydro Flask wide mouth bottles, so you can keep a cold, refreshing flavored drink at hand all day.  The splash guard version also works with also works with similar bottles like Iron Flasks, Takeyas, Fifty/Fifty, and Simple Moderns.  We have not tested FlavorFuze Straw with straw lid designs for the other bottles, but early feedback from customers is that it should fit.
  2. Multiple Options - With compatible options for Straw Lids and Standard Lids for Hydro Flasks, FlavorFuze has a couple options for fitting into your lifestyle.
  3. Large - These are much bigger than the Fruzer Pods and can help hold more fruit for infusing.
  4. Easy to Retrieve - The splash guard lid keeps FlavorFuze (Original) positioned in the neck of the bottle.  The FlavorFuze Straw clips right onto the straw lid.  Both options are easy to get out.

Cons:
  1. Cleaning - Because of their size, the tubes can be fairly difficult to clean.  We recommend using a bottle brush like this one.
  2. Tight Fit in Nalgenes - The splash guard lid fits a little too tightly in these bottles.  Technically it fits, but the silicone lid gets a little scrunched up.  But stay tuned because we are working on a new lid design that is compatible with Nalgenes!
  3. Sometimes Falls In - While FlavorFuze Original is normally secure in the neck of your Hydro Flask, sometimes it can be pushed too far down and fall into the bottle.  That can make it fairly difficult to retrieve.  Quick tip - FlavorFuze Straw doesn't have this problem since it securely clips onto the straw.
See Pricing on Amazon (FlavorFuze original, Splash Guard Lid)
See Pricing on Amazon (FlavorFuze Straw, Infuser Only)
See Pricing on Amazon (FlavorFuze Straw Kit, Infuser & straw Lid)

Best Option for Groups and Small Gatherings

Prodyne Fruit Infuser Pitcher  (93oz)

Perfect for a few friends or family to share in the home or around the pool.

Pros:
  1. Large Capacity - At 93 ounces, you'll have enough flavored water for everyone in your small group to give it a try.
  2. Space for Fruit - The housing for fruit extends almost all the way to the bottom, so you can fit a large amount of fruit to help speed up the infusing process.
  3. Aesthetics - The curved design of the pitcher has a great look and is certain to get some comments from your friends.

Cons:
  1. Not Great for One Person - Unless you're gearing up for a water drinking competition, this pitcher is probably overkill for just one person.​
  2. Not Insulated - Expect your drink to be lukewarm if you let it sit for a while after taking it out of the fridge, especially since it's a larger container and will likely take a while to finish drinking.
See Pricing on Amazon

Best Option for Larger Groups and the Workplace

TableCraft Table-Top Infuser Dispenser

Go big or go home!  This infuser dispenser is a great addition to the workplace or to use for larger gatherings.

Pros:
  1. Enormous Capacity - Two sizes are available (2.5 gallons and 5 gallons).  Either will keep plenty of people hydrated.
  2. Easy to Use - Your guests or co-workers will have an easy time getting a flavored drink.  (encourage them to use re-usable bottles or cups!)

Cons:
  1. Not Easily Portable - Don't expect to lug this around everywhere.  This is meant to be a set-it-and-forget-it infuser option (other than changing out the fruit and adding more water).
  2. More Time-Intensive to Set Up - Just based on the sheer volume, it can take a little extra time to get the fruit ready for this behemoth infuser.
  3. Not Insulated - You may want to add some ice, and for this volume, quite a bit might be needed!
See Pricing on Amazon
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