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Best Insulated Steel Bottle for Everyday Use? (Rankings for Insulation, Durability, and 7 More!)

7/7/2025

0 Comments

 
Best Bottle Rankings (Preview Showing Durability Criteria)
Best Bottle Rankings (Preview Showing Durability Criteria)
This guide cuts through biased marketing and overconsumerism to help you find the best insulated bottle that fits your lifestyle.  We'll specifically focus on bottles that are meant for general everyday hydration, so no fancy filter or infuser bottles here (but we have other guides that include those).  Don't worry though because you'll still see plenty of options, including 21 different stainless steel bottles and 1 plastic for comparison, each having its own strengths and weakensses.

Buckle up, and let's find your new favorite everyday bottle!

What's Next?

Part 1 - ​Rankings
Each bottle is ranked according to 9 different criteria, including:
  • Leak free?
  • Best insulation?
  • Most durable?
  • Easiest to clean?
  • Good handles?
  • Least cumbersome?
  • Affordable?
  • Car-friendly?
  • Most popular?
​Part 2 - Recommendations
The rankings help narrow the your choices, but it's still a lot of information to review.  And do you like a bottle that's easier to clean, or are you more concerned with durability?

To make it easier, try out our "Best Bottle" spreadsheet.  Enter which criteria are most important to you, and you'll get a list of bottles that could be the best match for your lifestyle and preferences.
Part 3 - Deep Dives
Once you've narrowed down the list, learn more about your top bottle options as one last check before you buy!

Video Review: Best Everyday Insulated Water Bottle Rankings

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

Disclosures
​BottlePro is part of the Amazon Associates and YouTube Referral Programs.  If you make a purchase using a link, we earn a small commission at no cost to you.  This is our main source of income and how we stay independent without sponsorships or paid ads, so big thanks if you use one!

Bottles Considered

Here's the full list, and I'll likely add bottles and update this post as I purchase more of them.
  • BruMate Era 40oz
  • Camelbak Chute Mag 32oz
  • Cirkul 32oz
  • EcoVessel 32oz
  • Fjbottle 32oz
  • Hydro Flask Standard Flex Straw 24oz
  • Hydro Flask Trail 32oz
  • Hydro Flask Tumbler 40oz
  • Hydro Flask Wide Flex Straw 32oz
  • Klean Kanteen TKWide 32oz
  • Nalgene 32oz
  • Owala Bottle 32oz
  • Owala Sway Tumbler 30oz
  • Ozark Trail 32oz
  • RevoMax 20oz
  • Simple Modern Tumbler 40oz
  • Stanley IceFlow 2.0 30oz
  • Stanley Protour 40oz
  • Stanley Quencher 40oz
  • S'well Original 25oz
  • Takeya Actives 32oz
  • YETI Rambler 36oz

Good Accessories for Most Large Bottles

Whether you go with Owala, Hydro Flask, YETI, Stanley, or one of countless other options, these are our two most recommended accessories for any large reusable bottle.
Bottle Brush Kit
Bottle Brush Kit
Bottle Brush Kit
​There are a lot of brush kits on Amazon at this point, so feel free to shop around.  This is the one I have, and it has a range of brush sizes that work with any bottle.
See Brush Kit
Cleaning Tablets
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.

For a less expensive option, consider using denture or retainer tablets.  But Bottle Brights aren't that expensive in the grand scheme of things if you're using one per month for your deep cleaning.
See Cleaning Tablets

Part 1: Best Bottles, Ranked by 9 Criteria

In this section, we'll run through each criteria according to the SABCD format, where "S" is the best and "D" is the worst.
Criteria 1: Which Bottles are Leak-Free?
​Let's start with an easy one, which bottles are leak-free?
Which Bottles are Leak-Free? (Rankings)
Which Bottles are Leak-Free? (Rankings)
Bottles that Leak
Stanley Quencher Leaking while
Leaking while "Closed"
Stanley Quencher
  • Easily the worst, and even leaks when "closed"
See Quencher
Hydro Flask Tumbler Leaking through Straw and Vent Hole
Leaking through Straw and Vent Hole
Hydro Flask Tumbler
  • Leaks less, but the press-fit lid may pop off if dropped
See HF Tumbler
Simple Modern Tumbler Leaking Through Straw
Leaking Through Straw
Simple Modern Tumbler
  • Leaks some, but not as much as Quencher
See Simple Modern
Bottles that are Leak-Free
All of the other bottles mentioned here are leak free, including Brumate, Camelbak, Cirkul, EcoVessel, Fjbottle, Hydro Flask Wide Flex Straw, Hydro Flask Standard Flex Straw, Hydro Flask Trail, Klean Kanteen, Nalgene, Owala, Owala Sway, Ozark Trail, Revomax, Stanley IceFlow, Stanley ProTour, S'well, Takeya, and YETI.
​
If you have issues with them leaking, check the seals to make sure they're clean and properly seated and that the spout or threaded connections are closed all the way.
​

​And notably, if you prefer tumblers with the large side mounted handles, Brumate's Era and Stanley's ProTour are good options with leak-free lids.
Brumate's Era is Leak-Free
Brumate's Era is Leak-Free
See Brumate
Stanley's ProTour Lid is Leak-Free
Stanley's ProTour Lid is Leak-Free
See ProTour

Criteria 2: Which Bottles have the Best Insulation?
​Now let's look at insulation, and there are some clear winners and losers.
Which Bottles have the Best Insulation? (Rankings - Cold Water Test)
Which Bottles have the Best Insulation? (Rankings - Cold Water Test)
Bottles with the Best Insulation
Camelbak Chute Mag
Camelbak
  • ​Classic and reliable
See Camelbak
Ozark Trail Bottle
Ozark Trail
  • Cheap but great insulation
See Ozark Trail
S'well Original
S'well
  • Routinely tests well
See Swell
Bottles with the Worst Insulation
Nalgene was technically the worst bottle in this review, but that makes sense because it's the only non-insulated bottle (included it for reference).

Of the vacuum-insulated dual wall bottles, the worst results were from:
Hydro Flask Tumbler
Hydro Flask Tumbler
  • Consistently poor compared to other similar insulated bottles
See HF Tumbler
Stanley Quencher
Stanley Quencher
  • Surviving a car fire doesn't mean it's the best
See Quencher
Stanley ProTour
Stanley ProTour
  • Same body design and mouth diameter as Quencher
See ProTour
Test Setup
  1. Filled this YETI cooler with ice water.
  2. Filled up each bottle using the cooler drain as a strainer to keep the ice out.  That way all the bottles started with water that was pretty much the same temperature, and we don't have to worry about variables like the amount of ice which are harder to control.
  3. Measured the temperature of the water in each bottle at the beginning, waited 24 hours, measured how much the temperature had risen, and recorded the difference.
  4. Repeated the test (once outside and once inside) and averaged the results.
Filling Each Bottle with Cold Water while Straining Ice
Filling Each Bottle with Cold Water while Straining Ice
Keep in mind there are A LOT of variables that determine how well a bottle insulates your water.  For an even deeper dive into this topic, check out this article.

You can also do a wide range of tests, including hot vs cold, ice vs no ice, same volume for each bottle vs filled to the top, and the list goes on.  Different test setups can yield different results, so you'll see different rankings on some of my previous tests.

But since it's summer, this post focused on my most recent cold water tests since.  Just don't forget to consider the bottle's mouth diameter since a small diameter bottle like S'well is not great for adding ice.

Criteria 3: Which Bottles are the Most Durable?
Now let's look at which bottles are most likely to last you 20 years instead of just two.
Which Bottles are the Most Durable? (Rankings)
Which Bottles are the Most Durable? (Rankings)
The logic behind the rankings can be admittedly tricky to follow.  For example, some bottles may have one feature that make them more durable (Owala's spout is fixed), while also having other features that drop them down the rankings (Owala's lid cover has small plastic parts and springs).  The rankings are my best attempt to take all these different factors into account based on observations, testing, and how each one feels in-person.  If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
The Most Durable Bottles
YETI Rambler
YETI Rambler
  • Thicker steel makes it more dent-resistant
  • Simple lid without small breakable pieces
  • Classic steel finish is even better (fewer scratches)
See YETI
Nalgene
Nalgene
  • This post is primarly about stainless steel bottles, but if you REALLY want a dent-resistant option, consider going with Nalgene​
See Nalgene
The Least Durable Bottles
Cirkul, Marks
Cirkul, Marks
Cirkul, Cheap-Feeling Lid
Cirkul, Cheap-Feeling Lid
Cirkul
  • While Cirkul has a grip pad base that helps, it's still the least durable stainless steel bottle I've tested.
  • The bottle marks easily (though other finishes may be better).
  • Lid feels like cheap plastic.  Part of that is the flavor pod which is meant to be replaced often, but that's not a reason to give it a better ranking in my opinion.
See Cirkul
Factors Considered
Drop Test
Drop Test
Dent Resistance
Tailgate drop tests to see which bottles, boots, and bumpers prevent dents the best.
Scratch Test
Scratch Test
Scratch Resistance
Four light passes on 100 grit sandpaper to see how well the bottle's finish holds up.
Lid Designs with Breakable Parts
Lid Designs with Breakable Parts
Lid Design
More smaller plastic parts and components like springs means more things that can break.
Boot or Grip Pad
Boot or Grip Pad
Bottle Boot / Grip Pad Included?
These offer protection, both from dents and scratches (boots protect the bottom rim better).
Straw Lids
In most cases, leak-proof straw lids are not a good choice if having the most durable bottle is important to you.  Straw bottles typically either have flip-up spouts or fixed spouts with a cover, and both have their own benefits and drawbacks.
Removing the Spout with Flip-Up Straw Lid
Removing the Spout with Flip-Up Straw Lid
Flip-Up Spout
  • Good: This common spout design is convenient
  • Bad: The spout can be difficult to remove for cleaning. They often rely on plastic connections that can wear out over time, making the spout fit more losely.  If it gets too loose, the spout might not close reliably and could leak.
Best Bottles with the Most Durable Flip-Up Spouts
Ozark Trail
Not as tight of a fit, so it may not get as damaged as you pop it in-and-out.
See Ozark Trail
Stanley ProTour
The newer removable spout with ProTour and IceFlow 2.0 is beefy.
See ProTour
Fixed Spout
Fixed Spout
Fixed Spout
  • Good: Avoids the problem of plastic connections for the spout wearing out.  Instead of the spout rotating down to seal, a cover goes over the top of the spout.
  • Bad: While these avoid the problem of flip-up spouts, lids like these tend to have springs and other parts that are more likely to break.
Best Bottles with Fixed Spouts
Owala
Owala Sway
Both of these are great for easy cleaning and avoiding flip-up spouts wearing out, but the lids have small parts and springs that can break if you drop your bottle.
See Owala
See Sway
Bottle Boot vs Grip Pad
Bottle Boot (EcoVessel)
Bottle Boot (EcoVessel)
Bottle Boots ("Bumpers")
  • Bottle boots are silicone covers that fit over the bottom of your bottle.
  • Don't fully prevent dents if you drop your bottle, but they can reduce the severity of them.
  • Prevent scratches, dampen noise, and protect surfaces your bottle is routinely on like a desk.
Bottles that Come with a Bottle Boot
Picture
See Takeya Actives
Picture
See EcoVessel
Grip Pad (Ozark Trail)
Grip Pad (Ozark Trail)
Grip Pads
  • Typically built into the base of the bottle, so they're not removable.
  • They also don't normally extend to the outer rim, so they don't offer as much protection as full boots.
  • However, they can still prevent some damage and scratches, dampen noise, and protect your desk.
Bottles that Come with a Grip Pad Base
Picture
See Fjbottle
Picture
See Ozark Trail
The bottom line is any stainless steel bottle can dent if dropped, but differences in the construction, lid, and finish can make one a better option than another if durability is your most important criteria.

Criteria 4: Which Bottles are Easiest to Clean?
Now let's look at how easy each bottle is to clean, which is very important but many people don't consider when buying.
Which Bottles are Easiest to Clean? (Rankings)
Which Bottles are Easiest to Clean? (Rankings)
Bottles that are Easiest to Clean
Hydro Flask Tumbler
Hydro Flask Tumbler (Exposed Straw)
  • Simplest lid design and a wide mouth make cleaning easier
  • Just a regular sponge and straw cleaner needed
See HF Tumbler
Nalgene
Nalgene (Standard Lid)
  • Maybe the simplest lid design you can dream up makes it straightforward to clean
  • But you'll need a bottle brush
See Nalgene
Takeya Actives
Takeya Actives (Chug)
  • Chug lids are a little more comples, but some are pretty easy to clean
  • Takeya's Actives comes with pull tabs on the seals
See Takeya
Owala Sway
Sway (Leak-Free Straw)
  • Easiest leak-proof straw lid to deep clean I've tested
  • Technically dishwasher safe (though rec'd hand-wash)
See Sway
Bottles that are Hardest to Clean
Stanley IceFlow 1.0
Stanley IceFlow 1.0
  • Non-removable spout makes this bottle difficult to clean
  • HIGHLY recommend going with their newer 2.0 version instead, so that's the one linked (has a removable spout)
See Iceflow 2.0
Brumate Era
Brumate Era and Revomax
  • Both of these have cool well-designed lids, but they are more complex
  • More intricate parts that are more tedious to clean
See Brumate Era
See Revomax
S'well Original
S'well (Original)
  • Extremely narrow neck helps with insulation, but it's too narrow for most bottle brushes (including the one I recommended)
  • Lid has a very narrow gap near threads, detailing brush needed
See Swell
Factors Considered
The rankings initially focused on which bottles are easiest to deep clean.  Then I adjusted that ranking up or down based on how dishwasher-safe both the bottle and lid are.
Deep Cleaning
Deep Cleaning
  • How easy is it to reach every surface?
  • How easy to completely disassemble and reassemble?
  • Wider mouth opening is easier to clean than narrow
Dishwasher Safe
Dishwasher Safe?
  • Are the bottle and lid dishwasher safe?
  • Not dishwasher safe?
  • Recommended handwash but technically dishwasher safe?
Pull Tabs
Pull Tabs
  • The seals are often tucked away and more difficult to clean, but some bottles like Takeya Actives and EcoVessel include pull tabs to make it easier
Mouth Diameter
Mouth Diameter
  • Wider means it's easier to clean, while really small mouth openings might not even let a bottle brush fit (looking at you S'well).
Deep Cleaning!!!
Cleaning Big Bottles (Ultimate Guide)
Cleaning Big Bottles (Ultimate Guide)
See Cleaning Guide
This is something most people don't do, and I'd bet 99% of people don't do as often as they probably should. 

If you use a reusable bottle every day, there's a good chance it's one of the dirtiest things you own, on par with your cell phone.  And bacteria and mold can build up over time, typically in the form of a thin, slimy biofilm.  Enough buildup and exposure over time could potentially leading to negative health effects.

That's why we generally recommend deep cleaning your bottle at least once every 2-4 weeks.  Ideally you'd do it even more often, but this timeline seems to be more achievable for most people and can prevent more widespread buildup of bacteria, mold, and biofilm.


A good brush kit and cleaning tablets make it a lot easier.  Here are the two I've used for the last few years.  You can also consider using denture or retainer tablets to save some money as they have very similar ingredients.
3-Brush Set (Bottle, Straw, and Detailing for Lid)
3-Brush Set (Bottle, Straw, and Detailing for Lid)
See Brush Kit
Bottle Bright Cleaning Tablets
Bottle Bright Cleaning Tablets
See Cleaning Tablets
Standard and Chug Lids
"Standard" Lid on HF Trail
Standard Lids
  • I call "standard" lids ones you have to screw all the way on-and-off, and they're the most traditional
  • Typically the simplest lids, so often are the easiest to clean
Hydro Flask's Flex Chug Lid
Hydro Flask's Flex Chug Lid
Chug Lids
  • Like standard lids, but with a narrower spout that makes sipping easier
  • Adds a spout cap and additional seal, so a little more complex to clean than standard lids
Straw Lids
Seal under Flip-Up Spout on Straw Lid
Seal under Flip-Up Spout on Straw Lid
Leak-free straw lids with flip-up spouts are often the most difficult bottles to keep clean.

​
There's always a seal under the pivot point that's notorious for building up bacteria and gunk.  For many people it's out-of-sight, out-of-mind.

You ideally should remove that spout to clean 100% of surfaces periodically, but as mentioned in Durability, that can lead to damage over time by wearing out plastic connections.
Leak-Free Straw Lids that are Easiest to Clean
Since leak-free straw lids are some of the most popular options on the market, some brands have made real improvements that make their bottles easier to keep clean.
Owala's Removable Seal
Owala's Removable Seal
Owala (any one with "FreeSip")
  • Easiest straw lid to deep clean
  • Avoids the flip-up spout problem
  • Removable seal for the spout cover
See Owala Bottle
See Owala Sway
ProTour's Removable Spout
ProTour's Removable Spout
Stanley ProTour and IceFlow 2.0
  • Removable spout and seals
  • Much better than IceFlow 1.0
See ProTour
See IceFlow 2.0
Hydro Flask Flex Straw's Removable Seal
Hydro Flask Flex Straw's Removable Seal
Hydro Flask Flex Straw
  • Removable insert makes it easier to clean around the pivot point, which helps a lot
  • However, the spout is still difficult to remove for 100% cleaning
See HF Flex Straw

Criteria 5: Which Bottles have the Best Handles?
Let's face it, big bottles like these can be a pain to bring with you, but having a good handle can make all the difference.
Which Bottles have the Best Handles? (Rankings)
Which Bottles have the Best Handles? (Rankings)
Bottles with the Best Handles
Stanley Quencher
Stanley Quencher
Side-Mounted Handles
  • Convenient and comfortable, there's a reason why these became so popular
  • Stanley's Quencher popularized it, but nearly every major brand has a tumbler like this today, including Hydro Flask, YETI, Owala, Simple Modern, Brumate, and many more
See Quencher
Stanley IceFlow
Stanley IceFlow
Top-Mounted Handles
  • ​Takes up less space than side-mounted handles while still offering a full-hand grip
  • These aren't as widespread as side-mounted handles, but some brands like Owala and Stanley are great options
See IceFlow
See Owala Sway
Fjbottle
Fjbottle
Carrying Strap
  • Fjbottle is unique because it has a rigid handle as well as a carrying strap
  • The strap is particularly helpful at times, like when your hands are full and you just want to loop a pinky through it
See Fjbottle
Bottles with the Worst Handles
S'well Original
S'well (Original)
  • No handle at all (they do have other bottles with handles though)
See S'well
Nalgene
Nalgene
  • Technically you can use the lid tether as a handle, but it's not exactly comfortable
See Nalgene
Cirkul
Cirkul
  • Very small and cheap, uncomfortable plastic design
See Cirkul
Factors Considered
Owala Sway, Full-Hand Grip
Owala Sway, Full-Hand Grip
How many Fingers Fit?
  • More is better
Cirkul, Tight and Uncomfortable with 2 Fingers
Cirkul, Tight and Uncomfortable with 2 Fingers
How Comfortable is It?
  • Like contoured plastic vs cheap sharp edges
  • Roomy vs crammed fingers?
Side vs Top
This is more of a preference, so it didn't play into the rankings for best handles (but it will in the next section).  But the handle design is noted in the Best Bottle Spreadsheet for quick reference to make things easier.
Side Handles
Side-Mounted
  • Rigid design that's typically more convenient for use around the house or office
  • Also easy to grab in the car
Top Handles
Top-Mounted​
  • Can be fixed or rotating
  • Better for longer walks or hikes, or if you want to clip it to a bag

Criteria 6: Which Bottles are the Least Cumbersome?
The overall size and weight of the bottle also plays a role in which one's a good fit for your lifestyle.  A good handle definitely helps, but maybe it's not a good fit in your car or you're looking for something that takes up less space on your desk.
Which Bottles are the Least Cumbersome? (Rankings)
Which Bottles are the Least Cumbersome? (Rankings)
​I thought about standardizing this part and picking all of the bottles that are closest to 32 ounces since the size bottle you get factors into how cumbersome it is, but I also wanted to focus on bottles I actually own and can test.  Also, this way the recommendations you'll get in the Best Bottle Spreadsheet are ones you've seen in this post.

So I ended up just adding notations to the chart so you can see how different volumes from different brands compare., but it's certainly a good idea to consider buying different size options of a certain brand if you like everything else about that bottle.
The Least Cumbersome Bottles
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Flex Straw
Hydro Flask Standard
  • Hydro Flask's "standard" mouth is really their version of a narrow mouth bottle
  • This 24oz is slim and doesn't take up much space
See HF Standard Mouth
Revomax
Revomax
  • This 20oz bottle has a slim design and a handle that's pretty small and doesn't take up much space
See Revomax
S'well
S'well
  • While not having a handle is a downside in my opinion, there's no denying that S'well's Original bottle is very slim and great for use at a desk
See Swell
The Most Cumbersome Bottles
Simple Modern
Tumblers w/ Side Handles
  • While convenient, there's no denying that these large, rigid, side-mounted handles popularized by Stanley take up A LOT of space
  • Of the ones like this in this list, Simple Modern is the slimmest and lightest design so it's linked here
See Simple Modern
YETI Rambler
YETI
  • The price of having thicker, more durable steel is (a) actually having a higher price but also (b) being heavier and bulkier
See YETI
Klean Kanteen TKWide
Klean Kanteen TKWide
  • Has an "impact base cap," which is a metal cap on the bottom that gives more space between the bottom rim and the vacuum insulation
  • The idea is that large dents are less likely to break your bottle's insulation
  • Unfortunately, this also makes the bottle bigger and heavier
See TKWide
Factors Considered
This criteria is pretty straighforward, and the two main factors that I looked at were the weight and bulkiness of the bottle.

Criteria 7: Which Bottles are the Most Affordable?
Let's face it, 20 years ago, you'd have called me crazy if I said everyone would be walking around with +$35 bottles.
Which Bottles are Most Affordable? (Rankings)
Which Bottles are Most Affordable? (Rankings)
Most Affordable Bottles (Under $20)
Fjbottle
Fjbottle
  • Smaller brand, but a very functional bottle
See Fjbottle
Nalgene
Nalgene
  • ​Classic and reliable if you're OK with a plastic bottle
See Nalgene
Ozark Trail
Ozark Trail
  • Walmart's private label, so no wonder it's so cheap
See Ozark Trail
Most Expensive Bottles (Over $45)
Cirkul
Cirkul
  • Not as expensive at first, but it has the on-going cost of flavor pods
See Cirkul
Brumate
Brumate
  • The only leak-free lid with an exposed straw on top, but you'll pay for it
See Brumate
Hydro Flask Trail
Hydro Flask Trail
  • Lighter design, but typically more expensive than their standard bottles
See HF Trail
YETI Rambler
YETI
  • Set the bar with expensive coolers, and their bottles aren't cheap either
See YETI
The rankings are split like this:
Below $20: S
$20 - $30: A
$30 - $40: B
$40 - $45: C
Above $45: D

Each one is ranked based on the list price, but keep an eye out for price breaks because most of these brands run sales all the time or might be higher priced if they are low on inventory (especially with color drops).

The bottle volume also plays a big role in the price since bigger bottles cost more than smaller one of the same style, but like I mentioned in the previous section, this list sticks to bottles I actually own and that will show up in the Best Bottle Spreadsheet (though I'm planning to expand that spreadsheet in the future).

Criteria 8: Which Bottles are Car-Friendly?
For the commuters and road warriors, having a bottle that can stay secure next to you when on the road can be very helpful.
Which Bottles are Most Car Friendly? (Rankings)
Which Bottles are Most Car Friendly? (Rankings)
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Be sure to check with your local laws to make sure sipping while on the go is OK since it counts as distracted driving in some areas
.  Even if it's legal where you live, it's a good idea to get a bottle or a cup holder adapter setup that will make staying hydrated in the car easier and safer.
Most Car-Friendly Bottles
Stanley Quencher
Stanley Quencher
Most Straw Tumblers
  • Tumblers are bottles with tapered sides that get smaller towards the bottom, letting them fit in cup holders
  • As long as the handle doesn't get in your way, it's hard to go wrong with these
  • Options in this list include Brumate, Hydro Flask's Tumbler, IceFlow, ProTour, Quencher, Simple Modern, and Owala's Sway
See Quencher
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Flex Straw
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Flex Straw
Hydro Flask's Standard Flex Straw
  • Narrow enough to fit in most cup holders
  • Straw lid that won't obstruct your view as much when taking sips
  • Doesn't have a large side-mounted handle that can get in the way
  • To clarify, Hydro Flask uses the term "standard" to refer to their narrow mouth design, while I typically call a "standard lid" any one that you screw all the way on and off
See HF Standard
Least Car-Friendly Bottles
YETI Rambler
YETI Rambler
  • Detatched spout cap is one more thing to juggle
  • Heavy, bulkier bottle can obstruct your view more
  • Larger diameter than similar sized competitors, so it's more likely you'll need an adaper
See YETI
Hydro Flask Trail
Hydro Flask Trail
  • Wide mouth bottle that  come with a "standard lid," meaning one you screw all the way on-and-off
  • That combination makes it more likely that you could drop the detached lid and/or spill water in your face
See Trail
Nalgene
Nalgene
  • This wide mouth bottle can also splash water in your face easily, but at least the lid is tethered to the bottle
See Nalgene
Factors Considered
Owala Sway's Tapered Base
Owala Sway's Tapered Base
Adapter Needed?
  • Most big bottles need adapters to fit in most cup holders
  • Smaller diameter bottles or tumblers (narrower towards the bottom) fit in a lot more cupholders without needing an adapter
Owala FreeSip Straw Lid
Owala FreeSip Straw Lid
Lid Type
  • Straw lids are typically the safest options for driving because you can take a sip without raising the bottle, keeping your vision less obscured and more focused on the road
  • Wide mouth bottles with standard lids (screw all the way on and off) are the worst because they are most likely to lead to spills
Takeya's Tethered Hinge Spout Cap
Takeya's Tethered Hinge Spout Cap
Tethered vs Non-Tethered Lid
  • Bottles with connected lids and spout caps are generally safer because it's fewer things to handle when driving
  • There's less potential to drop something that would get dirty or become a distraction
Need an Adapter?
BottlePro Max Cup Holder Adapter
BottlePro Max
  • Our company started by releasing the first adjustable cup holder adapter for big bottles in 2015
  • BottlePro Max is our newest version with a twist-to-expand base and centralizing tabs
  • More affordable option
See BottlePro Max
Swigzy Cup Holder Adapter
Swigzy
  • This is the premium option on the market, and as much as it pains me to admit it, they have a really good adapter
  • The top can be extended, and there are more centralizing tabs which can help with a wider range of bottle sizes
See Swigzy

Criteria 9: Which Bottles are the Most Popular?
How well-known the brand is can make be a real factor, particularly if you prefer to have a viral bottle or you're giving one as a gift.
Which Bottles are Most Popular? (Rankings)
Which Bottles are Most Popular? (Rankings)
The Most Popular Bottles and Brands (2025, USA Primarily)
These three are at the top of the water bottle world right now.
YETI Rambler
YETI Rambler
  • They've built overengineering and durability into their brand
  • Has very effectively kept its bottles as a premium option, while many other brands tend to have a couple years in the spotlight then fall off
  • Sterotypical Customer: Leans towards men
See YETI
Stanley Quencher
Stanley Quencher
  • Still massively popular and high sales on Amazon
  • Most other brands have begun offering Quencher-inspired bottles (tumbler base with a large, rigid, side-mounted handle)
  • Sterotypical Customer: Leans towards women
See Stanley
Owala FreeSip
Owala FreeSip
  • Overtaking Stanley on Google Trends in 2024
  • Colorways with quirky, fun combos, and at this point most other major brands have begun offering similar non-traditional color combos
  • Stereotypical Customer: Leans younger
See Owala
The Least Popular Bottles and Brands (2025, USA Primarily)
These are still great bottles in the right circumstances, and it's also important to re-state that this is just for the bottles in this post.  But these are not as widely-known or prestigious, so they may not be as good of options for gift-giving.
Fjbottle
Fjbottle
  • Not a big-name brand, just one I stumbled across
See Fjbottle
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-32-fl-oz-Black-Insulated-Stainless-Steel-Wide-Mouth-Water-Bottle-Loop-Handle-Flip-Lid/1159055913?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=1767&adid=222222222771159055913_117755028669_12420145346&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=pla-306310554666&wl5=9010117&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=1159055913&wl13=1767&veh=sem_LIA&gclsrc=aw.ds&&adid=222222222371159055913_117755028669_12420145346&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=pla-306310554666&wl5=9010117&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=1159055913&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_qexBhCoARIsAFgBleucYM7dEHZZ5YX4P4SbhxaNEEdUb3vFwTn1ozGPgPlfViWqu-ZPLyoaAkmpEALw_wcB
Ozark Trail
  • Recognizable brand as Walmart's private label, but I don't think many people buy it specifically for the branding
See Ozark Trail
Revomax
Revomax
  • Great insulation and a cool lid, but not as widely-known
See Revomax
Factors Considered
This criteria is pretty hard to classify since different bottles are popular for different people, but I looked at a combination of places to come up with this list, which is my best attempt to rank them in an way that's unbiased towards any particular style, brand, or generation.
Google Trends
Google Trends
  • How are they trending over the last few years?
  • This can be tricky to account for everything, like "Stanley Cup" in hockey
Amazon Sales
Amazon Sales
  • Looking at the listing ranking or using an online tool like Junglescout to estimate total monthly sales
Social Media
Social Media
  • Looking through the number of subscribers and level of engagement

Part 2: Get Your Personalized Recommendations

​Now we have one more step to come up with your personalized recommendations.  If you click the link below, you'll see an Excel file on my Google Drive.

You won't be able to edit it while it's on my Google Drive since that would change it for everyone else too, so download it first then make your edits.
Best Bottles Spreadsheet (Google Drive)
The first tab "Start (Ranking)" looks like this and is where you'll enter how important each criteria is to you.
Rank Your Criteria (Tab 1)
Rank Your Criteria (Tab 1)
You know all those ranking charts from before?  This spreadsheet converts the tiers into numbers, with higher numbers being better.  Then it calculates a weighted total for each bottle by multiplying the tier numbers and your rankings for which criteria were most important.
Converting Tiers to Numbers
Converting Tiers to Numbers
Click the 2nd tab "Your Recommendations" to see something like this.

Click the sort button on "Total" (cell X7), then sort from largest to smallest. This re-arranges the list, and the bottles with the highest point totals are the best matches for you.
Recommended Bottle List (Tab 2)
Recommended Bottle List (Tab 2)
Review all the other info like the handle type to really hone in on what you'd prefer, and consider how different lids and sizes could change things too.

Then to
 see current pricing, click the hyperlinks on the "Link to Listing" column (column AG). Most go to Amazon, but Owala's Sway goes to Target and Ozark Trail goes to Walmart.

Comments:
  • It's just a simple Excel file and doesn't have any macros or programs in it, and if you're not comfortable downloading it this way, send me a message on bottlepro.net and I'll email it to you.
  • I tried it in Google Sheets, but the sorting function didn't work right when it converted. So it currently only works in Excel. I'm planning to add the Sheets version in the future.
  • This is just covering the everyday hydration bottles that I personally own, but there are THOUSANDS of other options. This is meant to be a great starting point to help you narrow your search based on what's important to you, but definitely shop around.  There are a lot of great brands out there that aren't even covered here.

Part 3: Deep Dives

After you've narrowed your search, check out the bottle's listing for more info.  You can also look at this other post, which focuses less on rankings for each criteria and more on the individual features for each bottle.
Our Biggest Bottle Comparison Yet
Our Biggest Bottle Comparison Yet
Best Bottles Comparison
This is our post that focuses more on details about each bottle instead of rankings and the Best Bottle Spreadsheet, so it's a great place to learn more about each individual option.  It includes the 22 bottles you saw in this post, as well as some others like filter bottles and infuser bottles.
See Post
Or if you've really narrowed it to just a few bottles, there are a couple links below.
  • IMAGE LINKS - See our info page for that bottle.  We're still adding some details like the latest cold water insulation tests, but they already contain A LOT of compiled useful information and most common questions (like measurements to check with your cup holder).
  • BUTTON LINKS - Most link to Amazon, but a few go to Walmart (Ozark Trail) or Target (Owala Sway) if it's not on Amazon.
Brumate Era 40oz
Brumate Era 40oz
See on Amazon
Camelbak Chute Mag 32oz
Camelbak Chute Mag 32oz
See on Amazon
Cirkul 32oz
Cirkul 32oz
See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
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See on Target
Picture
See on Walmart
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See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
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See on Amazon
Hope this helps, and happy hydrating!
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

What is the Best Type of Water Bottle For Kids?

10/13/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture

Top 3 Questions to Ask before Buying a Water Bottle for your Child

As a parent, you have a lot to think about when it comes to your child.  In this post, we we'll talk through three important questions to consider before buying a bottle for your little one.

​And we’re glad you’re here.  BottlePro is all about health through hydration, and teaching your child to use a reusable water bottle will have many benefits in the long run.  Proper hydration habits are tied to better health, and avoiding single-use bottles will help your child’s future wallet as well as the environment that he or she is inheriting.

​So without further ado, let's get started!

Question #1 - Is Your Water Bottle Safe?

Moving on to question number one, is it safe?  As with anything with your child, the first question you should ask is, will this be safe for my child to use every day.  Normally the concern with bottles is about leaching, or whether chemicals or toxins seep from your bottle into your drink.  Aside from that, there are physical hazards, which is particularly true with glass because it can break into sharp pieces.
I recently posted an entire other video where I did a deep dive into this topic to find out what are the safest water bottle materials.  That video is over 20 minutes long, so I’ll give you the cliff-notes version here.

​Here's a link to the post if you'd like to learn more.
Link to Post
Picture

The Safest Water Bottle Materials for Children

The safest bottle materials that we recommend using for children are:
  • stainless steel
  • silicone
  • glass

STAINLESS STEEL

Are Stainless Steel Bottles Safe for Kids?
In many ways, stainless steel bottles are the best option for children.  They’re widely shown to be safe, are easy to clean, and don’t have an inner liner like aluminum bottles.  There are plenty of reputable brands with many different style to choose from, so you have plenty of options to pick what’s right for you and your child.  And unlike glass, they won’t shatter and potentially create a physical hazard if your child drops the bottle.  Stainless steel bottles typically come in one of four alloys or grades: 304, 316, 18/8 and 18/10.  Any of these grades should be fine with normal use, but if you’re really looking for the best grade, consider buying a bottle made with 316 steel because it’s more corrosion resistant.
Should You Avoid Stainless Steel Bottles for Kids?
For the most part stainless steel bottles are a pretty proven and safe option, but there's one thing to keep in mind with many of them.  Make sure you look at the lid construction.  Many bottles that are made with stainless steel bodies still have exposed plastic under the lid that can come in contact with the water, so if your goal is to completely avoid plastic contact, keep this in mind.  I’ll give some links in the description to bottles that I’m aware of that completely prevent plastic from contacting your water, and if anyone else knows of other options, please leave a comment below to let us and other viewers know.
The Best Stainless Steel Bottles for Kids
There is a lot of competition in the stainless steel water bottle market, so there are plenty of options to choose from.  These are some of our favorites!
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FJbottle, 14oz
Why it's good:
  • Carrying handle
  • Graphics  themes for bottles
  • No-slip base
  • Comes with a brush
See on fjbottle.com
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Pura, 18oz
Why it's good:
  • 100% plastic-free, including the lid.
  • Silicone grip sleeve
See on Amazon
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Hydro Flask Kids, 12oz
Why it's good:
  • Big-name brand
  • Many color options
  • Straw lid can be easier to drink from
  • Bottle boot prevents slipping
See on Amazon
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YETI Rambler Jr, 12oz
Why it's good:
  • Big-name brand
  • Many color options
  • Wide handle
  • Straw lid can be easier to drink from
See on Amazon

SILICONE

Are Silicone Bottles Safe for Kids?
For silicone, most research shows that it is very safe and a great alternative to plastic.  It is BPA-free, extremely durable, lightweight, and flexible.  Just make sure it says food-safe or food-grade. Pretty much every bottle with silicone will list this on the packaging, but it doesn’t hurt to check.  And if you’re buying from a lesser-known brand, you could also reach out to the manufacturer for more testing info if you’d like to learn more.  Pura is a brand we haven’t tested yet, but looking at their website, they are leaning heavily into silicone-based options and are a good one to check out.
Should You Avoid Silicone Bottles for Kids?
​In my opinion, the biggest potential downside to silicone is what we don’t know.  While research has mostly shown it to be safe, compared to some other materials like glass, silicone is still relatively new and it’s always possible that new research could bring up potential concerns.  I wouldn’t blame you if you want to avoid silicone bottles for this reason, but keep in mind that most water bottles use some silicone, either in the seals, straw, or spout.  It’s very hard to completely avoid silicone in water bottles nowadays.
The Best Silicone Bottles for Kids
The 100% silicone bottle market is relatively new, so there aren't nearly as many options to choose from compared to stainless steel.  Many do not have great reviews, so we're waiting for this sub-genre to develop more.  Still, here are a few worth considering for children of varying ages.
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Pura, my-my bottles
Why it's good:
  • 100% food-grade silicone
  • Straw for small children
​*Some buyers comment that they leak a lot.
See on Amazon
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Makersland
Why it's good:
  • Collapsible and lightweight
  • Colorful design
​*Please note that this bottle is not 100% plastic-free (in the lid)
See on Amazon
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Cascade Kids, 6oz
Why it's good:
  • 100% food-grade silicone
  • 2-pack
  • Straw
See on Amazon

GLASS

Are Glass Bottles Safe for Kids?
Glass gives the cleanest drinking experience, and many people feel safest using glass because it’s a material that’s been in use for a long time and has a more natural feel to it.  Many people prefer glass because they find that it doesn’t have an aftertaste that you might have with plastic, silicone, or stainless steel.  And even though materials like BPA-free plastic and silicone are tested to be safe, glass is made with fewer additives and chemicals so many people feel safer that it helps avoid leaching of potentially harmful chemicals. 
Should You Avoid Glass Bottles for Kids?
​Now all that sounds great, but there is a big drawback.  Glass is usually the heaviest bottle and can be extra bulky, so it may be more difficult for your child to manage than alternatives like plastic or stainless steel.  And obviously, glass can also break and create a physical hazard with sharp edges.  If you want to get a glass bottle for your child, make sure it has a protective sleeve and is made of borosilicate glass because it’ll less likely to shatter and is more temperature and shock resistant.  You may want to avoid mason jars because most of them are not made of borosilicate glass.
The Best Glass Bottles for Kids
These are some of our favorite glass bottle options for kids within a few age ranges.
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Lifefactory with Nipple, 9oz
Why it's good:
  • Silicone protective sleeve
  • Many colors
​*Contains plastic in the lid
See on Amazon
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Lifefactory with Spout, 12oz
Why it's good:
  • Silicone protective sleeve
  • Many colors
  • Wide handle
*Contains plastic in the lid
See on Amazon
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Takeya with Straw, 22oz
Why it's good:
  • Good for older kids (larger)
  • 2-finger handle
  • Straw lid for easier sipping
*Contains plastic in the lid
See on Amazon

SPONSOR

FJbottle
Real quick, I’d like to take a few moments to thank FJbottle for sponsoring this video.  One thing they do well is clearly label what type of stainless steel is used in their bottles, and they have a mix of 304 and 316.  With other brands, sometimes it can take more digging around online to know which grade it is, and higher-grade 316 stainless steel bottles can sometimes be hard to find.
They sent us these bottles to help us have some content for this video, and we appreciate the different designs they’ve come up with.  There are spout lids, straw lids with silicone tips, and quite a few different designs for whatever your kid is interested in.  Each bottle comes with a cleaning brush and a straw cleaner if it’s a straw lid, so it’s easier to keep your bottle clean right from the start without having to buy a cleaning kit, though you eventually may want a more robust bottle cleaning brush.  This one is a kid-size of the 34-ounce bottle that I used a lot over the last few months and honestly became one of my favorite bottles.  It has a magnetic lid, a carrying strap on the side that I ended up using a lot more than I thought I would, and an anti-slip base that helps prevent a few dents and spills.  Please note that they do have plastic under the lids, but the fact that they have 316 stainless steel options and silicone straw options tells me that they are very aware of material safety.  We’re very thankful for their support, so we hope you’ll visit www.fjbottle.com to learn more!
Visit FJbottle.com

Question #2 - Which Bottles are Easiest for Children to Use?

​The next question you’ll want to ask yourself is whether the bottle will be easy for your child to use.
What Size Water Bottle is Best for Children
Pick a size that’s a good fit for your child depending on his or her age and ability.  I’d recommend sticking to 16-ounces at most for younger kids because larger bottles like 20-ounce and especially 32 and 40-ounce would be too much to handle. 

Bottles can be pretty big and bulky, so look for features that make a bottle easier to carry like a carrying strap, pouch, or large handle.
Are Straw or Spout Bottles Better for Children?
To make it less likely to have spills, there are a few things to keep an eye out for.  Straw lids are easier for many children to drink from, but they're also more prone to leaking, especially if you store a bottle on its side like in a backpack.  So depending on your child's age, you may one one more than the other.  Double-check the reviews since there’s almost always someone who will mention if it leaks easily.

Question #3 - Will Your Child Like It?

The third question you should ask is, will my child even want to use this bottle?  Now for sure, buying a bottle that’s easy to use important to encourage regular use, but kids are all about style and sporting something that’s fits their interests. 

​This is where having different styles really comes in handy.  Is your kid into trains?  Unicorns?  Pink?  Blue?  Brands like FJbottle and Klean Kanteen have designs with different graphics and themes, while brands like Hydro Flask and YETI only have color variations.  You know your kid better than anyone else, so get them a bottle that strikes a chord with what they’re interested in.  That will help encourage them to keep their bottle with them and build on healthy hydration habits.
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FJbottle, 13oz
Many themes to choose from
See on fjbottle.com
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Klean Kanteen Kids, 12oz
Many themes to choose from
See on Amazon
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Hydro Flask Kids, 12oz
Many colors to choose from
See on Amazon
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YETI Rambler Jr, 12oz
​Many colors to choose from
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 Store
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What is the Safest Water Bottle Material? (7 Materials Ranked)

10/5/2023

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Update March 9, 2024: For more info about lead and Stanley bottles, see our more recent post here.

What is the Safest Water Bottle Material?

A common question that many people ask when buying a reusable water bottle is, will this bottle be safe to drink from every day?  It's important to know that your bottles are safe for you and your family to use, so in this video, we are going to take a closer look at seven types of water bottle materials:
  • plastic
  • stainless steel
  • glass
  • aluminum
  • copper
  • silicone
  • titanium

Our goal is to give you a better understanding of the available options on the market today so you can make the best decision for your situation.  We'll review which ones are generally considered to be the safest, and which ones you may want to avoid.

(Rankings are at the end)

Don't Forget to Clean your Bottle Regularly

Before we even talk about any water bottle materials, we need to talk about cleaning.  Any bottle that isn’t cleaned regularly will eventually become unsafe to drink from due to bacteria buildup.  In an ideal world, you should wash your bottle after every single use, but that’s not practical for a lot of people and situations.  At the very least though, you should try wash your bottle thoroughly at least every 2-3 days if you use it each day .  Using a brush kit like this one is really helpful to clean larger water bottles, especially narrow mouths.  It’s also a good idea to give your bottle a deep clean every few weeks with a cleaning tablet, and I found that Bottle Bright’s tablets worked great to get stains out of my coffee bottle.

We also recommend that you do not use bleach with your bottle.  With some bottles, like 304 stainless steel, bleach can corrode the metal and cause damage.  Just clean your bottle regularly with warm, soapy water and use a bottle cleaning tablet every week or two for a deeper clean and you’ll be good.
Bottle Cleaning Products We Use Regularly
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Bottle Brush Kit
See on Amazon
Bottle Bright Tablets
Bottle Bright Tablets
See on Amazon

Leaching

​The main concern that usually comes up when talking about water bottle materials and health is leaching, which is when chemicals or toxins from the bottle seep into the drink.  It’s the same process that created a widespread fear tomatoes in the 1700s when many people thought they were poisonous, as explained in more detail in this article by Reader's Digest.

Of course the tomatoes themselves weren’t toxic, but the acid from the fruit would leach lead from the pewter plates and utensils, causing lead poisoning.  More recently, BPAs have received most of the headlines, which leads us into our first material, plastic.

Are Plastic Bottles Safe?

Are Plastic Bottles Safe to Drink From?
Plastic is the most commonly used material today for water bottles for several reasons, including how it’s inexpensive, easily manufactured, and extremely durable.  When it comes to concerns with reusable plastic bottles, you’ve no doubt heard about bisphenol A compounds, more commonly known as BPAs.  These are widely used in industrial and consumer goods, but they have also been associated with adverse health effects in many studies.  One of the primary concerns is that BPA can mimic the effects of estrogen on your body, which can lead to hormone imbalance, but there are other potential health concerns as well.

To be clear, the risk is not completely known.  Researching any kind of low-dose, long term exposure like with BPAs is difficult, and there is some uncertainty on how of a risk BPAs actually pose for most people.  With over 17,000 scientific papers on PubMed as of 2023, there is understandably a mix of results.  And in fact, many studies indicate that most BPA exposure is so small that it is not a significant risk for the majority of people.  However, there is enough evidence and uncertainty that’s led to most public health agencies taking steps to reduce BPA use, especially in products intended to be used with infants.  For example, in 2012, the EPA officially amended its regulations to no longer allow BPA use in baby bottles and sippy cups.
Nalgene's History with BPAs
Nalgene 32oz
Nalgene 32oz
​When talking about BPAs in water bottles, the most well-known example is Nalgene.  After pressure continued to build from Nalgene’s customers and retailers, they changed their formulation in 2008 to phase BPA out of all of their plastics.

Since then, all plastic bottle brands that I’m aware of have followed suit, with most popular brands switching to safer plastics like Tritan.  
Are Plastic Water Bottles Safe Today?
Given all these changes and public knowledge about BPAs today, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reusable plastic bottle on the market that isn’t BPA-free, but it doesn’t hurt to check.  Just look on the product listing or on the packaging for the phrase “BPA-free.”  And if you have an older plastic bottle that you’re not sure about, you might want to consider buying a replacement.

In general, it’s a good idea to stick to Tritan bottles if you’re going with plastic.  This type of material is really light, so it’s for hiking when you want to minimize how much weight you’re carrying. Nalgene and CamelBak have some tried-and-true bottles to choose from, and YETI recently released their Yonder series plastic bottle.
Tritan Plastic Water Bottles We Use
Nalgene
Nalgene
See on Amazon
Camelbak Eddy
CamelBak Eddy
See on Amazon
YETI Yonder
YETI Yonder
See on Amazon

Are Stainless Steel Bottles Safe?

Are Stainless Steel Bottles Safe to Drink From?
The most popular alternative on the market today is stainless steel.  This is easily the best option if you’re looking for an insulated bottle to keep your drink hot or cold since there are so many dual-wall vacuum insulated options available.
Steel vs Stainless Steel
Steel and stainless steel are not the same thing.  Stainless steel has additives like chromium and nickel that help the alloy resist corrosion and rust better than regular carbon steel.  But don’t be concerned if you see something online or talk to someone who references "steel" bottles because that’s just shorthand for stainless steel.  If anyone reading this knows of a bottle that is made from non-stainless steel, also known as carbon steel, let me know because that’d be news to me and I’m guessing it’d involve some kind of wacky health claim that you probably shouldn’t trust.
Grades of Stainless Steel in Water Bottles (304 vs 316 vs 18-8 vs 18-10)
To go a step further down the steel rabbit hole, not all stainless steels are the same.  The most common types you’ll see associated with water bottles are 304, 316, 18-8, and 18-10.  I won’t get into the details here about these different grades, and honestly it can get a little confusing because there is some overlap between the classifications.

You’ll most commonly see 304 or 18-8 listed in the product descriptions for stainless steel water bottles.  Technically, 316 is better than 304 and 18-10 is better than 18-8 and, so if you’re really looking for the best-of-the-best, go with one of the higher grades.  For example, 316 steel is more resistant to corrosion in salty environments, making it a better steel for marine construction projects that will be in and around salt water.

​But when it comes to water bottles for average consumers, it doesn’t make a practical difference which grade you go with.  Any of these four stainless steel alloys are recognized as food-safe.
Stainless Steel Bottles We Use
Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask
See on Amazon
YETI Rambler
YETI Rambler
See on Amazon
Klean Kanteen TKWide
Klean Kanteen TKWide
See on Amazon
Which Stainless Steel Bottles Avoid Plastic Under the Lid?
Many people who want to avoid plastic contacting their water buy a stainless steel bottle and assume they are good, but the reality is that most water bottles still have exposed plastic under the lid that can come in contact with your drink.  Don’t forget to check under the lid if you’re looking to have completely free plastic drinking.

To my knowledge, all of YETI’s lids have plastic on the bottom.  Hydro Flask’s standard lids have plastic on the bottom, but they sell a replacement lid with stainless steel.  Klean Kanteen’s TKWide insulated bottles have plastic on the bottom of the lids, but I’ve included a link in the description to two of their bottle options that have stainless steel under the lid.
Stainless Steel Bottles that Do Not Have Plastic Under the Lid
Hydro Flask's Add-On SS Lid
Hydro Flask's Add-On SS Lid
See on Amazon
Klean Kanteen Non-Insulated Loop Cap
Klean Kanteen Non-Insulated Loop Cap
See on Amazon
Klean Kanteen Reflect
Klean Kanteen Reflect

Are Glass Bottles Safe?

Are Glass Bottles Safe to Drink From?
​Glass is another good option to avoid plastic.  It’s certainly been around longer than plastic or stainless steel, and it has more of a natural feel to it.  Many people find that it doesn’t leave any kind of residual taste with some beverages that they experience with stainless steel or plastic.  When it comes to a clean, natural material to drink from, it doesn’t get much better than using glass.
Why You May Not Want to Use a Glass Bottle
​Safety with water bottles isn’t just related to what you ingest, and with glass, there is always a concern that it could break and create sharp edges.  This is especially a concern for children.  Glass is already pretty heavy and bulky, and it’s not hard to imagine a scenario where a child is running with a water bottle in his or her hand and trips.  The natural reaction is to put your hands out in front to break your fall, and it could lead to some nasty cuts if the bottle breaks in your kid’s hands.

It's worth noting that most glass bottles on the market are made with a specific type of glass called borosilicate.  You may not have heard of this specific term before, but odds are that you’ve used this type of glass at some point.  Pyrex is one of the most well-known borosilicate glass brands.  This type of glass is more resistant to temperature changes and shock, so it’s less likely to crack or chip.  In addition, many glass bottle brands manufacturers also sell their glass bottles with a protective silicone sleeve.  So yes, this type of bottle is still more susceptible to breaking in a way that could be dangerous compared to plastic or stainless steel, but the combination of borosilicate glass and the silicone sleeve helps prevent this from happening in most situations.

Popular Glass Water Bottles
Lifefactory (plastic on bottom of lid)
Lifefactory (plastic on bottom of lid)
See on Amazon
​When it comes to glass bottles, Lifefactory is a big brand to know, but all the lids we’ve seen are made of plastic.  To be clear they’re made with polypropylene, which is generally regarded as a very safe, FDA-approved food-safe plastic.
Glass Bottles that Do Not Have Plastic Under the Lid
If your main goal is to avoid plastic contact completely, then any plastic lid is still obviously a problem.  Thankfully there are some other brands like Sunkey, Mayu, and Anotion that have stainless steel or silicone under their lids.
Sunkey (Stainless Under Lid)
Sunkey (Stainless Under Lid)
See on Amazon
Mayu (Stainless Under Lid)
Mayu (Stainless Under Lid)
See on Amazon
Anotion (Silicone Under Lid)
Anotion (Silicone Under Lid)
See on Amazon

Are Aluminum Bottles Safe?

Are Aluminum Bottles Safe to Drink From?
​Aluminum is another common bottle material.  It’s lighter and less expensive than stainless steel, but it’s not as durable and won’t insulate your drink as well as a dual-wall stainless-steel bottle would.  You'll find aluminum is used in most single-use cans, like for soda and beer.
The Liner Inside in Aluminum Cans
One thing to be aware of is that aluminum reacts more with acidic liquids compared to other materials like stainless steel.  For this reason, aluminum soda cans are made with a plastic liner, and that plastic liner often contains BPAs.  Check out the short (51 second) video by Chemteacherphil that we've linked below because it does a really good job of showing this liner.
Popular Aluminum Bottles
Sigg
Sigg
See on Amazon
One of the most well-known brands that makes reusable aluminum bottles is Sigg.  According to their website, their bottles are OK to use with carbonated drinks like sodas.  This must be OK because they have a liner to protect the aluminum from acidic drinks, similar to disposable cans.

“The inner coating used in our production is widely used in various food containers and complies with strict EU/USA regulations.”

It’s worth noting that Sigg uses a liner that’s BPA-free, though we don’t know for sure what it’s composition is.  Also, I am not certain, but I wonder if the aluminum could be compromised if the liner is scratched on the inside somehow.  I just don’t know enough about the composition and durability of the liner to be certain, but it’s something I’m hoping to dive into with a future video.

So in general, aluminum bottles from respected companies like Sigg are certainly safe options to drink from, but it's not as clear-cut as some other options like stainless-steel or glass in my opinion.

Are Copper Bottles Safe?

Are Copper Bottles Safe to Drink From?
​Copper is a newer option that you can find on the market today, like this one from the brand Milton that was released in 2020.  From what we’ve read, copper is a double-edged sword.

On the good side, they look really cool, and there is some evidence that the copper can kill bacteria and microbes in water.

Some brands list additional health claims, including how copper is “known for its anti-oxidant, brain-stimulator and immunity booster properties.”  However, as far as I can tell, this is dubious at best and is not backed up by trusted sources.  In fact, too much copper intake can lead to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and abdominal pain.
Why You Shouldn't Buy a Copper Water Bottle
​Take this paper Q&A sheet from the Washington State Department of Health.  It discusses the negative effects of ingesting water that’s been in contact with copper for too long, mostly involving old copper pipes.  They recommend running water in copper pipes for a minute before using it, and whenever possible, use cold water only because hot water dissolves more copper.

To be fair, this paper is referring primarily to old copper pipes that are used in construction, and I wouldn't be surprised if the high-grade copper that is allegedly used in many water bottles today is safer, especially because it's easier for you to clean and maintain it.

However, there are other similar options like stainless steel that are generally accepted to be safer, so in my opinion, why take the risk?
When Is a Copper Bottle a Good Option?
If you do not have access to clean drinking water, then a copper bottle may be a good option for you.  This is only because the antibacterial properties may provide enough of a benefit to overcome the negative effects of ingesting copper.  But if you have access to clean drinking water, then we generally recommend against using a copper bottle.
Copper Bottles on Amazon
If you're set on buying a copper bottle, here are a couple popular options on Amazon.
Milton Copper Bottle
Milton Copper Bottle
See on Amazon
Otiem Copper Bottle
Otiem Copper Bottle
See on Amazon

Are Silicone Bottles Safe?

Are Silicone Bottles Safe to Drink From?
Silicone is a material that’s become more and more popular with food-safe products.  It’s been used for a long time as a component, like with o-rings and gaskets to keep bottles water-tight, and now we’re even seeing some all-silicone options come out.  They have some unique benefits given that they’re typically collapsible and lightweight, making them fantastic options for traveling and hiking.  Yes, there are some plastic options like Platypus like this, but for those who want something that’s collapsible without the plastic, silicone is really the only good alternative.
Does the Silicone Pinch Test Work?
​Quick note about silicone.  There are silicone types that are not food-safe, and it’s typically when fillers used do not have the same food-safe properties.

You might also read about a “pinch test” to verify if the silicone is safe.  The thought is that if you pinch silicone and it turns white, this indicates it has fillers that can be unsafe.  However, this is not necessarily true, and the pinch test is more of a myth from what I have read.

There are food-safe silicone products that turn white when pinched but that are still perfectly safe.  When buying a silicone product, make sure it says it’s FDA-approved, food-grade, or food-safe silicone, and if you have any questions, reach out to the manufacturer.
Does Silicone Contain BPAs, and is Silicone Safer than Plastic?
No, silicone does not contain BPAs.  This article does a great job at explaining more of the details and information about silicone and how it's different and generally considered to be safer than plastic.  And the Canadian government writes that there are no known health hazards. In the most basic terms, silicone uses silica, aka sand, which is the same primary component as glass.  This avoids some of the more problematic polymers and compounds found in plastics.

Having said that, silicone is obviously very synthetic and is relatively new-to-market compared to an alternative like glass.  For that reason, I wouldn't fault you if you chose to avoid an all-silicone bottle for now until more research is completed.
Silicone Bottles on Amazon
​There aren’t too many all-silicone bottles on the market yet, but two of the more popular ones now that are worth taking a look at are E-Senior and Special Made.
E-Senior
E-Senior
See on Amazon
Special Made
Special Made
See on Amazon

Are Titanium Bottles Safe?

Are Titanium Bottles Safe to Drink From?
​The last bottle material we’ll cover in this video is titanium.  At first glance, this looks like one of the best options available.  It’s extremely durable, more lightweight than stainless steel, and is corrosion-resistant.  Because it is better than stainless steel in nearly every way including being almost 50% lighter, titanium is a fantastic option for hiking.
Why Shouldn't you Buy a Titanium Bottle?
But for all of that functionality, you can expect to pay a much higher price.  The cheapest titanium bottle option we found is $80, and other options easily get up over triple digits.  In short, titanium bottles appear to be one of, if not the, best material options available for water bottles, but they have a price point that reflects the premium nature of this material.

​One other downside worth mentioning is that there does not appear to be a dual-wall vacuum insulated option like you’ll find with so many stainless steel bottles.  Some brands like Boundless try to spin this as a positive because you can put your bottle directly on a stove to boil water for cooking or to purify it, and for sure this is a benefit when camping or hiking long distances.  But for most people, they just want a bottle that can hold ice for 4-8 hours, and I’m not sure a titanium bottle is a good option for that unless you get a thermal sleeve.
Titanium Bottles On Amazon that We'd Love to Test
Silverant
Silverant
See on Amazon
Boundless
Boundless
See on Amazon
Vargo
Vargo
See on Amazon

Which Water Bottle Materials are the Safest?

Which Water Bottle Materials are the Safest?
Yo sum things up, I like to think of safety with different water bottle materials in three tiers.
Tier 3 - Avoid
Copper
At the bottom of the list is copper.  It’s probably not a good idea to drink regularly from a container like this.  You’ll pay quite a bit of money, and it doesn’t look like science backs up the health claims.
Tier 2 - Probably OK, but there are some concerns
Plastics (Tritan and Polypropylene)
​Aluminum
​Each of these materials are safe according to many studies and the manufacturers, but there are a few details that caused me to rank them a little lower, mainly because there are still some concerns about plastics in general and because aluminum bottles all seem to have an interior lining.
Tier 1 - Safest
Stainless Steel
Silicone*
Titanium
Glass**
And finally, the safest materials to use are stainless steel, silicone, titanium, and glass.  From what I’ve read, these bottles all have consistent safety testing results, and you should feel safe and confident using any of them.

*Silicone is newer and more closely related to plastic, so I wouldn't fault you if you wanted to avoid this type of bottle until more research is done.  I almost ranked it in Tier 2 for that reason.

**Glass would be at an even higher level if it weren’t for concerns with breakage and cutting yourself.  But if you’re really looking for the cleanest, most natural drinking option, glass is probably the best material to go with.

Buying a Large Bottle?  Keep Us in Mind

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
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BottlePro's Amazon Store
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What is the Best Water Bottle, and Which One Should You Get? (The Ultimate Guide)

7/7/2023

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

What is the Best Water Bottle?

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

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

Content Overview:

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

Our Video Review

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

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

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

What Type of Water Bottle Do You Need?

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

Part 2: Reviewing Popular and Notable Bottles and Brands

Popular and Notable Water Bottles and Brands

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

Nalgene

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

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

Klean Kanteen Classic (Non-Insulated)

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

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

Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated

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

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

YETI Rambler

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

Hydro Flask

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

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

Hydro Flask Trail Series

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

Takeya

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

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

Iron Flask

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

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

ThermoFlask

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

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

Stanley Quencher

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

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

Camelbak Chute Mag

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

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

S'well

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

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

FJbottle

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

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

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

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

Steepware Everest

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

EcoVessel Boulder

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

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

Part 3: Our Recommendations and Favorite Bottles

Our Recommendations for Best Water Bottles

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

Best Water Bottle for Hiking

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

Best Water Bottle for Sporting Events

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


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

Best Water Bottle for Road Trips

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

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

Best Water Bottle for Commutes

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

Best Bottle for the House or Office

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

Best Water Bottle for Tea

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

Best Water Bottle for Ice

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

Best Water Bottle for Fruit Infusing

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

Best Water Bottle for Limiting Plastic Contacting Water

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

Best Spout (Chug) Lid

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

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

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

Best Straw Lid

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

Best Sip (Cafe/Commuter) Lid

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

Best Value Water Bottle

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

Best Looking Water Bottle

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

Best Water Bottle Brand

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

Best All-Around Bottle

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

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

Buying a Large Bottle?  Keep Us in Mind!

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
BottlePro's Amazon Store
BottlePro's Amazon Store
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3 Reasons why you SHOULDN'T Buy a Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley

3/18/2023

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3 Reasons why you Shouldn't Buy a Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley Bottle

Content Overview:
  1. Intro - Hype Articles
  2. Link to our Video Review
  3. Reason #1 - Affiliate Marketing
  4. Reason #2 - Cost
  5. Reason #3 - Environmental Cost
  6. ​Summary and Link to our Store (Thank You!)

Products Mentioned in this Post:
  • Hydro Flask 40oz
  • Iron Flask 40oz
  • YETI 36oz
  • Stanley 40oz
  • BottlePro's Amazon Store

Counterpoint - Why you should Think Twice before Buying a Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley Water Bottle

​YETI recently released a new bottle with a straw lid, and it’s their answer to Stanley’s Adventure Quencher bottles that took the internet by storm.  You may have noticed articles like these predicting that the new YETI straw tumbler will go viral.  These kinds of articles come up seemingly every week describing the next big Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley product that you should buy. 
YETI Hype Article NY Post
YETI Hype Article NY Post
YETI Hype Article Yahoo
YETI Hype Article Yahoo
YETI Hype Article SF Gate
YETI Hype Article SF Gate
​But we’re here to give the counterpoint with three reasons why you shouldn’t buy a Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley.

Our Video Review

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

Reason #1 Why You Shouldn't Buy a Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley - Affiliate Marketers

​Here’s the deal.  The people and companies writing these articles are affiliate marketers.  They get paid if you click a link and make a purchase, so it’s in their best interest to promote the most popular and expensive items.
Example of Affiliate Marketing (bottlepro.net)
Example of Affiliate Marketing (bottlepro.net)
​And look, we’re fine with people giving reviews and recommendations, and in fact that’s mostly what we do on this channel.  These reviews and summaries by experts and knowledgeable consumers can save you a lot of time so you don’t have to sift through all the junk on Amazon’s bloated marketplace.

The problem is that many of these affiliate marketers don’t really have your best interests in mind.  They’re just trying to ride the hype train with the most popular, expensive products that they can post links to and earn their cut.  Many don’t care about giving you a true all-around representation of the product they’re promoting.
​Always remember that there is no such thing as a perfect product for every person and situation.  Every single product has a drawback or something that can be critiqued.  If the article you’re reading doesn’t list at least one negative to be aware of, then you might want to get a second opinion elsewhere.

Reason #2 Why You Shouldn't Buy a Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley - You're Mostly Paying for the Logo

​We run a business selling products on Amazon and ordering items from China.  Our manufacturing and shipping volumes are obviously not nearly as high as Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley, but we can take what we’ve learned and use that to take our best guess at what kinds of costs they have.
Our Estimates for Hydro Flask's Costs
Our Estimates for Hydro Flask's Costs (click to see Amazon listing)
For this analysis, we’re going to look specifically at a 40-ounce Hydro Flask. The standard retail price is $49.95, so that’s what we’ll base this analysis on.  Manufacturing costs are probably around $4 per unit.  This includes the bottle, printed inserts, and the label wrap.  Freight costs have been more difficult to predict within the last few years since COVID, but bulk sea freight from China to the west coast of America probably comes out to around $1 per bottle.  Amazon usually has a 12% referral fee for sales on their platform so that’s what we’ll use here, though we wouldn’t be surprised if Hydro Flask has negotiated that down or partnered with Amazon somehow.  The Amazon fulfillment charge, which is separate from the referral fee, is probably around $7.

​Together, these costs total $17.99, which gives a gross profit per unit of $31.96.  That’s a 64% profit margin, which is pretty high.
​Now obviously there are many other costs that will bring down Hydro Flask’s true net profit, including customer service, marketing, facilities costs, and employee wages.  We’re not going to try to guess what Hydro Flask’s costs are in these categories, but it’s clear to see that a minority of what you pay for with a Hydro Flask bottle is in the bottle itself.  If you think of customer service, marketing, the facilities, and the employees as essentially being the brand, then this little logo basically costs you around $30 per bottle.

Most of the price you pay is for the brand, not the bottle.

And though there are surely some differences between brands, we wouldn't be surprised if YETI and Stanley bottles are in this same ballpark.

Let’s compare these costs with Iron Flask, which is a well-established knockoff brand on Amazon.  They were close on our insulation test, and they’re almost exactly the same size and shape.
Our Estimates for Iron Flask's Costs
Our Estimates for Iron Flask's Costs (click to see Amazon listing)
​You can get a 40-ounce Iron Flask for $28.95, or $21 dollars less than a comparable Hydro Flask.  Iron Flask’s direct product costs will be a little lower on the Amazon referral fee since it’s tied to the price point, but they will have mostly similar costs compared to Hydro Flask, including manufacturing, freight, and the Amazon fulfillment fee.

​Our best guess is that Iron Flask’s total direct product costs are around $15 per 40-ounce bottle, leaving ~$13 profit, or 45% margins.
You'll spend less money overall, and most of the price you pay is for the bottle, not the brand.  And considering that you get 3 lids instead of just 1 and that they have ~30 color options, it seems like an even better deal.  We've used Iron Flasks quite a bit, and honestly we can't tell much of a difference between them and Hydro Flasks.
​Now some of Hydro Flask’s higher costs are well worth it.  They have great customer service, and they make really good products that last a long time.  But in our opinion, it’s still a lot to fork over for the logo and we’d rather have a greater percentage of the price we spend go into the product, not the company.  YETI’s branding-related costs are possibly even more excessive.  Stanleys aren’t quite as extreme, but you're definitely still paying for the logo.

Reason #3 Why You Shouldn't Buy a Hydro Flask, YETI, or Stanley - The Environment

It's a little counter-intuitive at first because one of the most important reasons why you should get a reusable bottle is for the environment.  Disposable water bottles are terrible, and upgrading to a reusable bottle is one of the best things you can do on an individual level to reduce plastic consumption.

But the reality is that most people only really need one or two bottles to get them through the day.  This why we really don’t like how viral bottles and excessive marketing budgets always push customers to get the next best bottle or color.  It's one thing if you if you want a different type of bottle for specific reason, like a smaller one with a sip lid for coffee.  But do you really need a 6th color of a 40-ounce bottle when you already have 5 similar bottles?
Diminishing Returns with Plastic Reduction and # of Bottles
Diminishing Returns with Plastic Reduction and # of Bottles
There’s a type of diminishing returns when it comes to the number of bottles you own and how much you’re helping reduce overall environmental waste.  The first bottle you get cuts down a lot of your plastic consumption, but each additional bottle you buy doesn’t help as much.

And every bottle has an environmental cost related to manufacturing and shipping the product.  And remember that shipping doesn't just mean from the warehouse to your door.  Shipping also includes getting supplies and materials to the factory, and then freighting the finished products in bulk to a fulfillment warehouse. 
​Sooner or later, the total environmental cost related to manufacturing and shipping your next reusable bottle will be greater than the environmental benefit from the reduction to your plastic consumption.

So before you buy your next reusable bottle, take a second to think about whether you really need it.

​And that’s it!  You might find it a little weird for our company to tell you to not buy a water bottle given that we’re in the business of making accessories for these bottles.  But like always, we try to give our honest thoughts and recommendations that will actually help.  And we know we railed on affiliate marketers before, but we did include links to the products we talked about.  If you make a purchase after clicking one of the links, then we get a small commission.  It helps our small business out, and we appreciate the support so we can continue making unbiased posts and videos like this one.  Keep BottlePro in mind for accessories for your large bottles, and happy hydrating!

Buying a bottle?  Keep us in mind!

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
BottlePro's Amazon Store
BottlePro's Amazon Store
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Which YETI Lid is the Best? (Updated for 2023)

1/23/2023

4 Comments

 
Which YETI Lid is the Best?

Which YETI Lid is the Best?

Rambler water bottles are one of YETI’s most popular and profitable product lines, due in no small part to how useful and versatile they are.  YETI has designed six lid styles that are compatible with any wide-mouth Rambler bottle.

To be clear, the lids we’re talking about only fit YETI Rambler water bottles.  We’re not talking about YETI’s tumblers, mugs, or new Yonder plastic bottles.

So the next logical question is, which YETI lid is the best?

Our goal with this post is to give you all the information you need to answer the more important question: which YETI lid is the best for you?

Which YETI Lid is the Best? (Video Review)

If you'd rather watch a video about this topic, then check out our YouTube video!
Or keep reading our full post below.

The Contenders

YETI has designed six (6) lids as of today: Standard, Chug, Straw, Hot Shot, Magdock, and Bottle Cup Cap.
The Six YETI Lid Options
The Six YETI Lid Options
YETI's Ramber Water Bottles
Click this link to see YETI's Water Bottle category on Amazon.
See Bottle Options
YETI's Lid Options
Click this link to see YETI's lid options on Amazon (under Drinkware Accessories).
See Lid Options

YETI's Standard Lid

YETI's Standard Lid - Benefits and Drawbacks
YETI's Standard Lid - Benefits and Drawbacks
See Listing for the Standard Lid
​First is the one that started it all, YETI’s Standard Lid.  This was the lid that came out when this water bottle series was initially released, and it’s still the one that comes with most YETI Ramblers bottles today.

​We love the carrying handle.  The rigid design is wide enough to fit three fingers, making it very comfortable and easy to hold.

The simple, no-frills design is very easy to use, and it’s also easy to clean.
This is the best option for anyone who has limited finger strength because the handle is easy to hold, and it lets you get a good amount of leverage to open the cap.

It’s also the most lightweight YETI cap at only 2.9 ounces.

There are a few main drawbacks.  First, the lid is completely separate from the bottle, so it’s pretty easy to misplace or drop the lid, causing it to get dirty.  It’s not like a Takeya, which has a connected spout cap.

Second relates to YETI’s Over-The-Nose technology, which in non-marketing terms just means they made the mouth opening about 1/2” wider than competitors like Hydro Flask.  Because the opening is so wide, it’s notoriously easy to splash water in your face, especially if you’re in the middle of an activity like driving.  And if you have ice in your bottle, all we can say is good luck.

So while we love the simplicity of the standard cap and how easy it is to use, it’s definitely the base design for a reason since it does not offer many benefits or uses compared to other lids.

YETI's Chug Cap

YETI's Chug Lid - Benefits and Drawbacks
YETI's Chug Lid - Benefits and Drawbacks
See Listing for the Chug Lid
YETI’s Chug Cap is probably the most common replacement lid that people choose to use, and for good reason.  It consists of two parts that we’ll call the base and the spout cap.

The most important and obvious benefit is how lid solves the glaring problem with the Standard Lid by making it much easier to take drinks of water without splashing water all over your face.

The handle is the same great design as the Standard Lid and is very comfortable and easy to hold.

Some drawbacks are that the spout cap comes completely off and is easy to misplace or drop.

At 6.5 ounces, this is the 2nd heaviest YETI lid.

There are more parts compared to the Standard Lid, so there is also  more to clean, including an extra set of threads.
This is not as good of an option as the Standard Lid for people with limited gripping strength, mainly because the base is more difficult to get on-and-off.

Our previous video discussed a common problem we see in reviews about the chug cap, specifically that the threads can strip fairly easily.  If you want to use a chug cap, we recommend watching that video to help minimize this potential problem.
​
While it may seem like we brought up a lot of drawbacks, the YETI Chug Cap is by no means a bad lid.  It’s a solid improvement over the Standard Lid in many ways, and it’s our favorite lid for drinking regular water from YETI Ramblers that are 26 ounces or larger.

YETI's Straw Cap

YETI's Straw Lid - Benefits and Drawbacks
YETI's Straw Lid - Benefits and Drawbacks
See Listing for the Straw Lid
The next cap we’re reviewing is YETI’s Straw Lid.
​
Like with most straw lids, it’s very easy to take sips of water, and there’s no chance of splashing water in your face provided that you keep the bottle upright.

The previous two caps require two hands to unscrew the lid while holding the bottle, but you can take one-handed sips with the Straw Lid.  This makes it a great option for when you’re on the road.

The handle is the same comfortable, three-finger style as the Standard and Chug Lids.  The only difference is that the handle is angled to the side some so you don’t hit your forehead when taking a drink, but we wouldn’t count this as a problem.

In our opinion, this is the best option if you’re planning to use ice or add flavorings like fruit to your bottle.  You’ll keep everything out of your face, and the small straw opening is unlikely to plug up unless you have really small bits of ice or fruit.

If you’d like to flavor your water, consider using our FlavorFuze Straw infuser.  We designed it for Hydro Flasks initially, but it also fits great on YETI’s Straw Lids.

Most of the drawbacks are similar to what you’d find with any straw lid.  The straw grazes the bottom of the bottle, and you’ll need to remove the entire lid if you want to drink 100% of the water.

Also, they’re harder to clean than the previous lids.  Make sure you have a straw cleaner, and even if you’re cleaning the straw regularly, it’s a good idea to replace the whole straw every once and awhile.

In conclusion, this is a good straw lid that can help make your life a little easier.  We like this lid the most for hiking because it’s fairly lightweight compared to the other lids and prevents spills.  We also like using this lid when we want to add ice or flavorings.  In some ways YETI’s Straw Lid feels a little basic when compared to competitors like Hydro Flask and Klean Kanteen who have made innovations that make them easier to clean or use less plastic.  But basic isn’t necessarily bad, and this is certainly still a good lid.

Hot Shot Lid

YETI's Hot Shot Lid - Benefits and Drawbacks
YETI's Hot Shot Lid - Benefits and Drawbacks
See Listing for the Hot Shot Lid
Next is YETI’s Hot Shot Lid, which is their sip-style.  It’s intended to be used with smaller bottles for coffee and tea.
It does a good job of limiting how much of your drink comes out at once, which is good when drinking something hot like coffee.
​
One cool feature is that you can take a sip from any side of the bottle, which is different than what you find with many competing sip lids that force you to line up your mouth with the opening.  In this way, the Hot Shot is a very good option for drinking coffee while driving because you don’t have to worry about lining up your mouth with the bottle opening.

And YETI’s Hot Shot has fewer parts compared to some competitors like Hydro Flask’s Flex Sip.  This makes it easier to clean and less likely to misplace or drop a piece.

It’s a fairly lightweight option at only 4.7 ounces, though this is technically the 4th heaviest YETI lid.

One obvious drawback is that the lid does not have the carrying handle that’s incorporated into the previous lids.  We know the Hot Shot is intended to be used with smaller bottles that are easier to carrying in general, but having a handle always helps.

But the biggest drawback that some people will find with the Hot Shot lid is that it’s more difficult to use, even compared to some other sip-style lids we’ve tested.  The rim around the top is great to drink from, but it doesn’t give you much room to get your fingers against the opening mechanism.  People with limited finger strength or arthritis will most likely have issues using the Hot Shot lid.

This especially applies to cleaning the lid.  To separate the two pieces, you have to twist even harder counterclockwise until you hear two clicks, and then the middle piece comes out.

To sum it up, this lid is a good option to use with YETI’s 12 or 18 ounce Ramblers when you want to sip on your coffee on the way to or at work, and we really like how you can sip from any angle.  But other than that, this lid is just not as easy to use as some other sip-style lids that we’ve tested.  And definitely don’t get this cap if you have limited hand strength.

YETI's Magdock Lid

YETI's Magdock Lid - Benefits and Drawbacks
YETI's Magdock Lid - Benefits and Drawbacks
See Listing for the Magdock Lid
Next is the Magdock lid.  This is the lid we have been most excited to get our hands on because it seemed like an improved version of the Chug Cap, and we were not disappointed.

The spout is the same size as the Chug Cap, meaning you can get a good amount of water when you need it while also preventing spills.

The spout cap is textured for better grip, and it adds to the feel of a premium product.

But the most obvious improvement is incorporated into the name.  The spout cap has a built-in magnet that allows it to securely connect to another magnet in the base, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love magnets?  This makes it much easier to prevent accidentally dropping your spout cap, which was one of the main drawbacks with the Chug Cap.

One other cool feature that we hadn’t seen before is that the o-ring that seals the connection between the spout cap and the base is much easier to remove than with most seals we find in other bottles and caps.  It even has a little built-in little handle that lets you pull it out very easily, and this makes cleaning your bottle much simpler.

At 4.6 ounces, this is the 3rd lightest YETI option.

The most glaring drawback is a biggie.  The Magdock Lid doesn’t have a built-in handle.  If you have smaller hands, then gripping YETI Ramblers that are 26 ounces and larger can be a challenge and not having a handle on the lid is a clear drawback.

But other than that, there’s not much we don’t like about the Magdock cap.
​
In conclusion, we really did like this lid.  This is our favorite lid hydrating while at work or hanging around the house because it’s easier to keep the spout cap nearby and clean.  It improves on most of the drawbacks with the Chug Lid, it’s easier to clean than the Straw Lid, and it’s easier to open and close than the Hot Shot Lid.  But the fact that it doesn’t have a handle is a major drawback for larger bottles, especially for people with smaller hands.  Consider getting a carrying pouch for your bottle, which then solves the problem of not having a handle.

YETI's Bottle Cup Cap

YETI's Bottle Cup Cap - Benefits and Drawbacks
YETI's Bottle Cup Cap - Benefits and Drawbacks
See Listing for the Bottle Cup Cap
The last lid option that we’re reviewing has the most focused purpose.  The Bottle Cup Cap essentially turns your YETI Rambler into a Stanley Classic Thermos.  There are three pieces, the base, the spout cap, and the cup.  Just unscrew the spout cap a little, and then you can pour your drink into the detachable cup.

The cap looks amazing.  The stainless-steel cup has a heft and feel to it that definitely feels premium. 

We haven’t officially tested this yet, but we wouldn’t be surprised if this cap has the best insulation properties compared to other YETI lids.

Because the insulation is probably so good, this is a great option if you’re sitting in the stands watching a sporting event on a chilly day, sitting around the firepit, or relaxing at a campsite.

But there are some key drawbacks to consider.  First off, the lid is huge and bulky.  At 12.7 ounces, it’s almost twice as heavy as the next heaviest cap.

In addition, this cap doesn’t have a handle to help manage all that extra weight and bulk.

And with a price tag of $30 today, it’s also the most expensive lid option by far.  As of today, you can actually spend $5 less and get a 34-ounce Stanley Classic Thermos that serves the same purpose and has a handle built into the bottle.
​
Overall, while this is a really cool add-on for very specific scenarios, we think the Bottle Cup Cap is too situational and expensive for most people except the most die-hard YETI fans and collectors.

Summary

To bring it all together, here is our summary for each lid, including recommended best-uses.

The Standard Lid is a decent lid in general, particularly for hiking, but we think there are better options for most situations.

The Chug Lid has some good improvements over the Standard Lid and is our recommended option to use when you’re actively participating in a sporting event.  It’s a little heavier, so it’s not as good for longer walks or hikes.

The Straw Lid is our recommended option for hiking or when you want to add ice or flavorings to your bottle.

The Hot Shot Lid is ideally used to drink coffee with smaller Ramblers, but it’s not a good option if you have limited hand strength or if you want to drink from a larger bottle.

The Magdock lid is our favorite all-around lid for every-day hydration, especially when pairing it with a carrying pouch so not having a handle isn’t as big of an issue.

And the Bottle Cup Cap is a good option when you’re lounging game-side or around the fire and want to sip at a warm drink, but other than that it’s not very practical.

Regardless of which cap you get, consider getting a cup holder adapter for your YETI Rambler to keep it securely by your side when you’re on the road.  We just came out with our new-and-improved BottlePro Max adapter that fits all YETI Ramblers.

And that’s it!  We hope this post has helped you decide which lid or lids you should get.  Keep BottlePro in mind for accessories for your large bottles.

Buying a YETI Rambler?  Keep us in mind!

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
Picture
See BottlePro's Store
4 Comments

Threads Stripping with YETI's Chug Cap (and How to Avoid It)

1/16/2023

6 Comments

 
How to Avoid Stripping Threads with YETI's Chug Cap

YETI Chug Cap Stripped Threads - A Video Review

If you'd rather watch a video about this topic, then check out our YouTube video!
Or keep reading our full post below.
​

How to Avoid Stripping Threads with YETI's Chug Cap

At BottlePro, we’ve mostly focused on Hydro Flasks over the years.  But one of our New Year’s resolutions is to give some other brands more love, and at the top of that list is YETI.
​
YETI is possibly the most popular premium bottle brand on the market today, and for good reason.  Their products cost a relative fortune, but that’s because they are over-engineered and designed to last for many years.
YETI's Popularity Increasing Compared to Hydro Flask
YETI's Popularity Increasing Compared to Hydro Flask
​That’s why some recent reviews of the YETI Chug Cap caught our attention.  We’ve seen a lot of posts on platforms like Amazon, Reddit, and YETI’s own website that mention how the threads stripped.  The one from Amazon has a good picture showing the problem, and the description says the lid only lasted 4 months until the threads stripped.
​Given that YETI is a premium brand, all these negative reviews seemed odd so we decided to order a chug cap to test it out and see if we could recreate this issue.

We ordered a YETI Chug Cap in December, 2022 from YETI’s storefront on Amazon.  Interestingly, the storefront showed this product as unavailable when we went back in early January when we were making this video, but we assume the listing will be back up and running soon.  It might be wishful thinking on our part, but maybe they’re updating the design to fix the issue we’re about to talk about.
Picture
YETI's Chug Cap Listing
Our first impression is that the cap is well-built and feels very durable.  It definitely feels more heavy-duty than competitors like Takeya, ThermoFlask, or even Hydro Flask’s new Flex Chug.
​
Before we really tested out our lid, we took a closer look at the pictures from the negative reviews.  Our lid seems to be identical based on the locations of a few key features, which gives us confidence that both we and the reviewers used authentic YETI lids.
Authentic YETI lids - our lid has the same features as the reviewers' lids
Authentic YETI lids - our lid has the same features as the reviewers' lids

Recreating the Issue

The next step was to try to recreate the issue.  We tightened the lid as much as we could by hand, but this did not seem to do anything to the threads.

Next came the real cross-threading test.  We tried screwing the lid on-and-off at different angles.  This includes pulling up and pushing down on the lid so we got the full range of taking the lid on and off.  This is when we started to see some wear-and-tear that looks consistent with the other reviewers.
​
In particular, we started seeing some evidence of cross-threading where the black plastic threads started to get flattened out on one side.
Starting to see cross-threading damage within a short time
Starting to see cross-threading damage within a short time
​The problem with cross-threading and thread wear in general is that the issue accelerates once it starts.  So even though we were clearly stress-testing the lid by exerting quite a bit of force at different angles, the fact that we were able to create this amount of wear-and-tear over a few minutes is concerning.  We can absolutely see how the lid could wear down quickly like so many reviews have mentioned.

Why are the Threads Getting Damaged so Easily?

There are likely two main culprits to this problem.

Reason #1
The first is that the clear plastic on the base threads seems to be significantly harder than the black plastic on the spout cap threads.  And because the clear threads have fairly sharp angles on the cross-section profile, these threads can cut into the softer black plastic relatively easily.
Harder clear plastic than black plastic
Harder clear plastic than black plastic
Sharp thread cross-section profile
Sharp thread cross-section profile
Reason #2
Because of the thread design, the lid can start threading on at a pretty good range of angles.  This makes it easier to start closing the lid, which can make it a little easier to use the bottle.  But a side-effect is that this can cause the threads to not line up as intended, leading to more thread wear.
Thread tolerance
Thread tolerance
​Either one of these problems by themselves probably wouldn’t be much of an issue, but the fact that they both are happening together is leading to increased thread wear.
Reason #3
*Update 1/23/2023* Someone gave us feedback after we posted this video saying that their threads stripped because they used a hot drink, and the heat made the threads more malleable, causing them to fail. If you want to use a hot drink like coffee or tea, a better lid option would be the Hot Shot lid.

YETI's Response

As far as YETI’s stance goes, their response to one reviewer was “what you are experiencing isn’t something that happens often but can be caused by cross-threading and/or over-tightening your Chug Cap. Over time this will strip the threads.”
YETI's response to chug cap threads stripping
YETI's response to chug cap threads stripping
We find this response a little disingenuous given that many people are having this same issue, especially when you consider that a large number of people experiencing this threading problem probably won’t take the time to write a negative review.  That being said, YETI’s diagnosis of the root cause of the problem seems to be accurate.

What Can You Do about YETI's Chug Cap Threads Stripping?

#1 - Get a Replacement
​First-things-first, if you’ve already purchased a YETI Chug Cap and have experienced this thread issue, reach out to YETI for a replacement.  You shouldn’t have to cover the cost of this problem.  You can email YETI, or you can submit a warranty claim on their website.
Email:
[email protected]
OR
Submit Warranty Claim
If the button link doesn't work, go to https://www.yeti.com/warranty-information.html.  Then under “READY TO GET STARTED?”, click the link for “WARRANTY CLAIM FORM”.

#2 - Get a Different Brand
​If you’re deciding which bottle to buy and don’t want to run across this issue, one obvious solution is to choose a different bottle brand.  There are plenty of water bottles on the market today, and some bottles like Takeyas usually come with a chug cap included.  One thing we love about Takeyas is that the spout cap is attached to the cap base, so there’s no chance of losing or dropping the spout cap.  ThermoFlask also has a similar cap style.

Links to each bottle's listing on Amazon are included.
Takeya Actives with Spout Cap
Picture
See Takeya's Listing
ThermoFlask (Spout and Straw Lids)
Picture
See ThermoFlask's Listing

#3 - Get a Different YETI Lid
If you’re a YETI fanatic, you know that going with a different brand isn’t an option.  In that case, consider using a different lid since none of the other lids seem to have the same type of threading issue.

Currently YETI has six (6!) lid designs that fit their Rambler series bottles.  We'll be testing all of them in an upcoming video, so stay tuned!

Standard Cap
YETI's Standard Cap
Comes with most YETI Ramblers.
See Listing
Chug Cap
YETI's Chug Cap
Still good, just be careful threading!
See Listing
Straw Cap
Picture
A very common choice
See Listing

Hotshot Cap
Picture
Great for coffee or tea.
See Listing
Magdock Cap
Picture
Magnet on side for spout cap
See Listing
Bottle Cup Cap
Picture
Becomes a Stanley-style thermos.
See Listing

#4 - Keep Using the Chug Cap, but Be Careful!
Even though it may seem like we've been trashing on YETI's Chug Cap design, we actually really like it.  If you want to stick with the YETI Chug Cap, just be mindful of how you use it.  Make sure you have the spout cap aligned properly and perpendicularly to the base as much as possible before you start threading it on.

​To be extra safe, just give the spout cap an easy spin without adding extra force.  The cap threads on really nicely and easily when it’s aligned properly, and then you can just snug it up a little more to make sure the seal is leak-proof.

Whatever you do, don’t pull out the gun show.  You shouldn’t have to use much force or effort to get a good seal, so if it feels like you’re straining to get the cap on, then odds are it’s not aligned properly.
Picture
We hope that YETI will take a closer look at their Chug Cap soon and redesign to help prevent this issue from happening, either by fine-tuning how the threads interact, changing the plastic composition, or maybe even overhauling the design.

Buying a YETI Rambler?  Keep us in mind!

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
Picture
See BottlePro's Store
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