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Our Review of Hydro Flask's Newest Cap - The Flex Chug (New in 2022!)

12/8/2022

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Is Hydro Flask's New Flex Chug Lid Good?

​Hydro Flask just released a brand new cap in late 2022.  It’s called the Flex Chug, and it’s Hydro Flask’s first true spout-style chug lid.  We ordered one, and we have been testing it for a few days, and we’ll let you know our initial impressions as well as what to expect if you’re thinking about buying one for yourself.

Hydro Flask certainly needed a chug-style lid to compete with ones that many of their competitors already have, including ThermoFlask and Takeya.  But while we’re fans of most Hydro Flask products and have built our company around making complementary products for Hydro Flasks, we have to admit that we think they missed the mark on the Flex Chug cap.

Hydro Flask's Flex Chug - A Video Review

If you'd rather watch a video than read our post, then check out our Youtube video below!

What We Like

Hydro Flask's Classic Design
Hydro Flask's Classic Design
Style and Durability
​We like how Hydro Flask stayed true to their traditional look, including the stainless-steel pegs that the handle connects to.

The lid also feels solid and durable, just like all Hydro Flask products that we’ve tested.

​And the lid does its job by giving you the easy-drinking benefits of a narrow mouth bottle with the benefits of a wide mouth, like being easier to clean and add flavors.

What We Don't Like

Spout Cap is not Connected
Spout Cap is not Connected
#1: Spout Cap is not Connected
The spout cap is essentially a baby version of their standard lid.  It’s not connected to the base of the chug cap and comes completely off.  There’s a chance you could drop the spout cap when trying to take a sip, and then it could get dirty if it drops on the floor of your car or on the ground.
Takeya's Hinged Spout Cap Connection
Takeya's Hinged Spout Cap Connection
Other spout-style lids from competitors like Takeya have hinged connections that keep the spout cap secured even when you unscrew it, and we prefer this design a lot more so it’s easier to take one-handed sips without potentially dropping the cap.
Interested in a Takeya 32oz bottle like this one?  Click the link below to see it on Amazon.
See Takeya's 32oz Bottle Listing

Size: Takeya's Chug Cap (Left) vs Flex Chug (Right)
Size: Takeya's Chug Cap (Left) vs Flex Chug (Right)
#2: Spout is too Big
​We think the spout is a little too big.  Here is Hydro Flask’s Flex Chug side-by-side against Takeya’s chug-style lid.  You can see that Hydro Flask’s spout opening is much bigger.

​Takeya has a good size spout that gives you plenty of water when you need it without having to open your mouth too wide, but Hydro Flask’s spout size is bigger and is a little more difficult to get your mouth around.  Then you can end up accidentally chugging more water than you wanted.

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#3: Aesthetics - Looks Big and Bulky
We recognize that this is more of a personal preference, but in our opinion, the lid looks bulky and awkward.  From a design perspective, there’s just something about how tall the lid is and has two layers that that seems off to us.

And once someone commented on how it looks like a wedding cake, we can't un-see the resemblance!

Our Conclusion

So overall the Flex Chug cap is an OK option and does a decent job at what it’s designed for, but we wish that Hydro Flask had taken some of the aspects of other proven spout lids and incorporated them into their design.

Do you agree with our conclusion?  Let us know!

Buying a wide mouth bottle?  Keep us in mind!

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

12/1/2022

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Are Narrow or Wide Bottle Openings Better?

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

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

Narrow Mouth vs Wide Mouth - A Video Review

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

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

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

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

Lids to Prevent Spills

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alternative: Splash Guards

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

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

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

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

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

​Factor #3 – Adding Ice and Flavorings

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

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

Accessories to Add Flavoring (Narrow Mouth)

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

Accessories to Add Flavoring (Wide or Narrow Mouth)

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

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

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

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

​What about the Cost?

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

Our Recommendation

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

Do you agree with our recommendation?  Let us know!

Buying a Wide Mouth Bottle?  Keep us in mind!

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

11/24/2022

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

What's the Big Deal with Hydro Flasks?

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

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

Quick Summary

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

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

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

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

What's with big water bottles?

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

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

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

When did Hydro Flasks Become Popular?

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

Why did Hydro Flasks Become so Popular?

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

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

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

Is a Hydro Flask Worth Buying in 2023?

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

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

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

Cost for the Logo

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

What are Good Alternatives to Hydro Flask in 2023?

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

Mid-Range Alternative

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

Budget-with-Accessories Alternative

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

Gift for Two (or a Spare for You!)

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

In Conclusion

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

Want to take your favorite bottle to the next level?

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See BottlePro's Store
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The Last Cup Holder You'll Ever Need - BottlePro Max

11/11/2022

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Our 3rd Generation Adapter

When we released our first version BottlePro cup holder adapter in 2015, we had no idea if it was going to sell.  But we used our prototypes for a few weeks and loved having our big Nalgenes close at hand while driving, so we figured this product could help others too.  Soon we realized that many other people really wanted a way to keep their large Hydro Flask, Nalgene, YETI, Klean Kanteen, Takeya, or other large bottle nearby while driving, instead of having it roll around on the passenger seat.

Fast-forward 7 years.  We're on our 3rd generation adapter, BottlePro Max, which works for many more situations.  Let's see what it looks like and what you can expect.

See our Release Video below for a video summary, or you can read through the post below!

Visit our Amazon Listings to Purchase

1-Pack BottlePro Max
1-Pack
2-Pack BottlePro Max
2-Pack
(As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases)

BottlePro Max Release Video


What to Expect

Your BottlePro Max will come in a box like this.  Open it, and you’ll see an insert with info about our company.  Just contact us if any issues come up.
BottlePro Max Packaging
BottlePro Max Packaging

BottlePro Max is our biggest adapter yet, and it’ll fit with even more of your larger containers, including most bottles between 12 and 48 ounces.
BottlePro Max Dimensions
BottlePro Max Dimensions

Our logo is imprinted on the top.  There’s a slot on the side for mug handles, and the base has soft-grip pads for stability and to prevent scratches.  BottlePro Max now includes flexible centralizer (stabilizer) tabs, and this allows many more bottles to fit securely, even smaller diameters bottles and tumblers.  With larger bottles, the tabs might make the fit feel too tight.  In that case, just pull out the centralizing tabs, and you can store them in the bottom recessed area.  They’re easy to press back into place when you need them again.
BottlePro Max Features
BottlePro Max Features

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you install your BottlePro Max.  Don’t just insert the BottlePro Max.  You probably won’t be able to tighten it.

Instead, expand the base some first (twist the top COUNTERCLOCWISE) so the feet will press up against the sides of the cup holder when you insert the adapter.  THEN twist the top clockwise to tighten.

Don't forget to pull up on the adapter to make sure it’s a secure fit and doesn’t come out.
BottlePro Max Instructions
BottlePro Max Instructions

Congratulations!  You can now keep your big bottle close at hand while on the road!  If you run into any Issues or questions, just send us a message.  And don’t forget to check out our other accessories for your big bottles.
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What is the Best Water Bottle for Hiking?  (Hydro Flask vs Klean Kanteen vs Nalgene)

8/15/2022

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

So Many Options

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

Quick Summary

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

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

The Best Water Bottles for Hiking - A Video Review

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

Safety First!

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

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

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

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

Bottle Brands

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

Nalgene: The Original Hiking-Focused Bottle

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

What about BPAs?

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

Who Should Get a Nalgene?

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

Klean Kanteens: The Original Stainless Steel Hiking-Focused Bottle

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

The Newer, Better Klean Kanteen Handle

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

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

What about Klean Kanteen's Insulated TKWide Bottles?

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

Who Should Get a Klean Kanteen?

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

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

Hydro Flask: The Premium Insulated Hiking-Focused Bottle

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

Who Should Get a Hydro Flask?

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

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

What about Hydro Flask's Trail Series?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want to take your favorite bottle to the next level?

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See BottlePro's Store
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How Much Water Should You Bring on a Hike?

7/20/2022

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How Much Water Should You Bring on a Hike?

Hydration is Key

At BottlePro, our motto is Health Through Hydration. One major health risk that can be avoided through proper planning is to have enough water for your hike.

We've lived in the desert in Utah and western Colorado for 10 years, we've done A LOT of hikes in these areas where planning water needs is absolutely critical. We learned early on how essential it is to bring more water than you think you might need.

In this video, we talk through how much water you should bring on a hike, including best practices and recommendations so you can adventure safely.

​And one major recommendation that we didn't specifically say in the video is to time your hike properly. If it's July and you're in the hot desert, you might want to start hiking before sunrise and finish by noon. We indirectly covered this in the video when talking about taking temperatures into account, but we wish we had made this recommendation more explicitly in the video. You wouldn't believe the number of hikers we've seen around here start long trails in the middle of the summer heat with just a small disposable water bottle!


Video Transcript

Hiking is a great activity both for your physical and mental health, but if not planned properly, hiking can be dangerous.  Every year, there are stories about people who have close calls or even die while hiking due to dehydration or hyperthermia, aka an overheated body.

Most incidents involve people who are hiking a new trail and may be unfamiliar with the area and the climate.  This is especially true with tourists in desert areas like in Arizona, California, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado, but it can happen to anyone, anywhere.

Here we’ll review best practices and guidelines to help you stay properly hydrated on your next hiking adventure.

Have a Hydro Flask or other large bottle?

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

Step 1: Research Your Route

Picture
The first rule of hiking is to plan ahead and know how long you’ll be gone.  There’s a big difference between a 3 mile flat hike in the forest and a 3 mile hike with 2000’ of elevation gain and no shade in the desert.
Shaded, Flat Hike = Less Water Needed
Shaded, Flat Hike = Less Water Needed
Desert Hike, Uphill, No Shade = More Water Needed
Desert Hike, Uphill, No Shade = More Water Needed
Always look up the trail details from a site like:
  • AllTrails.com before starting a new hike so you know what you’re getting into.
  • Google Maps also shows the trailhead location for most trails, and you can find information from reviews there too.
  • And if you’re hiking around Colorado or Utah, we highly recommend looking at GJHikes.com.
(Click on an image below to link that site's Mt Garfield hike entry as an example.)
AllTrails.com
AllTrails.com
Google Maps Trailhead Reviews
Google Maps Trailhead Reviews
GJ Hikes Trail Reviews
GJ Hikes Trail Reviews

Step 2: Estimate How Long You'll Be Hiking

Picture
In general, it takes most people between 30 and 60 minutes to hike 1 mile.  That’s a pretty big range, and your rate depends on a variety of factors including your own personal fitness, the elevation gain, the terrain (like if it’s sandy or involves scrambling), and the weather.  And if you have children in your group or if you like to stop to take a lot of pictures, it will almost certainly take longer.
Average Hiking Rate
Average Hiking Rate
Again, Alltrails.com is a great resource you can use to estimate the hiking time, and it’s based on results from other hikers so it takes factors like elevation gain and terrain into account.  But it may still be a good idea to plan on needing more time if you’re not in the best shape or if you’re hiking a new trail.

Step 3: Estimate How Much Water You’ll Need

Picture
According to REI, a good rule-of-thumb is to have roughly 17 ounces (a half-liter) of water for each hour of moderate activity in moderate temperatures.
Appropriate hiking times for common water bottle and bladder sizes.
Appropriate hiking times for common water bottle and bladder sizes.
Adjustments
You’ll have to use your own judgement on how to adjust that number based on factors for each hike, like your familiarity with the hike, your fitness level and health, your age, the temperature and humidity, and the elevation gain and terrain.

If you’re new to hiking or are trying a new route, we recommend doubling the rule-of-thumb and bringing 34 ounces, or roughly 1 liter, per hour that you expect to be hiking, especially if temperatures will be over 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once you get through these steps, you should have a good idea on how much water you should bring on your next adventure.  Check out our next video to see our recommendations on the best water bottles and bladders to bring on hikes.

Want to take your favorite bottle to the next level?

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

Which Hydro Flask Lid is the Best? (We Have a Favorite)

7/8/2022

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Which Hydro Flask Lid Should You Get?

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

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

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

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

Summary

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

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

Flex Cap

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

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

Flex Sip

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

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

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

Flex Straw

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

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

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

​Straw Lid (Original Design)

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

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

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

Want to take your Hydro Flask to the next level?

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See BottlePro's Store
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How to Use (and Clean) a Hydro Flask Flex Sip Lid

6/30/2022

0 Comments

 

What's a Hydro Flask Flex Sip Lid?

Hydro Flask released the Flex Sip lid in early 2020, and it's a fantastic addition to their product lineup.  Now you can take a sip with a quarter-turn of the lid, instead of having to take it all the way off

But the lid has quite a few moving parts, and knowing how to take it apart for cleaning and then put it back together may not be intuitive at first. Our quick 60 second review will show you how to use, disassemble, clean, and reassemble your Hydro Flask Flex Sip lid.

Where Can You Buy a Flex Sip Lid?

Hydro Flask Flex Sip Lid
Hydro Flask Flex Sip Lid
You can purchase a Hydro Flask Flex Sip lid on the Hydro Flask website, or on Amazon using this link.
See Flex Sip Listing

Want to take your Hydro Flask to the next level?

Check out our Amazon store for fun and helpful accessories, like fruit infusers, cup holder adapters, and carrying slings.
See Bottlepro's Store
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Hydro Flasks and Ice - A Summer Essential

6/18/2022

0 Comments

 
Hydro Flasks and Ice (and SplashPro) - A Summer Essential
With summer in full gear and news of heat waves across the country, make sure you stay safe out there.  Keep cool by adding ice to your bottle, and if you're using a Hydro Flask with the Flex Cap, use SplashPro to keep your ice at bay. Designed specifically to fit wide mouth Hydro Flasks. It also fits Iron Flasks and Takeyas, but not Nalgenes.

SplashPro is compatible with Hydro Flask's Flex Cap lid
Hydro Flask's Flex Cap
See Hydro Flasks's Listing
Fits around the Honeycomb insulation in the cap.
Fits around Hydro Flask Flex Cap
See Our Splashpro Listing

Want to see it in action?

Click below to see our quick video!
Click to see our SplashPro video
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Let's Go Hiking - Palisade Rim Trail (Upper Loop)

6/1/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture

Follow along as we tackle this tough, but fun hike!

Located in Palisade, Colorado off of G Road.
  • .5 miles R/T
  • ~1350' elevation gain
  • We went in May.  It was overcast and EXTREMELY windy, so we didn't feel much heat.  But the trail is very exposed with limited shade, so don't forget sunscreen and plenty of water, especially in the summer when it could reach 100 degrees.

Hydration products we used (follow the links to Amazon)
1) Hydro Flask 40oz Wide Mouth

2) BottlePro Cup Holder Adapter
3) SplashPro Splash Guard
4) HikerPouch Leather Bottle Sling

Click the link below to see the video on Instagram

See Video
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