 Mesa Loop | Simple Modern's Answer to Owala (10 minute read) Owala's FreeSip Bottle or Simple Modern's Mesa Loop | Which is Better?Simple Modern just released their Mesa Loop bottle, which is their answer to the insanely popular Owala FreeSip. But how does it actually compare, and could this be the beginning of the end of Owala's reign as the trendiest bottle as more alternatives inevitably come to market. So let's dive right in to look at what's similar, what's different, and which one's actually better. What's Next?
Video: Simple Modern's Mesa Loop vs Owala FreeSipWe also cover this info in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap that way. Amazon Associates Disclosure Amazon links are provided below. If you find this post helpful, I hope you'll consider using a link to buy. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and these indirect referrals help us remain truly unbiased. Thank you! The Big Picture
And in case it helps, here are the specs I measured for each one.  Mesa Loop and Owala Specs Good Accessories for Either BottleWhether you go with Owala, Simple Modern, or honestly any other large bottle, these are two of our most popular recommended accessories that make cleaning a lot easier. Especially deep cleaning, which we recommend doing at least once per month as outlined in this other post.
How are Simple Modern's Mesa Loop and Owala Similar?Now, let's look at the main similarities between these two bottles. Similarity #1: Contoured Spout Both have contoured spouts that fit around your mouth's natural shape, which feels weirdly good. Owala's seems to feel ever so slightly better, but both are good.  Spout is shaped around your mouth Similarity #2: Easy Sipping Both have a large opening that acts like a wide open vent so sipping is really easy. That means you won't feel the same air restriction or get those wheezing sounds you sometimes get with a lot of straw bottles with flip-up spouts like the one shown below that have a lot more air restriction through small vent holes.
Similarity #3: Easy Deep Cleaning They're both easy to deep clean, especially compared to most traditonal straw bottles. That's mainly because they have fixed straws instead of those flip-up spouts that are harder to clean around.  Fixed Straw Spouts are Usually Easiert to Clean than Flip-Up Ones They both also have removable seals, though Simple Modern's are a little easier as you'll see in a minute.  Removable Spout Seals are Always Welcome Similarity #4: Spring Loaded Cover Both have a spring-loaded cover that goes over the spout to keep it clean, which is yet another common problem with most straw bottles with traditional flip-up spouts or fully-exposed spouts like Stanley Quenchers.  Spring-Loaded Covers Swing Open Similarity #5: Button to Open You open both by pressing a button on the side.  Buttons to Open the Covers Similarity #6: Lockable You're able to lock each bottle, though they do work a little differently.
Similarity #7: Handle They both have a handle that neatly rotates back into the lid, so they're not as bulky as large side-mounted ones.  Mesa Loop's Handle is a Little Bigger and More Comfortable Similarity #8: Leak-Proof Both bottles are leak-proof as long as the seals are properly seated and the lid is tightly closed.  Both are Leak-Proof Similarity #9: Insulation I did a 24 hour cold water test that showed the insulation with Simple Modern is slightly better, but the reality is that either will be good enough for most people most days.  Essentially the Same Insulation Similarity #10: Price And last, they both cost about the same, with the 30 and 32oz versions coming in right at $35.  Same Price for Comparable Sizes How are Simple Modern's Mesa Loop and Owala Different?Now that is a lot of similarities, and it makes sense given that Owala heavily influenced the Mesa Loop bottle. But Simple Modern didn't just copy Owala's design. Instead, they made some interesting design choices, some of which are really good and others that have some drawbacks. So let's take a look at the main differences, and we'll pick which bottle is better for each then add up the results at the end. Difference #1: Chug Opening First is the chug opening. Owala's trademark FreeSip lid includes a combination straw and chug spout, so you can either take a sip or a bigger swig depending on what you need. Mesa Loop on the other hand doesn't have a chug opening at all and is just a straw lid. In my opinion it's not that big of a deal because sipping is so easy with either one and using Owala's chug opening can be a little awkward, but it's still nice to have both options. Advantage: Owala  Owala's Chug Opening (no Chug Opening with Mesa Loop) Difference #2: Handle Size and Comfort Next is the handle size. Owala's design realistically only fits two fingers, while Mesa Loop fits three and is more comfortable in general. Mesa Loop also uses a more comfortable plastic that has more of a grippy texture. Advantage: Mesa Loop
Difference #3: Lock Design The handle also factors into how they lock. For Owala, the handle is the lock, which means you can't use the handle to carry it or clip it to a bag and keep it locked at the same time. Mesa Loop on the other hand has a toggle built into the button, so you can freely use the handle while keeping it locked. Mesa Loop on the other hand has a toggle built into the button, so you can freely use the handle while keeping it locked. Advantage: Mesa Loop
Difference #4: Dishwasher Safe Mesa Loop is dishwasher safe, while Owala is hand wash recommended. It is worth noting that Owala's website says the bottle is technically dishwasher safe and they mainly say hand wash recommended to prevent cosmetic damage, but I'm still giving Mesa Loop the nod here because it's explicitly dishwasher safe. Advantage: Mesa Loop  Mesa Loop is Dishwasher Safe, Owala is Handwash Recommended Difference #5: Threads Owala has internal threads on the lid while Mesa Loop has threads on the outside. What this means practically is that Mesa Loop is easier to clean because the rim seal is easier to remove and put back on. Owala by comparison has the rim seal positioned up in this recessed area where you need some kind of tool like a butterknife to get it out. Advantage: Mesa Loop
Difference #6: Spout Seal Both have a spout seal that fits into the lid cover, but the designs are notably different. Both are easy to remove, but Owala's is a little more straightforward to reattach to the lid because it slides straight on instead of having to fit it over edges like Mesa Loop's design. But on the side that comes into contact with water, Owala has more nooks and crannies that can hide moisture and germs while Mesa Loop is flatter and easier to clean. So because each one has slight advantages in different ways, this one is a tie. Advantage: Tie
Difference #7: Straw Connection The way the straw connects to the lid is very different. Owala has a simple friction fit, while Mesa Loop has a threaded connection fixed permanently onto the straw, and you just twist it a quarter turn to remove or attach it from the lid. It's slightly easier to handle, but it's also trickier to clean, especially around the threads and where the straw fits into the lid. Honestly, I personally Owala's simpler design mainly because it's easier to clean. It's worth noting that I've seen more comments recently from people who have had issues with Owala's straw coming loose, especially when using ice water. If that's a problem for you, Mesa Loop's threaded straw would be a good solution. Advantage: Owala
Difference #8: Grip Pad Owala has a regular base, while Mesa Loop has a built-in silicone grip pad. It won't do much to prevent dents and dings like a bottle boot can, but it does help dampen noise and prevent scratches both on the bottle and any surfaces you put it on. Advantage: Mesa Loop  Mesa Loop's Grip Pad Ring Difference #9: Opening Speed and Closing Force One of the more extreme differences you wouldn't notice without testing both bottles is with the opening speed and closing force. Mesa Loop's lid is heavier and has a smaller spring so it opens more slowly, while Owala's opens really fast. Now that's not a huge deal, but the bigger difference is with the force needed to close the cover. Mesa Loop closes really easily, while Owala takes significantly more effort. Advantage: Mesa Loop  Mesa Loop's Cover is Easier to Close Difference #10: Turns for Lid Another sneaky difference is the number of turns needed to remove or secure the lid. For Owala, it takes about one full turn. But for Mesa Loop, it's only about 1/8th of a turn, which honestly feels really weird because it's so much less than pretty much any other type of threaded product out there. Advantage: Mesa Loop  Mesa Loop's Lid Needs Fewer Turns to Open or Close Difference #11: Car-Friendly Mesa Loop has a little smaller diameter, so it's more likely to fit in a wider range of cup holders. Though be sure to measure your cup holder first because it's by no means a given. To recap the specs, Mesa Loop's 30oz bottle is 3.1 inches across, and Owala's 32oz bottle is 3.5 inches across. Advantage: Mesa Loop  Mesa Loop Fits in More Cup Holders Difference #12: Weight and Height (Bulkiness) And last, yes it's a smaller diameter, but because it's a smaller diameter and has a bulkier lid, Mesa Loop's bottle is taller and heavier even though it holds 2 fewer ounces volume. Advantage: Owala  Mesa Loop is Taller and Heavier, Despite Holding 2oz Less Volume Summary: Which is Better, Mesa Loop or Owala?So which bottle is actually better? Well out of the 12 notable differences, Mesa Loop is better on 8 of them, Owala is better on 3, and one is essentially a tie. So as a whole, I'd say Mesa Loop will be a better bottle for more people.  Overall, Mesa Loop has More Advantages However, a lot of these differences are really small and nitpicky, and both of these are really good bottles so I don't think it makes sense to buy one if you already have the other. But if you're buying for someone who has limited gripping strength or arthritis, Mesa Loop has some advantages there, mainly for these reasons including the cover needing less force to close, the larger grippy handle, the lid needing less twisting to remove, and a straw that's easier to remove and put back on. How to BuyIf you found this post helpful, I hope you'll consider using a link to buy. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and these indirect referrals help us remain truly unbiased. Thank you!
A Good Alternative to Either: Owala's Sway TumblerI compared Mesa Loop to Owala's FreeSip bottle because that's Owala's flagship product most people are familiar with, but I'd highly recommend looking at their Sway tumbler too because in my opinion that's possibly the most well-rounded bottle on the market right now that will be a good fit for the widest range of people. It has:
The only real advantages Mesa Loop has over Sway are the grip pad on the bottom and being labeled dishwasher safe, though as you learned before, Owalas are technically dishwasher safe too. For the sake of time I won't repeat everything about the Sway tumbler here, but check out this post that goes into more detail if you're interested to learn more about that option in particular. Thanks again, and happy hydrating!
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