Hydro Flask (40oz)

Hydro Flask Tumbler

Highlights: Sleek design, large handle, cupholder-friendly

What you'll learn:

1. ​Why is Hydro Flask popular?
2. What makes Hydro Flask good?
3. ​What is not good about Hydro Flask?
4. How good is Hydro Flask's insulation?
5. How durable are Hydro Flask tumblers?
6. Are Hydro Flask tumblers dishwasher safe?
7. Do Hydro Flask tumblers fit in cupholders?
8. What are alternatives to Hydro Flask?

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Hydro Flask Review

Overview

Hydro Flask's cash cow for many years (and the cause of its viral success) was their colorful line of wide mouth insulated bottles.  But one of the main problems with that kind of bottle is that it does not fit in the majority of cup holders.

Cup holder adapters started being a thing, including our BottlePro adapter which was first-to-market for these types of large, reusable bottles.  However, many people either did not want to spend more money on another product or had an oddly-shaped cupholder that was not compatible with most adapters on the market.

This created an opportunity for Stanley's tumblers to go viral with their tapered base.  Because of Stanley's popularity, Hydro Flask soon began offering their own version of a large tumbler with a tapered base and side-mounted handle. 

Why Buy?

• Easy to Clean: This is one of the easiest-to-clean bottles or tumblers we have tested.  The silicone mouthpiece pulls out easily, and the seal for the lid is very easy to reach.  You'll need a straw cleanering, but you probably won't need a bottle brush.
• Lighter than Other Tumblers: Many large tumblers with side-mounted handles are heavy.  While still heavier than most traditional bottles, Hydro Flask's tumbler is one of the lighter tumblers we've seen.
• Large Side-Mounted Handle: The handle is comfy to hold, and is large enough to fit a full-hand grip.  Because it's rigid, it's very easy to pick up and take when you when you're around the house or on the road.
• Cupholder Friendly: The tapered design lets this large bottle fit in most standard cup holders.

Why Avoid?

• Leaks: While it does not leak as much as Stanley's Quencher, the lid does still leak some.
• Poor Insulation: Because of the wider opening on top and the lid design, this tumbler had one of the worst insulation test results.

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Hydro Flask FAQs

• Are Hydro Flask tumblers dishwasher safe? | Yes, they are dishwasher safe.
• Are Hydro Flask tumblers worth it? | Yes, Hydro Flask tumblers are well-made and easy to clean.  If you take care of it, your tumbler will last a long time.
• Are Hydro Flask tumblers safe? | Everything we've seen indicates that Hydro Flask tumblers and bottles are safe to use.
• Are Hydro Flask tumblers leak-proof? | No.  They do not leak as much as Stanley Quenchers, but they do still leak some through the vent hole.
• Are Hydro Flask tumblers BPA-free? | Yes, Hydro Flask bottles and tumblers are made of stainless steel, food-safe plastic, and food-safe silicone, all of which are BPA-free.
• Are Hydro Flask tumblers lead-free? | Yes.  Hydro Flask is the first brand we are aware of that switched to stainless steel bottles with a vacuum sealing solder that is not lead-based.  Another notable brand today is Owala.

How Do You Clean a Hydro Flask Tumbler?

Video coming soon!
For now, check out our general cleaning guide for large stainless steel bottles.

Sip or Skip Stat Sheet

Our Sip or Skip stat sheets combine all the information above in one easy-to-use format to make comparing bottles easier.

Hydro Flask Stat Sheet

See our Video Review

Coming soon!

How to Buy a Hydro Flask Tumbler

Hydro Flask (40oz)

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Popular Alternatives

Before you buy, it may be worth looking at these other options.

Stanley Quencher

Stanley Quencher (40oz)

This is the viral tumbler that inspired Hydro Flask's tumblers design.

See on Amazon

Stanley ProTour

Stanley ProTour (40oz)

Stanley's newer lid is leak-proof with a tradtional flip-up spout, so it can be a safer alternative.

See on Amazon

Brumate

Brumate (40oz)

Brumate's design is one of the only truly leak-proof tumblers with an exposed straw on top.

See on Amazon

Helpful Resources

Compare

See what else is out there

Clean

Learn how to properly maintain your bottle

Compare Stanley's Tumblers

Check these other Stanley options before buying

Recommended Accessories

Bottle Brush Kit

Great for your regular cleaning every 2-4 days.

​ This kit includes a large brush to clean in the bottle, a detailing brush to clean the threads and lid, a straw cleaner, and hangers so you can stay organized.

Bottle Brush Kit

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Cleaning Tablets

Recommended to use these once per month.

In additional to regular weekly cleaning, deep-cleaning your bottle once per month is usually a good idea to prevent germs and buildup, especially around seals.

Bottle Bright Tablets

See on Amazon

Bottle Boot

Great for protecting your bottle.

Big bottles are expensive, heavy, and made of steel.  That combination of factors often leads to dents on the bottom, but boots help significantly reduce damage.

Hydro Flask Tumbler Boot (40oz)

See on Amazon

And Just for Fun (and Better Tasting Water)

Fruit Infuser

As a bonus, check out our FlavorFuze Pod drop-in fruit infuser to make your water fun!  Skip the soda or flavor pods with artificial sweeteners (like Cirkul) and add healthy flavors with natural fruit each day.  The pod is easy to remove when you're done thanks to a big handle on top, making for a healthy mid-day snack.

It comes with two lids.  One is a splash-guard style lid that fits in wide mouth Hydro Flasks, and the other is a drop-in style lid that fits in nearly all wide mouth bottles (including Owala FreeSips, YETI Ramblers, Stanley Quenchers, Hydro Flasks, and many more).

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