Hydro Flask (32oz, Flex Straw)

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth

Highlights: Colorful, good lid options, comfortable handle

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 bottles?
6. Are Hydro Flask bottles dishwasher safe?
7. Do Hydro Flask bottles fit in cupholders?
8. What are alternatives to Hydro Flask?

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Hydro Flask Review

Overview

Hydro Flask was one of the first stainless steel vacuum insulated bottles to burst into mainstream use.  Using a combination of colorful bottles and influencers, this bottle went viral and became more of an outdoor lifestyle and fashion choice instead of just a bottle.

Hydro Flask's popularity peaked in the summer of 2019, the "summer of VSCO" and "VSCO girls." (VSCO was a photography app, similar to Instagram).

Though their popularity has since been overtaken by other brands like Stanley and Owala, Hydro Flasks are still widely known and very reliable bottles.  Hydro Flask has one of the better-engineered set of lid options, making it a versatile pick (or gift) that is more gender-neutral than some other brands on the market.

Why Buy?

• Comfortable Handle: The handle does not take up much space, is comfy to hold, and is wide enough for 3 fingers.
• Well-Engineered Lid Options: Many other brands have lids that feel like afterthoughts, but not Hydro Flask.  The Flex Sip and Flex Straw in particular are designed to be easier to clean than many other similar style lids.
  
• Many Colors: Hydro Flask was the original colorful bottle on social media, and they continue to have many choices available.
• Popular Brand and Gift: Hydro Flask is a fairly safe gift option that is more gender-neutral compared to some other brands​

Why Avoid?

• Expensive: Hydro Flasks are one of the more expensive brands on the market.
• Exposed Straw Spout: The Flex Straw uses a flip-style spout, which is pretty standard across the industry.  While easy to use, these types of spouts get dirty easily on the surface where your mouth goes.  If you're concerned about this, consider a bottle like Owala's FreeSip that has a flip lid that covers up the spout.

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Hydro Flask FAQs

• Are Hydro Flask bottles dishwasher safe? | Yes, as long as you have a newer design with a thicker metal band below the lid.  Older versions with the thinner metal band are not dishwasher safe.  Trail Series bottles are also not dishwasher safe.
• Are Hydro Flask bottles safe? | Yes, Hydro Flask's bottles are made with food-grade stainless steel, and the lids are made of a combination of food-safe plastics, such as polypropylene and LDPE (straws).
• Where are Hydro Flask bottles made? | Designed in Bend, Oregon and made in China.
• Are Hydro Flask bottles lead-free? | Yes, Hydro Flask uses a lead-free solder to seal in the vacuum.  They are one of the few brands (including Owala) who use this type of solder.
• Are Hydro Flask bottles worth it? | Yes, if you're looking for a premium bottle with a lot of options.  Hydro Flask has many color, lid, and size options to choose from, so it makes it easier to find the right bottle for your situation and preferences.
• What are Hydro Flask lids made out of? | From what we have read, their lids are made of a combination of food-safe plastics, including polypropylene and LDPE (straws).
• Are Hydro Flasks BPA-free? | Yes, all Hydro Flask products are made with BPA-free materials.

How Do You Clean a Hydro Flask?

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

How to Buy a Hydro Flask

Hydro Flask (32oz, Flex Straw)

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Popular Alternatives

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

Hydro Flask's Tumbler

Hydro Flask Tumbler (40oz)

Side-mounted handle and cupholder friendly, this can be easier to manage on-the-go.

See on Amazon

Hydro Flask's Trail Series

Hydro Flask Trail Series (32oz)

Lighter and with a comfy, wide handle, this is one of the best insulated bottles for hiking.

See on Amazon

Owala's FreeSip

Owala FreeSip (32oz)

As the latest viral bottle, Owala has caught people's attention with an innovative lid and fun color combos.

See on Amazon

Helpful Resources

Compare

See what else is out there

Clean

Learn how to properly maintain your bottle

Deep Dive (Lids)

Take a closer look before you buy

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.

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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.

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Cup Holder Adapter

Usually needed for bottles over 3" diameter.

Our BottlePro Max has a twist-to-expand base, removable centralizing tabs, and a grip pad to help keep your bottle secure and by your side.

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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