Hydro Flask’s reusable water bottles are lightweight, nearly indestructible, and worth every penny

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• Thin and lightweight, Hydro Flask’s Standard Mouth is my go-to water bottle while on-the-go.
• It has a smooth but grippy finish, is thin enough to fit in most of my bags, and comes in a variety of colors.
• The bottle also does extremely well to keep any beverage I have cold or hot for hours on end.

Table of Contents: Masthead StickyStandard-Mouth Water Bottle with Flex Cap (24 OZ.) (small)

The Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle is a simple water bottle. Inherently, there’s not much to it, and that’s what I like. It’s double-walled and vacuum-sealed, but you wouldn’t know by looking at or carrying it.

Double-walled and vacuum-sealed technology dates back over a century, and most modern, steel-walled water bottles employ it. In short, it involves one flask (or bottle) being placed over another, and the gap between the two being vacuumed before its sealed to stabilize the inside temperature, keeping cold things cold and hot things hot for long periods of time.

I like just about everything else about the water bottle, too. The spray-on finish has a luxurious feel, and the new Hawaiian shave ice ombrés are just downright seductive.

If you want a “Wide Mouth” container, or a larger bottle, Wide Mouth models come in 18-, 32-, 40-, and 64-ounce sizes, and, like the Standard Mouth models, are compatible with a few different caps and lids.

Durably built and highly portable

The narrow body of my 24-ounce bottle also means it can fit in just about everything, from my laptop case (where I can safely trust it not to open and expel its contents) to my boat bag. It refuses rust even after repeated soaks in the sea (without a wash), and there’s an unobtrusive, collapsible silicone handle that you can use to attach it to a bag or railing if need be.

But that “if need be” should not be taken lightly. The strap, being silicone, is not the most durable thing in the world, and it will eventually break, especially if you’re clipping it into a carabiner often enough. There are a handful of complaints right on Hydro Flask’s website attesting to this where the replacement cap is sold for $7.50.

The other side of this issue, while not a perfect solution, and certainly a nuisance, is that this bottle comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which does include things like the Flex Cap‘s strap breaking. And, again, you could also purchase a different cap or lid altogether.

The rest of the water bottle is nearly indestructible. I’ve dropped it down flights of stairs, I’ve kicked it across the deck of my boat, and it’s rolled all the way down my gravel-laden driveway with little more than a scratch. There were some smudges after all that, but I was able to buff them out, which I found impressive (not in reference to me, but the bottle, of course).

Should you buy it?

Yes. Hydro Flask’s lineup of vacuum-insulated water bottles offer an environmentally friendly and versatile way to enjoy your beverage of choice each day. They do well to keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for hours on end, and their nearly indestructible design means you’ll have it around for years.

What are your alternatives?

Hydro Flask’s water bottles took the top spot in our guide to the best water bottles, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few worthy substitutes to consider. If it’s a reusable plastic water bottle you’re after, the Chute Water Bottle from Camelbak is a reliable option for under $20 while something like Vapur’s Element Collapsible is a great choice for frequent travelers (and costs less than $10).

Another Insider Reviews favorite are the bottles from S’well which not only do well to retain cold or hot beverages but feature a aesthetically pleasing design, too.

The bottom line

Standard-Mouth Water Bottle with Flex Cap (24 OZ.) (small)

All told, the Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle is a functional yet fashionable vessel for hydration, and while it’s not the water bottle I’d necessarily choose to take on any long-distance kayaking or hiking sojourn, it’ll hold its own just about anywhere and, in an urban setting, it’s a delightfully refreshing splash of color.

What more do most of us need in a water bottle this summer?

Pros: Lightweight, streamline, several cap choices available

Cons: Strap with included cap prone to breaking

Standard-Mouth Water Bottle with Flex Cap (24 OZ.) (button)