Hydro Flask Review [2023]: Are They Worth The Hype?

Travelers! Read the latest from FlightDeck powered by @pilotplans
Hydro Flask Review [2023]: Are They Worth The Hype?
Want to switch from disposable water bottles to an eco-friendly alternative? Hydro Flask might be the perfect choice for you. Read this Hydro Flask review to learn if its steel bottles are the right choice for your travel or hiking journeys!
Raeesha Ikram
Contributor
linkedin logoInstagram logolink to website icon

Raeesha is a freelance travel writer on a mission to reveal authentic experiences, unparalleled adventures, and sustainable travel choices the world has in store for wanderlusts. Her travel pieces encapsulate the diverse culture, heritage, and nature-bound attractions of different destinations. Besides travel, she also writes about economics, business, and linguistics.

Read more about this author
Contributor

Plastic bottles sure are convenient! They're easy to buy almost anywhere and you can drink and discard them without having to carry them around. But, they do not decompose completely and end up polluting our ecosystems.

There is tons of plastic waste that ends up in the oceans every year and continues to threaten the planet and its natural habitats. If we don't start thinking about the environment more, there won't be a beautiful planet to explore! It’s time we minimize the impact with little changes. 

What's something easy you can do that will really make a big impact? Carry a reusable water bottle instead of relying on disposable ones!

Nalgene is a brand that offers BPA-free reusable bottles. But, if you're looking for other options, Hydro Flask should definitely be on your radar. It's a reputable water bottle brand that travelers have been swooning over. Let’s find out what’s special about Hydro Flask and if its steep price tag is really worth it.

hydro flask logo
Image Courtesy: Hydro Flask

What is Hydro Flask?

Founded in 2009, Hydro Flask is a company that offers a wide range of reusable travel gear, including insulated steel water bottles, cups and tumblers, jars, coolers, insulated totes, bags, and much more.

Hydro Flask's most popular product range, as you might have guessed, is their sleek collection of insulated steel water bottles. 

Hydro Flask’s products are a sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternative to single-use plastics. They are widely popular among Gen-Z and millennial travelers, college students, and eco-conscious groups.

The company also donates towards restoring natural resources through its Parks for All program. On top of all of this, the company has won many awards for its products. 

What’s so special about Hydro Flask?

Good insulation

The insulation feature puts single-use and reusable plastic bottles to shame!

Hydro Flask bottles come with double-walled vacuum-insulated technology that can maintain the temperature of your hot drinks for up to 6 hours and cold drinks for up to 24 hours. Condensation is also not a worry with these bottles.

Reliable design

Leakage is a common issue in many stainless steel bottles but not in Hydro Flask products, as endorsed by many happy users. They are also lightweight, easily portable, and offer a slip-free grip thanks to the powder coat exterior. The newer Hydro Flask bottles (after 2020) are also dishwasher-safe.

Durability

The main bodies of Hydro Flask bottles and other products are made out of food-grade stainless steel. Their caps and handles are made with BPA-free plastic. This combination makes Hydro Flask products very sturdy!

With good care, you can use these bottles for a long time without an issue. And, because of Hydro Flask's durability, it is an ideal choice for kids as well. The bottles come with a limited lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects. 

Customization

You can get a Hydro Flask bottle customized with a name, quote, or symbol printed on the back of the bottle. You can also specify the cap type, color(s), and size of the bottle.

The customization feature is available for tumblers and standard/wide-mouth water bottles.

three hydro flask water bottles in a row
Image Courtesy: Hydro Flask

What are some drawbacks of Hydro Flask?

Expensive

Compared to other stainless steel insulated water bottles on the market, Hydro Flask models are quite pricey!

So, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, this is not it. If insulation is not one of your concerns, you can always choose a reusable BPA-free plastic bottle that costs less. 

However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Hydro Flask products will probably last longer than a cheaper reusable plastic bottle.

Denting

While durable, Hydro Flask bottles are prone to denting with frequent usage, especially if it sustains a lot of knocks and drops. While smaller dents won’t affect functionality, bigger ones may cause leakages.

You can purchase a silicone boot to prevent the bottom from denting 

Best Hydro Flask Bottle Recommendations

Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth with Straw Lid

If you prefer a built-in straw for easy sipping on the go, you might like the Hydro Flask Straw Lid Bottle. It’s the perfect addition to your ultimate backpacking packing list. This mid-size option weighs only 15.5 oz and is easy to carry around. 

It can maintain the temp of your cold drinks for up to 24 hours and hot drinks for 12 hours! But, make sure you don’t use the straw to drink hot beverages. Some have noted that the straw is a bit difficult to flip up, but that’s a minor flaw. 

This Hydro Flask bottle comes in many vibrant colors and is available in 24 oz and 40 oz sizes. 

Blue Wide Mouth Hydro Flask Water Bottle with Straw
Image Courtesy: Hydro Flask

Hydro Flask 21 oz Standard Mouth Bottle

If you want an average-sized bottle that can fit in the side pocket of your backpack, then this Hydro Flask product is the choice for you! In addition to the double-wall insulation, the honeycomb design of the lid also contributes to temperature control. 

The opening is compact enough to drink comfortably without spilling while still big enough to fit in ice cubes. The bottle is also available in 18 oz and 24 oz sizes and comes in 12 attractive colors. 

You can also go for the Hydro Flask wide mouth version available in 20 oz, 32 oz, 40 oz, and 64 oz sizes. 

Image Courtesy: Hydro Flask

Hydro Flask 12 oz Kids Wide Mouth Bottle

The bottle comes with a Flex Straw Cap, making it easier for kids to sip and drink. However, it is not leakproof. There’s a silicone boot at the base of the bottle for added grip and is a safe water bottle choice for kids compared to plastic alternatives. It is available in six colors and comes in 20 oz if you prefer a bigger size. 

Hydro Flask for Kids
Image Courtesy: Hydro Flask

Is Hydro Flask worth it?

Yes. It is worth the price when considering the quality, durability, temperature control, and other solid features of Hydro Flask bottles. Although there are other solid alternatives like the Yeti that compete with Hydro Flask, you're sure to enjoy your buy if you go with Hydro Flask. 

Hydro Flask may be a bit more pricey, but think about all the money you'll be saving since it really is a long-term water bottle!

Our Rating: 4.5/5

Pros:

  • Good insulation 
  • Reliable design
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Durable 
  • Customization feature

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Prone to denting
two hydr
Image Courtesy: Hydro Flask

Stay Hydrated While Exploring

Take your bottle on your next adventure! It's always important to stay hydrated when you're out and about. Having a reliable source of clean, cool water can be an absolute life saver! Whether you're planning your next trip alone or with friends, we have got the perfect organizational companion for you. 

Advertisement
In content CTA version 1 - product
Pilot is a social trip planner to discover and build travel itineraries connecting you to resources everywhere, for free. Pilot makes it fun and easy to create and share your favorite travel moments.

Collaborate stress-free with your travel companions and have all the features you need all in one place with Pilot. It’s completely free and ready for you to try it out now!

Disclosure: Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

Raeesha Ikram Blog
Written by:
Raeesha Ikram
Contributor
linkedin logolink to website iconInstagram logo

Raeesha is a freelance travel writer on a mission to reveal authentic experiences, unparalleled adventures, and sustainable travel choices the world has in store for wanderlusts. Her travel pieces encapsulate the diverse culture, heritage, and nature-bound attractions of different destinations. Besides travel, she also writes about economics, business, and linguistics.

Read more about this author
Pilot Icon in White

Satisfy your wanderlust

Get Pilot. The travel planner that takes fun and convenience to a whole other level. Try it out yourself.

Join the Waitlist
Join the Waitlist

Did you like this article? Share your thoughts!

Make the most of every trip

Join 18,000+ travelers and Pilot your next adventure!
Get the app
Get the app
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

You won’t want to plan trips any other way!

The trip planner that puts everything in one place, making planning your trip easier, quicker, and more fun.

Get the app
Get the app
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Close button
Close button
Get the app
Get the app
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.