Hydro Flask (32 oz. wide mouth)

My favorite feature of this 32 oz stainless steel water bottle is the handle attached to the top, which makes it very easy to carry. I go ice dipping frequently–it’s a favorite Minnesota winter activity, standing for several minutes in an ice hole carved out into a frozen lake. I can’t quote scientific evidence, but I’ve found that it helps me to find relief from muscle spasms, and it’s a lovely, peaceful way to start the day. It is essential to try to warm up quickly when I get out of the freezing water, and having an insulated bottle full of hot tea waiting in the car helps. My tea was still hot when I needed it, two hours after filling it up. After four hours, when I was back home and ready to finish the tea, it had cooled significantly, to lukewarm.

As advertised on the company’s website, drinks should stay cold for up to 24 hours, and hot for up to 12. I’ll have to test its utility for cold drinks this summer, but I would not recommend this bottle if you’re on the go and want to keep your drinks hot for much more than a couple of hours. If two hours is all you need, though, along with a sturdy handle for ease of transport, then this product is great. It also hasn’t leaked at all in my bag during car rides, and the cap fairly easily twists on and off – just be careful with a hot liquid, if it’s full.