Under $50 scores: This Hydro Flask is insulated, ultralight and perfect for travel
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A reusable water bottle is essential for travel, saving money, hassle and reducing plastic waste.
With plenty of options available, the best reusable water bottle is the perfect addition to your carry-on luggage for refills and exploration.
And while Stanley cups may be all the rage, I’m still relying on the same Hydro Flask lightweight Wide Mouth Trail Series water bottle that I’ve been using for two years. It’s large, lightweight and lovely, and it goes absolutely everywhere in the world with me.
It’s available in numerous sizes and colors and some are even on sale right now, making it a great time to invest in hydration (and the planet).
Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide Mouth Trail Series, 32 ounce
This simple and elegant stainless steel water bottle can keep hot drinks hot for 12 hours and cold drinks cold for 24 hours. It’s 25% lighter than the original style and it has a leakproof cap, making it perfect for any type of travel.
How I found the Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide Mouth Trail Series Water Bottle
Being an avid traveler and dedicated hiker, I’m constantly on the lookout for superior, lightweight bottles to join me on my expeditions. Over time, I’ve experimented with numerous options, yet none have matched the reliability and versatility of Hydro Flask’s Lightweight Trail Series bottle.
Initially acquired for its lightweight and insulated properties, ideal for winter hikes to prevent freezing liquids, I’ve discovered it’s become my go-to companion for all my journeys.
Crafted from stainless steel, this bottle remains exceptionally light while preventing any lingering taste from previous beverages, a common issue with plastic alternatives. Whether it’s a variety of teas or water infused with electrolyte tablets, the flavors remain uncompromised. However, coffee enthusiasts might notice some residual aroma from the non-stainless steel cap.
The remarkable insulation of this bottle keeps hot drinks warm for 12 hours and cold beverages chilled for 24 hours, allowing me to pre-fill it with refreshing water or steaming tea before embarking on daily adventures. Whether refilling at airport fountains, lounges or seeking assistance from restaurants, it’s a dependable companion even during air travel. Its wide mouth conveniently accommodates my tea strainer, a must-have for a devoted tea aficionado like myself.
From wildlife expeditions in Yellowstone’s winter to sweaty hikes in Sri Lanka and leisurely European cruises, this trusty bottle has been by my side through diverse terrains and climates. Observing countless cruise guests grabbing single-use plastic bottles daily only solidified my appreciation for the Lightweight Trail Series bottle. Consider this your insider tip, sparing you from repeating their oversight.
Why the HydroFlask Lightweight Wide Mouth Trail Series is a score
This water bottle is the gift that keeps on giving, as it lasts forever and works at home and abroad. And it’s perfect for hot, cold or room-temperature beverages.
The wide-mouth cap is leakproof (just make sure it’s tightly squeezed on), so I sometimes store it inside my backpack, even with my laptop and books in there, and I’ve never had a problem with it leaking. Some water drops do fling off when I twist off the cap, but I’ve never seen it leak. The cap also has a flexible strap that serves as a carrying handle or attaching the bottle to a strap.
Perhaps the nicest lid feature is that it’s interchangeable with many other HydroFlask water bottles, regardless of their size or insulation. I also have a 12 oz insulated bottle and a 20 oz coffee cup from Hydro Flask, along with various caps (standard, sip-top and pour spout), and all of the caps work on all of the bottles.
In fairness, this water bottle is way more expensive than the flimsy plastic bottles you’ll find in pretty much every department, airport and sporting goods store in the world, but as is the case with everything in life, you get what you paid for. I’ve been using this bottle nonstop for over two years and it’s still just as good as it was the day that I got it. Sure, it has a few dents and scrapes on it, but it’s still super lightweight, highly effective at insulating and it fits into the side pockets on all of my backpacks.
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Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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