Now I know that you came to Simply Wonderful Buys to get recommendations…for shit…to buy. And I promise I’m going to get there in this article.
But first I need to tell you about something you should absolutely STOP purchasing:
Single-use plastic water bottles.
Environmental Reasons
Plastic water bottles are incredibly bad for the environment. Consider the fact that Americans buy nearly 30 billion bottles of water every year, then ask yourself: where do all those containers go after you’ve chugged the water?
About 13% of these bottles reach recycling centers, and the rest will take centuries to decompose.
Health Reasons
Leaving single-use plastic water bottles in your car during hot summer weather can also pose a risk to your health. The University of Texas Medical Branch professor Cheryl Watson advises people not to drink water that’s been left in a hot car.
That water could be at a higher risk for bisphenol A (BPA) contamination. The BPA chemical leaches into the water faster at higher temps. If your water tastes funny, that should be your sign to stop consuming it immediately.
If you are interested in reading about home water filtration, check out Fresh and Cold! Avalon Water Dispenser Review. Fill your reusable Hydro flask with fresh and filtered water from home.
Safety Reasons
Not only are single-use water bottles bad for the environment and potentially bad for your health, but they can also start fires if left in a hot vehicle.
Firefighters from Georgia’s Bainbridge Public Safety office remind their residents not to leave water bottles in their cars on hot sunny days because they become combustible. A test concluded that sunlight shining through a water bottle reached 250 degrees, much like a magnifying glass. That concentrated sunlight through the plastic will start the seat, the carpet, or anything else nearby on fire.
Oh boy, you don’t want this to happen. Your car will never be the same! It’s time to find an alternative.
Hydro Flask Review
Ok, science class is over. Now let’s get to the fun part where I tell you all about my very favorite reusable water bottle: the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth.
This insulated steel water bottle has been my faithful companion on many an adventure. It’s durable and roomy enough to take on the trail yet but classy enough to bring to the office.
It’s made from food-grade stainless steel on the inside and BPA-free plastics on the outside. The double-walled, vacuum insulated and wide mouth design is super easy to clean. You don’t need a special bottle brush to get to the very bottom, just a sponge and your hand will do.
Color and Size Choices
The Hydro Flask comes in 21 super fun colors – I bought one the white one but my next one will be a fun and flashy color. You can also choose from three sizes: 18, 32 or 40 oz, and depending on your needs.
I chose the 32 oz size because it fits a large volume of iced coffee for those early mornings drives down the mountain. Or I can fill it up with enough water for an afternoon of light hiking.
I love the wide mouth model because I like ice in my water, but sometimes home ice cubes don’t fit through the openings of other bottles. Plus, the Powder Coat material on the outside lets you get a good solid grip and prevents condensation from forming on the outside of the bottle.
Lid Choices
The Wide Mouth bottle comes with a standard twist off cap that can easily hook on to a carabiner for on-the-go adventures. But you can also purchase a lid with a straw or a flip lid that’s perfect for sipping hot beverages.
If you’re worried about scuffing or scratching, consider purchasing a silicone flex boot to protect to bottom of your bottle and keep it looking pristine.
The double-walled TempShield insulation keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for up to eight hours – although my coffee has no chance of lasting that long.
Beats the Competition
What I really like about this Hydro Flask is that even in a hot car on a summer day, I can leave my hydro flask filled with cold water while I go into a store and find the water still ice cold when I return. This flask doesn’t sweat or let drinks get warm even in a steamy hot yoga class.
While my Hydro Flask has never made it to a hot yoga class (and quite frankly, neither have my yoga pants) I can attest that my vodka lemonade stayed icy cold on a 5-hour river tubing excursion. And that’s what really matters.
The Hydro Flask blows the competition out of the water (pun intended) when it comes to Taste Category. It did a great job at maintaining a neutral, non-metallic taste for plain water. It didn’t retain the ghosts of old smells like coffee after a simple wash. The water doesn’t taste like metal or plastic.
I can’t recommend the Hydro Flask highly enough. Having a bottle on hand that keeps my drinks cold has helped me drink the daily recommended amount of water and reduce my environmental footprint.
Cheers to reusable water bottles and building healthy habits. Get your Hydro Flask today!
~ Dr. Mae Jemison, Engineer, Physician, and NASA Astronaut
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