The whole thing about being able to choose whether you use the straw or tilt it to chug is awesome and all, but mainly I was scouring the internet for a bottle that had some kind of straw mechanism that wasn't (1) on a spring-loaded flippy thing that would eventually wear out and stop working, (2) wasn't open to the air where it could collect other peoples' geeeeerms when I took it around everywhere with me, and (3) didn't have some kind of screw-top or other cap that I wouldn't be able to open one-handed. DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD THAT IS TO FIND? I do.
Literally, Owala was the only brand/bottle I found that checked all three of those boxes. THE ONLY ONE. So even though it was a little more than I would normally pay for a water bottle and I hated that I couldn't customize my colors, I decided to give it a try. And lo, I found the light and the heavens blessed me with a (near) perfect water bottle.
I've used my bottle pretty much all day every day since purchasing it several months ago and it works as well now as it did when I first bought it. I do worry about the spring-loaded lid release eventually wearing out, but it hasn't yet with constant use (and more than occasional extra use for funsies). The only sign of wear over time is that there are a few small (aesthetic/surface) scratches on the outside from a couple times when I dropped my bottle on concrete and asphalt. I wish they weren't there but it doesn't affect anything except my delicate eyeballs.
My only qualm with the bottle's near perfection, which seems entirely unavoidable from a design perspective, is that ice cubes inside of the bottle make a lot of noise when sloshing around and bumping up against the metal interior. When you work a job that sometimes requires near-complete silence, that noise can be an issue. For most, it probably wouldn't matter in the slightest (when I'm at home, I don't even think about it). I don't blame Owala for this. But if they solved it, then it would be the holy grail of sheer perfection designed to hold ambrosia for the gods. Until then, I feel honored to partake.
The handle is convenient for carrying. The shape of the bottle (flat on the sides) is a clever touch that makes it easier to grip for twisting off the top and such. It fits in average cup holders. It's leakproof when the lid is secured well and the cap is clicked into place.
The button to open the cap is strong (works well) and is easy to press. If the handle is down (it gently clicks into place if you fold it down), it covers the button and prevents any accidental presses. That said, while it could theoretically be pressed accidentally if you leave the handle up/open all the time (like I do), it has never happened to me.
The inside is metal, which keeps the insides cold for ages (with ice). The straw is plastic, which stops the water from tasting like gross metal water bottle. The outside is... not-metal, which means the sun can be directly on the bottle and warm the outside while the inside is still ice cold and, more importantly, that there's no condensation on the outside getting everything around it wet (bane of my college existence :| ). Vinyl stickers adhere well to whatever the outside material is.
It disassembles into straw, lid, and bottle for cleaning, and the the shape of the lid makes it a lot easier (and way more sanitary) to clean than any other straw-based bottle I've had/used. I run the lid and straw through the dishwasher occasionally. I think the bottle recommends hand washing but I forget; in addition to hand washing, I occasionally do a polydent cleaning to eliminate any odors and ensure all bacteria are dead af. It works like a charm.
This is a 100% honest review and I generally try not to fangirl or gush excessively: this bottle is /that/ good. I legit recommend it for anyone looking for a water bottle (unless they prefer the big mouth/screw-top kind) and am very seriously considering buying one for everyone in my family.
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw for Sports and Travel, BPA-Free, 24oz, Foggy Tide
4.7 | 1,589 ratings
Price: 27.99
Last update: 12-22-2024
About this item
24-ounce insulated stainless-steel water bottle with a FreeSip spout and push-button lid with lock
Patented FreeSip spout designed for either sipping upright through the built-in straw or tilting back to swig from the spout opening
Protective push-to-open lid keeps spout clean; convenient carry loop doubles as a lock
Double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours; wide opening for cleaning and adding ice; cup holder-friendly base
BPA, lead, and phthalate-free; hand wash cup, dishwasher-safe lid; not for use with hot liquids
Patented FreeSip spout designed for either sipping upright through the built-in straw or tilting back to swig from the spout opening
Protective push-to-open lid keeps spout clean; convenient carry loop doubles as a lock
Double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours; wide opening for cleaning and adding ice; cup holder-friendly base
BPA, lead, and phthalate-free; hand wash cup, dishwasher-safe lid; not for use with hot liquids
Product information
| Brand | Owala |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 24 Fluid Ounces |
| Color | Foggy Tide |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Water |
| Special Feature | Leakproof |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Product Dimensions | 3.24"W x 10.68"H |
| Model Name | FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle |
| Item Weight | 390 Grams |
| Theme | Sports,Travel |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Pattern | Water Bottle |
| Included Components | Water Bottle |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Base Diameter | 3.12 Inches |
| Cap Type | Loop Cap |
| With Lid | Yes |
| UPC | 847280080885 |
| Manufacturer | BlenderBottle |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00847280080885 |
| Item Weight | 13.8 ounces |
| ASIN | B0C59C39PV |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | C06157 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars
1,589 ratings
4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #2 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen) #1 in Travel & To-Go Drinkware #1 in Insulated Bottles |
| Mildew-resistant | BPA Free |
| Number of pieces | 1 |
| Batteries required | No |
Top reviews from the United States
Kathryn Grayobsessed
JMy favorite water bottle to-date
WinechickAWESOME Water Bottle
Kade WintersPerfect color schemes to fit everyone’s personality!
Kade Winters
Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2024
Images in this review
AlexisLove
Tina RinconLove this brand!
Jamie WalkerReally great bottle
Sami