【Dear Utol: Week 1 Highlights Episode 7】

I've cycled through my fair share of water bottles in my life. I've done the Nalgenes,Dear Utol: Week 1 Highlights Episode 7 Sips, and HydroFlasks. I've tried all the different materials, too: plastic, metal, and glass. Just through trying to cut my single-use plastics for a more sustainable lifestyle, I've ended up with a whole slew of water bottles on my hunt to find The One. But ultimately, a reusable water bottle is about cutting waste, so buying up a bunch of different ones defeats the purpose. That's why I'm ready to tell you about the water bottle to end all water bottles: the Owala FreeSip.

Opens in a new window Credit: Owala Owala FreeSip $29.99 at Amazon

The first time I ever came across the Owala FreeSip was, of course, on TikTok. A user posted a video with its exciting feature, the ability to both sip water through the built-in straw or chug through a spout. I go full Goldilocks when it comes to water bottles, so this certainly piqued my interest as I've never been able to find a water bottle that has a straw but also a cover or a mouth opening that's narrow enough so I'm not spilling all over myself.

After several weeks of mulling it over, asking myself Do I really need a new water bottle?I finally settled on a color combo and hit checkout. Now, after several years with the water bottle, I can safely say it was the best $40 I've ever spent. The Owala FreeSip lives up to its promise of both a sippable and chuggable water bottle. The best part to me is that, unlike other bottles with a straw that I've used, the FreeSip has a cover for the spout. That way, when you're out and about in the world, it's safe from germs and bacteria.

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The second lock on the water bottle doubles as a carry loop. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Sip or chug with the innovative lid. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The FreeSip's insulation really is impeccable, offering 24 hours of cold. I've filled mine up with ice and water to come back a day later and still find the jingle of full ice cubes. Plus, the two-part locking lid can also double as a loop for easy carrying. Cleaning is also easy with the FreeSip. The top part's components (lid and straw) are dishwasher safe, while the body is hand-wash recommended. Full transparency though — I've put the full Owala in the dishwasher for years, and while its insulation has weakened, it's not by much.

The FreeSip water bottle comes in three different sizes: 24 ounces, 32 ounces, and 40 ounces. Fair warning, the 40-ounce water bottle, which I have, is giant. Neither the 32- nor 40-ounce options fit in cup holders, which is a real pain. If you are looking for a more travel-friendly option, the 24-ounce size will fit.

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The FreeSip Twist is a slimmer version of the classic. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable But don't fear, Owala's signature FreeSip lid is still included. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Since the FreeSip first launched, Owala has expanded its lineup to tumblers and other styles of bottles. I recently added another FreeSip, the Twist, to my collection as a travel option. Its skinnier design fits in both cup holders and backpack side pockets, which my 40-ounce FreeSip can't. Plus, the classic FreeSip is not exactly airplane-friendly. The lid builds up pressure, which results in a small in-flight water burst when you go to open it. Luckily, the Twist does not suffer from this problem, as I used it on a recent flight and didn't encounter this issue.

The Owala FreeSip gets a full-hearted endorsement from me. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Just by looking at my Owala you can tell it is well-loved. It's my go-to recommendation when folks are in need of a new water bottle, and I'm known to gift it to my loved ones. It's the best water bottle I've ever used, and worth its viral hype.

Topics Sustainability Kitchen