Water bottles: From Owala to Oasis, these 11 essential bottles will help you stay hydrated in the office and gym
Whether you’re braving the work commute in Singapore or trying to be the best gym bro you can be, here’s how you can choose the right water bottle for your needs.
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Durable water bottles are essential companions, whether you're at the gym, in the office or enjoying the great outdoors. Photo: Unsplash/ Averie Woodard
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Remember when having a cool water bottle was the ultimate Singapore Primary School flex? Unfortunately, that Ultraman / Batman water bottle that gave you bragging rights as a kid won’t have quite the same cachet at work or the gym – don’t ask me how I know.
A good water bottle can quickly become a treasured everyday carry item, helping you stay hydrated in the office or gym and accompanying you on your travels abroad. To help you find the right bottle, we’ve shortlisted some containers that will take care of your hydration needs wherever you are.
CONTENTS
For the gym:
1. Nalgene Sustain Tritan Water Bottle
2. Oasis Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle
4. Sora Tumbler
5. Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
6. Stanley H2.0 Vacuum Quencher
For the office:
7. MUJI Stainless Steel Insulated Bottle
8. Hydro Flask with Flex Sip Lid
How to choose your water bottle
GYM BOTTLES
We shortlisted bottles with a capacity of at least 700ml (24 oz). This represented a Goldilocks option – large enough that you won’t need to top it up frequently, but not so large that it weighs you down. Next, we chose leak-proof bottles. After all, you don’t want to be that gym member who spills their isotonic drink on the treadmill or elliptical machine.
The final nod went to bottles made from durable materials that could withstand rough handling. Carrying handles were also considered essential so users have a more secure grip with sweaty hands.
1. Nalgene Sustain Tritan Water Bottle, 32oz, Dove Grey (S$19.49; Usual Price S$25)
Fans of the OG Sustain water bottle appreciate its versatility, durability and capacity. This updated version is made from Tritan Renew, which contains 50 per cent recycled materials. It’s leakproof and withstands temperatures from -40° to 100°C, making it suitable for warm and cold beverages. Its wide mouth makes it easy to clean and add ice cubes.
- 32oz (945ml) capacity
- Withstands temperatures from -40° to 100°C
- Made from Tritan Renew; BPA, BPS and phthalate-free
2. Oasis Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle, 780ml, Lavender (S$24.90)
This double-walled insulated bottle keeps your drinks cold for up to 12 hours, ideal for cooling off after an intense workout. This also eliminates condensation when cold drinks are poured, so this can be stored in your gym bag without making your gear wet. Screw on the wide cap tightly and you shouldn’t have to worry about unwanted leaks.
- 780ml capacity
- Keep drinks cold for up to 12 hours
- BPA free
3. Nike Fuel Jug, 64oz, Black/Smokeless Charcoal (S$32.51; Usual Price: S$34.15)
Available from Amazon Japan, this 64oz (1.9l) bottle has an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to carry. Its large capacity may seem like overkill at first, but if you’re playing a football match or going for a HIIT (high-intensity interval training) session, the extra volume will be appreciated. Its tight seal helps prevent leaking and twist cap makes staying hydrated a breeze.
- 1.9l capacity
- Ergonomic handle for easy carrying
4. Sora Tumbler Ceramic Coated Vacuum Bottle, 750ml (S$36.38; Usual Price: S$42.80)
The Sora Tumbler’s party piece is its detachable filter unit, which lets you infuse your drink with your favourite flavours. Double-walled stainless-steel construction helps maintain drink temperatures – up to 12 hours for hot drinks, up to 24 hours for cold ones. Made from BPA-free and FDA-certified food grade material, this water bottle helps you stay hydrated with your favourite flavours. It also breaks down for easy cleaning.
- 750ml capacity
- BPA-free
- Double-walled construction
5. Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, 24 oz, Boneyard (S$36.91; Usual Price: S$41.50)
A durable, leakproof insulated water bottle is arguably your most important gym companion. Enter the 24oz (710ml) Owala FreeSip, which keeps your drinks cold for up to 24 hours thanks to double-walled insulation. Available from Amazon US, the FreeSip spout gives you two drinking options – sip through the built-in straw or chug for all you’re worth through the spout.
- 24oz (710ml) capacity
- BPA, lead and phthalate-free
- Dishwasher-safe lid and hand-washable cup
6. Stanley H2.0 Vacuum Quencher, 880ml, Mint (S$51.71; Usual Price: S$57.92)
Say hello to the social media phenom that is the Stanley H2.0 Vacuum Quencher, which is available from Amazon Japan. Its handle makes it easy to carry while its narrow base fits into most cup holders. Double-walled vacuum insulation helps keep water cold for up to nine hours and iced for up to 40 hours. Its FlowState lid features a rotating cover with three positions: A straw opening, drink opening and a full-cover top.
- 880ml capacity
- 90 per cent recycled 18/8 stainless steel
- BPA-free
OFFICE BOTTLES
For office use, you may prefer lighter, smaller bottles that fit more easily into you bag’s water bottle pocket. Bottles should have secure lids that reduce the risk of leaks – to avoid spills on your laptop, office bag or favourite hoodie.
Fans of Muji’s sleek design aesthetic will appreciate this double-layered stainless-steel bottle. It makes for an unobtrusive yet essential addition to your everyday carry gear. It stores up to 500ml and its slim design means it fits easily into most water bottle pockets.
- 500ml capacity
- Double-layer stainless steel
8. Hydro Flask with Flex Sip Lid, 16oz, White (S$26.57; Usual Price: S$47)
If you drink smoothies or coffee in addition to good ol’ H2O, this flask’s pro-grade stainless steel construction is resistant to flavour transfer. BPA and phthalate-free, the dishwasher-safe flask has a wider opening for easier filling. Thanks to its double-walled insulation, it helps maintain temperatures – up to 24 hours for cold drinks and up to six hours for hot drinks.
- 473ml capacity
- BPA and phthalate-free
- Double-walled insulation
9. Typo On The Move Bottle, 500ml, Black (S$29.99)
Sleek style meets thirst-quenching goodness in this slim 500ml bottle that easily fits in bags or water-bottle pockets. This double-walled bottle works with warm or ice-cold drinks. Its body and lid outer are manufactured from 90 per cent recycled stainless steel recovered from post-consumer waste.
- 500ml capacity
- Body and lid outer made from 90 per cent recycled stainless steel
From the brand that’s synonymous with your mum’s food containers comes this durable bottle. Its spout pops out with a simple lift and a built-in straw reduces the risk of spills.
- 750ml capacity
- Side handle offers extra grip
- Built-in straw
11. Kinto Day Off Tumbler, 500ml, Gray (S$48.50)
This double-walled, stainless steel Kinto Day Off bottle features a rounded handle. It’s designed to be comfortably carried when you’re walking around like its well, your day off. The lip of the bottle has a curved radius which makes it harder for ice cubes or hot drinks to spill out – also useful when you’re sipping beverages back in the office. Kinto says the bottle’s smooth electro-polished interior wall makes it harder to retain odours and stains.
- 500ml capacity
- Double-walled stainless steel
- Electro-polished interior wall makes it harder to retain odours
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WATER BOTTLE
What you look for in a water bottle will depend on your unique requirements but here are a few basics to consider.
Capacity: If matches, gym or cardio sessions are part of your day, you’ll need a bigger bottle, perhaps something with a capacity of at least 700ml. Large capacity jugs are a viable option, though these will be much heavier when filled.
Opening: By now, you’ve heard the horror stories about mould in water bottles. Get one with a mouth that’s wide enough for a dish brush or sponge. The bottle’s main components should be easily disassembled for cleaning.
Leak resistance: If you intend to carry your bottle in your bag, make sure it’s leak and condensation-proof so your everyday carry items stay dry.
Carrying handle: Larger bottles could be too heavy or may not fit into your bag. In that case, consider one with a comfortable carrying handle. This allows you to hold the bottle at a more natural angle, reducing strain on your wrist.
Insulation: Do you need a bottle that insulates both hot and cold drinks? Not all insulation is created equal and some bottles only maintain the temperature of cold drinks
Durability: Stainless-steel bottles can withstand knocks or drops, but these will be heavier than their plastic counterparts, which may also retain odours.
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Beyond nice colourways and pleasing aesthetics, there’s another trickledown benefit to finding a good product that meets your needs. Buying it right – which in this case means a good, durable water bottle that lasts several years – also makes environmental sense and translates to fewer items in landfills.
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