While it can be fun to review complicated outdoor gear like backpacks and tents, I tend to get the most joy out of simple things like socks and water bottles. I’ve had water bottles and bladders from practically every brand under the sun, but in the past six months or so I’ve really settled down on a favorite: the Hydro Flask. In the past year I’ve managed to accumulate quite a collection: most bought, some won, and some given away at events I’ve attended.
So what’s with my Hydro Flask crush? They aren’t the lightest of water bottles, but here is what they are:

Colorful! This picture only shows a fraction of the Hydro Flask containers in our house. We also picked of a few of their Growlers (64 oz) being sold and branded by the breweries in Bend, OR. It’s our favorite brewery memento, as you can see from the Great Divide 40 oz bottle I grabbed in Denver.

Available in Various sizes with different lids and mouth size openings.

Water tastes fresh and not ‘plasticy’, which is the reason I switched  to stainless. I really notice a difference in the taste of my water.

Insulated, keeping my tea warm for hours as I sip it all afternoon or keeping ice and water fresh even after sitting all day in a hot car.

Durable. I’ve dropped them from time to time and there is barely a scratch to be found. I’ve managed to avoid the hard drops, but I’m pretty pleased with how the stainless steel has put up with abuse. I have plenty of dented up stainless bottles in my collection! Additionally, the seals on the lids have stayed tight and clean, resulting in not even a drop of leakage! And if something did go wrong? You’re covered with their lifetime guarantee.
There is never one far from reach! Usually one with cold water and one with hot tea.

Generous. When you buy a Hydro Flask, you can log into their website and choose which charity you want to receive 5% of the bottle’s net profit.
If I still had a Trapper Keeper I’d be writing ‘I <3 Hydro Flask’ all over it. It’s definitely my current gear crush!