Buying guide
Which insulated bottle can go in a bag?
Which popular insulated bottles do their makers call leakproof for bag carry? Owala FreeSip, HydroJug Traveler and Stanley Quencher compared on lid claims and dimensions.
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Owala lists the FreeSip lid as leak-proof, and HydroJug says the Traveler is completely leakproof with the straw down. Stanley describes the Quencher's full-cover lid position as designed to resist splashes, and OutdoorGearLab wrote that you "can't throw it into a backpack." By the makers' listed dimensions, the FreeSip 24 oz is the narrowest of the three: 3.12 in across, versus 3.54 in (Stanley) and 3.9 in (HydroJug) for the smallest listed dimension of each tumbler.
On this page
What does each maker say about its lid?
Owala FreeSip: "Leak-proof lid" (Owala). HydroJug Traveler: "completely" leakproof "when the straw is in the down position" (HydroJug). Stanley Quencher: "a full-cover top to resist splashes" (Stanley). Reviewers report that it can leak when tipped: OutdoorGearLab wrote that it "is not leakproof, even when fully closed" (OutdoorGearLab), and Good Housekeeping wrote that it "still leaks when knocked on its side and should be held upright" (Good Housekeeping).
How do their sizes compare?
The products in this guide
Pros and cons summarize the sourced specs on this page. They aren't test results.
Owala
Owala FreeSip 24 oz (stainless steel)
Consider it if: You want a bottle with a locking lid that you can sip from or swig from
Highlights
- Owala lists the lid as leak-proof
- Built-in straw plus a wide-mouth opening
- 3.12 in diameter with a carry loop and no handle
Keep in mind
- Owala says not for hot, carbonated or perishable liquids
- No cup-holder claim from Owala; measure your cup holder
- Owala recommends hand-washing the stainless cup
All sourced specs
- 24 oz stainless-steel insulated bottle; also sold in 32 oz and 40 oz (Owala)
- Owala lists it as triple-layer insulated
- FreeSip spout: sip through the built-in straw or swig from the wide-mouth opening (Owala)
- Push-button lid; carry loop doubles as a lock when closed (Owala)
- Owala lists a "Leak-proof lid"
- Owala's product page says "24 hours cold"
- 24 oz size: 10.68 in tall × 3.12 in diameter (Owala)
- Lid top-rack dishwasher safe; Owala strongly recommends hand-washing the stainless cup
- Owala: not for hot, carbonated or perishable liquids
- Limited lifetime warranty (Owala product page)
HydroJug
HydroJug Traveler 40 oz
Consider it if: You want a handled 40 oz tumbler for the car whose maker calls it leakproof
Highlights
- HydroJug says it's completely leakproof with the straw down
- HydroJug says it fits standard car cup holders
- Rated up to 6 hours hot by HydroJug
Keep in mind
- The leakproof claim is HydroJug's own
- Some prints are hand-wash only
- HydroJug says not to microwave or freeze it
All sourced specs
- 40 oz (1,183 mL) stainless-steel tumbler with handle; also 20 oz, 32 oz and Kids 20 oz (HydroJug)
- Circular flip straw with a hygienic flip tab (HydroJug)
- HydroJug says it is completely leakproof with the straw down
- "Keeps cold up to 24hrs / hot up to 6hrs" (HydroJug product page)
- Insulation: the product page's spec table says double-wall vacuum; its description and the collection page say triple-wall
- Base diameter 3.04 in; HydroJug says it fits standard car cup holders
- 3.9 × 6 × 9.84 in, 20 oz (HydroJug)
- Dishwasher safe, top rack recommended; some prints are hand-wash only; do not microwave or freeze (HydroJug)
Stanley
Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState 40 oz
Consider it if: It will mostly sit in a car cup holder or on a desk, and you want a handle
Highlights
- Stanley says sizes up to 40 oz fit most car cup holders
- Stanley lists it as dishwasher safe
- Five sizes, from 14 to 64 oz
Keep in mind
- Stanley describes the lid as splash-resistant, not leakproof
- Reviewers report leaks when it's tipped or on its side
- 11.02 in tall (40 oz)
All sourced specs
- 40 oz tumbler with comfort-grip handle; also 14, 20, 30 and 64 oz (Stanley)
- FlowState rotating lid: straw opening, wide mouth for drinking, and a full-cover top "to resist splashes" (Stanley)
- Double-wall vacuum insulation; 90% recycled 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free (Stanley)
- Stanley lists 11 hrs cold, 2 days iced and 7 hrs hot for the 40 oz
- Base diameter 3.1 in; Stanley says sizes up to 40 oz fit most car and truck cup holders
- Dishwasher safe (Stanley)
- 3.54 × 5.43 × 11.02 in, 1.18 lb (Stanley)
- Lifetime warranty on drinkware, excluding lids, seals and straws, if bought from Stanley or an authorized seller (Stanley)
Anything to watch out for?
Owala warns that hot, carbonated and perishable contents "may build up pressure within the bottle and unexpectedly leak or spray out," and says to always open with caution (Owala FAQ). Stick to what Owala recommends for the FreeSip.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Stanley Quencher go in a backpack?
Stanley describes the lid as splash-resistant in its full-cover position. OutdoorGearLab wrote that "you can't throw it into a backpack."
Is the HydroJug Traveler OK for a gym bag?
HydroJug says it's completely leakproof with the straw down. It's a handled 40 oz tumbler, listed at 3.9 × 6 × 9.84 in.
Sources
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