Comparison
Owala FreeSip vs HydroJug Traveler
Owala FreeSip 24 oz vs HydroJug Traveler 40 oz: capacity, leakproof lid claims, cup holder fit, hot drinks and cleaning, from each maker's own product pages and FAQs.
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Both makers describe their lids as leakproof (HydroJug: with the straw down). The FreeSip is a 24 oz bottle, 3.12 in across, with a carry loop. The Traveler is a 40 oz handled tumbler with a 3.04 in base that HydroJug says fits standard car cup holders. HydroJug rates the Traveler at up to 6 hours hot. Owala says the stainless FreeSip isn't for hot liquids.
On this page
What does each brand say about leaks?
Owala's FreeSip page lists a "Leak-proof lid" (Owala). HydroJug says the Traveler is "completely" leakproof "when the straw is in the down position" (HydroJug).
What does each brand say about car cup holders?
HydroJug says all Traveler sizes are designed to fit standard car cup holders, and lists a 3.04 in base for the 40 oz (HydroJug, HydroJug). Owala doesn't make a cup-holder claim for the FreeSip on its product page or FAQ, and lists the 24 oz at 3.12 in diameter (Owala FAQ). The FreeSip's Amazon listing describes a "cup holder-friendly base" in one bullet and, in the next, says the bottle "is wider than standard cupholders and may only fit in oversized or specialty cupholders" (Amazon listing).
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)
Which can handle hot drinks?
HydroJug rates the Traveler 40 oz at up to 6 hours hot (HydroJug). Owala's FAQ says the stainless FreeSip is "Not for use with hot, carbonated, or perishable liquids" (Owala FAQ). For more, see can you put coffee in an Owala FreeSip?
How do capacity and refills compare?
The Traveler holds 40 oz and the FreeSip 24 oz. The National Academies' adequate intake from beverages for adult women is 2.2 L, about 74 oz (National Academies). That's about 1.9 Traveler fills or 3.1 FreeSip fills. Run your own numbers in the calculator.
How do you clean each one?
HydroJug says most Travelers are dishwasher safe (top rack recommended), and some prints are hand-wash only (HydroJug). For the FreeSip, Owala says the lid is top-rack dishwasher safe and recommends hand-washing the stainless cup (Owala FAQ).
Frequently asked questions
Does the HydroJug Traveler have a straw?
Yes. HydroJug describes a circular flip straw with a hygienic flip tab that keeps the straw covered between sips.
Does the Owala FreeSip have a straw?
Yes. Owala says you can sip upright through the built-in straw or tilt it back to swig from the wide-mouth opening.
Sources
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