Britt & Team
Staying properly hydrated is crucial for health, wellness, and peak performance. But let’s face it – drinking enough water can be a chore with a subpar water bottle. Owala set out to create an innovative solution that makes hydration more enjoyable with their FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle. After testing, we can definitively say they succeeded. Read on for a comprehensive review of this category-leading reusable water bottle.
Overview
- 24 oz capacity
- Patented FreeSip spout for sipping upright or tilting back to swig
- Push-to-open lid with lock keeps spout clean
- Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for 24 hours
- BPA and phthalate-free
- Built for portability with cupholder-friendly base
What Makes the FreeSip Water Bottle Special?
The headline feature of the Owala FreeSip bottle is undoubtedly the unique patented spout. Engineered for versatility, it allows you to sip two ways:
- Upright sipping – Drink through the convenient built-in straw by flipping up the protective cover
- Open swigging – Open the spout fully and tilt back the bottle to drink directly
Having flexibility in how you hydrate makes staying on top of your water intake effortless. No more fussing with unscrewing caps or compromised airflow through narrow straws.
The FreeSip bottle is also optimized for portability. The slim 3.24 inch diameter base fits standard cup holders, so you can stay hydrated on the go. The attached carry loop/lock prevents accidental openings while in transit.
And unlike flimsy plastic bottles, the durable stainless steel construction is made to last through daily wear-and-tear while keeping its sleek aesthetics.
First Impressions Out of the Box
You can instantly tell the Owala FreeSip bottle is thoughtfully designed. The packaging highlights the unique drinking functionality, and the robust feel of the stainless steel commands attention.
Peeling back the decorative sleeve reveals the vibrant color options. We tested the deep “Denim” blue model which really pops. The smooth steel finish looks slick without showing fingerprints.
Flipping open the clever lid demonstrates the genius FreeSip design. The mechanism feels high-quality and operates smoothly. Overall the exceptional craftsmanship is evident from the start.
Review of Key Features and Benefits
Here is an in-depth assessment of how the Owala FreeSipInsulated Water Bottle performs in everyday use:
Patented FreeSip Spout – This novel spout essentially combines a straw and open mouth design. The upright straw sipping keeps you hydrated without tipping back the whole bottle, perfect for using on the go. Tilting the bottle fully open provides a free-flowing stream just like an open container.
The best part is the ease of transitioning between the two modes. I never found myself fidgeting to get a proper drink angle. Being able to alternate between leisurely sipping and big gulps without changing anything but tilt makes staying hydrated almost fun!
Push-to-Open Lid – Owala built convenience into accessing your beverage. A quick press of the button pops the spout open and closed. This makes operating the bottle an absolute breeze with one hand.
The lid also features a lock function. Sliding the attached loop puts the push mechanism in lockdown mode, preventing any accidental openings. I grew to really appreciate this when tossing the bottle in bags.
Double-Wall Vacuum Insulation – The FreeSip has serious cooling power thanks to its high-tech thermal construction. The double stainless walls surround a vacuum layer that traps cold. Even on scorching 90+ degree summer days, icy water stays frosty for a full 24 hours.
The exceptional insulation power far surpasses cheaper plastic bottles. I left water sitting out overnight and it tasted just as crisp and refreshing in the morning. This level of cold retention is hard to overstate – it’s an absolute game changer!
Wide Opening – Hydration vessels can be notoriously hard to clean, but not the Owala FreeSip. Taking off the lid reveals a nice wide mouth that easily fits scrub brushes, allowing you to thoroughly wash away any gunk or grime.
The opening also makes adding ice simple, which contributes to the excellent chilling capability. And you can use the mouth to fill up without taking apart pieces.
Portability – The FreeSip bottle travels extremely well thanks to its dimensions and durability:
- Fits cup holders and water bottle pockets
- Stainless steel withstands everyday use
- Locking lid prevents leaks or spills
- Loop handle simplifies carrying
These thoughtful design elements made the difference between the bottle living on my desk versus coming along in my adventures. Because it’s optimized for on-the-go use, I find myself staying hydrated in more situations.
Pros
- Keeps water icy cold for 24+ hours
- Innovative FreeSip spout enables sipping or swigging
- High quality stainless steel build
- Push-button lid for smooth one-handed operation
- Lock function to prevent accidental openings
- Easy to clean wide mouth bottle opening
- Fits standard cup holders for traveling
- Durable construction stands up to daily use
- Sleek aesthetics – stylish color options
- BPA and phthalate-free
Cons
- Only suitable for cold drinks
- Bottle body requires handwashing
What Owners Are Saying
The Owala FreeSip bottle ticks all the boxes for consumers seeking a reusable hydration vessel that looks great, travels easily, and actually keeps drinks cold. Reviewers unanimously praise the innovative dual drinking functionality and robust chilling performance that stands out from the competition.
Final Verdict
The Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle deserves the hype. The category-leading cold retention outperforms cheaper options. The patented FreeSip spout eliminates drinking frustrations. Thoughtful design features like a locking lid and cupholder-friendly shape improve portability. And the gorgeous stainless steel styling looks fantastic.
For anyone struggling to stay properly hydrated, the FreeSip bottle provides an elite solution that makes drinking water exceptionally convenient and refreshing. The combination of versatility, cooling power, quality craftsmanship, and smart aesthetics create a 5-star package. Simply put, this may be the most enjoyable water bottle on the market.
Whether sipping during meetings or chugging after workouts, the FreeSip enhances any situation where cold drinks are desired. It has quickly become my constant companion and favorite gear for fitness, travel, office, or lounging around the house. I have zero complaints and can’t recommend it highly enough.
