The Water Bottle Everyone’s Obsessed With: Why the Owala Free Sip is Worth the Hype
From book clubs to boxing classes, the has quickly become the new must-have hydration essential. Here’s why it’s replacing your old standby.
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
I’ll be honest—I’m inseparable from my water bottle. It comes with me everywhere, whether I’m grocery shopping, kayaking along the Welsh coastline, or road-tripping through Sardinia. That obsession is exactly why, back in 2022, I tested stainless steel bottles for Serious Eats. At the time, HydroFlask was the reigning champion—but a new player changed the game: the Owala Free Sip Water Bottle.
Fast forward to today, and the Owala isn’t just a cult favorite—it’s the water bottle everyone I know carries. At my last book club meet-up, nearly every single person had one on hand. Here’s why it’s earned its “it bottle” status.
The Sip That Changed the Game
The magic of the Owala lies in its name: FreeSip. With a built-in straw for smooth sipping and a chug spout for when you’re really parched, it’s designed for however you like to hydrate. The straw’s perfectly sized port makes every sip refreshing, while the larger opening delivers serious gulps of ice-cold water on command.
Superior Cold Retention
In my tests, the Owala kept water under 40°F for a full 12 hours. That’s not just impressive—it’s life-saving when you’re stuck in a sweaty boxing class or out under the summer sun.
Built to Last (and Not Leak)
If you’re clumsy like me, you’ll appreciate this: the Owala is durable, leakproof, and comes with a locking lid. That lid doubles as a carrying handle, making it easy to bring anywhere—from the gym to the trails.
The Verdict
At around $30, the Owala Free Sip Water Bottle is more than just a trendy accessory. It’s durable, portable, leakproof, and keeps your water frosty cold for hours. After years of daily use, mine hasn’t let me down once.
Bottom line? This isn’t hype. It’s hydration done right.