Final summer season, I spent a whole live performance chugging overpriced cans of water, desperately attempting to not cross out from the Texas warmth. It was onerous to not discover that everybody else appeared to have massive water bottles with them, reasonably than those that have been being offered on the venue. That they had deliberate forward, bringing empty bottles from residence that they might replenish on the water fountains. Baking below the 107-degree solar, I longed for my 40-ounce Owala FreeSip.
I attempt to take a water bottle in all places. That is no biggie if I am within the automotive, nevertheless it will get extra sophisticated if I am out and about and do not wish to carry an enormous bag, like if I am on a stroll. Or, had I assumed it might be allowed, at a live performance. I am a fan of each water bottles and luggage, so think about my pleasure after I just lately found the 2 issues in concord, within the type of a water bottle bag.
Within the Bag
You’ll have seen individuals on TikTok adorning their outsized Stanley mugs with a large number of equipment, like clips for his or her lipgloss and generally even meals trays, making an already cumbersome accent much more annoying to tote round. This isn’t that. A water bottle bag is cute, nevertheless it’s helpful. It means that you can stay your hydrated life with out being weighed down.
In the event you’re something like me, you have already got a assortment of luggage in various shapes, sizes, and ranges of fanciness. Certain, you could possibly throw a water bottle in considered one of your previous totes or backpacks, however I’ve discovered a water bottle bag to be extremely helpful. It is like a waist pack, however for water. It is like an old-timey tenting canteen.
It holds your bottle upright. There isn’t any probability of it tipping over as you stroll, and it retains a couple of crucial equipment shut by with no need to be oversize. The bag is insulated, so you possibly can hold an uninsulated bottle chilly, and the padding retains the bottle from banging in opposition to your hip. It is also straightforward to scrub and would not look overly technical, not like a hydration bladder pack.
I attempted two. Calpak’s nylon bag is my favourite for many days. Clearly, its major objective is to carry a bottle, so that is what the primary pocket is designed for. A zippered pocket in entrance holds valuables like playing cards and money plus a cellphone, and slip pockets round the remainder of the outside can maintain keys, a bottle of SPF, a small digital camera, sun shades, and possibly even a snack.
There are handles, however the adjustable strap will possible get essentially the most use as you put on it crossbody or over one shoulder. There are 4 basic colours and prints out there and a big collection of restricted editions which can be normally enjoyable, like daisy print or checkerboard.
I additionally tried Dagne Dover’s Sloan Water Bottle Sling, which is extra subtle. I think about Meredith Blake would have taken this on the Parker household tenting journey if it had been round in 1998 (she had her personal water bottle bag, btw). It has two drawstring mesh pockets, plus a entrance slip pocket and a smaller one on the again for a card or money.
It additionally has a key leash, which I want the Calpak had, nevertheless it lacks a zipper pocket to maintain valuables protected. We usually like Dagne Dover luggage, as they’re high-quality and enticing, however they’re additionally dearer. The model makes use of quite a lot of neoprene, which is not environmentally pleasant. Right here, it is paired with a lining constituted of recycled plastic bottles.
Your Selection
Which water bottles can you utilize? You possibly can technically match a Stanley or equally formed Owala Tumbler within the Calpak, however I would not suggest it. It makes the bag cumbersome and misshapen, and it isn’t as straightforward to slide your bottle out to sip on.
{Photograph}: Medea Giordano
The 40-ounce BruMate Period matches higher within the Calpak however would not work within the Dagne Dover. The Period has a straw and deal with, however is only a bit slimmer than the opposite two. Each luggage match my 40-ounce Owala FreeSip completely. The Dagne Dover says it maxes out at 32-ounce bottles, however this one simply stands out the highest, if that does not hassle you.
Once I was in highschool within the 2010s, purses have been gigantic. They held every thing you could possibly presumably want whereas away from residence, like make-up, meals, and a change of garments. Plus faculty books … possibly. I really like overstuffed tote as a lot as anybody, however generally you wish to be elevated by our luggage, not held down by them. That is the place the water bottle bag is available in.
And water bottles have develop into a style merchandise in themselves. They are saying one thing about you, the way in which our luggage and footwear do. Most significantly, we wish to be hydrated whether or not we’re on a hot-girl stroll, at a live performance, or simply hanging out with associates. I will by no means be thirsty once more.
