Final summer time, I spent a whole live performance chugging overpriced cans of water, desperately attempting to not cross out from the Texas warmth. It was exhausting to not discover that everybody else appeared to have giant water bottles with them, slightly than those that had been being bought on the venue. That they had deliberate forward, bringing empty bottles from house that they might refill 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 all over the place. That is no biggie if I am within the automobile, however it will get extra difficult 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 believed it could 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 could have seen individuals on TikTok adorning their outsized Stanley mugs with a mess of equipment, like clips for their lipgloss and generally even food trays, making an already cumbersome accent much more annoying to tote round. This isn’t that. A water bottle bag is cute, however it’s helpful. It lets you dwell your hydrated life with out being weighed down.
When you’re something like me, you have already got a collection of bags in various shapes, sizes, and levels of fanciness. Positive, you can throw a water bottle in one among your outdated totes or backpacks, however I’ve discovered a water bottle bag to be extremely helpful.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 camping canteen.
It holds your bottle upright. There isn’t any probability of it tipping over as you stroll, and it retains a couple of mandatory equipment shut by with no need to be oversize. The bag is insulated, so you possibly can maintain 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 important goal is to carry a bottle, so that is what the principle pocket is designed for. A zippered pocket in entrance holds valuables like playing cards and money plus a telephone, and slip pockets round the remainder of the outside can maintain keys, a bottle of SPF, a small digital camera, sun shades, and perhaps 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 choice of restricted editions which are 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 own 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, however 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 costlier. The model makes use of lots of neoprene, which is not environmentally pleasant. Right here, it is paired with a lining produced from recycled plastic bottles.
Your Alternative
Which water bottles can you utilize? You may technically match a Stanley or equally formed Owala Tumbler within the Calpak, however I would not advocate it. It makes the bag cumbersome and misshapen, and it is not as straightforward to slide your bottle out to sip on.
The 40-ounce BruMate Era suits 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 trouble you.
After I was in highschool within the 2010s, purses had been gigantic. They held every part you can probably want whereas away from house, like make-up, meals, and a change of garments. Plus faculty books … perhaps. I really like an excellent 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 turn into a vogue merchandise in themselves. They are saying one thing about you, the best way our luggage and sneakers do. Most significantly, we wish to be hydrated whether or not we’re on a hot-girl walk, at a live performance, or simply hanging out with associates. I will by no means be thirsty once more.