Final summer time, I spent a whole live performance chugging overpriced cans of water, desperately making an attempt to not move out from the Texas warmth. It was exhausting to not discover that everybody else appeared to have giant water bottles with them, somewhat than those that have been being offered on the venue. That they had deliberate forward, bringing empty bottles from dwelling that they may replenish on the water fountains. Baking underneath 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 automotive, nevertheless it will get extra sophisticated if I am out and about and do not need to carry an enormous bag, like if I am on a stroll. Or, had I believed it will be allowed, at a live performance. I am a fan of each water bottles and baggage, 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 might have seen individuals on TikTok adorning their outsized Stanley mugs with a mess of equipment, like clips for their lipgloss and typically even food 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 permits you to stay your hydrated life with out being weighed down.
If you happen to’re something like me, you have already got a collection of bags in various shapes, sizes, and levels of fanciness. Positive, you might throw a water bottle in certainly 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 camping canteen.
It holds your bottle upright. There is not any probability of it tipping over as you stroll, and it retains a number of mandatory equipment shut by with no need to be oversize. The bag is insulated, so you possibly can preserve an uninsulated bottle chilly, and the padding retains the bottle from banging in opposition to your hip. It is also simple to clean and would not look overly technical, in contrast to a hydration bladder pack.
I attempted two. Calpak’s nylon bag is my favourite for many days. Clearly, its important 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 digicam, sun shades, and possibly even a snack.
There are handles, however the adjustable strap will seemingly get essentially the most use as you put on it crossbody or over one shoulder. There are 4 basic colours and prints obtainable and a big number 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, nevertheless it lacks a zipper pocket to maintain valuables secure. We usually like Dagne Dover baggage, as they’re high-quality and enticing, however they’re additionally dearer. The model makes use of a whole lot of neoprene, which is not environmentally pleasant. Right here, it is paired with a lining constituted of recycled plastic bottles.
Your Alternative
Which water bottles can you employ? 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 simple to slide your bottle out to sip on.
{Photograph}: Medea Giordano
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 baggage match my 40-ounce Owala FreeSip completely. The Dagne Dover says it maxes out at 32-ounce bottles, however this one simply stands proud the highest, if that does not hassle you.
After I was in highschool within the 2010s, purses have been gigantic. They held the whole lot you might probably want whereas away from dwelling, like make-up, meals, and a change of garments. Plus college books … possibly. I like a superb overstuffed tote as a lot as anybody, however typically you need to be elevated by our baggage, not held down by them. That is the place the water bottle bag is available in.
And water bottles have change into a style merchandise in themselves. They are saying one thing about you, the way in which our baggage and footwear do. Most significantly, we need to be hydrated whether or not we’re on a hot-girl walk, at a live performance, or simply hanging out with mates. I am going to by no means be thirsty once more.
