Final summer time, I spent a complete live performance chugging overpriced cans of water, desperately attempting to not go out from the Texas warmth. It was laborious to not discover that everybody else appeared to have giant water bottles with them, moderately than those that had been being offered on the venue. They’d deliberate forward, bringing empty bottles from residence that they might refill on the water fountains. Baking beneath the 107-degree solar, I longed for my 40-ounce Owala FreeSip.
I attempt to take a water bottle in every single place. That is no biggie if I am within the automotive, however it will get extra difficult 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 once I not too long ago 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 mess of equipment, like clips for his or her lipgloss and typically even meals 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 reside your hydrated life with out being weighed down.
If you happen to’re something like me, you have already got a assortment of luggage in various shapes, sizes, and ranges of fanciness. Positive, you would 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 likelihood of it tipping over as you stroll, and it retains a number of obligatory equipment shut by without having to be oversize. The bag is insulated, so you possibly can maintain an uninsulated bottle chilly, and the padding retains the bottle from banging towards your hip. It is also straightforward to scrub 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 primary 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 digicam, sun shades, and possibly even a snack.
There are handles, however the adjustable strap will doubtless 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 might be normally enjoyable, like daisy print or checkerboard.
I additionally tried Dagne Dover’s Sloan Water Bottle Sling, which is extra refined. 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, however it lacks a zipper pocket to maintain valuables protected. We typically 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 made out of recycled plastic bottles.
Your Selection
Which water bottles can you employ? You may 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 is not as straightforward to slide your bottle out to sip on.
{Photograph}: Medea Giordano
The 40-ounce BruMate Period 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.
Once I was in highschool within the 2010s, purses had been gigantic. They held all the pieces you would presumably want whereas away from residence, like make-up, meals, and a change of garments. Plus faculty books … possibly. I really like an excellent 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 turn out to be a vogue 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 stroll, at a live performance, or simply hanging out with associates. I am going to by no means be thirsty once more.
