Review and Photos by: Rachael (@acitygirloutside)
Early September in Whistler is full of contrasts. The mornings are crisp enough to make you reach for a jacket, with fog rolling off the lakes, while the afternoons are still hot under the alpine sun. It’s the season where I find myself bundling up for a coffee walk, then sweating through layers on the trails a few hours later.
I’ve always wanted to try Hydro Flask, and this September I finally did. I’ve been testing out three different styles — the 12oz Coffee Mug, the 16oz Wide Mouth with Flex Sip Lid, and the 32oz Wide Mouth with Straw Cap — while spending time at some of my favourite local spots.
Before diving into each product, it’s worth noting some key features that all Hydro Flask bottles have in common:
TempShield® double-walled vacuum insulation: Keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 6 hours.
Leakproof designs: Ideal for tossing in a backpack or carrying on the go.
Durable build: Made with food-grade stainless steel that resists flavour transfer.
BPA-Free & dishwasher safe: Easy to clean, safe to use daily.
Lifetime warranty: Built to last.
Colour variety: Hydro Flask comes in a wide range of fun, bold colours that let you choose one to match your style.
12 oz Hydro Flask Mug
Highlights:
Best for: Coffee or tea
Size: 12oz (perfect for a single cup)
Lid: Press-in lid, easy for sipping
Why I like it: Keeps drinks warm while I wander, feels cozy to hold
There’s something about a chilly Whistler morning that just begs for coffee. In early September, the air is sharp and cold, and I like to bring a coffee along. The 12 oz Hydro Flask Mug quickly became my new companion for these walks.
I like that it feels like a real mug with the handle, but it’s insulated and portable enough to bring outside. I also love that the mug is BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and made with food-grade stainless steel, which means no flavour transfer.
The press-in lid is perfect for walks because it prevents spills while still letting me sip easily as I go. It keeps my coffee hot, and it’s spill-resistant, so I don’t have to worry about it sloshing around while I’m out. For me, it added that little bit of cozy comfort to chilly starts around the lakes.
16oz Wide Mouth with Flex Sip Lid
Highlights:
Best for: Casual walks, short hikes & road trips!
Size: 16oz
Lid: Flex Sip lid, leak-proof and easy to drink from
Why I like it: Ideal size for short outings, fits perfectly in hand
One of my favourite local trails is the Train Wreck, where you wander through the forest to discover brightly painted boxcars left behind decades ago. It’s not a long hike, so I didn’t need a massive bottle. Instead, I tested the 16 oz Wide Mouth with Flex Sip Lid.
This one felt just right for a casual walk. It’s light, easy to carry, and the sip lid is secure enough that I could toss it into a backpack without worrying about leaks. I didn’t miss having a straw on this trail, the sip lid made it quick and easy to drink while wandering between the graffiti-covered cars.
At the lake, it was the perfect size to sip from while lounging on the dock, and I liked that I didn’t have to deal with a straw. It also fits perfectly into my car’s cup holder, which makes me think it will be my go-to for future road trips and coffee on the go. It’s not as dramatic as the 32 oz in terms of capacity, but it’s the most versatile of the three.
32oz Wide Mouth with Straw Cap
Highlights:
Best for: Long hikes & all-day adventures
Size: 32oz
Lid: Straw cap, easy to sip on the go
Why I like it: Carries enough water for a full day, simple one-handed drinking
On another day, I took the Blackcomb Gondola up for a quick day hike. That’s when I grabbed the 32 oz Wide Mouth with Straw Cap. At this elevation, with a few hours of exploring ahead, I wanted the biggest bottle I owned. Having a reliable insulated bottle made a difference, and the sturdy build held up well to being knocked around in my pack.
The straw lid turned out to be perfect for quick sips without stopping for long, especially when I was climbing some steep exposed sections. Despite the sun beating down in the alpine, my water stayed icy cold all day, even after hiking above the tree line. It also fit into the side pocket of my daypack, and I was glad I had the extra capacity once the miles started adding up.
Easy to Clean
One thing I’ve noticed with cheaper bottles and mugs is how hard they can be to clean properly. Coffee, in particular, has a way of sneaking into the lid and leaving behind residue that never quite washes out, no matter how hard you scrub.
Hydro Flask is different. The lids are designed so you can fully disassemble them, which means you can get into all the little nooks and crannies, even under the seal. For me, this makes a huge difference. I’ve been able to take apart the lids, rinse every piece, and put each bottle back together without worrying about hidden buildup or stale smells.
The bottles themselves are dishwasher safe, and because they’re made from food-grade stainless steel, there’s no flavour transfer. My water still tastes like water, even if I was drinking coffee from the same bottle the day before. It feels noticeably cleaner than other bottles I’ve used, and that makes me actually want to reach for it every day.
Sustainability
Beyond their products, Hydro Flask is also a brand committed to sustainability. They run a Trade-In program, where you can send back old bottles and get a $5 credit toward your next purchase, ensuring products don’t end up in landfills. Their Refill For Good campaign works to reduce single-use plastics by encouraging reusable bottles and mugs. It’s not just about making a great product - it’s about making an impact.
Final Thoughts
One change I’ve made in recent years is to stop buying bottled water from stores, and now I use reusable bottles almost exclusively. Hydro Flask makes this lifestyle shift easier. Their bottles keep water cold for longer, they’re leakproof, and they’re far more convenient to carry day-to-day than single-use plastics. Knowing I can rely on them for both everyday life and big adventures makes it much easier to stick with reusables. Hydro Flask bottles aren’t just about convenience, they’re thoughtfully made, durable, and designed with the planet in mind. It feels good to know the bottle I’m using not only performs but also supports a bigger mission.
