One question I get asked often is about the two Hydro Flask sizes that everyone seems to be obsessed with lately: 32 and 40 ounces. It’s a difficult decision, because, let’s be honest, buying a Hydro Flask is more of an investment than a quick, cheap purchase.
If you’re stuck at this crossroads, unsure of which size to pick, this guide will clear things up for you. I’ll break down the pros and cons of each version and share my personal favorite. Spoiler alert: One of them is my go-to water bottle, no matter where I’m headed.
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Hydro Flask 32 vs 40 oz: Comparison Table
Hydro Flask 32 oz | Hydro Flask 40 oz | |
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Price | $44.95 | $49.95 |
Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Weight | 15 oz. | 1 lb. 2 oz. |
Dimensions | 3.6″W x 9.3″H | 3.6″W x 11.2″H |
Fits in Cup Holder | No | No |
Best for | All Settings | Stationary Settings |
Buy Now |
Pros of a 32 oz. Hydro Flask
It’s Versatile
The biggest advantage that the 32 oz. Hydro Flask has over its larger counterpart is versatility. Don’t get me wrong, it can still feel big, and if you have smaller hands, you might find it a bit challenging to hold comfortably.
However, for most people, this size is comfortable enough to carry around without feeling like you’re lugging around a dumbbell. That’s the reason why I think it’s one of the best water bottles for hiking.
It’s also not the tallest bottle around, standing at less than 10 inches, which is just right for slipping into most backpack side pockets or even your purse.
It’s Lightweight (Sort of)
The Hydro Flask brand isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think “lightweight,” but their 32 oz. model might just surprise you.
At 15 ounces, the 32 oz. Hydro Flask is lightweight compared to other stainless steel water bottles, some of which can weigh up to 10 ounces more. That’s like carrying around extra 3-4 apples for no reason.
It’s also lighter than its 40 oz. sibling by 2-3 ounces. Sure, that might not sound like much, but on a long hike or a full day out, it’s quite a noticeable difference – for me, an important one.
It Holds Just Enough Water
You should drink at least 64 oz. of water daily. It sounds easy, but refilling smaller bottles multiple times a day is a hassle that makes it harder to achieve that goal.
I usually work from home and even the thought of running upstairs to fill up my tiny 17 oz or 21 oz bottles multiple times sounds exhausting. In short, “ain’t nobody got time for that”.
Having a 32 oz. Hydro Flask means you only need to refill it ONCE to hit your daily goal. If you’re looking for the best water bottle for work, this size is almost perfect and helps a lot when you’re juggling a busy schedule.
Cons of a 32 oz. Hydro Flask
It Won’t Fit in Your Cup Holder
You might think a 32-ounce water bottle would easily fit in your cup holder because it’s smaller than a 40-ounce bottle. But, with a 3.6-inch diameter, it’s surprisingly too large for most US car cup holders, which typically max out at 3 inches.
The straightforward solution is an adjustable cup holder, but it costs an extra $15, adding to the already pricey Hydro Flask. In total, you could be spending $65-$70 for a 32 oz. Hydro Flask plus the adjustable holder.
Hydro Flask 32 oz |
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Best Versatility |
Pros of a 40 oz. Hydro Flask
It’s Perfect If You Drink A LOT
I mentioned before that it’s recommended to drink at least 64 oz. of water daily (around two liters). But for many of us that’s just the starting point. Physical activities, hot weather, body weight – all these factors can significantly boost our hydration needs.
Although I’m not one of them, I know people who guzzle down way more than two liters daily. If you’re nodding your head right now, the 40 oz. Hydro Flask is what you need.
The math is simple: with the 40 oz. Hydro Flask, one refill covers your entire day, giving you a solid 80 oz. of water intake. That’s enough to keep even the most hydration-hungry among us satisfied.
Cons of a 40 oz. Hydro Flask
Cup Holder Problems Again…
It’s quite logical, really. If the 32 oz. version can’t make the cut, you can’t expect the 40 oz. one to magically slip in your cup holder. Both sport the same 3.6-inch diameter, which is just too big.
But let’s be honest, you don’t often see something this size designed to cozy up in a cup holder unless it’s a collapsible water bottle. So, not a deal-breaker for me.
You Can’t Move Around With It Much
You might be telling yourself that you’re strong enough to handle the 40 oz. Hydro Flask without any issues.
Sure, at 1.1 pounds when empty, it’s pretty lightweight for a heavily insulated stainless steel bottle, especially compared to something like the YETI Rambler.
But the truth is, this bottle is a bit of a beast. At 3.6 inches in diameter and 11.2 inches tall (or a towering 12.7 inches if you opt for the Chug Cap), it doesn’t exactly scream portability. Carrying it in your backpack for a couple of hours, you start to feel its presence and it can fall out rather easily if you place it in the side pocket.
Those additional few inches in height might not seem like much, but they make a massive difference in how portable your Hydro Flask feels. For me, it’s an ideal size for bringing it to work, but I wouldn’t say it’s the best water bottle for travel, for example.
Hydro Flask 40 oz |
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Best for Stationary Settings |
Conclusion: Should You Go with 32 or 40 oz. Hydro Flask?
So, should you go with the 32 oz. or 40 oz. Hydro Flask? All things considered, I personally gravitate towards the 32 oz. version.
I think this size is versatile enough to serve you in more scenarios than the 40 oz. option.
It’s the sweet spot for anyone looking for a bottle that’s heavily insulated and durable yet still lightweight. Plus, it holds just enough water to avoid annoying frequent refills.
But that doesn’t mean the 40 oz. doesn’t have its place. In fact, I really appreciate this size when I’m at work. It sits nicely on my desk, ensuring I stay hydrated without needing to get up constantly. It’s also a great gym water bottle where smaller options just don’t cut it.
All in all, it’s great for stationary settings where you don’t have to move it around as much.
Hydro Flask 32 oz | Hydro Flask 40 oz |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Big Is a 32 oz Hydro Flask?
This bottle measures 3.6 inches in diameter and 9.4 inches tall with the standard Flex Cap. If you decide to use the Chug Cap, it stretches up to 11.6 inches.
Is a 32 oz Hydro Flask Too Big?
Personally, I find these dimensions pretty manageable. It fits comfortably in a backpack and feels just right in your hand (unless you have really small hands). You might think it’s bulky, but in reality, it’s surprisingly easy to carry around.
How Long Does a 32 oz Hydro Flask Last?
Realistically, high-quality stainless steel bottles like this one can stick around for 10-15 years. That’s already impressive, but Hydro Flask takes it up a notch with their “Let’s Go Promise” lifetime guarantee.
Essentially, these bottles are designed to last a lifetime. So, even if your trusty Hydro Flask decides to retire after many years of loyal service, you can get it replaced.
What Size Boot Fits a 32 oz Hydro Flask?
You’re looking for the medium boot, which fits bottles with a diameter of 3.5-3.6 inches, including both the 32 oz and 40 oz Hydro Flasks. You can snag one here.
Hydro Flask offers three boot sizes: small for bottles less than 32 oz, medium for 32-40 oz, and large for the hefty 64 oz. So, if you’ve got a 32 oz bottle, go for the medium.
How Big Is a 40 oz Hydro Flask?
A 40 oz Hydro Flask has a diameter of 3.6 inches and stands at 11.2 inches tall with the regular Flex Cap, stretching up to 12.7 inches if you opt for the Chug Cap.
Is a 40 oz Hydro Flask Too Big?
If you’re not used to bottles this size, the 40 oz might feel too big. With a diameter of 3.6 inches and standing 11.2 inches tall, it’s not exactly pocket-friendly and carrying it around can be cumbersome.
This size is better for stationary settings, think office desk or home base. If portability is your thing, the 32 oz Hydro Flask might be a better choice.
Does the 40 oz Hydro Flask Fit in a Cup Holder?
In short, no. With a diameter of 3.6 inches, it’s just too beefy for most standard US car cup holders, which typically max out at about 3 inches.
Is Hydro Flask 40 oz Dishwasher Safe?
Yes, the Hydro Flask 40 oz is dishwasher safe. Thanks to the Color Last powder coat, you can toss it right into the dishwasher. This is a fantastic upgrade from the older versions before 2020, which couldn’t handle the dishwasher’s wrath.
Jeremiah Kowalski
Hey there! I’m Jeremiah, the guy behind WaterBottleAdvisor.com. I used to have a bad habit of guzzling sodas while working remotely, but thanks to reusable water bottles, I’ve turned my hydration game around. After testing over 50 bottles, I’m here to help you find the perfect one to make staying hydrated a joy, not a chore. When I’m not reviewing bottles, you’ll likely find me scaling steep trails around the world, trusty water bottle in hand.
