About Me

Jeremiah Kowalski — Drinkware Product Researcher & Reviewer

I research, test, and analyze drinkware products, with a primary focus on reusable water bottles, tumblers, and insulated drinkware. My work is dedicated to helping people choose safe, functional, and durable products for everyday hydration, based on real-world use and careful evaluation rather than marketing claims.

 

I personally own and have tested 50+ drinkware products, including bottles, tumblers, mugs, and filtration systems from brands such as Hydro Flask, Owala, Stanley, YETI, BruMate, and HydroJug. 

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Why This Blog Exists

This blog started in 2024, during a remote work stint in a startup’s marketing department. Like many people working long hours behind a screen, I fell into an unhealthy routine. I was drinking soda and sugary drinks constantly and avoiding plain water altogether. I had always struggled with the taste of water – to the point where drinking it felt genuinely unpleasant – but over time, things escalated.

After months of this lifestyle, I felt terrible both physically and mentally. I was constantly tired, unmotivated, unfocused, and sluggish – classic symptoms of chronic dehydration (and, frankly, too much sugar).

 

Out of frustration, I bought my first Hydro Flask. That single purchase made an immediate difference. Drinking water suddenly became easier, even enjoyable, and my hydration improved without conscious effort. That experience made something click for me:

If one well-designed reusable water bottle can make this much difference, how many people are struggling simply because they haven’t found the right one?

That question is what led to the creation of Water Bottle Advisor.

How I Test Drinkware Products

I follow one non-negotiable rule:

If I don’t personally own and use a product, I don’t review it.

Every bottle, tumbler, or filter featured on this site is purchased by me, not gifted by brands. My reviews are fully independent and based entirely on firsthand experience.

 

I evaluate products using a consistent framework across almost all reviews. Each product is tested and scored (from 1 to 5) in the following categories:

 

  • Durability

  • Ease of cleaning

  • Versatility

  • Price-to-value ratio

  • Insulation performance

  • Portability

  • Lid design & leakproofness

Each category receives its own score, followed by a final personal rating that reflects how the product performs in real daily use.

Real-World Testing & Experiments

Beyond everyday use, I run my own practical tests to evaluate quality and performance, including:

 

  • Measuring temperature retention over time

  • Drop and impact tests to assess durability

  • Rolling and tipping tests to evaluate leak resistance

  • Long-term use to identify wear, seal degradation, and maintenance issues

All photos on this blog are original and feature products I personally own and use. I do not use stock images. I retain copyright to all images published here, and they serve as visual proof that each product has been physically tested.

Areas of Expertise

My research and testing focus on the following drinkware and hydration-related categories:

 

  • Reusable water bottles

  • Insulated water bottles

  • Stainless steel water bottles

  • Glass water bottles

  • Plastic water bottles

  • Copper water bottles

  • Hydrogen water bottles

  • Smart water bottles

  • Water bottles with flavor systems

  • Tumblers and cups

  • Mugs

  • Water filters

  • Hydration and daily water intake

These topics reflect both my hands-on testing experience and the editorial focus of this website.

Environmental Responsibility

I care deeply about sustainability – not as a slogan, but as a practice.

 

I am a tester, not a collector. I don’t keep bottles as trophies. Once a review is complete, if a product does not serve a specific long-term testing purpose, it is re-homed. Over 90% of past review units have been donated to friends, colleagues, and family members.

 

My goal is simple: every bottle I review should go on to replace thousands of single-use plastic bottles in someone’s daily routine, rather than gathering dust on a shelf.

Transparency & Independence

Some links on this website may be affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. This does not influence my reviews or conclusions. Products are evaluated based on their actual features, performance, and usability.