The Takeya Actives is an interesting and more affordable alternative to high-end water bottles. Over the past few months, I’ve tested this bottle extensively and found out that it’s a reliable and versatile option, though it lacks some of the special features offered by other bottles.
In this review, I’ll touch on all the bases and dive into the details of this popular bottle. If you value reliability and versatility, the Takeya Actives might just be your next favorite purchase.
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KEY FEATURES (32 oz)
PROS
CONS
Insulation
Takeya promises to keep your water cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours. So, in theory, it should match the performance of the best bottles like Hydro Flask. But does it really? I decided to put the Takeya Actives to the test myself.
Cold Retention Test
I kicked off my cold retention test by pouring almost ice-cold, 32°F (0°C) water into the bottle. The room was at a comfortable temperature, and I left the bottle sitting on my desk, minding its own business.
15 hours later, I popped the lid open, and the thermometer read 47.6°F (8.7°C). Not bad, right? By the time the 24-hour mark came around, the water had warmed up to 53.8°F (12.1°C), which I still consider pretty cold.
Takeya passed my cold retention test with flying colors, living up to its promise. I like taking it to the beach and sip on ice-cold drinks while everyone else is stuck with boiling water.
Heat Retention Test
Next, I hoped for similar success with the heat retention test. Poured 203°F (95°C) water into the bottle and set my timer.
8 hours later, I eagerly opened the bottle and found the water had cooled down to 124.3°F (51.3°C). In my experience, that’s the fine line between hot and warm – technically still warm enough for tea but not exactly piping hot.
While the overall insulation performance is on par with some premium bottles like the YETI Rambler, it’s a bit disappointing that the Takeya kept my water hot for only 8 hours instead of the promised 12.
Insulation Score
★★★★☆
Durability
The Takeya Actives is made from premium 18/8 stainless steel, which means it can survive quite a bit of rough and tumble. It feels almost identical to the Hydro Flask or Owala FreeSip in how it handles drops and scratches, which is a big plus.
One feature that sets the Takeya apart is the silicone boot at the bottom of the bottle. This little addition helps prevent pesky dents that can mar the appearance of your otherwise sleek water bottle. The boot has saved my Takeya from several potentially nasty knocks, keeping it looking fresh.
What about the durability of the lid? While I find its overall durability quite good, it’s definitely not on the same level as some other premium bottles. It’s not flimsy by any means, but I wouldn’t call it “bombproof” either.
The handle, in particular, seems like the most vulnerable part. If you pull it too hard, it could break rather easily. I haven’t snapped mine yet, but it does make me think twice before I yank it out of my bag too forcefully.
Durability Score
★★★★☆
Lid/Cap Design
The Takeya Actives sports a lid design that you can also find in other bottles such as ThermoFlask, but let’s just say it’s not about to win any innovation awards. It’s functional, sure, but don’t expect to be wowed by its ingenuity.
The lid of the Takeya Actives is a one-piece unit with a cap connected to the lid, which is quite handy because you won’t lose it unless you have some exceptional talent for misplacing things.
The handle, also connected to the lid, adds to the convenience factor. It’s easy to carry around, making it a reliable companion whether you’re heading to the gym or just lounging at home, pretending to be busy.
The cap itself is straightforward – no complicated mechanisms here. Opening it isn’t rocket science either. Just three quick twists and a gentle pull upwards, and you’re ready to access the spout.
Now, onto the quirkiest part of this lid. Every time I try to close the lid, I never seem to get it right on the first go. I reposition the lid at least two or three times before it finally clicks into place.
Lid Design Score
★★★☆☆
Portability
First things first, you probably won’t be able to fit this bottle in your car cup holder. The hefty diameter at the base, further widened by the silicone boot, makes squeezing it into those cup holders a bit of an impossible dream.
This applies to pretty much all sizes of the Takeya bottle, even the small 18 oz. So, if you’re someone who likes to have a sip of water while driving, you might need to find another spot for it in your car.
What about carrying the bottle around? The Takeya Actives comes with a plastic handle that’s useful, but not my favorite type. You can fit two or three fingers through it if you have smaller hands, but carrying the bottle by this handle is far from a pleasurable experience, especially when it’s filled to the brim.
The Takeya Actives is also not the lightest option out there compared to other stainless steel bottles. My favorite 32 oz. version weighs in at 1.1 lb. when empty, which is a few ounces more than bottles of the same size from other brands.
Overall, the Takeya Actives isn’t the most portable bottle I own, but it’s not as cumbersome as some alternatives either. Its robust build and reliable insulation somewhat balance out its portability drawbacks.
Portability Score
★★★★☆
Leakproofness
The seal of the Takeya Actives bottle is tight, provided you close the lid and cap correctly. However, I once accidentally opened the cap (which is relatively easy to do) and water leaked all over my clothes.
While it is a leakproof bottle, it requires careful attention to detail, especially when handling the cap.
Leakproofness Score
★★★★☆
Ease of Cleaning
The Takeya Actives bottle is easy to clean and has the added advantage of being dishwasher safe, which is always a great feature.
If you prefer manual cleaning, you’ll find it hassle-free with no hard-to-reach spots in either the bottle or the lid.
Ease of Cleaning Score
★★★★★
Versatility
The Takeya Actives stands out for its ability to handle both cold and hot beverages, which is no small feat. This versatility means you can use it for everything from ice-cold water during a workout to piping hot coffee on your commute.
Combine this with decent insulation performance and durability, and you’ve got a bottle that’s ready for almost any scenario life throws your way.
In my experience, the Takeya Actives excels in everyday settings. It’s perfect for taking to the gym, where it can keep your water refreshingly cold.
At work, it doubles as a great coffee companion, keeping your brew hot for hours. You can also take it along while traveling, as it handles the hustle and bustle of airports and train stations well.
However, sometimes I hesitate to take my Actives bottle on road trips because it doesn’t fit in my car cup holder. And while it’s great for short hikes, I wouldn’t recommend it for longer treks due to its weight.
Versatility Score
★★★★☆
Price/Value Ratio
We all want the best bang for our buck, right? So, how does the Takeya Actives stack up in terms of price and what you get for that price?
For my 32 oz. Takeya Actives, I paid $35, which sits comfortably in the middle range for insulated stainless steel water bottles. This isn’t chump change, but it’s not going to break the bank either.
Compare this to the Hydro Flask, which typically goes for about $45 for the same size, and you’re already seeing one big plus for the Takeya.
The bottle also comes with a limited lifetime warranty, a perk not many brands offer.
Overall, the value you get for this price is quite decent, though it still lacks something extra to fully justify the cost. Perhaps a unique feature like a dual drinking spout, as seen in the Owala FreeSip, or accessories like an additional lid with a straw would enhance its appeal.
Price/Value Ratio Score
★★★★☆
Conclusion
The Takeya Actives is a great all-around bottle that won’t let you down. It may not have the wow factor, but sometimes reliability is more important.
I often refer to it as a soldier that’s always ready for action, though it admittedly lacks those extra skills that would make it stand out in a crowd.
However, if you’re in the market for something with even better and unique features, you might want to consider alternatives like the Owala FreeSip or the CamelBak Chute Mag.
Takeya Actives |
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Final Score: 4.0/5 |
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.
