I was organizing my kitchen cabinet the other day and had a moment of shock. I counted my Owala products: three FreeSip bottles in different sizes, the tumbler, and the little Twist bottle. Five of them. I hadn’t even noticed how quickly I was accumulating them. It got me thinking – there’s a real reason for this, and it’s probably the same reason you see them everywhere. So, let’s get into it.
What Exactly Is Owala?
At its heart, Owala is one of the most interesting drinkware brands to pop up in recent years. They’re not just another company making stainless steel cylinders; they’ve genuinely rethought how we drink.
Owala is actually a brand under Trooper Products, the same parent company that owns BlenderBottle, known for its shaker bottles and fitness-focused drinkware. Launched to appeal to a younger, design-conscious audience, Owala places a strong emphasis on fun, function, and sustainability.
Their star player is the FreeSip collection, which includes insulated bottles, tumblers, and even versions made specifically for kids. But they don’t stop there. They’ve expanded into a full ecosystem of accessories – things like pet bowls, bottle cleaning tablets, special brushes, and even protective “boots” for the bottom of your bottle. It’s a whole vibe, one that blends playful design with clever functionality.
Why is it called “Owala”?
You hear it, you say it, but what does it mean? Honestly, it’s just a fun, catchy name. The brand says it’s meant to evoke a happy little “Ooh la la!” moment when you use their products. And you know what? It kind of works. It’s playful and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is a big part of the brand’s charm.
What Is So Special About Owala?
Why has this brand captured so much attention when the market is flooded with good options? It comes down to a few brilliant, game-changing details.
That Genius Dual-Drinking Lid
The dual-function lid on the FreeSip bottle is what sets Owala apart, and not by inches, but by miles. This isn’t just another gimmick. In my collection of well over 50 bottles and tumblers, this lid is one of my all-time favorite features.
You get two options in one: you can sip upright through a built-in straw, or you can tilt it back and swig from a wider opening. It sounds simple, but it’s an elegant solution to a problem you didn’t even know you had. Do you want a quick, easy sip at your desk? Use the straw. Need to chug water after a workout? Use the swig opening. It’s perfect.
A Rainbow of Colors
It’s addicting to collect these bottles. The brand is famous for its “color drops”, releasing limited-edition combinations that sell out fast. This has turned buying a water bottle from a utility purchase into something exciting.
For example, I have a sleek black one for the office, a bright green one for the gym, and a simple white one for everyday errands. Each one fits a different mood or occasion. Years ago, drinkware was just drinkware. A bottle was a bottle. Owala proves that choosing your water bottle can be pure fun. It’s a small way to express yourself.
The Spout & The Hidden Straw
When you hear “straw lid”, you probably picture a straw sticking out, ready to collect dust and germs. Owala’s straw is completely hidden inside the lid until you press the button. It’s way more hygienic, which is a feature you rarely see.
When you drink from that straw, the opening has this unique, soft-edged shape. It feels almost like a cushion for your lips. It’s just a remarkably pleasant drinking experience.
Safety First
Owala is very open about its materials, proudly stating that its products are free from lead, BPA, and other harmful chemicals. In a world where you have to worry about what’s in your products, that peace of mind is huge.
And the best part? You get all this for a really fair price. My 32 oz FreeSip bottle was about $35. I’ve paid $10-$15 more for bottles from other big brands that don’t have half these features. You can call that a seriously good deal.
How Good Is the Insulation?
Since it’s a double-wall insulated stainless steel bottle, it does exactly what you’d expect: it keeps cold drinks cold for 24 hours. I actually tested the insulation in one of my Owala bottles. I started by pouring in water at 33°F, then let it sit for a full 24 hours at room temperature. When I checked it with a thermometer, the water had only warmed up to 55.4°F.
That might not sound dramatic, but for ice-free water that’s been sitting out all day, it’s still impressively cold and refreshing. And if you throw in some ice, your water can easily remain cold for up to two full days.
Is Owala Really Leakproof?
This question pops up all the time. For the FreeSip bottles, the answer is a resounding YES. They are 100% leakproof, and I’m not just repeating what I read online; this comes from years of personal experience.
I toss mine in my work bag, my gym duffel, the passenger seat of my car. The unique lid design features a convenient carry loop that also doubles as a lock when you push it down. It clicks into place, securing the lid completely. I feel very confident that my laptop and papers are safe.
Is Owala Durable and Does It Dent Easily?
Owala bottles might have a playful, almost friendly look compared to the rugged aesthetic of some other brands. But don’t let the fun colors fool you. These bottles are durable. They’re made from 18/8 stainless steel, which is pretty much the gold standard for food-grade drinkware.
That said, it’s not made of an imaginary, indestructible material. If you drop it from a significant height onto concrete, you should expect a dent or two. It’s tough, but it’s not invincible.
All in all, it’s one of the more durable bottles out there, and my own bottles look almost brand new after a couple of years of use.
What Are the Disadvantages of Owala?
Alright, I’ve been singing its praises, but Owala isn’t perfect. There’s a reason it shares the top spot in my mind with other brands and doesn’t completely dominate in my best water bottles ranking.
No Hot Liquids for the Bottles
This is a big one for some people. The design isn’t meant for hot beverages because of potential pressure buildup that could damage the seal or the lid. Their tumbler can handle both hot and cold, but if you want one container for everything, the FreeSip bottle isn’t it.
They Aren’t Fully Dishwasher Safe
Owala’s official instruction is: “Dishwasher-safe lid and hand-washable cup”. It’s probably not the end of the world if you forget once, but doing it regularly could damage the powder coat finish and maybe even affect the vacuum insulation over time.
My Final Thoughts on Owala
Well, I could probably talk about Owala all day, and that says something about how unique this brand really is. I’m a huge fan of their smart approach to design, focusing on features that actually make a difference, like that brilliant dual spout and the secure locking handle.
Do I recommend Owala? Absolutely. For everyday use, it’s one of the best water bottles you can buy.
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.
