Takeya Sport Water bottle Review: Is It Better Than a Hydro Flask?
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Having a water bottle that can keep your beverage cold (or warm) throughout the day is essential for adventure travelers like myself. That’s why I decided to test out and review the Takeya Sport water bottle.
The market for insulated water bottles has become saturated recently and it’s hard to determine if these new companies truly are up to the test to compete with the likes of Hydroflask and Yeti.
I live an adventurous lifestyle and go to the beach whenever possible. I’ve tested the Takeya Sport water bottle in many different scenarios and I think the quality is up there with the best of them!
In this review, I’ll go over everything about the Takeya Sport water bottle from how I tested it, how long your water can stay cold, and if it’s worth the price tag.
TL;DR Verdict with Scorecard
I’ll cut right to the chase for those who aren’t interested in the details of testing the Takeya Sports water bottle. Overall, I’d rank this water bottle a 4.2/5.
The quality of the material is up there with the best; besides a few areas — straw and handle. Both of which seem more flimsy and made from different types of plastic.
| Feature | Score (out of 5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple colour options | 4.5 | Lots of hues available which is great for visual appeal. |
| Price compared to premium brands | 4.0 | Cheaper than many higher-end brands like “HydroFlask” while offering strong features. |
| Leak-proof performance | 4.5 | Lid and spout design offer very good leak resistance. |
| Dishwasher safe / ease of cleaning | 4.0 | Lots of hues available, which is great for visual appeal. |
| Weight/suitability for certain activities | 4.5 | Comfortable handle, easy to carry. |
| Durability of less robust components | 3.5 | Some reviews note the straw/lid/handle material may show wear. |
| Fit in cup holders | 3.0 | Carrying handle/usability |
How I Tested
The main attributes I wanted to test for this Takeya water bottle review were: insulation, durability, dishwasher safe, and weight for activities.
Insulation: I used a thermometer to test the insulation under different conditions. I tested the water temperature before and after at home, at the beach, and on a hike.
Durability: I dropped the bottle from different heights to see what type of damage (if any) happened.
Dishwasher Safe: I washed the water bottle in a typical dishwasher.
Weight for activities: I hiked with the water bottle and took it to the beach.
Specs and Sizing Table of the Takeya Water Bottle
The Takeya Sport Water Bottle Tests
Below are the main tests I conducted on the Takeya Sport water bottle and the information I found in the studies.
Temperature Retention
I used a thermometer for this test. Takeya says that these water bottles will stay “ice cold” for up to 36 hours. This is 12 hours longer than their Actives water bottle they also sell.
When testing the insulation, I put one scoop of ice and water to the brim. I then tested the water temperature at the beginning, which was close to 32 degrees feriegnheit (0 Celsius).
I first tested this inside in normal temperatures and after 24 hours, the water temperature reached 55 degrees. Depending on how cold you like your water, this is still pretty decent! But this isn’t as good as some of the competitors like Hydroflask.
Adding more ice can help to keep the temperature colder for longer if that’s what your goal is.
Leak & Durability
After many hours of use, I didn’t notice any leaks. I also tossed it around a bit and for the most part, it took the damage nicely.
Dents can still happen but this is an issue with most insulated water bottles if dropped hard enough or a lot.
Fit & Carry
I’ve used Hydroflasks many times (typically the 32 oz versions) and both water bottles have issues fitting in most cup holders.
The carrying handle for Takeya is unique in that it has a larger handle for ease of carry but the plastic isn’t the strongest. I haven’t run into any issues yet with the handle but I can see that over time it would wear down.
Staw Lid vs Wide Mouth
Using a straw lid is my preferred style as it’s easier to drink when on the go. With that being said, Takeya does have an ice blocker that is a nice touch when choosing the wide-mouth version.
Swallowing ice when trying to take a sip of water isn’t ideal. Unfortunately, the straw is made with what seems to be less durable plastic that, over time, might become an issue.
Other Insulated Water Bottle Comparisons
Takeya vs Hydroflask
Hydroflask is one of the most popular insulated water bottles on the market today and its apparent in the pricing. Their 32-oz water bottle costs $45, whereas the Takeya will only set you back $40.
I do believe if you want an insulated water bottle with better durability and that keeps your drink colder, for longer, then you might want to spend the extra $5.
The Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Cheaper than competitors: If you are on a budget but still want a high-quality insulated water bottle, consider Takeya!
- Leak Proof: Stay hydrated while on the go without the worry of having to clean up a spill!
- Carrying Handle: Busy person always going from one place to the next? Use the carrying handle without losing valuable hand space.
Cons:
- Less Durable: The materials used, like the handle and straw, aren’t made from the best material.
- Heavy for Certain Activities: This is a con but it’s a similar issue with other popular insulated water bottles.
- Less insulation than competitors: the insulation is good, but it doesn’t keep your water as cold for as long as some competitors.
FAQs: Things to Know
Cost Comparison to Other Top Brands
The cost of a Takeya Sport water bottle for the 22 oz, 32 oz, and 40 oz sizes is in order: $34.99, $39.99, and $44.99.
- Stanley Cup Quencher (20 oz/30 oz/40 oz): $35, $40, $45
- Hydroflask Straw Lid (22 oz/32 oz/40 oz): $39.95, $44.95, $49.89
Which Size is Best?
When picking an insulated water bottle, you first have to ask yourself what activity you truly want it for.
If you’re going hiking or doing other activities where weight is an issue, then going for the 22-oz would be the best bet here.
For everyday activities or simply just having it for home use, I always prefer the 32-oz one. I’ve never been a fan of the ultra-large 40z insulated water bottles but some people love those too.
Is It Dishwasher Safe?
Yes! You can safely wash any of the Takeya Insulated bottles without issue. I haven’t had mine for long enough to see if any of the writing on the bottle would fade eventually but I guess that it wouldn’t.
Can You Buy Replacement Gaskets?
Replacement gaskets are available on the Takeya website for $3.99. This is a straw lid o-ring and gasket two-pack.
What is the Best Size for Hiking?
If hiking and weight were my main concern for hiking, then I’d suggest the 22 oz. It’s lighter and can fit in pockets much more easily without feeling unbalanced.
The 32-oz is also a viable option, especially for day hikes where you won’t have as much weight on you as on a multiple-day backpacking trip.
Final Thoughts
This Takeya Sport water bottle review was honest and is in no way fake to get clicks. I’ve been in the market for an insulated water bottle with a straw and this one was perfect for the job. The quality of the this water bottle is well worth the money and with it being cheaper than a Hydroflask makes this a great deal in my opinion.
If this water bottle ends up breaking down in the coming months, I’ll be sure to update this review with what happened and my new thoughts on the issue.
