In the diverse and ever-evolving environment that is choosing the perfect water bottle, there are so many new and trendy options to pick from. There’s Stanley, Yeti, Hydro Flask, Hydrojug, Owala and so many more.
But the true champion is clear—Owala. It stands out from the competition with its innovative design, superior functionality, great value for money and, my personal favorite, its perfect fit in a backpack cup holder.
In recent years, the idea of an “emotional support” water bottle has taken shape. Originally, a water bottle was simply a functional product, offering convenient (and hopefully cold) water on the go.
Now, marketers can tap into the emotional aspect of the product, selling a feeling and individualization that takes the bottle from simply being a vessel to transport water into an accessory that speaks about its carrier.
Much like a fancy sports car might tell you the status of its driver, the type of water bottle a person chooses to sport also gives others input on its carrier’s status and values.
Carrying an Owala water bottle communicates to others that you are trendy, social media savvy and value eco-friendly, practical and stylish products.
For some time, you were considered the cool kid on the block if you stood in line outside of your local Target to race inside and snag the new limited-edition version of the Stanley Tumbler.
Personally, if I have to stand outside a store to secure a water bottle, I don’t want it. Especially if that same water bottle is going to leak, won’t fit in my backpack, costs me a bag and looks just like my roommate’s.
Now, you can be the cool kid with your specialized Owala water bottle.
The reason Owala stands out so far from the others in my book is heavily based on its functionality, something other cups like Stanleys (which literally leak everywhere) don’t have to offer.
Not only do the Owala water bottle designs fit into cupholders in the car, but they also fit into cupholder pockets on the side of your backpack, making it perfect for college students.
Nothing is more frustrating than investing in a nice water bottle, which is usually bought for the convenience factor, for it to then inconveniently not fit in any “holder” that it should be designed specifically to fit into.
Owala doesn’t have this problem.
Additionally, Owala water bottles offer a FreeSip lid with two options, allowing you the choice to sip your water out of a straw or chug it through the other opening. The FreeSip spout is then enclosed by a push-to-open top with a lock on it to keep water in and germs out.
Two more things a Stanley cup simply can’t offer in its water bottles.
While Owala has the competition easily beat on functionality and its ergonomic design, the target market of an “emotional support” water bottle—Generation Z—tends to prioritize aesthetics over practicality. So, let’s talk about aesthetics.
Owalas come in innumerable colorway options, offering limited-time and quantity “color drops.” The water bottles are known for having varying colors in the straws, the body of the bottle, the carrying loop and the lid.
This color variance sparked creativity in its buyers, shaping a trend where they unscrew lids and straws to create their own colorways before purchasing in-store.
Now you can have the exact color combination you dream of and don’t have to worry about mixing it up with your friends’ water bottles.
Lastly, I want to mention that Owala offers the same ounce option as all of its competitors but at a better price. We college students can’t afford anything that costs more money than a run to Taco Bell would. So choosing an Owala water bottle is easy when it costs less and offers the same, if not better, stylish qualities.
Owala stands out for all the right reasons. With its thoughtful design, practical features and endless color combinations, it strikes the perfect balance between function and style. Unlike other brands that rely on hype, Owala delivers a bottle that actually fits into daily life. At the end of the day, finding the right water bottle is about what works best for you, and for many, Owala just makes the most sense.