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White insulated stainless steel bottle with a grey lid and carry loop

Image: Owala · source

Seats & comfort

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, 24 oz

Owala · Mid-range

The Owala FreeSip 24 oz is a triple-layer, vacuum-insulated stainless steel bottle whose patented spout lets you either sip through a built-in straw or tilt it back and swig from a wider opening.

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We have not tested it ourselves: strengths and weaknesses below come from the tests cited.

Why Railfans Carry It

Owala says the lid is leak-proof and that the carry loop doubles as a lock when the lid is closed. For drinking, Owala describes holding the bottle upright and sipping through the built-in straw. The brand also states that the triple-layer vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for 24 hours. Owala's description says one push opens the lid and one push locks it.

In the Field

The 24 oz size measures 10.68 inches tall by 3.12 inches across according to Owala's product details. The carry loop flips up when you need it and tucks away when you do not. The wide opening is meant for cleaning and adding ice. Owala says this stainless steel model should not be used with hot, carbonated or perishable liquids, so plan on water or cold drinks. For care, the lid is top-rack dishwasher safe and the straw can go in the silverware bin, while Owala strongly recommends hand-washing the cup to keep its finish. OutdoorGearLab's testers found the two-opening internal straw difficult to clean in every spot. Owala's FAQ says the stainless steel bottles should never be microwaved, and that although the bottle is technically freezer safe it recommends putting a few ice cubes in instead. The FAQ also says the straws can be easily removed and put in the dishwasher's silverware bin. Owala's page describes the lid as designed to be quick and easy to disassemble with minimal hard-to-reach surfaces, a claim OutdoorGearLab's testers did not find true of the internal straw. The Owala FAQ states that all its bottles and tumblers are and always have been lead free, and says it has used lead-free solder from the very beginning. Owala's warranty page states a Limited Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for bottles, with accessories and soft goods covered by a one-year limited warranty.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Triple-layer, vacuum-insulated stainless steel body
  • Two drinking methods from one spout: straw sip or wide-mouth swig
  • Leak-proof lid with a carry loop that doubles as a lock
  • Wide opening for cleaning and adding ice
  • BPA-free, lead-free and phthalate-free materials

Weaknesses

  • The lid is intricate: OutdoorGearLab found it difficult to reach every spot inside the internal straw and spout, and gave cleaning a low mark
  • Not for hot, carbonated or perishable liquids, according to Owala
  • Owala recommends hand-washing the cup rather than using the dishwasher
  • OutdoorGearLab's testers gave it lower marks for everyday convenience and taste than for drinkability and durability

Key Specifications

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, 24 oz — key specifications
SpecificationValue
LidLeak-proof lid, patented FreeSip spout with built-in straw
BodyTriple-layer vacuum-insulated stainless steel
Capacity24 oz
CleaningLid top-rack dishwasher safe; hand-wash the cup (recommended)
WarrantyLimited Lifetime Warranty
MaterialsBPA-free, lead-free and phthalate-free
Cold retention24 hours (Owala)
Dimensions (24 oz)10.68 in high x 3.12 in diameter

Who It’s For

A rail traveler or platform watcher who wants one insulated bottle that drinks two ways and closes with a lock, and who will accept a lid that takes some brush work to clean. Not the choice for hot drinks or carbonated drinks.

Alternatives

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