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Writer's pictureKaty Mathes

Love Chilly Water? The Coldest Water Bottles Revealed - The Chilly Water Challenge

Updated: Jun 1, 2021


Gimme some of that cool, cool water...


Looking for the best water bottle? The coldest water bottle? Well, I put several to the test and I have to say, I was a little surprised at the outcome.


Hydration is important, and we know this. According to the Mayo Clinic, water is essential, and here are a few different ways it works in your body:

  • Regulates body temperature

  • Moistens tissues in the eyes, nose and mouth

  • Protects body organs and tissues

  • Carries nutrients and oxygen to cells

  • Lubricates joints

  • Lessens burden the on kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products

  • Helps dissolve minerals and nutrients to make them accessible to your body

Are you drinking enough water?


I don't know about you, but I sure do love a good glass of ice water. In fact, I am more likely to drink my water out of my water bottle if it is chilly water than if it is room temperature. There's something extra refreshing about taking a sip of cold water - like you can feel yourself getting hydrated. So, knowing this about myself, I wanted to know which water bottle would keep my water chilly the longest! Read on to find out!


Come on, gimme some of that cool cool water!


First up, the quintessential YETI. YETI has a great reputation for keeping that water chilly, but just how chilly? The YETI goes for $39.98 on Amazon. Pretty pricey for a water bottle, but I do love Chilly Water and I do have a water bottle with me constantly living in Colorado. This particular Rambler has a cool "chug cap," but you can buy other lids as needed. Overall I like the YETI, but dang is it heavy! Keep reading to see how it stands up to the rest.



Next up, HYDRO CELL. This is a random brand I found on Amazon and I liked the color choices. Yes, I really do choose things based on color sometimes. It's the art teacher in me, maybe. Anyway, the HYDRO CELL popped up when I searched and it has a price point of $16.99 for the 18oz bottle. Worth a try! I like the 18oz size because it fits in my cup holder in my Highlander or on the side of a backpack. Also, HYDRO CELL includes a straw cap and two straws in the box - score! I like straw caps because I like to be able to take a sip while still keeping eyes on my class (again, I'm an art teacher) or my eyes on the road when I am driving.


On to the next contestant, the Hydro Flask. I'll be honest, I wanted this one just because I saw it in the local outdoors store and liked the design. At $29.95 it's a little less than the YETI, but still kind of a lot for a water bottle. Similar to the YETI, if you want another cap that's an extra cost. I have one of these for coffee when I am camping and I love it, I can't wait to use it each morning! Now, my test was on chilly water, so I didn't test any of these with hot liquids but it's important to note that they all can keep things warm, too.



Last but not least, I thought I should test out the water bottles I sell on my Etsy site, Widespread Love Design, to see how they compare. Now, I know I just got done saying how I like straw caps, but I chose this bottle design because I wanted a screw cap bottle that would be better for paddling. We have kayaks and a paddle board and I like to be able to strap my water on and not worry about spillage. It also has a wide enough mouth to easily get ice cubes in. So if you're looking for the best leak proof water bottle, check this one out!


But, which is the coldest water bottle? I know you are dying to see the results!



I tested these out over the weekend. I filled each approximately half way with ice cubes (same amount in each bottle) and then added water. Next, I set them all out in the Colorado sun, in my south-facing yard, on an 85 degree day. I put them outside at 11 am when it was already warming up. I decided to check them at 5 hours and then at 10 hours, using my cooking thermometer to gauge the temperature.


Are you ready to find out what the best water bottle is? I was surprised!





As you can see from the graphic above, first place goes to the HYDRO CELL, which kept the chilly water at 34.3 degrees after a whopping ten hours! I think this one gets bonus points for coming with the straw cap, too. Also, with a price like that, you can afford more than one. I got my seven year old the 14 oz size for $15.99, along with this awesome "boot" that goes on the bottom so he isn't annoying his classmates or teacher by banging his water bottle around. They are the perfect size for him! I topped them off with a couple Widespread Love stickers, and my kid is all set! I think I need a "boot" for my own HYDRO CELL water bottle, too...


The next surprise was the performance of my own water bottles from Widespread Love Design which I personalized with my Barstools "Music Only Knows what the People Feel" design. It came in at second place at the end of the day, out performing the Yeti and Hydro Flask. I am proud that I picked a good one, ha! I also should note, that of the four bottles, this bottle felt warmer on the outside than the others, probably due to the darker color. But it still kept that water super chilly!



After seeing the results of the Chilly Water Challenge, I have concluded that I need both the HYDRO CELL with the straw cap AND the Widespread Love Design water bottle in my life. I gotta have my screw top bottle for summer paddling. Also, I'm a mom so my hands are usually full and I love that I can throw that one in a backpack and not worry about a spill.


But, I can't part with my HYDRO CELL straw cap water bottle either! It fits in my cup holders and on the sides of my backpacks, and it isn't very heavy. I love all the different sizes and colors, too!


Chilly water all day long... achieved. #chillywaterchallenge

This post includes my authentic thoughts and reviews and contains affiliate links to my favorite products.




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