Buy or Bye: Water Bottle Edition

Five different water bottles at five different price points

Caroline Mura, Reporter

Contigo: $9.99/24 oz

I’ve personally owned this water bottle in the past, and I can say for a fact that it did not live up to my expectations. Although it is composed of durable plastic and contains a pretty decent volume of water for this price point, the handle that is supposed to make this water bottle easy to carry actually inhibits its functionality. The top of the water bottle always seems to pull open, so despite its “spill-proof” claim, the Contigo actually spills very often and easily. I would give this water bottle a bye rating.

by Caroline Mura

Nalgene: $10.49/32 oz

On the flip side, this water bottle manages to check all the boxes for such a low price. This exact water bottle (even this color!) is the one I currently own and I adore it. The Nalgene holds tons of water at once and has a helpful meter to display how much water you’ve drank. It’s also very functional, due to its easy-to-carry nature and the fact that it never spills. Finally, it comes in tons of color combinations to suit everyone’s preferences. I would definitely give this water bottle a buy rating.

by Caroline Mura

Ello: $14.99/20 oz

The Ello bottle differs from other water bottles since it’s made out of glass. It gives it a unique appearance that many people, myself included, think is aesthetically pleasing. To prevent dropping the bottle and breaking the fragile glass, it is equipped with a loop to carry it and a grippy rubber case around the bottle. The lid has a locking mechanism that stops all spillage. Additionally, the company claims that the glass actually makes the water taste fresher. Whether this is true or not, I can’t say. However, I still give this water bottle a buy rating.

by Caroline Mura

Sip by S’well: $24.99/15 oz

This S’well bottle is a well-known brand popular with many high school students. That being said, the functionality is somewhat lacking. For the price point, this water bottle holds very little water at a time and is difficult to hold and carry due to its lack of any kind of handle. However, for me personally, the large assortment of colors and patterns make this water bottle a fun and cute option. Therefore, I give this water bottle a buy rating.

by Caroline Mura

Camelback: $29.99/20 0z

Personally, I’ve never been a fan of Camelbacks because their constantly exposed straw has the potential to get very dirty. Additionally, this bottle doesn’t hold very much water for being this expensive. However, this particular variety is made of stainless steel, is vacuum insulated, and keeps beverages cold for 24 hours. Also, it is completely spill proof. On the other hand, the stainless steel is only available in one color at this particular location. I don’t think the pros of this water bottle outweigh the hefty price tag, so I give this water bottle a bye rating.

by Caroline Mura