Whether it’s a Hydro Flask, Stanley, Owala or Brumate, all water bottles serve the same purpose, yet their popularity is ever-changing with the tides of consumerist trends.
After years of plastic bottle dominance with the wide-mouth Nalgene and CamelBak Eddy, metal water bottles rose to fame starting in 2018 with the Hydroflask obsession. The durable, insulated water bottle became a huge hit with tweens and teens for its innovative design.
However, after a few years, the Hydro Flask was replaced as the “top” water bottle by the Stanley Cup, a tumbler featuring a built-in handle and straw lid. With various designs, colors and sizes, the Stanley was a must-have item, especially among girls.
The Stanley remains popular and is still considered one of the top water bottle brands. Also considered among the “best” water bottles right now is the Owala. Its colorful exterior and portable design make it very popular with all ages and genders.
The latest trendy bottle is the Brumate. While it’s similar to the Stanley Cup, its spill-prevention lid and rubber grip have enticed water bottle owners while also providing many color and size options.
As new products become on trend, consumers feel pressure to purchase them to “fit in” in society. Water bottles are certainly no exception to this phenomenon, especially since they’re an everyday item.
A survey of twenty HHS students concluded that four currently own a Hydro Flask, two own a Stanley, six own an Owala and eight own a Brumate.
Each bottle has its unique features that make it desirable to consumers.
Senior Margo Brandrup is an Owala owner and has no regrets about her purchase.
“I love my Owala because it’s my favorite color combination and I can straw sip it like I am drinking from a cup,” Brandrup said.
Sophomore Sarah Margaret Donohoo has a Brumate and appreciates its many features as well as durability.
“My Brumate doesn’t spill and I love that. It also has a metal straw so my water stays crisp,” Donohoo said.
While all of these products are relatively the same, consumers seem to constantly purchase the “next best thing” on the market.
Over 20 million people bought a Brumate in 2024 that had previously owned other brands of water bottles, proving consumers are driven by trend fluctuations, not need.
Water bottles will continue to improve and change along with consumers’ preferred features. While some people invest in new bottles with good reasoning, most will continue to ditch the old and buy in with the new, hot item for the sake of trendiness.
