Thermo-Flask vs. Hydro-Flask

When going on an outdoor adventure it is necessary to choose the right water bottle. It’s a plus if your water bottle is insulated and reusable. Thermo-flask and Hydro-Flask are two such companies that produced customized water bottles for outdoor adventures. As per your needs, one bottle might be better than the other. 

Thermo-Flasks

A thermos-flask is a bottle with double walls, creating a vacuum. This helps in marinating the temperature of the liquid inside the bottle. The bottle comes with many lid options and is ergonomically sound as well. 

A thermos-flask has the following features: 

  • Vacuum insulation technology 
  • Stainless steel exterior 
  • BPA free 
  • Double insulated wall design to prevent perspiration
  • Maintains temperature 
  • Comes with a warranty 
  • Sizes: 18, 24, 40, 64 ounces
Pros Cons
Durable and resistant  Can scratch 
12-hour temperature retention for hot liquids Difficult to deep clean
Dishwasher safe 
BPA free 
Great insulation

Thermo-flasks

Hydro-Flasks

Hydroflask water bottles are effective, durable, and convenient to use. They are made of stainless steel and have a double-wall vacuum insulated interior that keeps its contents hot when you want it to be hot and cold when you want it to be cold.

A hydro-flask has the following features: 

  • Uses double-walled TempShield technology for insulation 
  • Insulation for beverages up to 24 hours cold and 6 hours hot
  • Made from stainless steel 
  • Customized bottles are available 
  • Optional accessories are also available 
  • Sizes: 12-64 ounces 
  • Many lid designs are available 
Pros Cons
Durable and resistant  Expensive 
12-hour temperature retention for hot liquids Not dishwasher safe
Available in many designs  Difficult to clean 
Durable stainless steel
Visually appealing design 

Hydro-flasksWhat’s so special about hydro-flasks? 

Hydro-flasks have taken the market by storm due to their great temperature retention, coupled with the ability to be customizable. The bottles are available in multiple bright colors, making them very visually appealing. Hydro-flasks combined several cultural threads: anxiety about the environment, increased attention to self-care and wellness, and the desire to keep retain the drink’s temperature. 

What is better than a hydro-flask?

Here are the 4 best alternatives for a hydro-flask: 

  1. Takeya Originals Insulated Water Bottle 
  2. Bubba Trailblazer 
  3. Hydro-cell stainless steel water bottle 
  4. Contigo Autoseal  water bottle 

Do Thermo-Flasks dent less than hydro-flasks?

For thermo-flasks, the paint does not scratch or peel the color unless the blow was very powerful. However, hydro-flasks have extra grip and perspiration protection, making them suitable for rugged environments. Therefore, hydro-flasks are less likely to dent than thermo-flasks. 

Hydroflask size comparison: 

Some of the best hydro-flasks available in different sizes are:

  1. 18-ounce wide mouth 
  2. 20-ounce wide mouth, available in 11 colors 
  3. Shave Ice 32-ounce Wide Mouth, available in 2 colors 
  4. 16-ounce true pint 
  5. 64-ounce growler, available in 6 colors 
  6. 40-ounce wide mouth, available in 11 colors
  7. 12-ounce cooler cup, available in 8 colors 
  8. 18-ounce food flask, available in 2 colors 

Flasks

Comparison between Thermoflasks and Hydro-flasks

Material 

Both bottles are made from high-quality stainless steel, with double-wall vacuum-insulated construction. Both bottles have a non-slip powder coating and are BPA-free. 

Design 

A thermo-flask has a cylindrical shape and a simple color pallet. The colors include Black, white, Capri, cobalt, plum. The paint is secured to the body of the flask using a powerful adhesive and it won’t scratch in case the bottle falls. 

A hydro-flask comes in multiple designs and multiple sizes, to adapt to the different needs of hikers. Since the bottle is made for the most rugged adventures, it has a very strong powder coat of paint and comes in 14 different colors, including Tangelo, raspberry, sage, Pacific, Cobalt. 

Price 

A hydro-flask is more expensive than a thermo-flask but its high durability and performance compensate for it.  A thermo-flask is cheaper because the materials used are less expensive. 

Lids

Both models have a wide mouth, making it is easy to fill, clean, and drink from the bottle. However, the hydro-flask has a flip-flop lid with a small hole to drink from. The lids are available in many sizes and designs, such as a straw-lid and a leak-proof screw lid. 

The Thermoflask comes with a leak-proof straw lid with a loop on it, allowing you to attach it to your belt or bag. 

Durability 

Both bottles are very durable, as they have wide bases that increase stability and are made of stainless steel. They won’t lose their resistance to changes in temperature and humidity. However, the Thermoflask is more likely to sweat and hence rust in the future. 

Insulation 

Both HydroFlask and Thermoflask use the same double-wall vacuum insulation system and are made of the same material, so they have similar results, especially with cold drinks. However, with hot drinks the temperature changing mechanism is different. After pouring hot water at 65ºC into a Hydro-Flask, the final temperature after 24 hours was 37ºC, and for a thermo-flask, the final temperature of the water was 35ºC. 

Leaks

The thermo-flask is leakproof but the hydro-flask is not, but there are leak-proof lids available for the hydro-flask. Buy a hydro-flask if you’re going on a trail with a flat hike only. 

Sizing 

The Thermoflask comes in only two sizes – 24oz and 40oz. whereas, the hydro-flask is available in multiple sizes: 12oz, 16oz, 18oz, and 20oz.

Takeya Thermo-Flask vs. Hydro-Flask 

Takeya is a relatively new brand, producing high-quality water bottles in different sizes. The bottle has the following features: 

  • Double-wall vacuum insulated
  • The universal lid fits all ThermoFlask Bottles.
  • Leakproof locking lid with spout.
  • Hinge lock 
  • Available in multiple colors 
  • Sizes: 18oz, 24oz, 32oz, 40oz, 64oz
Pros Cons
Very affordable  Monotonous design in all models
Durable and resistant Made with cheaper materials 
Elegant design  Not dishwasher safe 
Great insulation
Visually appealing design 

The main differences between hydro-flask and takeya bottles are: 

  • Takeya bottles have an easier design for sipping
  • HydroFlask offers more color and customization options
  • HydroFlasks are lighter 
  • Hydro Flask bottles are certified Phthalate-free, Takeya doesn’t have this insurance 
  • Takeya is less expensive than Hydro Flask

Even though the differences between the two bottles are very subtle, which bottle you want depends on your requirements. If you are looking for durability and insulation, then go for a hydro-flask, especially if you want it for outdoor adventures. A Hydro-Flask is going to withstand accidental drops on rocks or pavement longer than Takeya. A hydro-flask also does a better job of maintaining the temperature of cold water. 

However, if you’re on a budget and want a slimmer bottle, then go for Takeya. Takeya bottles have wide mouths and a spout combination suitable for your needs.  The grip for Takeya is also more ergonomic and due to its design, it can easily fit in your bag as well. 

Conclusion 

In terms of performance, both hydro-flasks and thermo-flasks perform equally well. However, Thermoflask bottles maintain hot liquids for 12 hours, compared to Hydro Flask’s 6-hour limit. Through the my Hydro Program, hydro-flasks offer an array of options to customize the bottle, while there are limited options available for thermo-flasks. If you need a bottle with more customization options and lids styles, then hydro-flask should be your go-to bottle, but if you want to retain temperature then thermo-flasks with a 12-hour insulation timeframe is the best option!

Michael Holding
 

Michael is an outdoor adventurer and a kayaking enthusiast who loves to share his experiences with others. He is the Chief Editor at XgearHub.

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 0 comments

Leave a Reply: