Review on ☕ Stainless Steel Coffee Travel Mug by Hydro Flask - Various Sizes & Colors by Robert Aiono

I have mixed feelings about this product, partly offset by a disappointing purchase experience. I saved this to my wish list and bought from there which as far as I can tell made a purchase from another seller and took a full week to ship, although the list I saved took two days . Also the color I received is not exactly represented in this listing. I got a fluorescent pink, not the muted hibiscus shown on the list I saved. It's not part of my review of the product, but it influences how I feel about it, so I'm just acknowledging it in advance. The product itself gets mixed reviews. I have several Hydroflask containers with different lids. I even have another coffee container like this, so I liked it so much that I bought another one for my husband. I also have another brand, a very expensive brand, that has a similar 12 ounce version. Coffee mug, so three types of lids can be compared. Each has its pros and cons, and the winner depends on your usage and priorities. Below are three of my comparisons... 1. 12oz Hydroflask. with hinged lid. Weighs just over 8 ounces. and does not leak if the lid is not opened. So this works great in a car mount or on a desk and can work in an outside pocket of a backpack maybe even a backpack if it can be packed upright and not pushed around. Maybe a plastic bag for this would be a good idea, just in case. It is easy to put on, easy to take off, easy to use with one hand and easy to clean. It is thinner than other caps, so it doesn't keep the temperature of the liquid as long as others.2. Hydro flask 12 oz. with a flexible lid. Weighs just over 10 ounces and does not leak when properly assembled. This lid is a bit thicker than the flip lid so it offers better insulation but also makes the mug a bit taller. You can toss it in any bag knowing it won't leak no matter what position it's in and how hard you squeeze it. The main disadvantage of this design is the cleanup. You'll have to take the top off for cleaning every time it's used, and while it's not a very difficult process, it can be tedious. There are 4 parts that need to be taken apart and reassembled in the correct order (check it out on YouTube if you want to see it). There is a red silicone seal inside that needs to be installed in exactly the right place otherwise the whole thing won't work and won't work properly. I can do it easily, but it gets annoying after a while. And I think it can be difficult for anyone with a cognitive or dexterity deficit to get it right. (For reviewers who think this cap leaks, make sure it's assembled correctly. Check out the YouTube video. You may be able to fix the problem. I suspect leaks are 99% of the time Due to user error.) Also, this lid has a nice lightweight handle, which I don't really care about, but the little "tabs" that hold it in place are incredibly useful when opening the lid to drink or taking it apart to take.3. There is another brand that I have reviewed extensively elsewhere. But by comparison, this other brand weighs in at just under 15 ounces and is significantly heavier and larger than Hydroflask while still holding the same 12 ounces. The spill-proof lid is easier to take apart for cleaning (just two pieces that unscrew easily) than this one (that's why I bought it in the first place), but it's pretty darn heavy and so big I just don't like lugging it around. Not to mention the configuration of the lid hits my nose when drinking. If you want to learn more about it, read my full review on this product page. So I don't have a clear winner, it really depends on your personal priorities. I use a small flip top most of the time, but when I need something I can safely toss in my bag I use a flexible lid. As for the other brand, it's mostly an expensive paperweight for me at the moment. I've thrown it in the trunk of my car in case I ever find myself without a cup, but Hydroflask is actually my go-to when planning everyday use.