ShelbyGerken

One could argue that humans today can turn anything, including a water bottle made for convenience and functional purposes, into a trend. Water bottle trends, like all other trends, have gone through many different phases. There are Camelbacks, Nalgenes, Swells, Yetis, Hydro Flasks and Stanleys to name a few. 

But which is the most current, must-have water bottle of today, and is it worth the trend? 

Some people are avid water bottle trend followers, always purchasing the most popular water bottle solely because it’s popular. Others claim they follow the trend because they are practical. 

“I will say I followed the trend [buying a Stanley], but I caught on early, I got it really early last year. I love it. But I am a trend follower. I always have been, I had a Hydro and a Swell,” junior Jasmine Sanchez said. 

“I got it just because it was trendy,” Stanley cup owner freshman Maddie Molczyk said. “Everyone had one so I got one, I didn’t really have a reason.” 

Freshman Macy Preheim said, “I maybe bought it because of the trend, but I also didn’t have a good water bottle, so I thought a Stanley would be good. It’s cute and holds a lot of water so it reminds me to drink water.” 

Even though these students purchased their Stanleys because of its popularity, they aren’t 100% sure it was worth the trend.

“Honestly Stanley [stinks]. I mean I do love my Stanley because it’s cute and aesthetic. Yes, I followed the trend, but it kind of [stinks] because every single time I lean it over, it just spills all out and all the water just comes out of it. It’s really annoying,” sophomore Lucy Mendenhall said.

Some students do not understand why other students follow impractical trends. 

Freshman Delaney Jackson said, “I got a Hydro because I liked the color, and I also liked the handle because it’s easy for me to carry. I like how it keeps the water cold. It’s mostly just something to get by because it’s convenient for me.” 

“I got my cup because it’s my favorite color, it’s purple and it’s cute! I don’t see the point of [Stanley cups], everyone has one, like let’s be different. I don’t really care [about water bottle trends], it is what it is to me,” freshman Hanna Loal said. 

However, the next trending water bottle is already out there and prevalent among the student body. This water bottle has every Stanley user saying they want one. 

“I hate my Stanley, it spills everywhere. I want an Owala, but my parents won’t get me one,” Molczyk said. 

Preheim agrees “I got my Stanley before the Owala [was popular]. I think the Owala is the cutest, and it doesn’t spill.” 

“But if I had to get another water bottle, that was expensive I’d probably go with one of those Owalas,” Mendenhall said. 

The Stanley 40 oz ‘Adventure Quencher’ was arguably the most trendy water bottle of 2023. But new year, new trend, and these students almost unanimously agree that the new 2024 must-have water bottle is the Owala. 

Owala owner, sophomore Brooklyn Salzbrenner, said, “I bought it because I love Owalas because of the double use. You get a straw and get to pour it and drink it, too. Awesome trend. Yeah, I’m a trend follower, but it’s definitely the best water bottle.” 

“I got my Owala for my birthday. It’s a good water bottle and I like the straw and pour lid,” freshman Harper Cowles agrees. 

Water bottles are the newest accessory and this trend is here to stay. But the moral of the story should be not to give into trends just because they’re trendy. Make sure before adding the next must-have water bottle to the cart, that it will still be a practical, but cute accessory.