Hydro Flask Vs YETI Rambler: Which One Is Better? (2023)

Outdoor lovers, athletes, and city folk all have one thing in common: they need to stay hydrated.

A cool drink of water is not only refreshing – it’s a necessity of life. So, for those of us on the go, a durable water bottle is an absolute must.

To that end, we’re going to review two of the best reusable water bottles on the market today: The Hydro Flask vs the YETI Rambler.

Quick Summary

Both the Hydro Flask and YETI Rambler are impressive water bottles in their own rights, and they can get the job done. (That job, of course, being keeping you hydrated all day).

But there are some key differences between these two water bottles.

Hydro Flask

Of these two, the Hydro Flask water bottle is the superior of the two. This double-walled, stainless steel tumbler can keep ice cold for up to 24 straight hours – all without leaks or unpleasant flavors.

Plus, it comes with a proprietary powdery coating to keep the bottle from sweating.

If you’re after longevity and a manufacturer that stands behind its products, Hydro Flask is the way to go.

YETI Rambler

On the other hand, the YETI Rambler is still a solid choice.

Unfortunately, they don’t guarantee how long your bottle will keep liquids hot or cold, and they are not listed as a phthalate-free product.

But this product is dishwasher safe, unlike the Hydro Flask.

Detailed Review

Both the Yeti Rambler and the Hydro Flask are impressive, top-of-the-line insulated water bottles. But which of the two is better for you?

Carrying Capacity and Weight

Both the Hydro Flask and the Yeti Rambler come in a variety of sizes, from 10-ounce tumblers to 1-gallon jugs. But for this article, we’re just going to compare the 18-ounce versions of each to keep a level playing field.

As the name suggests, the 18-ounce Hydro Flask water bottle can hold 18 ounces, or a little over one pound, of liquid. The bottle itself weighs just over 12 ounces.

Thus, this water bottle will weigh about 30 ounces, or 1.9 pounds, when topped up.

For someone on the go, that’s a very manageable weight (especially considering the maters!).

On the other hand, the YETI Rambler can hold 18 ounces of water – but it actually weighs 18.9 ounces. That’s almost a full ounce more than its contents when empty!

Thus, when full, this water bottle comes out to 37 ounces, or about 2.3 pounds.

Winner: Between the Hydro Flask vs the Yeti Rambler, the Hydro Flask is at a clear advantage. Although both water bottles hold 18 ounces of liquid, the empty Hydro Flask is nearly half a pound lighter than the YETI Rambler.

Materials

Both the Hydro Flask and the YETI Rambler are made of pro-grade 18/8 stainless steel. These water bottles are meant to withstand the elements, as well as any accidents or unfortunate damage that may occur.

When it comes to the Hydro Flask, the manufacturer promises all products are both BPA- and phthalate-free, so they’re safe to drink from for years to come.

Additionally, the outside is coated in a proprietary powder that makes this bottle sweat-free and easy to grip.

The YETI Rambler also claims to be BPA-free. Unfortunately, their product specs don’t state directly that they’re a phthalate-free manufacturer.

But at least you know that you’ll never have to worry about dropping your water bottle – YETI’s No-Sweat design will make sure of it!

Winner: When it comes to the Hydro Flask vs Yeti Rambler in the materials department, the Hydro Flask wins.

Construction

Both the Hydro Flask and the YETI Rambler use a double-walled vacuum insulation system to keep your drinks at the right temperature as long as possible.

Plus, each bottle comes in several different colors, so you can coordinate with your personality (or your wardrobe). But again, there are some differences.

For instance, the Hydro Flask comes in both a standard and wide mouth option, so you don’t have to worry about spills. Plus, this water bottle comes in 20 colors!

Unfortunately, however, the Hydro Flask brand is not dishwasher safe, as the heat may wear down the outside coating or burst the double-walled vacuum.

The YETI Rambler, on the other hand, only comes in a wide 3.5” mouth option, and you’re limited to a mere 11 colors.

However, YETI does proclaim that all of their double-walled bottles are safe to clean in your dishwasher.

Winner: When it comes to the differences in construction and design, the YETI Rambler has a slight advantage.

Insulation

With a good water bottle, you want to make sure that it can hold temperature for an extended period of time.

This means keeping cold drinks cold for as long as possible, while also making sure your hot tea is still warm several hours later.

In the case of the Hydro Flask, its stainless-steel construction and insulation system is guaranteed to keep cold drinks cool for 24 hours.

Furthermore, its TempShield double-walled design can keep hot drinks hot for up to 6 hours.

On the other side, the Yeti brand doesn’t guarantee its insulation abilities for any length of time. However, most users report ice retention for 12-24 hours, depending on how much ice is in your cup.

Warm drinks can stay long for 4-6 hours, depending on the starting heat.

Winner: When it comes to insulation abilities, the Hydro Flask wins again.

Lid Design

The Hydro Flask comes standard with its Flex-Cap, which is a large, screw-on cap with a rubber handle attached. Y

ou can also purchase a Hydro Flask with its standard sport cap, which includes a pop-up nozzle. (Additional caps sold separately.)

No matter which design you choose, though, Hydro Flask uses Honeycomb Insulation technology to add extra temperature protection.

The YETI Rambler comes with one of two lids: a chug cap to mimic a plastic water bottle, or a screw-on cap with a handle and a flip-up mouthpiece (Those who buy a chug cap will also receive a small screw-on cap with a handle).

Unfortunately, while the chug cap is nice for those cold beverages, it is not recommended for use with hot drinks, carbonation, or perishable beverages.

Winner: Between the Hydro Flask vs the YETI Rambler, the Hydro Flask is the better option.

Price and Value

Both the Hydro Flask 24-ounce and the Yeti Rambler 18-ounce water bottles retail for $20 to $30, depending on the seller.

But in the case of the Hydro Flask, the manufacturer includes a lifetime limited warranty that covers any manufacturer’s defects.

Additionally, this water bottle has a longer chill and heating time – not to mention, the manufacturer is confident enough in their product to claim up to 24 hours of ice.

On the other hand, YETI does not guarantee the Rambler line to keep liquids hot or cold for any length of time. Furthermore, their manufacturer’s warranty is only valid for five years.

Winner: When it comes to price and value, Hydro Flask is the clear winner again.

Conclusion

When it comes to the Hydro Flask vs the YETI Rambler, the winner is clear.

The Hydro Flask is a better product with a more solid lid design. It even has a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer to cover any defects that may crop up over time.

Who doesn’t prefer a company that stands behind its products for life?