Review: HydroJug Pro

I have attempted many times to become a Hydration Queen, all of them futile. I spend my day chugging coffee, realize I’m thirsty somewhere around 3 pm, spend 20 minutes at the sink pouring glass after glass of water down my throat, and still end up dehydrated.

I’ve purchased water bottles in the past, but my ADHD brain never remembers to refill them once they’ve run dry. A few weeks ago, in the midst of a heat wave, my partner and I stopped to grab some new drivers before hitting the disc golf course. There, in an endcap at our local sporting goods store, I saw her. My angel. My savior. My soon-to-be bestie, the HydroJug Pro.

Photograph: HydroJug

If I were a water bottle, the 73-ounce HydroJug Pro would intimidate me. By sheer size alone, it makes a mockery of my past purchases from Contigo and HydroFlask. You won’t be putting this bad boy in your car’s cupholder. Filled to the brim, without a sleeve, my bottle weighs just over 4 pounds. It doubles as a weight when I take it with me on walks.

It wouldn’t be ideal for some people, but I like the heft of it. It serves as a physical reminder to keep sipping. And I only have to fill it up once per day!

Many sources recommend that you drink around 8 cups of water per day. That can vary widely, especially since fluid intake from food can count toward your totals. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points us toward studies that show a good amount is about 9 cups per day for women and about 11 cups per day for men.

This number fluctuates based on diet and exercise levels—if you move and sweat more, you should drink more. Urine color is a good indicator of hydration levels—it should be yellow like lemonade, not beer-colored or wholly transparent. I’m happy and not at all embarrassed to report here, publicly, that my pee is always the optimum color now.

Photograph: HydroJug

The HydroJug Pro is cute! It’s available in tons of colors. I’ve been rocking the Pink Sand version. In a utopia where everyone carried around HydroJugs, I’d be able to easily identify mine. There are accessories, too, like neoprene sleeves (with pockets and a carrying strap!) and wide straws for easier sipping. You get all three with the purchase of a Getting Started Kit ($50).

I like the built-in handle since it’s easy to grip, even with my small hands. It also makes me feel a bit safer when walking through parking lots or on outdoor trails—I could probably smack an assailant around with my bottle in a pinch. There is a carrying loop on the lid, which is a bit easier to use when the bottle is lighter. The HydroJug is durable, too. I’ve dropped mine a time or 12 and it’s still in perfect condition. The wide mouth makes for easy cleaning, though the BPA-free plastic is dishwasher safe if you can go a couple hours without your bottle. (I cannot.)

There are times when it’s awkward to carry the HydroJug Pro. It measures about 11 inches by 5 inches without the straw, and it doesn’t conveniently fit into most of my bags. Some folks might prefer an insulated bottle. There’s room to add ice, but for me, the lack of insulation is a plus. Room-temperature water is optimal for my cold-sensitive teeth.

The lid is leak-proof, provided you fully close it. I had some issues with leaks until I realized that the lid clicks down twice and I wasn’t actually closing it all the way. I’ve taken to smacking my lid closed and have not had any leaks since. I usually flip my bottle upside down and perform a quick check when I close the lid to ensure it’s properly sealed.

The WIRED Gear team has a lot of strong and smart opinions about water bottles, but your choice will ultimately be a matter of personal preference. HydroJug bottles are also available in a mini size ($18) at 32 ounces and a gallon size ($30) at 128 ounces. It also comes in different glass or stainless steel finishes.

However, the HydroJug Pro is my perfect match. My headaches have lessened, my focus is better, and my energy levels have skyrocketed. It’s all thanks to a not-so-little secret weapon. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to run to the bathroom.