Last summer, I spent the entire concert guzzling expensive canned water while desperately trying not to pass out in the Texas heat. It was hard not to notice that everyone else was carrying large water bottles instead of the ones sold at the venue. They’d planned ahead and brought empty bottles from home to fill up at the water fountain. Scorching under the 107-degree sun, I was craving a 40-ounce Owala FreeSip.
I try to carry a water bottle with me wherever I go. It’s not a problem if I’m in the car, but things get complicated when I’m out and about, like on a walk, and don’t want to carry a big bag. I thought they were allowed at concerts. I love both water bottles and bags, so imagine my delight when I recently discovered a water bottle bag that combined the two.
In the bag
You may have seen people on TikTok grabbing their oversized Stanley mugs with all sorts of accessories, like lip gloss clips and even food trays, making the bulky accessories even more of a pain to carry around. Not here! Water bottle bags are not only cute, they’re convenient, helping you stay hydrated without weighing you down.
If you’re like me, you probably already have a collection of bags in all different shapes, sizes, and fancy designs. Sure, you could throw a water bottle in any old tote bag or backpack, but I find a water bottle bag to be surprisingly useful. It’s like a fanny pack, but for holding water. It’s like an old-fashioned camping water bottle.
It lets you carry your bottle upright without worrying about it tipping over while you’re walking, and it lets you keep some of the accessories you need close by without being too bulky. The bag is insulated to keep uninsulated bottles cool, and it’s padded so your bottle won’t bang against your hip. It’s also easy to wash, and unlike hydration bladder packs, it doesn’t look too technical.
I’ve tried two. The Calpak nylon bag is my favorite on most days. Needless to say, its main purpose is to hold bottles, so the main pocket is designed for that. The zippered pocket on the front holds valuables like cards, cash, and your phone, while the slip pockets on the rest of the exterior can hold keys, an SPF bottle, a small camera, sunglasses, and even snacks.
It does have a handle, but the most useful feature is the adjustable strap, which can be worn across the body or over one shoulder. It’s available in four classic colors and prints, as well as a number of fun limited editions, including daisy print and checkerboard.
I also tried the more sophisticated Sloan Water Bottle Sling by Dagne Dover, which I think Meredith Blake would have taken on Parker family camping trips if it had been available in 1998. (She had her own water bottle bag, by the way.) It has two drawstring mesh pockets, a front slip pocket, and a small pocket in the back for cards and cash.
It also comes with a key leash. It would have been nice to have one on the Calpak, but it doesn’t have a zipper pocket to keep valuables safe. We generally like Dagne Dover bags because they’re high quality and attractive, but they’re also on the pricey side. The brand makes extensive use of neoprene, which isn’t environmentally friendly. Here, they use a lining made from recycled plastic bottles.
Your Choices
What water bottles can I use? In theory you could store a Stanley or similarly shaped Owala Tumbler in the Calpak, but we don’t recommend it – it would make the bag bulky and misshapen, making it difficult to get the bottle out and drink from.
Photo: Medea Giordano
The 40oz BruMate Era fits perfectly in the Calpak but not the Dagne Dover. The Era has a straw and handle but is a bit slimmer than the other two. Both bags fit my 40oz Owala FreeSip perfectly. The Dagne Dover says it will fit up to a 32oz bottle but this bag sticks out from the top. If that doesn’t bother you, I recommend it.
When I was in high school in the 2010s, handbags were huge. Everything you needed while out and about would fit in your handbag: makeup, food, a change of clothes. Plus your textbooks…maybe. I love a loaded tote bag as much as anyone, but sometimes you want your bag to elevate you, not hold you down. That’s where the water bottle bag comes in.
And the water bottle has become a fashion item in itself. Just like a bag or shoes, a water bottle says something about you. Most importantly, a sexy girl wants to stay hydrated whether she’s out for a walk, at a concert, or simply hanging out with friends. Never be thirsty again!
Shopping bag rants and raves
