It’s no secret to Fenwick students that hydration is important. Fenwick offers lots of access to water, but the real question is, where to put it? Walk into any Fenwick classroom and you will likely find at least one of these two highly popular water containers: the Stanley Cup or the Hydro Flask. They may seem like “just water containers,” but each presents its own pros and cons, and Fenwick students were happy to share their own experiences with each.
The Hydro Flask was created in 2009, but became a staple for hydration around 2019 when it was popularized on social media. Soon enough, the Hydro Flask was everywhere, and used by people of all ages. Its design is very basic, and promises a durable, vacuum-insulated water container that is guaranteed to keep your water cold. The Hydro Flask offers several bright, colorful options for buyers to choose from. It is practical and functional, so no wonder the water bottle is a fan favorite among Fenwick students.
The Stanley “Cup,” known for its minimalist tumbler design also became popular recently thanks to social media. People were drawn to the large variety of colors, simple design, and vacuum-insulation that promises cold water all day. While the classic Hydro Flask has a spin-off top, the Stanley has a top with a hole for a straw. However, there is a question of practicality. Because of the straw, if the cup were to be dropped, the water would spill through the straw hole.
When asked which cup looks the best, 80% said Stanley Cups are more “aesthetic” (a very often-used word). When asked which one is more practical, 70% said Hydro Flasks were the better choice for everyday usage.
So here lies the essential question: style or practicality?
Isabella Henning, a Stanley Cup owner said she learned about the Stanley Cup through TikTok, and decided to purchase it because “every other girl in America has it.” She says it has the ability to keep water cold for a long time, which is a plus. However, Isabella recalled a time when she dropped her Stanley, and the water spilled everywhere out of the straw opening, which can be impractical in a school setting.
Rachel Abraham, a loyal Hydro Flask user, has had hers before it was popularized around 2019. She purchased a large Hydro Flask for her to use for tennis, and she stated it was useful because it kept water cold. Despite its large size, Rachel says it is “nice to carry around.” However, Rachel believes it is inconvenient that the Hydro Flask does not have a straw, so she has to drink it out of the container.
So, it is difficult to decide which cup is the best because they both present their own strengths and weaknesses. When deciding which water container to purchase, however, the customer must decide what they are looking for in a water bottle. If they would like a strong, practical, and reliable water bottle, a Hydro Flask would be the best option. If they were looking for something that looks pretty and has a straw, they might opt for a Stanley Cup. Stanley Cups and Hydro Flasks are both popular for different reasons, and the question of which one is better is based on the water container preferences of each person. Whether you prefer the Hydro Flask, Stanley, Yeti, or other water bottle brand, as long as you stay hydrated, that water bottle is the best for you!