AVANA Ashbury Water Bottle

I was sent the AVANA Ashbury Water Bottle directly from their parent company, Blender Bottle, for testing purposes this Spring.

​I have become less deeply dedicated to my HydroFlask, and welcomed the opportunity to try this innovative new bottle design. Today marks the official launch of the Avana site, so I’m here to tell you all about my experience with the Ashbury bottle!

I was surprised how much I like the Sage (aka turquoise) color I was sent. I normally opt for darker colors, but I like how easy this brighter color is to find when its been tossed in the passenger footwell full of crap in the car. It stands out from other water bottles and inspires me not to lose its pretty self while out and about. The 24oz bottle I received is 25% smaller in capacity than my HydroFlask, but still holds enough water that I don't need to refill every hour. Ashbury's sleek tapered design allows it to fit into cup holders that my HydroFlask simply doesn't, and the built-in carrying loop is comfortable without sacrificing toughness.

I compare the Ashbury to HydroFlask products specifically because they are of comparable quality, price, and performance. Like my HydroFlask, the Ashbury is a bit of an investment at $35 USD, but it can replace the others cluttering up your cabinet. The Ashbury has incredible performance in the Arizona heat, holding ice throughout the day and keeping the liquid inside safe from the hellish temperatures that are creeping up, and is made of 18/8 grade stainless steel (just like the HydroFlask).

​An easily overlooked but incredibly valuable design feature of this water bottle are the contrasting surface finishes. A rubberized lid really helps you get a grip to open the bottle with sweaty hands, and keeps the drinking opening protected from dirt, dust, and creepy crawlies, while the powder-coated body provides eye catching color, scratch and rust resistance, and tactile grip as well. Another notably unique feature of this water bottle is the FreeSip spout design. I tend to drink more water through a straw, and appreciate having the option of both drinking methods without having to change lids or bottles altogether. The mouthpiece of the spout is smooth and ergonomic, and the smooth surface of the spout is very lipstick friendly.

In order to accommodate the FreeSip spout, the bottle only has an opening a couple inches wide. This narrow opening caused some difficulties when trying to fill the bottle with ice, or when trying to deep clean it (I promise - your reuseable water bottle may not be as clean as you think - P.S. don’t click that unless you’re prepared to be very grossed out). Using my fist to create a makeshift funnel worked to get crushed ice in somewhat neatly, and I have opted to purchase these simple water-bottle-friendly ice trays for the house or to just aggressively shoving cubes in from our Luma ice maker (it works, they're sometimes small enough). I also solved the cleaning issue when I fell in love with BottleBright, tiny fizzy tablets that I can actually trust to power clean the scary dark inside of stainless steel containers.

Some important notes:

• You are going to have to close the lid tightly to avoid leaks, which unfortunately can get the spout screwed on pretty damn tight. Use a rubber jar opener to get it open, or do what I do and enlist stronger-hand-assistance
• The straw falls out of the spout every once in a while. Pretty rare, but you’ll have to fish in there to reconnect it
• The rubber lid in the lighter colors can become a little dirty, but is really easy to clean with dish soap and warm water to make it good as new
• If left in a warm place or in direct sunlight the outside of the bottle may become warm or hot to the touch, but it has fantastic insulation and your drink should be a ok 

​The Avana product line includes the Ashbury (tapered bottle shape, stainless steel), the Beckridge (can-shaped stainless steel, also with FreeSip tech), and the Makai (all glass with silicon boot/lid). The Beckridge is more of a space-y modern all-metal design, whereas the Makai is very minimalistic glass with colored accents - all of Avana’s products have a really sleek aesthetic that is easy to love.

​Avana donates a portion of all sales to a general water projects fund through their AvanaGives program. They collaborate with non-profits to directly sponsor water projects in developing villages and communities, and give customers special codes to allow them to follow one of these water programs along the way. 

I have continued using my Avana Ashbury even after the testing period ended this spring. Its portability and smaller profile are great for everyday carry, whereas my HydroFlask has been relegated for long hikes and road trips. I have noticed that I am drinking more water than ever and look forward to drinking out of this bottle - I have even turned around and gone home to get it if its left behind, it means that much to me. If you are in the market for a new water bottle, I highly recommend giving the Avana products a try. 

Special thank you to Avana, Blender Bottle, and Kevan Oswald for allowing me to participate in the trial, and for answering my 200 questions this spring!