I know.
Staying hydrated on the go can be a challenge. Between work, errands, and squeezing in a quick hike on the weekends, it feels like there’s never a moment to stop and refill.
That’s why I was so excited to try out Stanley’s Ice Flow line. They offer a ton of insulated bottles and tumblers, but the two that caught my eye were the Fast Flow and the Flip Straw.
Here’s the thing – I have different needs depending on the situation. Sometimes I’m out on a long hike and need a big gulp of water fast. Other times, I’m just running around town and want something easy to sip on without worrying about spills.
So, I decided to put both Fast Flow and Flip Straw to the test to see which is the best.
What I Love About The Fast Flow
The Stanley Fast Flow comes in different sizes. The most popular are the 36oz and 24oz, which are part of Stanley’s Aerolight line. That means they’re lighter-weight insulated bottles, perfect for keeping your drinks icy cold all day.
Now, technically, you can put hot drinks in here, but Stanley recommends against drinking straight from the bottle because of the Fast Flow mouthpiece. It’s great for chugging down cold water, but not hot.
There are a ton of insulated bottles out there, but these Stanley have some cool features. First off, they feel sturdy.
They’re not the lightest insulated bottles I’ve used, but they don’t feel flimsy. The secure lid and the beefy handle, made of metal and thick plastic, are worth the price. Another perk? Stanley backs them up with a lifetime warranty, so you know they’re built to last.
The lid itself is three pieces: the bottle itself, the lid, and the screw cap for the Fast Flow mouthpiece. I love the size and it’s great on your lips, perfect for gulping down water. The lid screws on easily, and there’s this cool clip-on feature to keep it from getting lost.
Now, this clip is only useful if you’re leaving the bottle lidless in your car’s cup holder, which is how I mostly tested it out. It worked great on road trips, letting me grab a quick swig whenever I needed it.
Who will need this? Hikers or anyone who loves the outdoors, and is looking for a slim, lightweight, and easy-to-use bottle.
The Stanley Flip Straw (One Of My Favorites)
Stanley outdid themselves with the Ice Flow Flip Straw Tumbler.
Not only does it look fantastic in all those colors, but it is durable like the Fast Flow. They ditched that weird side handle for a more convenient flip straw. Flip, sip, push down – that’s all it takes.
Plus, the straw hides away when you’re not using it, keeping it clean from dust and grime.
Speaking of convenience, the grip handle on this bad boy makes it perfect for carrying around. Throw it in your bag – no worries about leaks, this tumbler seals tight even upside down. Cleaning is easy. Unscrew the top, and toss it in the dishwasher.
Just like the Flip Straw, the fast flow is made from high-quality, BPA-free 18/8 stainless steel. They use that double-wall vacuum insulation too, so your drinks stay icy cold.
Who will want this: It is good for everyday use. At home, the gym shopping, etc.
What I Don’t Like About Both Tumblers?
The 24oz Fast Flow barely fit in my cup holder, even though the Stanley website says it’s compatible with most. Bottles any bigger than this definitely won’t fit in most standard cup holders, which is a bit of a bummer.
With the Ice Flow, many people are complaining about how difficult it is to clean the flip part of the straw because it harbors gunk.
The Ice Flow has 20 oz, 30oz, etc. But no 40oz, I need a 40oz.
Wrapping Up
Both the Fast Flow and Flip Straw are awesome Stanley tumblers, but they excel in different situations.
The Fast Flow is my go-to for hikes and adventures where I need to chug down water fast. The Flip Straw, on the other hand, is for everyday use.