First it was the S’well, then the Hydro Flask, and now the Stanley tumblers are taking over the reusable cup market as well as popular culture. 

Overwhelmed by the inundation of Stanley cups I see day-to-day and struggling with the recent breakage of my everyday Hydro Flask, I finally caved and purchased a green 30-oz. Stanley cup to see if it was worth the excitement. 

After only a few days of owning the cup, I was already noticing the increased amount of water I was drinking. The Stanley cup requires no twisting or turning to drink from, making it particularly easy to take a sip during one’s daily activities; however, the open straw does pose a problem for potential spills. It is similar to the Hydro Flask in terms of the shared basic functions, but these reusable containers are great for different purposes. 

I find that Hydro Flasks are more convenient when I’m on the go because the handle at the top makes them easier to carry when your hands are full. The covered straw/opening ensures I don’t have to worry about spills as with the Stanley cups. 

However, the Stanley cup offers a convenience of its own with a handle on the side, and it has gained an edge over Hydro Flasks in the way that it fits into most standard cup holders. Ice stays cold for about the same amount of time in both, but I’ve noticed that water from the Stanley cup stays colder over time.

Overall, the minor differences in structure do not detract from the overall purpose of these products — to keep our water cold and contained. I don’t think any of the water bottles or cups we see in these microtrends are really that unique from the next, and I also think there is something to be said about our overconsumption as a culture that leads to individuals owning an assortment of cups that perform the same function. 

Trends are not necessarily collector’s items, and money is not necessarily worth all of the things we deem to be “trendy.” While I will advocate for the quality that Stanley cups offer, I wouldn’t say to rush and grab these cups because a similar form will likely be trending in a few months.