We’ve tested dozens of water bottles over the years to find the best ones that are durable, lightweight and keep drinks warm or cold. While we’re big fans of the 40-ounce tumblers that encourage all-day hydration, we came across a tinier version that minimalists might appreciate: the Hydro Flask Micro Bottle.
Earlier this year, Hydro Flask launched their tiniest water bottle yet. It’s truly miniature compared to most, with a capacity of 6.7 ounces. At this size, it’s pretty cute and has sold out several times already! Thankfully, Hydro Flask has restocked, and at the time of writing, all colors are available.
But exactly how functional are these mini water bottles? We got our hands on a few and Eva Bleyer, a reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab, put the Micro Hydro through several trials.
How we tested the Hydro Flask Micro Bottle
To test for temperature retention, Bleyer filled the bottle with hot coffee and sealed the lid. Over the course of two hours, she measured temperature changes every 15 minutes. In a separate test, she also filled the bottle with refrigerated water, sealed the lid and recorded temperature changes every hour for 24 hours. She repeated the test using two stainless steel tumblers of similar size — one 8-ounce bottle and one 6-ounce — to compare the results.
To test for durability and leakage, Bleyer placed the bottle on our drop-test machine, and she used the bottle in her daily life, including her commute to work.
Temperature retention
The temperature of the hot coffee in our Micro Hydro dropped by 15 degrees after two hours, but Bleyer still considered it hot, likely due to the bottle’s secure lid. Likewise, the brand claims that the Micro Hydro can keep water cold for seven hours, and Bleyer’s measurements showed that while the temperature did rise, it was still cold after seven hours. When tested against two other tumblers of a similar size, the Micro Hydro out-performed them at retaining hot and cold temperatures.
Leakproof capability
After laying on its side for 30 seconds and being shaken upside down repeatedly, the Micro Hydro didn’t leak. We’ve given it a perfect score in our leak test and consider it to be completely leakproof.
Durability
Bleyer filled the Micro Hydro with water and loaded it onto our drop-test machine. The bottle was dropped three times from 3-foot height. Each time, it didn’t leak or dent. We’ve given it a perfect score for durability and consider it to be very secure and stable.
How to use the Micro Hydro Mini Bottle
Transporting small drinks
“I’m someone who prefers a small coffee, a double shot of espresso with a little bit of milk or hot water, and this Micro Hydro fits my favorite morning beverage perfectly,” says Bleyer. “I commute often and love being able to throw my coffee straight into my bag without having to worry if it will leak.” Other ideas include using it for creamer when traveling or bringing a glass of wine to a picnic.
Staying hydrated on short trips or errands
Grace Wu, product review analyst at the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, also appreciates the small size, saying, “Sometimes when I’m going somewhere to run a quick errand, I don’t have it in me to carry a huge water bottle. This is great for short trips when you’re not sure if you’ll actually drink water.”
Storing spices or snacks for travel
It’s a great way to bring (and store) seasonings when camping. I’d use it to bring a mix of dry herbs and spices to be used in chili, or as a dry rub for whatever’s going on the grill. It’s also an easy way to carry dry snacks on the go, like granola, nuts or trail mix.
Is the the Hydro Flask Micro Bottle worth it?
Yes, and for many reasons. The Micro Hydro gives you the option to leave your heavy 40-ounce tumbler behind for quick trips out of the house. Our tests have shown that it’s leakproof and durable, it keeps drinks hot and cold for hours, and it’s dishwasher safe. Plus, it’s a smart way to bring small drinks, creamer, snacks, sauces or dry ingredients along when you’re traveling.
We also like that it comes with personalization options, like custom engravings and choosing different colors for the bottle, lid and handle.
Why trust us?
Eva Bleyer is a product reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances Lab. She has tested over 50 different travel mugs and tumblers in the last year alone, including 17 Stanley cup dupes. She has also tested numerous water bottles for the Kitchen Appliances Lab and is constantly trying out new drinkware in her daily life. Bleyer put the Micro Hydro through a series of rigorous tests in the Lab along with two other small travel mugs from Yeti and Miir.
Jessica Dukes is a commerce editor, covering gift guides, sales events, and product reviews for Good Housekeeping and other titles at Hearst. Her focus is on testing and reviewing everything for the home, from pillows to seasonal styles to appliances, including water bottles from top brands like Stanley, Owala and Hydro Flask.
Get the Hydro Flask Micro Hydro Mini Bottle while it’s in stock
Jessica is a commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she writes for Oprah Daily, Popular Mechanics, Best Products, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Bicycling, and Runner’s World. With more than 15 years of experience, she tests and reports on useful, unique, and trending products—everything from baby gear to home decor to power tools—and tracks the best sales in the lifestyle and tech spaces.
Kitchen Appliances Lab Reviews Analyst
Eva (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she tests kitchen gear, home appliances and culinary innovations. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva has more than 10 years of experience in the food industry, working as a food stylist, personal chef and marketing manager.
