People Are Driving Across State Lines to Snag This Viral Water Bottle (Trust Me, the Hype Is Real!)

Sarah M. Vazquez
Sarah M. VazquezCommerce SEO Editor
For the past 8 years, I've covered all things shopping. My work's been published by Hearst, PureWow, and Bauer Media Group. I'm a Brooklyn-born Jersey Girl (with a BA in English from Montclair State University) who loves a good playlist, a good bagel, and my family (but not necessarily in that order).
published Jan 31, 2025
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
FreeSip Tumbler.
Credit: Owala

I’m what you can call a bit of a water bottle stan. In fact, it’s very rare that you’ll find me in my day-to-day without my “emotional support” water bottle at my side. And anyone who knows me knows I’m loyal to one brand in particular: Owala. I first told you about my love for the brand and its water bottles back in 2023, and my admiration (as well as my personal collection) has only grown since then. 

If you’ve been anywhere on social media, you know that Owala is having a moment, with many clamoring to snag limited edition and collab bottles with a fervor unlike anything I’ve seen. Case in point: Owala’s recent launch. Last week, over 5,000 people showed up for the brand’s big unveiling in San Antonio, Texas, where it revealed not one but two new bottles: the FreeSip Tumbler and FreeSip Sway. So what’s so special about these bottles? I put them to the test to find out. 

What Are the Owala FreeSip Tumbler and FreeSip Sway? 

So, what is it about the FreeSip Tumbler and FreeSip Sway that had devoted Owala fans driving over state lines (the brand told us several people pulled all-nighters to drive long distances to the event, while others flew in from as far away as Minnesota and Georgia) to snag it? Well, these bottles — specifically the Tumbler — feature an upgrade (among other updates) many fans have been begging for: the ability to place their beloved bottles in a cupholder.

You see, the brand’s previous Tumbler iteration made it almost impossible to fit into any standard cupholder due to the placement of the handle and its wide base. The FreeSip Tumbler, however, has a smartly placed handle, as well as a tapered bottom and the brand’s beloved sip-or-swig spout, creating what many are already dubbing, “the perfect Tumbler.” 

Alongside this bottle, the brand also launched the FreeSip Sway, a pick similar to its predecessor with two major differences: a handy lock (the Tumbler also has one) and a big ol’ bucket handle that makes carrying your water easier than ever. And yes, it’s also tapered to fit perfectly into cupholders.

Credit: Sarah Vazquez

Why I Love Owala’s New Water Bottles

I was lucky enough to get a chance to put both of these bottles to the test, and I can confidently say I think that both of these bottles, thanks to all of their smart and feedback-sourced upgrades, are the best bottles the brand has ever launched. 

When it comes to the FreeSip Tumbler, I love that I now can have the luxury of the brands iconic sip-or-swig spout along with a handle, a tapered, cupholder-friendly body, and a lock for extra reassurance it won’t spill. As for the FreeSip Sway, it’s simply a perfect version of their classic FreeSip thanks to the lock and bucket handle, the latter of which makes it a breeze to clip on to bags and backpacks. Every time I think Owala can’t surprise me, the brand does it again — and that’s why I (and millions of others) will always be a loyal fan.  

You can get your hands on both the FreeSip Tumbler and FreeSip Sway in a host of fun colors right now at Owala’s website. And don’t worry, if a color you have your eye on is out of stock, the company reassured us that it will be restocking ASAP. You have to love a brand that loves its fans.  

Buy: FreeSip Sway, $34.99; FreeSip Tumbler, $44.99

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