Hydro Flask Care Guide

The Hydro Flask is a very durable long lasting water bottle that can keep beverages COLD or HOT for very long periods of time. Although with its extreme pros there are cons and they mostly stem from the cleanliness of the product, since well you drink from it on the daily basis. So here is a little write-up on how to keep proper maintenance of your Hydro Flask to make sure it lasts you a lifetime.

Here is a Review I wrote about Hydro Flask

Two Years and Going Strong!

Routine Care: You should rinse it out after every beverage change / refill. Just a general rinse with warm water should do. By no means should you use Citrus Based dish soap or any soap at all in my opinion!

Daily / Bi-Daily Care: About every 2 days or so you should thoroughly rinse it out and use a bottle brush to get out if any debris or slime gathering at the bottom or sides of the bottle. You can get one for $5 on Amazon.

Funky Dank Odors: Let’s face it sometimes we forget to clean out our bottles or leave it in your backpack filled to the brim with Apple Juice. And it obtains this funky odor powerful enough to revive 1970 music. How you get rid of it?

Step 1: Remove the top from the bottle and fill it with some kind of dish detergent that NOT Citrus Based.

Step 2: Pour boiling hot water into it and fill it to the brim and submerge the top in same solution in different container. NOT sometimes but most of the time the odor hides in the cap.

Step 3: Let it sit for a couple hours or leave it overnight.

Step 4: Then pour the water out and use the bottle brush. And rinse it out multiple times.

Step 5: After leave it out to dry completely dry for about 2 days.

Result: This ensures that all the bacteria is killed off so you won’t get any tummy aches later, also sniff the bottle to make sure the smell is gone, then ask another person to do the same.

Baking Soda / Vinegar Method: Yes, we're going back to Middle School science lab with Jimmy your lab partner / worse nightmare. This method is for those who want to avoid getting Ajax smell inside their water bottle. I actually prefer this method.

Step 1: Dilute 1-2 tablespoons of the vinegar with a cup of water or mix the baking soda and water.

Step 2: Pour the solution into your water bottle

Step 3: Let it sit for 15 minutes

Step 4: Use the bottle brush

Result: You get a water bottle with no weird odor or Ajax and in no time. Some downsides is that it doesn’t clear out the bacteria.

Hydro Flask 1 Year Later Review

When you pick up a HydroFlask you feel this certain amount of heft that extrudes quality and utility. Along with its sleek and cool metallic surface you now this is no ordinary water bottle it’s meant to back some serious temperature and hold back the heat. Hopefully this will be the one, your life long water holding companion. I had and still have the Hydro Flask 24oz Stainless steel color for about a year now and it’s still going. So I thought I’ll shine the light upon the humble water bottle that’s been with me through various cities and citadels.

Credit: Hydroflask.com

Aesthetics: Let's be honest you don’t wanna be walking around with a hideous water bottle, it just ruins the Instagram pics. Well have no fear because this is one of the better designed water bottles I’ve seen. The Stainless Steel 24 oz version, sports an almost reflective but brushed stainless steel finish. Kinda like a stainless steel sink, have no worries there are many other colors if not satisfied with stainless steel look. It can go from the sitting on top of an Fortune 500 Executive’s mahogany table to the side sling of an Mt. Everest ascend-er with no issues. You will look good drinking from this bottle! That’s guaranteed. 5/5 in this area.

Quality of Construction: As mentioned earlier when you pick this baby up, it's no lightweight Nalgene bottle that just holds your water. Hydro Flask means business, it belongs in the backpack of an adventurer where water means life or death. Or some Subway riding New Yorker who just hates slimy, lukewarm water. Also feels very sturdy as it should be since it’s made of 18/8 food grade stainless steel (if you don’t know what that means well neither do I). Need a hammer in a pinch? Need to club a cub grizzly while hiking the Appalachian Trail? Need to sneak some whiskey into an overpriced club via your cub club? This water bottle will get the job done with class.

Smell and Taste: When you get a water bottle especially for when used daily sometimes it gets this distinct funk + mildew smell. It happens to the best of them but with the Hydro Flask its super easy to clean out. Here’s what I learned from experience. The Stainless Steel interior is nonporous so it doesn’t hold smells! HOWEVER DO NOT use citrus based soaps on stainless steel,chemical reactions will leave your bottle smelling and tasting tart and metallicy.

The Top: Hydro Flask features a loop top but you can’t really for me anyways fit one of those plastic buckles into the loop, it currently measures about 1” diameter. I think once they change that this bottle will be perfect. The plastic itself is made very sturdy don’t see it cracking or breaking anytime in the near future. There are also reports of the cap leaking due to O ring seals, located underneath the cap where the Stainless Steel bottle meet the cap. However I’ve had mine for 2 years and have experience no such thing.

Here's Mine!

Sounds: Can’t afford cocaine so I’m on caffeine but there are sounds that this water bottle makes its almost soothing. So if you ever find yourself in an Airport terminal and all the outlets are taken, then you can drop the next most relaxing mix tape with this bottle. Take the bottle by the cap and very lightly hit the wall with the bottom edge of the Hydro Flask. It creates a very soothing hollow wind chime sound. Proceed and play with that as you wish. Notes vary with amount of water in the bottle, I find that it sounds best when empty.

Temperature Performance: It handles extremely well to lock in the heat or keeps the heat out. It’s one of the main selling points of this bottle. Whatever goes in stays the same temperature. During the summer I will put ice cubes into my water at night “just incase I got THIRSTY during the night” and when morning comes around the ice cubes will be around half melted. It also does not condensate so no more moist stuff in your pack. Here is a video running detailed experiments on temperature vs Hydro Flask.

Safety: I deem it to be safer than plastic water bottle of any kind since it’s made from metal a hard, non porous stable compound that's not that reactive towards many of the drinks we have, unless you're drinking acid or something which case you'll need rubber or glass. The only health issues I have with this is that if it's fully loaded and you drop it on your unprotected toes then you’re in for some pain. Otherwise you’re in the clear.

Here is My Care Guide

Worth It: Is it? Yes, it's definitely worth the $30 Check Amazon’s Current Price. Since I’m a numbers guy I’ll even break it down for you. A box of bottled water averages about $7 for a 32 bottle box, assuming you have a Walmart / Big box retail store nearby. You can finish that box in about 4 days going with the 8 glasses a day recommendation. You’ll get your money back in a month. Or if you’re going to NYC you’ll get your money back in a day.

Take a Look at other Reviews on Amazon

Why Budgeting Does NOT Work!

Budgeting Doesn't Work

Credit: The Bub Hub

Before you rip my head off, trust me I've been there I've put money into small envelopes and counted and accounted for each and every dime. And no I wasn't born with a silver spoon either, as a matter of fact I was probably born with a half broken plastic spork in my mouth instead of a pacifier. Okay, back to the subject before I start ranting my autobiography about my origins.

1. Budgeting is a crutch and destroys ambition, the thing is you sit own weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, like myself, and stare at this sheet of paper to determine what you can and can't buy this week. Over time you've developed a habitual practice to look at this sheet of paper that you've created and let it determine your financial destiny. Before you've even made a purchase of any kind your mind automatically thinks back to that sheet of paper and say "nope" I can't afford or buy it.

Don't get me wrong this mindset is great for saving money and being frugal, but it also makes the mind lazy. It just stops there instead of stretching itself and thinking "how can I afford that". Maybe I should get a second job? Further educate myself? Develop a secondary income stream? Take out a loan? Ask family friends? Work harder?

2. If your core purchasing principals are still bad then budgeting will get you no where. If you budget to buy hedonistic items like another purse or a bigger T.V a newer car. Then what is the point of budgeting when you always go back to 0? People use budgeting as an illusion that they're financially responsible. Instead use your savings to purchase assets or items that give you money back and internalize the habit of being frugal and minimalistic. 

But, but, but, I don't have enough money to buy a house or start a business! Stop torturing me you don't understand my situation X. Well the fact that you're reading this article means you're headed in the right path. Look around you almost everything can be turned into financial opportunities. 

Should my Children be Minimalists too?

Photo Credit JapanToday

Many of us have children, in fact for me at least one of the reasons I become a minimalist was because of my children and lack of space to put all the stuff. So should my children be forced into minimalist lifestyle?

Let's say Christmas time comes rolling about and your lovely parents and inlaws are over to visit. For those fortunate enough that is 4 grandparents and if you have a bigger family then oh boy we know what that means. Any who you have specifically requested everyone not to gift you, however does this right extend over to your children? Do you as a parent have the ability to reject your child's presents? Happiness of owning stuff brings them short-term joy? 

On one hand it can be treated like a drug, if a drug brings your child instant happiness and melts the world away but it's terrible for their health. Then a parent is obligated to use almost any means necessary to help their children by either taking away the drugs or by blocking the means of obtaining it.

However, in this situation you would need to treat consumerism like a disease. Is consumerism a disease? A psychological problem that we have all developed but since it benefits the "society" it goes unnoticed? Or about forcing an ideal that the parents or parent much like a religion? We will discuss this later down the road.

Assuming that consumerist attitudes towards owning stuff is not harmful long-term then the parent will be in the position of being a jerk and denying the child of short-term happiness. And in the process violate a core idea of minimalism "the pursuit of happiness" for the child and bring an unpleasant experience for all other people in the room.

What do you guys think? 

Four Gifts Even a True Minimalist Would Appreciate

Four Gifts Even a True Minimalist Would Appreciate

If one of your loved ones is a minimalist (like me) and nothing is good enough for them ;). And bless your heart, but you really want to give them a physical object, then here is a list of things that even a true minimalist would appreciate.

Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life

This book by Joshua Fields Millburn and contributor  Ryan Nicodemus (many consider the father of modern minimalism)  is like the Bible for atheist minimalist and secondary Bible for the religious ones. As a matter of fact is good for everyone. It was an eye-opening experience for me and I can honestly say after stumbling across Joshua my life has taken a turn for the better. There is no more frustrations from picking out which wrist watch matches the outfit for of day, instead just put on your clothes and the extra time saved spend eating breakfast with your kids or hitting the gym. If you enjoy the thought of that then this book is definitely for you. Heck get’em a Kindle version if you wanna play it safe.

Take a Look

Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife

There nothing better for a minimalist than a small versatile tool that can tackle many obstacles. And such is the King of versatility; The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife is the end all be all of tools for everyday tasks; opening packages / letters, plucking out an ingrown hair or splinter, tightening a screw, clipping a hangnail, opening a beer and most importantly of all it all fits on your keychain. Also did I mention it doesn’t look half bad with its sleek curves and blade forged of the finest steel from Switzerland?

Take a Look

Food & Drinks!

Credit: National Geographic

Honestly, all of us from minimalist to mild hoarders we all love to eat and drink being a minimalist doesn’t change our deepest human desires as a matter of fact being minimalist will heighten our experiences with food. So yea bring us a nice bottle of wine and if you’re under 21 then give us a hamburger and turkey leg or something call it a day. It's easy don’t make things complicated.

Hugs and Smiles

Credit: Sasha Cobra

If you truly can’t bring anything then bring your best hugs and smiles, we won’t judge you at all we’ll actually appreciate the gesture (I think everyone in the room would) because remember in the end what matter this holiday is that we are all together sharing the precious few moments we call life. So please forget old grudges and pains this winter and learn to embrace the fellow man or woman.

If you think Smiling and being happy and interacting with family, friends and co-workers is a definite weakness of your then Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People is a DEFINITE read for you and everyone you know. It's like the 8th wonder of the world the Holy Grail on well How to Win Friends and Influence people. (It's not some pickup artist book, its a genuine science-backed way to get people to like you by working on yourself. I'm going to write a review / summary on this later down the line, maybe even pick it up for the more toxic member of your family, so you can love them more easily.

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Best Socks for Bean Boots

Best Socks for Bean Boots

If you bought a pair of the unlined L.L. Bean Boots (Guide), or just have cold feet, or maybe you wanna gift socks like Harry Potter’s uncle. Then you might as well reward yourself by picking up anyone of these pairs for the upcoming winter.

The L.L. Bean Boot Sock

What better way to take out the chills left by your Bean Boot than with the Bean Boot sock? Although a bit pricey for a pair of socks, it makes up for it by being a thick wall of wool that separates your foot from the cold rubber of the Bean Boot. This pair of socks locks in heat so well that it leaves my feet begging for mercy even when my Bean Boots are submerged in snow from shoveling the driveway while fighting off my neighbor’s Yorkie.

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Kirkland Signature Merino Wool Sock

Image by Prepperresources.com

If the Bean Boot socks are too pricey then these Kirkland Signature Merino Wool Socks will be right up your alley. Considering its Costco’s store brand you know there is value to be had here. You get 4 pairs for $20, that comes to about $5 a pair. And the best part yet it's available on Amazon so you don’t even need a Costco membership. Can also double as slippers in a pinch (currently wearing a pair while typing this up)

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Darn Tough Merino Wool Hiking Socks

Credit: Danner

Highly recommended by the Buy it for Life community on Reddit. Question is does it really last for a lifetime? Absolutely! Not only is this pair of socks warm and nearly indestructable (I’ve had it for over 2 years and no sign of wear and tear) they also have a life time guarantee no questions asked return / repair policy. Long run good for the wallet and environment.

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Should I buy L.L Bean Boot 6" or 8"

Credit:Beanbootglory

The LL Bean Boot one of the most fickle sizing boots out there. So why bother ordering it in the first place? Well,the L.L Bean Boot seamlessly merges style with utility and effortlessly glides into the hearts of many millennials who are yearning for a product that tells a story they will never experience. Like seriously who will actually hunt in the wilderness of Maine with these boots on ? The only real hunting these boots will be used for is hunting for apartments in the middle of winter since your landlord is stingy with the heat.

This in-depth guide is for the city dweller preferably near the NYC area but feel free to extrapolate information for your own personal uses. Without wasting anymore of your time let's dive in and figure out if this boot is the right for you!

Sizing, Lining and Height

What Size to Buy?

Wool Sock?	Whole Size (ie 10)	Half Size (ie 10.5)
Yes	Order Regular Size (10)	Go down .5 (ie 10)
No	Order 1 size smaller (9)	Order 1.5 Down (9)

Best Socks for Bean Boot 

Lining:

Thinsulate? Goretex? Shearling?

Unlined Base Model: $109 for 6” & $119 for 8”, both great options, however I prefer the 6”, I’ll give the details later.

Thinsulate: +$20 and not available in 6” version, not really worth it, the only purpose of these shoes is to keep water out of the shoe when sloshing around on curbside puddles. Unless you’ll be roaming the concrete jungle without heavy socks under 10℉, then you’ll be completely fine with the unlined version. And spend the extra $20 on $3 a ride metro.

Gore Tex + Thinsulate: +$70 Breathable waterproof material that allows your feet sweat to evaporate through and yet keeps the moisture out. Not really necessary, and doesn’t make a substantial difference.

Shearling: +$100 Completely unnecessary unless you’re actually tumbling around in Antarctica in which case I’m completely unqualified to give advice *but please e-mail me I’ve been wanting to visit or work there for quite a while*.

Height:  To be honest I’ve only had experience with the 6” and 8” versions of the Bean Boot, there are several pros and cons to both versions.

Image Credit: Shellchicd

6” Bean Boot

Pros	Cons
Light Weight	Lower Protection vs Puddles
Easy to take off	Sometimes susceptible to wetness
Subtle low key	Purist aesthetics
Motion Range
Allows Ankle Flex Range

8” Bean Boot

Pros	Cons
More Protection	Heavy as stones
Looks more “Manly”	Stabilization and motion range
	Hard to turn / navigate
	Can’t walk fast

How it Handles:

Sidewalks: 8” On icy sidewalks the 8” version handles it pretty poorly, especially since you need a wider range of motion to rebalance yourself in case you do slip. God forbid walking down icy stairs with these on then you’re screwed. The 6” version handles it a little better since it allows you to wobble your ankles a little bit to compensate for sudden shifts in body weight.

Photo Credit: Kellyinthecity

Slush: While in slush the you’ll be smiling that you bought the 8” Bean Boot instead of the 6”, since no matter how high the splash wave from an car is the 8” Bean Boot is more than enough wet protection. They both handle traction relatively well on slush terrain.

Wet / Rain: They both perform really well in the rain / wet area traction wise, however the 6” Bean Boot allows the user a wider range of motion and sufficient protection against the water on the ground.

Indoors:

Wood Polished, Marble, Slick smooth floors of any type: When wet does not handle well in these situations that why I’ll rather have a 6” Bean Boot so I can use raw human mobility to tackle trickier problems. The 6” handles like a regular shoe in these situations. 

Carpet and other rough areas: Handles very well on these types of terrains.

Public Transportation Areas: Not really made for areas / surfaces like these, many of times I’ve tripped on the narrow subway station stairs. And while wearing the 8” ones I have a constant fear of falling and breaking my neck. That’s why I heavily recommend buying the 6” versions. On the buses and trains itself the 8” ones make it very hard to be nimble and avoid stepping on people’s toes on a crowded train. The 8” relinquishes your feet from your control, and soon enough you’ll be stumbling around like a amateur model on the runway.

Bonus Section: Sitting down, admit it most of you guys are gonna be sitting down most of the day with this shoe on, optimally take it off. Seriously especially during the “break in period” I wanted to rip the 8” Bean Boots and fling them across the room. They really confine your ankle area movement and seriously irritates me.

Full Disclosure: I have owned and used both the 8” and 6” variants of the Beans Boots and I heavily prefer the 6” version due to their range of motion and mobility.