Lifefactory Glass Flip Cap Review

The Lifefactory had a few issues that lowered its ease of use scores, but it held its own in terms of ease of cleaning, taste, and durability.

Performance Comparison

Ease of Use

The updated 22-ounce Lifefactory has the same sleek shape as the previous model, with an updated lid that changed its score in this metric. The new lid has an ergonomically shaped spout with its own cap, complete with a silicone insert to keep it sealed. Though we preferred this spout system over the previous version, we still had a hard time trusting the cap when the bottle was loose in our backpacks. A subtle click of a tiny plastic tab is all that keeps the contents of the bottle inside, which made us nervous. More than once, this bottle leaked in our bag, docking it points in this metric. Despite our hold-ups with the spout, we liked the hinged carrying handle, which is large enough for a few fingers but stows on the side when not in use. We found that we actually used it frequently, unlike other bottles with smaller carrying handles.

Cleaning this bottle is a breeze since its mouth is wide enough to easily fit a brush inside. The lid is complex but easy enough to clean if you really need to get in there. The removable silicone insert in the flip cap also facilitates cleaning.

Durability

Once again, the silicone sleeve does its job. We were impressed by the Lifefactory and its ability to withstand everything we put it through during our test period. We left this bottle on the floor of the gym, used it at coffee shops, and drank out of it in campgrounds. We treated this bottle as we would any other, and it survived. The silicone sleeve protects the glass bottle inside, with rubber reinforcement on the bottom of the bottle.

The lid held up during our test period, but the fact that it has two hinged components makes us a bit nervous. The flip cap lid already tends to leak, which means any additional wear could render the bottle useless. We recommend taking good care with this feature.

Weight

The thick, durable glass, the intricate lid, and the silicone sleeve all add up to make a fairly hefty bottle. Weight is not the strong suit of the Lifefactory bottle; with a total weight of 18.6 ounces, it is one of the heavier top water bottles we reviewed. When full, this bottle weighs over two pounds, which isn't out of the question to add to a backpack or messenger bag to and from work. Since the bottle is glass and has a small capacity, we wouldn't advise taking this one out into the backcountry on the weekends, though.

Taste

As you might expect from a glass bottle, the Lifefactory scored very well in this metric. However, though the glass itself doesn't impart flavors, the plastic spout held onto a bit of flavor from the sports drink mix we used to test the taste metric. Previous glass options we've tested feature simple screw caps, where you drink straight from the glass rather than through a plastic spout.

Should You Buy the Lifefactory Flip Cap?

The reign of the Lifefactory Glass Flip Cap as our Top Pick ended with the advent of the newly designed flip cap. This lid, though durable and easy to drink from, added complexity to the bottle that resulted in some leakage. It's hard to trust this bottle won't leak inside our packs. We still liked the bottle for its shape, ease of cleaning, and durability, but have found a myriad of other options out there that are more affordable and work just as well.

What Other Water Bottles Should You Consider?

If you're looking for a great bottle to keep on your work desk and also move with you on the go, check out the Yeti Rambler 26, which is our favorite bottle of the lineup. If looks are important to you, the Corkcicle Canteen Classic is a sleek, urban bottle that will keep you hydrated in style. If you want a bottle specifically for hot drinks, we recommend the Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide Mouth Trail Series.