Review | GSI Outdoors MicroLite 720 Twist
In an age when seemingly everyone and their dog is coming out with vacuum-insulated water bottles, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. Everyone touts keeping water hot or cold for x-number of hours, but they are all basically the same - a water bottle.
That all changed in 2017 when GSI Outdoors introduced their new line of Microlite vacuum-insulated bottles. Not one to just copy the competition, their wiz of a designer, Kurt, walked into the laboratory with their old Glacier DuKJug single-wall stainless water bottle and emerged with a vacuum-insulated bottle that they claim is 1/3rd lighter than traditional designs and still provides 12 hrs. heat and 24 hrs. cold retention.
That all changed in 2017 when GSI Outdoors introduced their new line of Microlite vacuum-insulated bottles. Not one to just copy the competition, their wiz of a designer, Kurt, walked into the laboratory with their old Glacier DuKJug single-wall stainless water bottle and emerged with a vacuum-insulated bottle that they claim is 1/3rd lighter than traditional designs and still provides 12 hrs. heat and 24 hrs. cold retention.
Specifications:
- Size: 24 fl. oz. / 720 ml
- Weight: 10.2 oz.
- Dimensions: 3.8" x 2.9" x 9.3"
- Material: Stainless Steel, Polypropylene, Silicone
- Price: $28.95
My Thoughts:
Krista and I have been using three sizes of GSI Outdoors' Microlite line (500 Flip, 720 Twist, and 1000 Twist) for about six months now and absolutely love each one. My favorite and the water bottle that travels with me on every trip has been the 720 Twist. Not only does it fit perfectly in most cup holders (even those found in our 1998 4Runner) and backpack water bottle sleeves, but it actually holds more water/coffee/wine than similarly sized bottles.There is a noticeable difference in wall rigidity between the Microlite bottles and competition, with the former being more easily 'squeezed.' That is not to say the Microlite bottles are flimsy, but they probably have as thin of a wall as you would want to use. Despite their propensity to 'give' when squeezed, our water bottles have held up as well as any other brand, when it comes to daily use. All three of our water bottles have been dropped off of picnic tables and out of the 4Runner more times than I can count, and they still look great.
Conclusion:
I have been incredibly happy with how well all three Microlite bottles have held up to the rigors of travel and camping, and particularly like the added little design features these bottles have to offer, like the textured rubber bottom and easy-clean lids. I would recommend any of these bottles, but find the size/shape of the 720 to be the most convenient for my travels.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was given the equipment used in this review in consideration for review publication.
Beau Johnston is an engineer, writer, and photographer who is dedicated to proving you can find a balance between work and life. He is the Co-Founder and Publisher of Living Overland and a member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. When he isn't working, you can find him exploring National Parks, fly fishing, and camping with his wife (Krista) and their two dogs.
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