The water bottle is quickly becoming a statement of style and personal choice. Though we still like to see function trump fashion in this case with some technical elements, those elements are usually what determines those preferences. The Relaj water bottle brings its own look and technical details to the shelf.
We first saw the Relaj water bottle at Interbike last fall. It’s tall, clear, and has a thin nozzle for drinking. The bottle slants at an angle, making it look a little like the official bottle of Dr. Seuss. That look has its purpose. The shape allows bike riders, as well as runners and walkers, to tip the bottle and drink from a forward-looking position. This way you don’t have to lean back to get water to come out of the bottle. That “Grip ‘N Tip” technology is an ergonomic feature that lets you hydrate while staying on the path.
Relaj makes the bottle from a BPA-free material. The samples shown at Interbike were clear and very squeezable. The spout is made from silicon, which is easy to wash and keep clean. The bottom of the bottle unscrews in a manner similar to the Clean Bottle to make it easier to clean and get ice or other liquids inside. This is good because the top opening is narrow and doesn’t lend itself to cleaning.
An ice pack inserts itself into the bottom cap to keep liquids cool. Relaj says it’s best located in the bottom of the bottle as it keeps the contents cool even when there’s just a little left. In most bottles, the last sip can be a bit warm on a hot day.
Originally the Relaj bottle was to retail for $24.99, but to stay competitive, the price is now decided on $19.99. Relaj Water Bottle will be available this spring.