Black+Blum Explorer Large Review

Likes

The Explorer has a wide base and is sturdy on top of your desk, at the gym, or on the picnic table. The leakproof construction provides peace of mind when you toss the bottle inside your backpack or on the seat of your car (since it won't fit in the cup holder). The paracord loop attached to the lid makes it easy to carry and adds a fun, outdoorsy vibe to the bottle's look. The smooth exterior makes it easy to slide into an exterior backpack pocket for accessible hydration, while the ridges on the exterior make the bottle easy to grasp.

The Explorer is one of the most durable bottle designs that we've tested. The vertical ridges on the outside of the bottle serve a second purpose of reinforcing the sidewalls, and the high-quality stainless steel construction and vacuum-sealed insulation are perfect for days spent in the great outdoors. We love taking this design on the trails or to the local crag to help us avoid plastic without worrying about damaging the bottle.

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Dislikes

Of all the bottles tested this season, the Explorer was among the worst for lingering flavors from previous beverages. It requires more frequent cleaning to maintain freshness and is unfortunately difficult to clean without a special brush. The small mouth opening that improves drinkability also makes it harder to clean the interior; it's impossible to reach the bottom of the vessel without a dedicated bottle brush. We also definitely recommend purchasing a small flexible brush to thoroughly clean beneath the lip and the lid's crevices, especially since it's not dishwasher-safe.

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Should You Buy the Black+Blum Explorer Large?

If you're interested in a back-to-basics, high-quality, durable stainless-steel design to pack along on your adventures, the Black+Blum Explorer Large is worth your attention. It is a clean piece of design, and we love this bottle as a durable replacement for single-use plastics while we're out on the trails, as the small mouth opening makes it easy to hydrate and the leakproof design is easy to stow in your backpack. However, if most of your day involves driving or sitting at your desk, it's not our first recommendation for daily hydration. In those cases, you'll likely want something that is cupholder-compatible and maybe even has an easy sipping straw spout.

What Other Water Bottles Should You Consider?

If you're after a water bottle design that's perfect for the gym or the local trails, the Explorer is a great option to consider; however, if you're curious about a more affordable and lighter-weight option, we recommend the Nalgene Wide-Mouth. It's cheaper and easier to clean, but it's constructed of plastic and isn't insulated. If durability is at the top of your list, check out the Yeti Rambler 26, which has a slight edge on the Black+Blum in this metric. And if you're curious about our overall favorite water bottle, it's the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth, which is durable, easy to clean, and offers everyday convenience that's worth the investment.