I am not, by nature, a “water bottle chick.”

You know the type. The Stanley Cup brigade. The emotional-support HydroFlask gang. The ones who treat water bottles like beloved pets with backstories and matching nail polish. That’s never been me.

And yet…enter: the TB12 Travel Tom Water Bottle.

It showed up in my life, and now it’s my go-to. Like, “I know where it is at all times” level of go-to. We’re in a committed relationship now. No prenup because I trust that we’ll be together for a long time.

I should preface this by saying I’m in the midst of an ever-evolving health and wellness journey. My daughter heads off to college next year, and I’ve spent a lot of time mapping out what the life of post-divorce, empty-nester Kendra 2.0 is going to look like. Peak health is at the top of that list. That, and eventually moving to Barcelona—but that’s a separate post (and probably a whole series).

I started incorporating the TB12 Method a little under a month ago after stumbling across it online in the middle of the night. Classic me—wide awake at 2 a.m., spiraling over the fact that my once rock-solid fitness motivation now felt like a relic from a past life. I’m not joking. I felt panicky.

Here’s the thing: I know what to do. I have the nutrition knowledge. I can write a workout plan in my sleep. But lately, what I’d lost was the mindset—the commitment to me. That’s where the TB12 Method came in. Divine intervention, maybe. Google, definitely.

As a lifelong sports junkie, Tom Brady was the first person who came to mind when I thought about discipline that doesn’t flinch. So, I literally Googled “Tom Brady mindset,” and voilà—hello TB12.

Back to the bottle. I needed something to take everywhere with me—something visible. Something always present that could sit there silently, like a coach in your peripheral, whispering, “What would Tom Brady do?” Seriously. I have a couple of colleagues who jokingly ask me that now because I’ve said it so often when faced with indecision.

I’m not a Brady simp. So no, I wasn’t about to carry around a shirtless photo of him or slap his photo up on my bathroom mirror. However, I did come across a hilarious shot of him in Ohio State gear during my search—equal parts hilarious and shock. Go Bucks.

Ultimately, I chose the TB12 Travel Tom Water Bottle because it fits my life. It’s always with me and does what I need.

Moving on.

Because a product review should be honest, let me say this upfront: I wasn’t out here searching for a “hydration experience.”

Usually, when I buy a water bottle, I’m looking for several things:

It’s easy to drink from.
It’s easy to carry around.
It fits in my car’s cup holder without a wrestling match.

This water bottle checks those boxes and somehow makes the water so cold, crisp, and genuinely refreshing that I’ve convinced myself that I’m drinking water from a glacier. I can’t explain it. I’ve owned insulated bottles before, but whatever magic this one is working? Next. Level. Sorcery.

What I really appreciate, though, is the design. The Travel Tom holds 20 ounces, and if you need more hydration in your life, there’s also a 64-ounce version—aptly named Big Tom. Both are stainless steel with a clean TB12 logo that nods to Tom Brady’s wellness brand.

It’s sleek. It’s professional. It doesn’t try too hard. I’ve taken it from workouts to meetings to a weekend solo trip to D.C.—it slipped right into my bag like it belonged there. It’s the kind of product made for low-key people like me who want their gear to show up and do the job.

Let’s talk about the real MVP: the leakproof lid. It screws on tight (like, trust-it-in-your-laptop-bag tight) and features a flexible strap that actually feels sturdy, not flimsy, like some of these “fashion” bottles that are cute until they start leaking in your tote bag. You can also attach the cap to the handle while you’re drinking, so it’s not swinging around hitting you in the face.

Another moment of honesty: I originally hated the lid, wondering why they designed it to dangle there all day until I visited the TB 12 website and discovered how it conveniently attaches to the steel handle. That simple adjustment ranked the water bottle as perfection. Now, I judge every other water bottle against it. And most of them fall short.

Check out the video below to see exactly what I’m talking about.

And can we talk about the mouth opening? Perfect. Not too wide. Not too narrow. There are no weird splash-back moments where I suddenly forget how to drink. True story: I have an Ohio State CamelBak bottle that I still haven’t figured out how to drink from. It has this rubber, slitted mouthpiece that, to this day, makes me angry when I see it. I gave up and just unscrewed the whole lid every time—which, yes, defeated the entire purpose. But I’m loyal to Ohio State, even when the bottle gaslights me.

Is the TB12 Travel Tom worth it?

Honestly? Yes.

Especially if you’re trying to drink more water and actually stay hydrated. I love the easily digestible 20 ounces—just enough to feel accomplished before refilling, not overwhelmed.

This bottle is a quiet reminder that simple things done well matter. That the right tool can shift a habit. That hydration doesn’t have to be boring or performative. And yes, a water bottle—of all things—can subtly change your life.

I’ve exceeded my hydration goals every single day since I bought it. Hydrated. Happy. Slightly smug…because I own one.

Product Overview

Name: TB12 Travel Tom Water Bottle
Size: 20 oz (Travel Tom) or 64 oz (Big Tom) — I can only vouch for the 20 oz, but it’s earned its place in my life.
Material: Stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation
Finish: Silver
Price: $45, slightly premium (but I’ve already explained why it’s worth it).
Where to Buy: TB12 Sports Website

This bottle is designed for performance and results-minded hydration lovers—or anyone tired of leaking containers of lukewarm disappointment when you’re thirsty.

The Pros (Praise Where It’s Due)

Keeps drinks ice-cold for hours — seriously, 50+ hours. Even when left in a hot car. (Ask me how I know.)
Double-wall insulation that actually works — not just a buzzword. This thing delivers.
Leakproof lid — secure twist, solid handle, zero drama.
Perfect mouthpiece — no splashback, no awkward gulps, just clean, easy-sipping.
Cup-holder friendly — because that matters way more than people want to admit.
Sleek, professional design — transitions from home, to gym, to office without ever trying too hard.
Easy to clean — no complicated rituals. A link to cleaning instructions (via Klean Kanteen) is available right on the TB12 website.

The Cons (Keepin’ It Real)

Pricey for a water bottle — but so worth it for the quality. I got a discount just by signing up for text alerts, so there’s that.
Only 20 oz — which might not cut it for the serious chuggers out there. If you’re trying to hit your daily gallon goals, go ahead and get the 64 oz Big Tom. Hydration is not a game.

How I Use It (My Experience)

I’ve taken this bottle on long walks, left it on the bleachers during track workouts, tossed it in my car, slid it into my gym/yoga bag, and parked it next to my MacBook during back-to-back Zoom marathons. It’s held up beautifully through all of it.

I even left it in the car for three hours on a sunny Virginia day. Still ice cold. Not exaggerating. Just facts.

Every sip feels…elevated. And the wild part? I actually drink more water now—because it just feels good. Sometimes that’s all it takes: a little daily luxury that makes healthy choices easier, softer, more appealing.

Would I Buy It Again? (Final Verdict)

Absolutely. No hesitation.

I’m already eyeing a second one—just in case the brand ever disappears and I’m left emotionally unprepared and dehydrated.

If you care about performance, aesthetics, or simply not being perpetually parched, the TB12 Travel Tom Water Bottle delivers. It’s one of those rare products that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it. I’ve never disliked water, but I wasn’t drinking nearly enough throughout the day—until this bottle came along and changed the game.

Star Rating:
★★★★★ (5 out of 5 — because anything less would be a lie)

Q & A:

Q: Is the TB12 Travel Tom Water Bottle suitable for workouts?
A: Yes! The TB12 Travel Tom is one of the best-insulated water bottles I’ve used for workouts. The 20 oz size is perfect for staying hydrated during intense exercise, and the leakproof lid means no post-workout spills. Its stainless steel build holds up beautifully, even when I’m tossing it into the backseat or onto the track bleachers.

Q: How long does the TB12 bottle keep water cold?
A: Thanks to its double-wall vacuum insulation, it keeps water cold for hours—even in hot environments. The website claims 50+ hours, and I believe it. Perfect for summer errands, long commutes, beach days, or getting stranded in the desert (let’s not test that one, though).

Q: Does the TB12 Travel Tom Water Bottle leak?
A: Not even a little. The lid screws on securely and stays put, so I’ve confidently tossed it into my tote, my yoga bag, and the passenger seat without a second thought. No leaks, no drama.

Q: Is the 20 oz bottle heavy or bulky?
A: Not at all. The TB12 Travel Tom is sleek, lightweight, and fits into any standard cup holder. It’s the ultimate travel-friendly companion. I can’t vouch for the 64 oz (yet), but let’s be honest…why am I acting like I won’t need the Big Tom for track workouts this summer? It gets HOT here in Virginia. Stay tuned. If I buy it, I’ll update this post and let y’all know if it lives up to the hype.

Q: Why is it called the “Travel Tom”?
A: It’s a nod to Tom Brady’s wellness brand, TB12 Sports, and the bottle’s design—it’s built for movement, high performance, and everyday life.

It’s a wrap on my TB12 Travel Tom water bottle review! Is it just a water bottle? Technically, yes. Is it also a small daily flex that improves your life in surprisingly motivating ways?
Also yes. Order yours here.

TB12 Travel Tom Water Bottle Review: Worth the Hydration Hype?