I have a new favorite water bottle. It used to be that I would buy those plastic bottles of water with the drinking spout at 7-11, refilling them with tap water and foregoing the need to ever purchase a "water bottle." Until, that is, I drank from the new Nike Hydra-Ware water bottle.

The poly-carbonate construction is odor and stain free, and makes drinking water an event. A funky lid keeps the drinking surface clean and snaps to the bottom of the bottle for safe-keeping when you're swigging, while the elliptical shape gives you a sexy, smooth, steady hold. But it you need more grip there are textured pebbled sides and a finger/thumb hole.

It's hard to describe how the hydra-ware feels in your hands; ridges, curves, holes - like one of those tactile children's toys. The ultra-wide mouth allows for the easy addition of drink powder or ice cubes. Volume level indicators describe how much you've consumed, and two sizes (20 oz. and 32 oz.) accommodate your thirst level. A big bonus is the mouthpiece, which breaks down into manageable components for efficient cleansing and sanitizing.

There are, however, two drawbacks to the Hydra-Ware. First, if you're concerned about weight, it's slightly heavier than a Nalgene bottle. A lighter plastic would make it a joy in the backcountry, where you could clean the lid and protect it from dirt. Also, the wide screw cap takes something of a genius to master. It features an open, closed and locked position to prevent leaks, but it was a little too confusing. And once you decipher the system of red dots and locked positions, you will still find a lot of water dribbling down your chin as you learn the fine balance between tipping and spilling. And to top it all off, the emptier the bottle, the higher you tip. And the higher you tip the more your nose may get in the way.

All in all though, the Hydra-Ware introduces a new style of bottle for those thirsty for innovation. And we're looking forward to taking a drink from its next design evolution.

msrp: $10 (20 oz.), $12 (32 oz.)

www.niketown.com

— Reviewed & Written by Jill Adler, MountainZone.com Contributor