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Gizmodo
20-07-2025
- Health
- Gizmodo
Larq Bottle PureVis 2 Review: Drinking Water as a Video Game Isn't as Dumb as It Sounds
There's something I learned about hydration that I can never forget: if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. It's a rule of thumb that can come in handy if you are out on a long hike or on the beach in the middle of summer when the risk of becoming dehydrated is pretty high. But day-to-day, I rarely pay attention to how much water I drink or how dehydrated my body could be. Despite the ever-growing popularity of mega-sized water bottles and counting the number of glasses people should drink in a day, most of us (a large estimate on my part) are not as obsessed with how many glasses or ounces of water we consume. But should we be? Numerous studies suggest that increasing our water intake could be good for our health. If we go by the rule of thumb that if you are thirsty, it's already too late, we are probably all a little dehydrated a large percentage of the time. See Larq Bottle PureVis 2 at Amazon Larq Bottle PurVis 2 If you are looking for a fun way to drink more water and you have the means to spend a decent amount on a water bottle, the Larq PureVis2 is a good time. Pros Cons That's at least part of the premise behind the Larq Bottle PureVis 2, a smart water bottle that tracks how much water you've consumed throughout your day. The bottle contains an internal sensor system that measures the water level inside it each time you take a sip and reclose the top. That's one part of Larq. The other part is a proprietary cleaning system attached to the bottle's straw that cleans and purifies the water inside. All together, the device is about as high-tech as a water bottle can get. And at $140 for the 34-ounce and $130 for the 23-ounce bottle, you likely need to be quite serious about your hydration needs to justify the cost. While I've tracked many health metrics in the past, I've honestly never thought all that much about hydration. Despite knowing the scary rule that thirst usually means dehydration—and that water is literally essential to life—I've mainly just drank water when I'm thirsty and stopped when I felt hydrated. So I was super curious to see how much water I was actually consuming based on vibes alone. When you first set up the Larq Bottle PureVis 2, it takes you through a series of questions about your water needs, including your age and how often and vigorously you typically exercise. Based on those questions, the app told me that I should consume about 57.1 ounces of water per day. That seemed fairly doable, especially considering how hot it was (summer in New York City has been high 80s Fahrenheit) and the fact that I go on at least a 30-minute-ish run most days. Each time you take a sip of water from the Larq Bottle PureVis 2 and close the lid, the sensor recalibrates how much water is left and calculates the amount of liquid you just consumed. It then reveals this information on a meter on the app. No matter how little or how much you drank, it adds it into your overall total. This part I found addictive because it basically turns drinking water into a video game, and I got completely hooked. I looked forward to seeing the meter inch closer to 100% with each sip. However, unfortunately, the sensor didn't work perfectly every time. There were times when I would consume a decent amount of water, and the sensor or app, for whatever reason, wouldn't register that amount that I just drank, and nothing I did to try to fix it—make sure the battery was charged, refill the water bottle to the top again, etc.—would fix it. I found this somewhat frustrating because again, I had become committed to getting as far as I could to 100% by the end of the day, and if I drank a large amount of water and it didn't register, that was quite frustrating. And it happened often enough that I couldn't shrug it off. When it did work, which was the majority of the time (if I had to put a number on it, it would probably be 75% of the time), it was incredibly fun and also useful to track my water intake. This was especially true throughout the day when I otherwise wouldn't be thinking about my hydration status. I found that without prompting myself to, I actually rarely drank water. Like almost none at all. I would drink a glass when I woke up and immediately after I worked out, but other than that I basically lived in a dehydrated state. See Larq Bottle PureVis 2 at Amazon The other component of this water bottle—the two-step water purification system—I found far less useful. I drink tap water from New York City, which is already well filtered, and I didn't find that the filter system on the PureVis 2 made it taste any better. I could see this as more useful if I lived in an area where the tap water wasn't well filtered or if I was traveling and I didn't know how potable the tap water was in the area I was in. According to Larq, the purification system works via a proprietary filter, which removes chlorine as well as both perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) from the water. PFOA and PFOS are lab-made chemicals (commonly known as forever chemicals) that don't break down easily, making them potentially hazardous to human health in ways we don't fully understand yet. It also has a UV light built into the bottle's cap that periodically sanitizes the water. You can also sanitize the water at any time by pressing the button on the top of the bottle. There's no way around this: a water bottle that is over $100 feels like too much. But it did make me drink more water than I would have otherwise. I enjoyed turning drinking water—a mundane task—into a game. The fun also didn't really get old in the couple of weeks that I tried this out. While I would surmise that it would become less enjoyable over time, it would always be nice to know definitely just how much water I was consuming. Do you need a hydration meter to do that? Probably not. But if it works, it's not like your money is going to waste. Better hydration has been linked to better long-term health in numerous studies. This makes sense: water plays a vital role in just about every organ system in your body. There is also some amount of upkeep, which you usually don't expect in a water bottle. The bottle is charged with USB-C, and according to Larq, one charge will last a full month. When the battery is low, the cap will blink yellow. You can also see the battery level in the app. Larq also says the sensor will likely never need to be replaced, as it's designed to last for more than 100,000 cycles. The filter, though, does need to be swapped every couple of months, depending on use, and the app will tell you when it's time to get a new one. So no, you don't need a $100-plus water bottle. But if you are looking for an engaging way to improve your hydration status throughout the day or you need a filtration system on the go, the Larq Bottle PureVis 2 gets the job done the majority of the time. Just don't expect it to log your sips perfectly. See Larq Bottle PureVis 2 at Amazon
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The 30 Best Father's Day Gifts To Spoil Any Kind Of Dad
Father's Day is Sunday, June 15, and we're here to help you celebrate your loved ones with our gift editors' favorite dad-worthy items. The best Father's Day gifts show your appreciation and are often things your dad wouldn't think to splurge on himself. To find thoughtful presents for virtually every type of father figure, we considered a variety of interests: We're talking personalized barbecue supplies for the backyard grill master, supportive sneakers for the fitness buff and a helpful pocket-sized tech gadget for the frequent flier. Is your dad more a creature of comfort? We made sure to include cozy essentials too, from stretchy, yet sleek sweatpants to our sleep editors' absolute favorite pillow. Plus, we have a range of under-$50 value picks that are sure to delight (no-frills breakfast sandwich maker, anyone?). If you're looking for more inspiration, check out our guides to the best last-minute Father's Day presents and top subscription boxes for dads to shop a range of other Father's Day gift ideas that'll arrive right on time. If Dad loves nothing more than a savory spread of meat and cheese, this Father's Day-themed charcuterie board will be the way to his heart. Designed, packaged and delivered directly to his front door by Boarderie, the bundle comes packed with artisan cheeses, meats, dried fruits, nuts, chocolates, olives and more. You can choose between three sizes, starting at $139 for a two to three person board. And the best part? Every order has free overnight delivery, so it's great if you're short on time. Named our best overall subscription box for men, Bespoke Post is a favorite among Forbes Vetted editors and readers thanks to its highly customizable options. The service will be specifically geared towards his hobbies and interests, so all Dad will have to do is fill out a quiz upon joining and he'll receive a monthly assortment of goods from barware and travel essentials to clothing and accessories, based entirely on his preferences. He'll also get to preview what's in each box and because Bespoke Post pulls from up-and-coming brands, he'll likely discover some new favorite small businesses along the way. Whether you've seen the brand on Shark Tank or it's your first time learning about it, this is one gadget that's actually useful for a dad on the go. Larq uses UV-C LED light to eliminate up to 99.9% of bio-contaminants from your water and bottle, plus the bottle's hydration tracking system will encourage him to drink more of the good stuff throughout his busy day. The double-wall vacuum insulation also keeps liquids icy cold for 24 hours and comes with a detachable handle, removable filter straw and bottle filter. If Dad loves to share photos in the family group chat, a digital frame like this one from Aura will be a home run. Simply log onto Wi-Fi to add pictures and videos of the kiddos from holidays, vacations and birthday parties and he'll be grinning from ear to ear when he unwraps it. Aura offers frames in different colors and styles, many of which are available for speedy two-day Prime shipping. This lightweight and responsive sneaker is bound to be a hit with any dad who loves to run, jog or power walk—or who simply spends a lot of time on his feet. It's designed with a nitrogen-injected midsole for adaptive support and a mesh upper with subtle suede overlays to help ensure both breathability and structure. Choose from 16 colorways, ranging from black and white to bright blue or orange, to suit his style. Via Carota is one of the most beloved restaurants in New York City, and now Dad can enjoy a happy hour from the Italian hot spot without having to wait (and wait) for a table. The Via Carota Craft Cocktails Bourbon Gift Set has everything he'll need to toast fatherhood: bottles of pre-made (and seriously smooth) Old Fashioned and Manhattan cocktails, plus a pair of Italian-made lowball glasses and a gold stirrer. Cheers! Popular among Forbes Vetted editors and readers (and the best overall fire pit, based on our rigorous testing), the Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit is portable so Dad (and his friends and family) can sit around the fire anytime, anywhere. It's also smokeless for cleaner, more comfortable breathing. Bonus: If you buy from Solo Stove, you can personalize it with custom text or logos. For discerning dads who love premium sweets and competitive game play, Compartés' Luxury Grandmaster Chocolate Chess Set is the delight he never saw coming. Inside the emerald green croc-printed case, he'll find a full chess set handcrafted from incredibly creamy gourmet chocolate that's made in Los Angeles. The chocolatier also offers delicious truffles infused with 18-year Macallan single-malt scotch if Dad is more of a whiskey connoisseur. If Dad is serious about improving his wellness, give him a smart ring that's sleek, modern and helps improve his health. The Ōura Ring is a health, sleep and activity tracker that's packed with sensors to keep him meaningfully informed. Founded on Nordic wellness principles of balance, it collects data on more than 20 biometrics—like heart rate, blood oxygen and activity—and sends insights to an app to help you create a custom sleep schedule, track stress levels and more. Any gift labeled Hermès is going to be a hit on Father's Day. But for the dad who's been thinking about switching up his regular scent, this is a great option. The brand's first major men's fragrance to be released in 15 years, it trades the usual woody notes of a cologne for something a bit lighter. The result is a fresh scent with botanical notes of clary sage, narcissus and rosewood. He'll like it, and just as importantly, so will Mom. If you're shopping for a foodie who looks forward to cooking new cuisines, you'll hit the gifting jackpot with Goldbelly's Chef Of The Month subscription. Dad will get a monthly curated chef kit of the most sought-after delicacies curated by pros like Michael Symon, David Chang and José Andrés. From the savory to the sweet, it'll be a fun monthly surprise—and maybe he'll even save you a bite. If your sandwich aficionado dad isn't the family chef, this Hamilton Beach breakfast sandwich maker will be his new best friend. All he has to do is put his favorite bread in the bottom and top layers, followed by an egg and additional toppings to create a mouthwatering meal. It's ready in just five minutes with minimal cleanup needed. From the mind of Neil Patrick Harris, Box One is the perfect gift for the father figure that loves nothing more than a good game night. Full of trivia, puzzles, secret codes and more, the brain-teasing board game is designed to play by yourself—or if Dad prefers, the whole family can get in on the fun. The JBL waterproof Bluetooth speaker lets Dad play his tunes anywhere and everywhere from the beach to the trail to the garage where he's tinkering with his latest project. It has 10 hours of battery life for all-day listening and a clip that makes it easy to attach to a bag or stroller. If Dad's signature cap is getting a little worse for wear, replace it with one that's trendy and built to last. This 100% cotton canvas style from Carhartt is available in over 60 colors, so there's sure to be one that suits him perfectly. Even better, it has a built-in band that's fast-drying and will wick away summer sweat. Whether he's a super fan of the YouTube series, Hot Ones, or just likes to slather spicy goodness over his wings and tacos, invite Dad to try the Hot Ones Challenge at home with this official 10-pack set featuring the sauces from season 26 of the interview show. From mild, garlicky flavors like Señor Lechuga (1/10 spice level) to the intense heat of The Last Dab: Xperience (11/10), there's an option to delight every taste bud. Your favorite grill master will love kicking off summer with this personalized steak brand. Exclusive to Williams Sonoma, you have the option to personalize it with single, double or triple initials. The iron brand is hand forged by a Texan cattle ranger and includes a wall mounting storage rack for display. Sometimes it's the simple things that mean the most, and there's nothing more delightful to a dad than a box full of jerky. Each month, he'll get different brands and flavors so he's always trying something new. It's available in one, three, six and twelve-month subscriptions, but no matter which you choose chances are he'll wish it lasted forever. Skip the stress of gift-giving and have a laugh while Dad opens Harry & David's Seven Days Of Dad Jokes Gift Box. Each cheesy joke-labeled compartment will reveal snacks including caramel popcorn, trail mix, cookies, hickory-smoked sausage and, fittingly, cheese. Order it now and boxes will start shipping on May 12, well in advance of the holiday. If Dad is still using that lumpy, old pillow every night, treat him to a much needed upgrade. The Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow was named our best pillow overall after a year of testing, thanks to its plush shredded memory foam that perfectly cradles your neck and head. It's also entirely adjustable, meaning Dad can add or take out fill in order to get the exact level of firmness needed for his favorite nap position. Named our best overall walking shoe for men, the On Cloud 5 sneaker is crafted with science-backed CloudTec foam, a forgiving material with a cushioned feel that has been described as 'running on clouds.' It features a removable cushioned arch insole, plus a Speedboard running the length of the sneaker that promotes stability when walking to help Dad reach his daily step goal. Courant's wireless chargers offer a stylish way to stay powered up. The Mag:3 is a multi-device charger that's bound in either leather or linen. It also has a drop tray for stashing trinkets, which means he can juice up his tech and empty his pockets all in one place. Perfect for the pops who lives in his Saturday sweats, this stylish option by Vuori not only looks good, it's just as cozy as his favorite worn-in pair. The joggers have built-in boxer briefs, are moisture-wicking and feature a much-appreciated four-way stretch. Throw in the matching jacket to make it a full set. The Therabody SmartGoggles, our pick for best sleep tech device, will be a welcome relief for the dad that stares at a computer screen for hours each day. The goggles offer a combination of heat, vibration and pressure therapy, which can increase circulation, ease aches and pains and promote relaxation before bed. Therabody's Theragun Mini Massage Gun is also a thoughtful gift for soothing sore muscles post-workout. Looking for a fun family activity for Father's Day? Republic's 100 Things To Do With Dad Bucket List Scratch Book will give you tons of ideas, from hitting up the arcade to touring the local planetarium. The book features space for you to document your adventures afterwards, as well as meaningful quotes about the beauty of fatherhood. For the busy new dad who needs to be hands-free, this Lalabu t-shirt will be a hit. The first baby-wearing design of its kind to be made specifically for dads, it can hold newborns up to 15 pounds without the trouble of buckles, snaps or swaddling. All he has to do is tuck the baby into the supportive front pouch and continue on with his to-do list. If Dad loves to travel, spare him the airline-provided headphones with AirFly's wireless headphone adapter. Now, he can watch all of his favorite movies, shows or games with the comfort of his own (likely noise-canceling) headphones. Give Dad the gift of a caffeine pick-me-up with an Atlas Coffee subscription, a top pick in our best coffee subscriptions story. Available in whole bean, ground, Keurig pods or Nespresso pods, you'll be able to customize the recurring shipment to his preferences. Each delivery also comes with postcards that include tasting notes and history about each country's unique coffee growing methods. Your Dad's not a regular dad; he's a super dad. And with this gift set from Happy Socks, he can prove it at all times. The three cotton-blend pairs are comfy, colorful and will make him smile every time he slips them on. The set is also blissfully available with two-day Prime shipping. Whether Dad is planning a family vacation abroad this summer or just loves to explore new cultures from his living room, a subscription to the language-learning app Babbel will help broaden his horizons. Simply choose from standard or premium packages that span six, twelve or twenty-four months, and leave it up to Dad to select which of the 14 languages he wants to master. If he loves grilling in the backyard as much as he does hitting the green, the Poligo Golf Club Grilling Set is a thoughtful last-minute father's day gift that combines two of his favorite pastimes. The seven-piece stainless steel barbecue set includes tongs, a spatula, a fork and a basting brush—each with a handle designed to resemble a golf grip—plus a pair of golf ball salt and pepper shakers and a storage bag. Naturally, it's a hole-in-one gift. Father's Day always falls on the third Sunday in June. This year, it's June 15. When it comes to celebrating Father's Day, it truly is the thought that counts. In addition to having some quality time to do what he enjoys—relaxing with a beer, playing a round of golf or spending time with family (likely his top choice)—dads love to feel appreciated. In terms of gift-giving, presents that cater to his interests are a sweet way to show how much you care. This can mean a splurge-worthy surprise, like a quality outdoor fire pit, or something thoughtful, like an Atlas Coffee Club subscription or digital photo frame. You don't have to spent a small fortune to spoil Dad on Father's Day. Spending quality time with family is one of the best ways to celebrate the day, whether it's a brunch gathering, an adventure outdoors or a few rounds of a favorite game. Presents don't have to cost a lot, either; this list includes several under-$50 gifts, from a nifty breakfast sandwich maker to a portable (and waterproof) Bluetooth speaker. Need more shopping inspiration? We have several gift guides to help you find the perfect present for every dad in your life.
