I love buying quirky, well-designed things. Over the last one year, I have collected several water bottles to use at home, use in office, for airport drives, and to keep one in the car for short or long drives. In offices, I've seen many move to huge bottles… typically the same ones they take for workouts or to keep track of their water intake.

People, without realising, have a deep connection with the bottle they drink from. It's an extension of their personality, like watches or watch bands… even phone cases.

• Matte or powder coated are most preferred bottle finishes. They are easier to grip.

• Bottles that have a loop or handle to carry it along with other items in your hand.

• Ideal size is about 1L. Lesser volume will make you fill it more frequently adding friction.. eventually you'll drink less water. More than this will make the bottle bulky for everyday use.

• Organic shaped bottles aren't appealing anymore.

• Ideally, the lid should allow one-handed operation.

• Different textured or rubberised sections to make it easier to hold than your morning grudge.

• Transparent or translucent bottles remind you how much (or little) you've drunk.

• Personally, not fond of measurement markings or motivational quotes.

• Overall if it looks good, you'd want to use it more… drink more.

• Many of my friends have the one they got at work (at the time of joining or some event). They mostly look tacky and like the LIC gift bottles our parents used to get.

• Classic screw caps are good but need effort to open/ close; also, two-handed operation.

• Flip caps are the best when aided with a press-button.

• Smart bottles should go beyond blink & glow, and hydration notification reminders. More on this later.

The closest I could get to my favourite water bottle is from Nike with a flip cap, and Apple water bottle (btw, I don't recommend it; it's a bad product for the price).

A better bottle should exist. Like an extension of yourself.