Product Review: Go Caddy

What Is It: Go Caddy water bottle holder.

Price and Where to Buy: $19.99-$24.99 at BVT Products.

Pros: OK, I’ll admit it. I hate carrying a water bottle when traveling, and I’m always afraid to throw it in my bag in case it leaks all over my camera or other electronics. That’s why I always try to bring a bag that has an external water bottle holder or side pocket that I can stick drinks in. The Go Caddy does keep your drink hands-free, and has an included drink cooler sleeve (which seems way too small for the 1.5 liter bottle the main pocket is designed to carry). Plus, the bag’s carrying strap extends so that you can wear it as a cross-body bag for safety or comfort.

Cons: This bag is the on-the-shoulder equivalent of the fanny pack. It basically displays all of your valuables and tourist trappings (like maps) out in the open for easy mugging. There is a velcro pocket that could hold a small digital camera, passport, or cash, but it is on the side and still easily accessible. The Go Caddy is marketed as uni-sex, but it would definitely take a secure man to pull this man-bag off. There’s also really no way to look like a local when sporting this. The final blow: The Go Caddy’s microfiber material smells terrible when it’s first taken out of the packaging. It’s a smell that stays with you, unlike your valuables if you keep them in the bag’s outside elastic pocket.

How it Rates:

• Usefulness: 2/10. The Go Caddy does keep your water bottle separate, but it practically invites muggers and is not very practical.
• Portability: 8/10. It folds flat for easy packing!
• Value: 6/10. For $20, you could just buy a real day-bag or purse/satchel with an external water bottle holder.
• Durability: 9/10. Despite the smell, the materials seem sturdy, especially the strap and velcro fastenings.
• Cool Factor: 1/10. The Go Caddy comes in pink, red, black, and khaki, but even the website models seem embarrassed to wear it.

Final Verdict: If you travel light except for massive amounts of water, and can fit all your valuables in the velcro pouch, the Go Caddy would be sufficient as a day bag. For everyone else, just get a spill-proof water bottle and toss it in a normal bag, invest in a foldable water bottle, or get a bag with a water bottle holder already in it.

Editor’s Note: Reviews are based on usefulness, portability, durability, value, and “cool factor.” Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product. If you have any questions or comments concerning our reviews, or would like to suggest a product for review, please email us at editor@smartertravel.com.