Aquabend Collapsible Soft Water Bottle Leakproof Bite Valve Reusable BPA-Free Ultralight Travel Water Bottle Flask for Running, Gym, Camping, Hiking, Travel, Sports. (500ml) Color May Vary

As an alpine climber gearhead, I have tried over a dozen different water carrying systems. For me, this one works. Bladders inside my pack are difficult to get to and when they leak in winter, it can be a catastrophic failure point. Hard plastic bottles are heavy and take up the same space regardless of how much water they are carrying. These are lightweight, and take up a variable amount of space depending upon how full they are. The nozzle on these is a combination bite valve, or free flow if turned - plus an attached cap to keep the bite valve from activating when stored. I like the fact that I can squeeze water out in a stream if needed (helps to clean wounds or mechanical devices). These appear to be a bit more stout than others I have used and have a flat bottom so can stand up when full. The topographical map graphics are apropos for the product and I do indeed use the volume indicators on the side when measuring out for cooking freeze dried meals. I have heard the print may wear off - which indicates the company may need to look into a different kind of ink or possibly increase surface energy for printing by sending the plastic through plasma treatment before printing (creates micro ablations for ink to adhere to). The one thing I did not like was the strong smell these had when they arrived. This may have been a mold release, or from polymer off-gassing. As manufacturing engineer familiar with the processes involved in creating these, I was not particularly concerned about it, (food contact rated substances are mandated) but it was annoying and I imagine it could alarm some people. Tip for getting rid of the smell; I put nearly boiling water into them with a bit of dish soap and let them sit like that for 10 min. I then rinsed and repeated. There is now zero smell at all.

the bite valve or the nipple has two settings, u can bite on it to drink or u can slightly pull it up to get a stream of water (was very handy for washing my hands). the cap on the bite valve locks in place which keeps the valve clean. there was no leak when I firmly squeezed the bottle when it was full. I had hot water in it and had it in my sleeping bag with no issues.

The media could not be loaded. Love the fact this bottle is flexible to fit in a large pocket/take to the gym and is great for shorter runs or where I know I can refill. I hold it at first and due to the flexibility doesn’t bother/distract me like a hard plastic water bottle. I typically start with it filled with Skratch recovery powder added to plain water, and will refill with plain water at a drinking fountain. Highly recommend as addition to your fitness equipment arsenal or just as a convenient water bottle for the gym. While it is a bit large at the start of a workout, I find the awkwardness a small trade for hydration on the go when I’m not out long enough or running far enough for a hydration backpack. Durable, easy to clean, does not leak. Highly recommend.

You have to be very careful to align and tighten the lid or it will leak. Don't have any other product to compare it with so not sure if this is common

Additional info:My review rating stands at three stars now having actually used the bottle. I actually do really like this bottle; it folds up smaller than any other bottle I've found and the material is soft and flexible, almost fabric like, instead of stiff or hard plastic. Overall it's an excellent quality bottle, but it's missing some features which would make it perfect. 1) a silicone strap to hold the bottle closed in it's rolled up state. As it is, with no strap for this purpose, the bottle will unroll on it's own, so I used a hair elastic to keep it closed in my bag. 2) A wrist strap would be good, but I simply bought one separately and attached it to the finger loop. 3) The finger loop is a bit small, and would be better formed from flexible silicone instead of stiff plastic.Original review:Why would someone design a collapsible water bottle with NO strap to keep it rolled up and neat when not in use?Makes no sense. I bought it because it was an affordable alternative to other similar bottles that cost twice as much, but those bottles have a holding loop and this doesn't. Disappointed. I'm going to have to use a hair elastic or something.

I wanted something that didn’t slosh and wouldn’t cramp my hand. This one is pretty good! Love the volume, which is much needed for my long runs in Texas . It does not have any hand bands, but I have tons of gaiters I’ve accumulated from races and challenge over the years. I fill the flask with water and then secure it with two gaiters. It works perfectly! No sloshing, doesn’t move, hands (pretty)free and I don’t have to worry about gripping it during my run. When the water goes down, I can usually just do another gaiter loop to tighten it. I like to loop part of the gaiter to the bottom to keep it from sliding out .I found if I freeze it, it acts as a mini ice pack and keeps my core temp colder . A must in tx heat!It may look like a hot mess, but it keeps me cool and hydrated, and that’s really all I care about when I’m 13 mi away from my next water source

I bought this for a trip to Hawaii, and despite having washed it a couple of times, the water had a strange chemical taste to for a few uses, but after that IT WENT AWAY. I like that I have the option of getting a quick sip by pinched the mouthpiece with my teeth, or twisting the mouthpiece to get full mouthfuls of water. It was extremely helpful to use this bottle on a place, refilling it after security, and whenever possible. I took it on a 3-hour walk through a jungle and the fact that it is practically weightless when empty and completely compresses when all the water is gone so it could be easily stowed is a huge bonus for me. I also like that, unlike a steel bottle, it doesn’t clank as you carry. Highly recommend, just have to get through the break-in phase of getting rid of the initial taste. I think adding citrus juice to the water at some point helped clean then taste out.