![\"Hydrapak](\"images\/hydrapak_softflask500.jpg\")
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If you ever took a look inside the cabinet above my stove, the first thing you would say would be, \u201cthis guy does not need any more water bottles.\u201d And if you said that, I would probably agree, or at least seem like I was agreeing with you. My wife on the other hand would totally agree and tells me all the time that if I bring another bottle home, I need to get rid of one. The truth is I am always looking for that next bottle that will be a game changer.<\/p>\n
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![\"Hydrapak](\"images\/hydrapak_softflask500_hand.jpg\")
I have recently started to run again and as I first started I would never take water along with me. I have always believed that if I was running for less than 30 minutes, I didn\u2019t need to take water. But now that I am running for over an hour at a time and sometimes longer, I have decided that water is a must along the way. So I started to look for different options that were available on the market.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I saw a lot of different options for running from belts to hand-held bottle carriers. When I was trying to make up my mind on which option to go with, I remembered that I had received a SoftFlask. I pulled it out and thought maybe I should give this a try. The next day I went out for an 8 mile run with the SoftFlask in hand. It worked great!<\/p>\n
Because the SoftFlasks are soft and pliable the bottle felt good in the hand as I carried it. As I would drink the bottle would shrink and get smaller in my hand. And because it collapses while you drink, it eliminates the water from sloshing around inside the bottle.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"Hydrapak](\"images\/hydrapak_softflaskbite.jpg\")
The bite valve on the SoftFlask is pretty awesome as well. It has a twist locking mechanism to completely stop the ability to get the water out. This comes in handy when tossing this bottle inside a bag while hiking. But it also has a soft silicone bite valve that also keeps the water in until you bite on it. I have really come to love this bite valve for keeping the water in when not using it but giving you plenty of water when you do.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The SoftFlask come with a finger loop attachment that works okay but I did a modification to the 500ml SoftFlask for running. I added a couple pieces of webbing to create a secure hand strap. You can see in the picture below my simple contraption. \u00a0I think this is one accessory that Hydrapak could create that would definitely add a lot to the bottle for me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"Hydrapak](\"images\/hydrapak_softflask500_strap.jpg\")
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Comparing this to other hand held water bottle systems there are a few differences that I noticed. First there is not the ability to carry a phone or other small items in a pouch as it does not have a pouch. Also this bottle is not insulated so it is not going to keep your drink cold for a long period of time. I mention those two items so you could be aware of them but the SoftFlask was not just designed for running. I have just found it to be quite good at it.<\/p>\n
I have truly found this bottle to be a game changer for me. I tried multiple times to carry a bottle running but never stuck with it because it wasn\u2019t comfortable or convenient. Now if you see me running on a Saturday, most likely you will see the SoftFlask in my hand. I have spent most of this review talking about how great this bottle is for running but it excels for a hiking, backpacking or most any other activity that you need a water bottle for. It has definitely become my go-to bottle for most active activities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Features:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Collapsible for easy use, storage, and transport<\/p>\n
\u2022 Molded top and bottom provides 3 dimensional shape and lashing options<\/p>\n
\u2022 Constructed with TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) for strength and flexibility<\/p>\n
\u2022 RF welded to create superior bonds at a molecular level<\/p>\n
\u2022 42 mm wide screw cap for easy filling and cleaning<\/p>\n
\u2022 Twist on\/off for valve for \u201con demand\u201d use and secure \u201cno-leak\u201d transport<\/p>\n
\u2022 High flow rate from soft silicone bite valve<\/p>\n
\u2022 Dust Cover<\/p>\n
\u2022 Finger Loop Attachment<\/p>\n
\u2022 Sizes from: 150ml-750ml<\/p>\n
\u2022 MSRP: $12.99-$20.99<\/p>\n