Dehydration Comes Easy When Skiing: Collapsible Water Bottle Is An Answer.
Staying hydrated on the slopes is important, but rigid plastic water bottles are a pain to carry in a parka. Hydrapak makes soft and pliable water bottles that fit comfortably in the pocket.
Credit: Hydrapak
We tested Hydrapak’s half-liter SoftFlask sports bottle over a few days on the hill. The 500-ml version held enough water without crowding a chest pocket, and it fit the palm securely. Made of BP-free thermoplastic polyurethane, it had no noticeable off-taste for some users. The company says it’s developing “no-taste” containers for sensitive palates.
The plastic cap is a bit unwieldy, and it took some practice to twist the valve open and closed. But it seals tightly with no leaks. A rubber nipple makes it easy to take a swig when the valve is open. The flask collapses to a small fraction of its size when empty. It retails for $20.
Hydrapak sells larger flexible water bottles with an ingenious design. These 750-ml and 1-liter Stash bottles resemble a Nalgene bottle but don’t take up valuable real estate inside pack or pocket when drained. They stand up full or empty, thanks to a rigid top and bottom, yet can be twisted and folded into a small disk when empty. The 1-liter retails for $23.
Most of Hydrapak’s business is with brand partners, notably Osprey Packs, which
Credit: Hydrapak
incorporates the company’s reversible water reservoirs into backpacks with drinking tubes. The smaller flasks are for runners, skiers and anyone looking for a compact water container. Dishwasher-safe, they’re just as easy to hand-wash with mild soap.
Hydrapak claims its sports bottles are rugged enough to survive being run-over by a car. These portable, collapsible reservoirs work well. Now there’s no reason for not hydrating throughout an active ski day.
