HydraPak SkyFlask 350mL (Malibu Blue) - Foldable Soft Hip Flask for Running - (500ml) - Adjustable Wristband, Splash Plug

This was sent by Parcelforce who, unlike most Amazon deliveries, didn't just use their discretion and leave it out of sight. I had to give them instructions where to leave it on their second attempt. However, it still arrived within only a couple of days of ordering it.I chose the 350mm size on the basis that I wanted to keep the weight down, and if I needed more water than that, I'd carry it on my belt or in my Camelbak.Sizes can be deceptive. It seemed so small that I actually brim filled it and emptied it into a measuring jug just to make 100% sure it really was 350 ml. It is.For those who aren't quite sure what 350 ml is, this drinks bottle holds slightly more than a standard cola can (330 ml), or slightly less than half a standard wine bottle (750 ml). On a 5 -10 k run, I find there's enough for a sip or two when my watch beeps at the end of each km, and a little bit left as a reward at the end of the run.The bottle is well made and feels tough. You can unscrew the entire top for cleaning or drying, or fill it quickly and easily with the flip top. Brim fill it, close the lid, then suck or squeeze the small amount of air out and the water inside won't slosh around. Then to drink, just bite the nozzle and either suck, or if you prefer, squeeze the bottle.The strap and thumb loop arrangement is simple but works.I watched a few videos before choosing this. There are many soft flasks for runners which come in fabric or neoprene covers with zipped pockets for keys, card, phone, etc. I saw all that as extra bulk and weight in my hand so I went for this simple and lightweight option. I'm pleased with my choice.This bottle is easy and pleasant to use, and much easier to drink from on the move than a hard bottle. Hint: if you want to drain the very last drop, bite the nozzle and blow lightly to reinflate the bottle, then you can tip the last drop towards the nozzle.Some reviewers have mentioned a chemical/plastic taste in the water, but I have not noticed anything. I'm usually very sensitive to unpleasant tastes and smells, but the water in this bottle just tastes like water. (Update: after a few runs, the taste is noticeably less strong.)A simple, well designed product.Update: so pleased with it that when the heat wave came along, I ordered the 500 ml version. Slightly bulkier, of course, but equally well designed. The more I use these bottles, the more pleased I am that I bought them.

Description said fits running vests. I tried it with 3 Salomon packs, Inov8, Montane, Ultimate Direction, Patagonia and Dynafit vests and it doesn’t fit in any of the flask pockets. It can be rammed but that kind of makes the other pouches unusable which kind of misses the point.It’s a great item but the base of it is too wide to use in running vests. Ok for waist belts and side pouches but not for flask pouches.Fits best in the wider Ultimate Direction packs if you really want to use an insulated flask.Would be good for an OMM accessory pouch.Bought for the Montane Spine Race.

It works ok & if it were not for the very plastic taste it gives water it would be a great product. But it does so one star.

The Hydrapak SkyFlask is a great product for users with specific requirements.I think this product has been designed for runners.It’s compact 350 ml capacity and shape really appealed to me to fit into a very small EDC day pack.I purchased it thinking when it was collapsed it would stay in a neat compressed format like its big brother the Hydrapak Stash. Ie the bottom clips neatly into the top.Unfortunately it does not. It does compress when empty but does not have the same feature to keep it compressed in the neat shape of the Stash.The hand strap does not pull tight enough to keep the compressed bottle in a rolled up shape. The straps function is only to provide additional fitment / security presumably when running with bottle in hand.When empty it does squidge down like an empty toothpaste tube.PROS- Lightweight- Bite valve works well and does not leak even if bottle is squeezed hard- Also clips open for easy fast filling. Clip feels very secure even when bottle is squeezed hard- Cap can be completely unscrewed from the bottle neck allowing replacement or alternative type of cap/straw.- Compresses down and can be stuffed in a pocket or in clothing waste band etc.- Opacity allows your to see liquid level and also good to be able to check there is no mould etc- Build quality feels good. I have not experienced any leaks or punctures etcCONS- Does not stand upright by itself- The bottle interior does initially emit a smell and this transfers as a taste to water etc contained in the bottle.This reduces over time and there are plenty of techniques you can Google to help remove the smell/taste.The smell / taste on a brand new Hydrapak SkyFlask bottle is way too strong and really put me off using it. The big brother Hydrapak Stash does not smell or taste anywhere near as bad.