Gear Review: Hydrapak SF750 Collapsible Water Bottle
Value Rating: 9
Durability Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8
Location of Test: Sierras, Mt. Hood, Smith Rock,
Duration of Test: 5 months
Product Name: SF750 collapsible water bottle
Product Brand: Hydrapak
Best Use: Any activity where space is an issue
Size: 750ml, 350ml, 250ml
The Full Review:
I’m a bit behind the times when it comes to water transportation. I like to carry two or three Nalgene and have always shied away from the newer, lighter bottles out there. I’ve always been dubious of their long-term durability and seal.
But before embarking on a weeklong trip of long multipitch climbing routes, I took the advice of my climbing partner and got one of Hydrapak’s Softflask SF750 collapsible water bottles. And, much to my surprise, I really like the thing.
Made of BPA-free plastic, the SF750 holds 750 ml of water, which can be easily and delightfully squeezed into your mouth while drinking, if you so choose. The bottle collapses as the water volume decreases, eventually leaving just the hard plastic and the nozzle.
I really only bought it in the first place because space was tight, and it was cheap—what’s the worst that could happen? Even though this thing was scraped against Yosemite Granite, abused and crunched under piles of trad gear, and has been smashed into various backpacks, it shows little signs of wear.
Somehow, I started taking the thing everywhere, from bike rides in the Gorge, to climbing in the Sierras, to skiing on Mt. Hood. The seal is so good and easy to use it has become one of my go-to bottles for climbing and skiing. The integrated cap keeps it free of dust and grit, while the twist-lock mechanism keeps the water in.
In fact, my only real complaint about this bottle is that I wish it held more water! If space is an issue for you or you’re hoping for a new collapsible water bottle, check out the Softflask! I don’t expect you to be disappointed.
The Good
Durable, pleasant to use, doesn't leak
The Bad:
I wish it were larger!
The Bottom Line:
Woah get into the squishy water bottle game
The Full Review:
I’m a bit behind the times when it comes to water transportation. I like to carry two or three Nalgene and have always shied away from the newer, lighter bottles out there. I’ve always been dubious of their long-term durability and seal.
But before embarking on a weeklong trip of long multipitch climbing routes, I took the advice of my climbing partner and got one of Hydrapak’s Softflask SF750 collapsible water bottles. And, much to my surprise, I really like the thing.
Made of BPA-free plastic, the SF750 holds 750 ml of water, which can be easily and delightfully squeezed into your mouth while drinking, if you so choose. The bottle collapses as the water volume decreases, eventually leaving just the hard plastic and the nozzle.
I really only bought it in the first place because space was tight, and it was cheap—what’s the worst that could happen? Even though this thing was scraped against Yosemite Granite, abused and crunched under piles of trad gear, and has been smashed into various backpacks, it shows little signs of wear.
Somehow, I started taking the thing everywhere, from bike rides in the Gorge, to climbing in the Sierras, to skiing on Mt. Hood. The seal is so good and easy to use it has become one of my go-to bottles for climbing and skiing. The integrated cap keeps it free of dust and grit, while the twist-lock mechanism keeps the water in.
In fact, my only real complaint about this bottle is that I wish it held more water! If space is an issue for you or you’re hoping for a new collapsible water bottle, check out the Softflask! I don’t expect you to be disappointed.
The Good
Durable, pleasant to use, doesn't leak
The Bad:
I wish it were larger!
The Bottom Line:
Woah get into the squishy water bottle game