Vacuum insulated bottle
Product 2020
Femme, Homme, Enfant
Hydro Flask is an American brand of top-of-the-range products, who are presenting a new collection of insulating bottles this year: the Trail Series. Ultra-light models, even lighter than previous versions. We tested the large 946 ml model, for hiking and long-distance climbing.
Let’s look at the weight first, 350g for almost a liter volume is a great start. But of course, as with all ultra-light products there is the question of durability, because obviously to lose weight you have to skimp on materials, and generally it is the durability that wanes… In this case, Hydro Flask’s trick consisted of playing with the wall’s thickness, thin at the top and thicker at the bottom, the area with the most fragility and the most sensitive to shocks for a water bottle.
We carried our Trail Series in backpacks, we hung it onto a climbing harness, carelessly and it resisted bangs, with the knowledge of course that it’s over time that the real durability proves its worth.
Structurally, the neck is wide, which is perfect for pouring, drinking, and the cap is easy to open and close. When closed properly, it doesn’t leak. The flexible rubber strap, with aluminum pivots, makes it easy to carry like a handle, or to secure it to a backpack, and attach it to a harness. But this is a “mechanical” area, so fragile and sensitive to wear and tear if used hanging like a “dead weight” a lot (attached to a harness, or on the side of a bag, swinging around). Therefore sue sparingly in this manner.
For climbing it is better to use the smaller 709 ml model, more compact and it hangs higher up while still having a useful volume.
The Hydro Flask is slender and ergonomically fits easily in a backpack, or city bag, and it sits well in your hand, even if the tube shape lacks a bit of grip.
In terms of thermal capacity, Hydro Flask gives 24 hours when cold, which is about right, and 12 hours hot, we’d say around 10 hours to have your coffee still boiling hot. And do remember to take a cup for when it’s hot, it’s difficult to drink directly without scalding your lips. Otherwise, there is no aftertaste when you drink from the bottle, the steel side may displease some, but it’s fine. Once back home you can put it in the dishwasher, for hygienic reasons.
This Hydro Flask Trail Series is a beautiful looking insulating bottle, suitable for all outdoor activities: hiking, climbing, mountain biking, mountaineering, trail running, or for daily life, in town, at the office, in the park, anywhere! An ecological model, guaranteed BPA free, with a nice colors. We are in a high-range price, so very expensive, €54 for the 709ml version, and €59 for the 946ml. They are high-quality, but the price is discouraging. A good idea for a birthday or Christmas gift.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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