Hydrapak Softflask Review

10 miles on the schedule today.  It was a nice run on Paint Creek Trail although my next couple weeks, I'm running alone since my running buddy is out of town.  I wanted to get to the trails this weekend to ease my concrete running.

----------------

Hydrapak Softflask Review

Hydrapak Softflask

Scott over at Outside PR was kind enough to send me a couple products for my review related to running.  I was especially excited to try this product out because I alway run with water but also I am familiar with Hydrapak since I have one of their Hydration Packs.

Avila Hydration Pack

Of course, the softflask has a much different use than the hydration pack.  This soft collapsable "flask" is great for shorter runs.  The flask holds 8 oz. of water, energy drink, gel, or whatever you want to drink.  Here's a picture of it filled:

Of course, the biggest thing you would need to worry about with this is whether it leaks or not.  Because I have a hydration pack already, I was sure it would not leak and I was right.  I mean, have you ever seen what the guys at Hydrapak do with their hydration packs?  They throw them around like crazy to see if they can get them to leak!  Ha!  Check this video out of them testing the bladders:

Here I am squeezing it to show that it does not leak.  Of course, when you are running with it, you would need to put pressure on it to hold it.  This is at least twice the pressure that I actually put on it when running but gives you the idea - it does not leak!

For me, given this is 8oz., this worked well up to a 5 mile run.  In order to drink it while running, all you do it put the end into your mouth and squeeze it with your teeth and the water comes out easily.  You can see here that I'm just squeezing it where my mouth goes so you can see how the water comes out.

Bite valve

The great thing about this is that if you do finish all the water in the softflask, it easily rolls up so you can put it in your pocket.

I could see using this at a race too.  Great for a 5k or a 10k.  It's nice and light and easy to fill up quickly while at a race.  You could even use this for longer races if you choose to fill the flask with gel instead of water.  It would work really well in an Ultra race combined with a hydration pack.  One thing I'd like to see is an extra piece of plastic on the outside of the flask that would allow you to store a dollar bill or a key - especially convenience if this is all you are carrying on your run.

Advantages
- Small and great for short runs
- Does not leak
- Can be rolled up when empty
- Inexpensive(only $7.99 online)

Disadvantages
- Minimal amount of fluid held
- No place to store anything

Overall, I think this is a great alternative to store small amounts of fluid while on short runs.

Interested in learning more?

Go to their website:  HERE

Go to their Facebook page:  HERE

Go to their Twitter page:  HERE

* Note:  I received a free Hydrapak Softflask in exchange for a review of this product.  All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!