Osprey Hydraulics 500ml SoftFlask Reservoir O/S

his is not my first time buying this brand, and I keep coming back to it for a reason. I’ve tried other, even more popular, brands – but many of them had a strong chemical smell or poorly designed caps that would leak. Osprey flasks have always been reliable for me: no smell, no leaks, easy to use on the go. I’ve been using them for years and only replace them when I lose one or when they get too yellow from long use. Also, the price is the best I’ve seen for this level of quality. Highly recommend!

I generally use an Osprey bladder for my water and added this to my kit for two reasons - a vital backup in case of a bladder puncture which could be a real problem in remote locations; and to take electrolytes. The 500ml size is perfect for one of my electrolyte tablets and means I can keep the bladder for water and use the bottle for that. It is really strong, has never leaked and does what I need perfectly. I have been using it for around a year now.

Not cheap ! But in fairness if you take care of it , it seems to last quite well.The size is good , fits my running vest pocket and of course the tube can be cut to size if you put a longer tube in yourself .

Leaked from day one. I know that this is meant for the strap pockets on a running vest, but I thought (at £15) it would be leak-free to go in my back pocket like I used to carry my Platypus Softbottle 0.5l in for years until it gave up the ghost. Waste of money. I can't even tell for sure where it is leaking from but presume it must either be the thread on the screwcap or the bite-valve and the action of walking is flexing either location too much. You would think a quality brand like Osprey would test these things in a variety of different carry-locations. No way I would have this in a backpack or jacket pocket where it could get other things wet. To be certain, I've tested out in various trecking trouser pockets and it leaks in all of them – at least it's only my leg or backside that's getting wet. Don't waste your money unless you're carrying it in a strap pocket.Also, not a pleasant taste. How do Nalgene and Platypus manage a taste-free bottle/flask and others seem content with a chemical after-taste?

Light and easy to use. I like to drink fast, however arthritis means most bottles are too hard to squeeze and sucking is difficult when puffing.Perhaps a 750ml bottle with a softer compound center is what I need. Hint hint bottle manufacturers.