CamelBakQuick Stow Flask

When I go winter backpacking I do not use water bladders because the flow tubes have a tendency to freeze up at night even if inside an insulated cover. I now use metal water bottles with wide mouths and it solved the problem, but it’s a pain when you want a drink of water because the bottles are nested in the backpack bottle sleeves so I needed something extra. After looking at countless brands and sizes I settled with this 12 oz CamelBak flask. I also use a chest pack so size was a big factor and this flask fits perfectly without taking up too much space or making it awkward to retrieve. I had no issues with leakage and it’s simple to draw water from. 12 ounces of water isn’t much so got only two drinks per fill but it’s way better than having to constantly take off my backpack or asking a friend to retrieve and reinsert my bottle for me. The flask feels and looks durable and it didn’t concern me if it would be accidentally punctured while in my chest pack. It’s a very functional little bottle and I plan to buy another one so I can have two to place in my left and right side pouches of the chest pack. I kind of wished I had two already when I went backpacking but it is what it is. There’s nothing like taking a drink of cold refreshing water that tastes great after climbing up the side of a 800 foot hill carrying 40 pounds of gear…these are pretty lightweight when empty which is another plus side to them.

I’ve used this at universal studios this past week to quickly refill and walk to the lines. The 20oz folds well into a Fanny or small pack. I just brought a small size zip lock with me as a liner to protect it. The cap is big enough I left the lid unscrewed and drank it as I was walking with a little finesse and dumped the rest on the floor if you didn’t finish. Its helpful to keep refilling as we went through the park instead of keeping it hot so it taste better. It’s durable. Does have a plastic smell but, I mean if the water is cold enough and you drink it right away and keep refreshing it’s really fine. We definitely were not dehydrated!

This bottle fits nicely in the mesh pockets inside my ski parka and most importantly, doesn’t leak! I feel like the size is perfect for sessions where I don’t need so much water that a backpack is necessary. I was just taking a bottle of water with me but this is way more comfortable against the body, easier to drink from on the lift, and no worries of leaking.

I like the idea of carrying water in a bottle rather than ski with a Camelback hydration system. The bottle is a good option if you can refill it on the mountain. You cannot "squirt" the water into your mouth. You have to really draw hard on the top and maybe bite it to open the "slit" that the water comes out of. However, it does not leak and does flatten to go into your pocket. If you are looking for something to keep you hydrated all day without making a stop, this product would not work for you.

This is a really nice "mini water bladder". It's construction is typical Camelbak. The bladder material seems thick enough and welded well to prevent leaks. With the shut off valve in the closed position, the silicon bite valve won't leak. I've been keeping it in a small sling bag and use it as a cooling cushion between my back and a chair while sitting outside in 90°F heat.Of course I also drink water from it as well. Holds just enough water to keep me from feeling dehydrated while I'm walking about. I haven't strictly measured it's volume but I strongly feel that it only holds about 10 oz. of water, not the advertised 12 oz. I'm not deducting a star for that because the build quality, choice of materials, design, and the Camelbak lifetime warranty all combine to bake this a very worthwhile purchase for me and my needs.A few more things I feel I should mention...the inside of the flask is coated with an antimicrobial treatment (some kind of silver impregnation). I've just let my flask air dry and do far there's been no problems with gunk or funny tastes. The silicon bite valve can be pulled off for a more thorough cleaning or for attaching a drinking hose. And finally, there's a semi-stiff collar at the top of the flask to home on to while you tighten the cap. I've read reviews on the chill version of this flask that say that the chill version doesn't have this collar, which makes it very difficult to screw on the cap. The only difference between this and the QuickStow chill flask is that there's a thin layer of closed cell foam between the inner and outer layer of the chill flask. It's only supposed to keep liquids cool twice as long as this flask. Not enough to convince to buy it instead of this one. All in all I'm glad that I bought this Camelbak QuickStow flask. Matter of fact, I bought two!

Best to fill all the way to the brim before replacing top. Then be careful not to let any air back inside or the bite valve won't work properly.

This was a good bottle. Light and leakproof. I love camelbak as a company , I thought it smelled and they not only responded but replaced it. Just needs a wash or 2, it is a good material.