Forum Index > Gear Talk > Hydrapak SF750 SoftFlask 2.99 limited availability on amazon
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hetrekker
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hetrekker
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PostSun Jul 30, 2017 1:14 pm 
About two months ago, we ordered 12 of these for 6.99 each and thought that was a good deal for a 20 buck flask. We have used these quite a bit as an essential part of our new hydration setup that we are kid-at-Christmas excited about. Though there are multiple attachment points on this flask, we simply use a 1/8" nylon knotted loop (thru the daisy chains on our pack's shoulder straps) slightly smaller in diameter than the flask's grippy diameter. We don't remove the flask for a drink but just use the bite valve like in a bladder. Then using the bite valve, we inflate the flask to again grip on the nylon loop; its quite easy and intuitive and has worked and held extremely well in our sometimes heavy bushwhacking. We find this 25 oz. flask's size and shape to be perfect for us, with one flask on each shoulder strap. The Katadyn Be free filter can be used on this flask, but we mount the filter on the 3 liter Seeker and drape it over the pack's sternum strap (empty and with filter attached) like a bib. We use the Seeker only for filtering water into the flasks to which we can now add our blue Gatorade. Anyway, for 3 bucks, whatever way you wish to use them, they are a good value. The 5 buck shipping charge is constant whether you buy 1 or 12 and there is no tax. Comparison: this 750 ml. flask is an older model that is no longer made. This year's model largest flask is only 600 ml., has no attachment points, and cost around 20 bucks. Should you wish to try our simple flask holding arrangement, a couple pointers: you may need to play with how much smaller the nylon loop has to be to grip the full and inflated flask. Also, as you drink, the nylon loop needs to engage the flask at or below the new water level to hold securely. Just realize that after every sip you push a little air back into the flask, which for us is intuitive.

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cartman
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cartman
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PostMon Jul 31, 2017 4:21 pm 
Thanks for the tip, just ordered 3 of these. Picked up a BeFree a few weeks ago and have heard variable reports on the durability of the stock flask, great to find a more durable flask at such a great price.

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hetrekker
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PostTue Aug 01, 2017 12:22 pm 
Cartman. The kicker for bargain hunters like us is that they are warranteed for life. I regularly sit on mine (but not with filter) as a cushion and stand on the body (not the cap) full weight just to marvel at its durability and lack of leaking. I would enjoy hearing your review of use and setup. There is a slight learning curve in using these and breaking them in: the plastic smell and taste (even though 100% BPA and PVC free) is covered and eventually leaves when using blue Gatorade powder. You can remove the taste faster by using a small amount of dill pickle brine or strong mix of Gatorade, sucking all the air out, and leave set out for a few days. The flask threads are flexible and grippy like the flask body, and at first can possibly be cross threaded until you get the knack of it. It's important to smear some petroleum jelly (and possibly glide) in the flask thread, making it easier to screw the bite valve cap or Be free filter tight enough so it doesn't leak, and also making it easier to unscrew either. There is a tendency to grab the flask body to unscrew the filter not realizing you are actually grabbing the filter inside the flask. Using the thumb, forefinger, and skin in between, grab the flask just below the cap (semi rigid) with one hand and the same way grab the top with thumb and forefinger on the other hand to twist on and off. We have removed the entire plastic piece which rides below the flask thread, which makes it easier to screw and unscrew filter and bite valve tops. There is a bite valve shut off which is engaged/disengaged by twisting the bite valve and/or the ring just below it.

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jared_j
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PostTue Aug 01, 2017 12:25 pm 
That didn't last long, they're back up to 6.99.

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hetrekker
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hetrekker
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PostMon Sep 25, 2017 10:51 am 
OK, Jared and all. They are back at 2.99 again. In addition to this size, 350 ml and 250 ml are available at the same price. The 350 is just a smaller version of the 750. We have used these, along with the 750 for over 4 months now and love'em and use them exclusively. The 350 comes in handy for short after work hikes and bikes; they stay nicely in jacket pocket or light fanny pack or purse for 12 oz. of liquid. For cycling, we strap 2 of them onto a 3/4" webbing loop and hang it over one shoulder and across body with one flask in back and one up front, ready to use. I think the 250 bite valve can be replaced with a pop cap. We will be using the 250 for coffee, creamer, olive oil, Gatorade powder, homemade goo, Nyquil, etc. In addition the 250 bite valve probably can be repurposed on your current bladders, bottles, sawyer squeeze, and platypus flasks. Even though these flasks are bpa and pvc free, there still is a slight plastic taste and smell, especially at first; being sensitive to this, I use a mild dilution of Gatorade powder to mask this. These flasks with water can be frozen; boiled water can be poured into them (per conversation with company) though they state 140 degrees max. so you don't burn yourself. The 5 buck shipping charge is fixed whether you buy one or 2 dozen, including mixing sizes. Last time at this reduced price, the sale lasted but a few days.

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