The great thing about the Unbottle is that it instantly makes any pack a hydration pack. I use it regularly in my 25 year old LL Bean daypack.

For packs that do not have hydration compatible sleeves this is a very good choice. I've found that many of the non rigid alternatives do not work well, as they collapse and make drawing water difficult.

So if you do not have a hydration system compatible pack, the Unbottle is a great choice. For packs that have a hydration sleeve however I would save some weight and choose a Platypus or similar system.



For many uses there are many water bladders that will work well, but

Customer Service

No experience

Similar Products Used:

Platypus hoser. Great for packs that have some sort of sleeve to store the bottle, however if you just stick it in any pack it will usually collapse inside and make drawing water difficult.

I have tried multiple times to soak the nasty taste out of my UnBottle. I have tried soaking for several days in baking soda and water; lemon juice and water (that worked somewhat to reduce the taste). I like the design and concept, but I cannot bear the taste of the water, and certainly cannot use it for trail coffee or tea.
I have contacted the store (REI), and I have gone to the Camelback web page for hints. Now, after about 5 serious uses of the UnBottle, I will ask for my money back.

I bought the Unbottle because REI Outlet was selling it for the same price as a replacement 100 oz bladder. The bladder is first rate. The large mouth make filling easy, as does cleaning--esp. important for guys. Mine has had lots of horrid crud growing in it, but I was able to clean out w/ the cleaning kit. I've even filled it with V-8 Juice. It cleans up nicely. The problem with the Unbottle as a backpack tool is the insulating shell. It works great, protects the bladder--but I can't justify the extra weight. The plastic bladder is thick enough--just keep it away from pokey things. The handle & D-rings on the outside are handy--but you want 3 liters of fluid up against your back, not strapped to the outside of your pack. So for car camping (or just plain camping) when weight is not an issue--go for it. But for backpacking--I'd go with just the bladder, and not get an Unbottle.

Customer Service

Never had reason to contact

Similar Products Used:

M.U.L.E., Day Trekker, Classic, Camelback cleaning kit, and Raza 28--Yeah Baby!

over all i love this thing. never had a hydro pack before just nalgenes. the first few times i used it the plastice taste was pretty bad. i have either gotten used to it or its less prevelent. prob a little of both. the second little prob is the lid. its a little akward. make sure lid is on tight and the little peice of plastic that keeps it on the usit is not caught under the lid (that caused me a little prob just before a trip) other than that this thing is sweet. its kinda hard to fill all the way full with just a sink, but pull the bite valve out and connect your filter to it and you can pump this thing super full of water.

Customer Service

emailed about the plastic taste gave advice within a day

Similar Products Used:

kust nalgene bottles

I bought the UnBottle on Backpacker Mags recommendation. It won Editors Choice for a reason. Durable, insulated, large opening, and no leaks! The hose has a valve lock just above the bite valve. Nice features included are a filling "handle" and cap leash. Fits in a Gregory pack nicely. Buy the 100 oz for a few beans more. I used it in Canyonlands and Arches, Utah. You can never have enough water in the desert. It''''s not the cheapest bladder but the UnBottle is totally worth the extra clams.

Customer Service

None

Similar Products Used:

Blackburn 100oz hydropack. Worked fine until the spring valve leaked.

My first CamelBak was a Hydropak which I purchased for skiing. Now, I will never go for extended hiking trips or skiing without one! The Camelbak Unbottle holds 2 liters and its semi-stiff bottle works great in our daypacks by JanSport that has a hydro pocket with a hole for the tube. The large fill hole makes refilling easy. You can hook up a water filter tube to the outport for easy refilling on the go. Camelbak's bite valve works great.

Nothing is worse than dehydration while working or playing hard. This product is great for bikers, hikers, skiing etc.

Customer Service

SnowLeopard has great products and prices. They also mail purchases out so that you have them within a couple days of ordering.

Similar Products Used:

Camelbak Hydropak.

Had never used a hydration pack before, but now I will never go back. The large mouth makes filling and cleaning the pack very easy. The d-rings allow it to be easly attached to the outside of my pack. The extended lip on the large mouth also makes it easy to place inside the pack on colder days. This is the only way to go.

Similar Products Used:

None

I was skeptical of using a hydration pack during a hike. Normally I reserve hydro packs for running or cycling where I can't take a quick stop to reach for the bottle. I have been converted however by the unbottle. The unbottle has a newer large opening which makes it much easier to clean than my older camelbaks. It also comes in an insulating case with d-rings positioned so that it may be fastened to the outside of your pack if you so wish. I generally keep it inside my pack and I have had no problems with it this season. It holds 3 liters, which is about 1 day of water in hot humid conditions. I have not had proeblsm with the pack at all, but I do carry 2 empty Nalgene bottles in case something should happen, call me cautious. I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking to improve the distance you want to cover in a single day. Not having to stop for water dramatically increased my ability to cover more ground. I also noticed that as with my other pursuits I was better hydrated because I was drinking whenever I was thirsty and not waiting for my next scheduled water stop. All in all a good, solid product with a more realisitic design in terms of ease of cleaning.

Similar Products Used:

Blackburn Hydrpak 100oz
Platypus Hoser