My wife and I each got one of these and we both like them. Not sure what the straw is for, it doesn't seem to make a difference in how the water pours out (either way air gets in through the lid) and not using it just means one less thing to keep track of and clean. You can leave water in these bottles for a long time and it won't taste funky. Insulation works great, and worth the extra weight. There are two issues to be aware of:
1) if you leave the valve in the open position and the bottle tips over it will spill water (unlike the plastic bottles, which you have to squeeze for them to leak substantially).
2) After drinking, a little bit of water sits in the valve, so even if you have the valve in the closed position this little bit will spill out if you tip the bottle over.
Even with the two issues above, I don't think I would ever go back to the plastic bottles...
Comparing this to the USWE packs I've been using for many years now, I'd say overall this is decent hydration pack that's fairly stable in aggressive or chunky riding conditions. Not much bounce like other packs with traditional shoulder and waist straps designs typically have.
The back panel breathes fairly well, in no small measure because of the frame rods that move if off one's back, and this has solid, easily accessible organizing areas for small MTB items like inflators, levers, snacks and such. Takes a spill with ease. Good space for shoulder season layers.
The one noticeable drawback I found with it is the torso length is a bit short for anyone that's 6ft or taller, causing the waist straps to ride up a little. Would be better with slightly longer shoulder straps, which would solve the hip belt riding up issue.
I wish the padded portion of the waist belt and its pouches came farther around an adults hips, so you can see what is in the pouches when looking for any quick stash items. As it is, the pouches are a bit of a pain to access and get at what you put in them.
Candidly at full MSRP this pack is overpriced. Worth it when on sale.
I've used this flask to carry a high-carbohydrate 'sugar-syrup' mixture for long race/ride fueling.
I prefer it to a similar capacity soft flask that I own.
I find the shape of the full soft flask more challenging when loading up my jersey pockets with other fuel at the outset of a long day. This product just works better for me.
Of course, as you consume the contents the soft flask will diminish in size. But, I find it prefer to work around the consistent shape of this hard flask rather than the shifting size variance of a soft one.
Leave the clear/transparent plastic cap that sits atop the 'nozzle'/mouthpiece at home. It is unrealistic to use that cap during a ride when you want to pull the flask from a pocket, sip from it, and return it to its place with one hand.
I use these and the Arundel mandible and in terms of value for money somehow Enve comes out the winner? They are light, hold the bottles in a death grip and look good in matte. No complaints.
