Water bottles – these are essential for outdoor recreation and there is no end to the variety of bottle one can purchase. But Vapur has come up with what they call the “Anti-Bottle.” I’ll get into what that means below. In addition, Vapur’s newest product is the DrinkLink Hydration Tube, which turns your water bottle into a hydration reservoir. I tested both of these products in the past few months while hiking and mountain biking and have a few thoughts. But first the details.
The Vapur Anti-Bottle features:
- SuperCap – Flip Cap, Tough Seal, Easy Open
- Ultra Durable BPA-Free 3-ply material
- Foldable, portable and flexible
- Wide mouth opening
- Integrated clip keeps rolled bottles pocket friendly
I’ve been testing the 1.5L version of the Vapur Anti-Bottle. So what exactly makes this water bottle the “Anti-Bottle?” Basically it’s like a plastic water bag. I’ve seen and used foldable water bottles before, but what makes the Vapur version different is the way water is delivered. Vapur has come up with a really nice cap system (SuperCap) that seals in the water really well. I tossed the bottle into the back seat of my truck and had no worries about leakage. The flip top is easy to use with one hand (essential while driving) and getting water into the mouth is quick, especially because you can squeeze the “anti-bottle” to pressurize it for a stream-like discharge.
Advantages I’ve found with the Anti-Bottle is that it is far more convenient for packing. I can stuff it into a backpack and it takes up less room by being flexible. The bottle contours around objects. Once you run out of water, then it becomes REALLY packable because you can simply roll it up real small and stuff it away. The cap also has a carabiner clip attached, so you can clip it to a pack strap or belt loop for hands-free carry.
The design also allows the Vapur Anti-Bottle to stand on its own, so you don’t have to lay it flat on the table/ground/dashboard where the mouthpiece can get dirty.
Overall, I’m impressed with this “bottle” for what it is on its own. But what really makes it unique is how it incorporates with the new DrinkLink Hydration Tube.
The DrinkLink Hydration Tube features:
- 36” BPA-Free Hydration Tube
- High Flow Bite Valve with integrated on/off feature
- Quick connect technology allows for easy removal of the bite valve which can click directly into the DrinkLink
- Can be used with virtually any pack
- Compatible with all SuperCap Vapur Anti-bottles
Okay, so the DrinkLink Hydration System is just that and doesn’t differ much from what has been available for years. But the main thing that Vapur has come up with is the ability to make your Anti-Bottle the only thing you have to own for all your hydration needs. That’s because the DrinkLink can turn the Anti-Bottle into a hydration reservoir with a simple screw cap.
While mountain biking, I make that transition with the bottle. I only have to unscrew the SuperCap, and screw on the DrinkLink. Then I put the Anti-Bottle upside-down in my pack’s hydration sleeve, run the tube through the top, and clip the bite valve to the shoulder strap.
The Drink Link Hydration System worked well, just as well as other systems I’ve used. There are, however, a few things I have an issue with.
First, the quick-connect bite valve that goes from the actual valve to the tube is really bulky. I chalk this up to the locking on/off mechanism that creates a lot of space between the valve and the tube. The result is an unwieldy bite valve system that feels heavy and is difficult to manage.
Second, the bite valve assembly connects to the pack’s sternum or shoulder strap with a small, plastic, locking clip that connects to the tube with a small snap on a strap. The problem is that this clip constantly kept coming off and I’d have to stop to reattach it on a frequent basis. I’ve used other hydration systems with a magnetic clip and think it works better and is much easier to reattach if the bite valve disconnects from the sternum strap. Vapur would be better served if they came up with a more efficient and easier-working design.
The Good: Anti-Bottle is more versatile than regular water bottles. Folds flat. Excellent SuperCap design. Becomes a hydration system when paired with DrinkLink.
The Bad: DrinkLink bite valve assembly is cumbersome, strap clip is frustrating.
Final Word: While a few kinks can be ironed out on the DrinkLink Hydration Tube, overall the Vapur Anti-Bottle can be the only “water bottle” you’ll ever need. Consider it a water bottle quiver killer.