Typically when I want to carry water for hiking, sporting event or just working outside I tend to go for the tried and true Nalgene style water bottles. I’ve always been a little skeptical of the collapsible water bottles and their practicality. They are more susceptible to punctures & lacerations to the material. They can also be a little difficult to drink from since there is no real structure to the water bottle. It would be easy to squeeze too hard and have water all down the front of you; no thanks.
I recently came across an article in a magazine where they went head to head with seven different styles of collapsible water bottles. Out of all 7, only one stuck out to me as being a worthy purchase. That one happened to be the Vapur Eclipse Blackout.
Lets take a quick look at the specs:
- Capacity – 34 ounces or 1 liter
- Material – Bonded three-ply (2 outer nylon layers and a single inner layer of polyethylene)
- Maintenance – Dishwasher safe (top rack ONLY)
- MSRP – $13.99 direct from the Vapur website
- Special Feature/s – Integrated Carabiner
![Vapur Eclipse Blackout Collapsible Water Bottle](https://i0.wp.com/loadoutroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/eclipse-blackout-folded.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
Vapur does not consider this to be a water bottle, but rather an ‘Anti Bottle’. What do they mean by that?
From the Vapur website:
It’s no water bottle, it’s an Anti-Bottle. What does it mean to be an Anti-Bottle? It means reusable, foldable, attachable, freezable, sustainable convenience, all in one easy to grip, streamline bottle. It’s a flexible product made specifically with active lifestyles in mind. The Anti-Bottle defies all the laws of what a water bottle “should be”. Unlike traditional rigid bottles, it lays flat when empty, and has the ability to be folded and stored where other bottles cannot. It’s also BPA free, and super easy to wash. Our Olive Green, Night Blue and Blackout Eclipse bottles have a unique matte finish that will patina beautifully over time. There is no water bottle like it. Let’s just say we’re rule breakers, but in the best kind of way.
This has the makings to be a great ‘additional’ water collection & storage container in addition to your primary means of hydration. From the reading I have done this seems to be the most robust and useful collapsible water bottle available, but that’s just my honest opinion. It’s made in the USA and for only $14 you really can’t go wrong if you live an active lifestyle.
*Images courtesy of vapur.us Facebook page