Review on Maxpedition Unisex XBP Expandable Bottle Pouch - XBPGRY: Ultimate Gear Companion for Hydration on-the-go! by Brian Page

This bottle cage sat in my save for later basket for several years before I bought it as I couldn't imagine spending money on such a single use item. Well, it _is_ expensive and _is_ highly specialized. But the purchase is not so bad. The material is thick and feels durable, and the layout feels practical and useful. While mine is primarily intended for use in a car storing a curbside hot drink kit, I also have another Maxpedition product on hand that has a shoulder strap and if you use that prettier, longer strap, the bottle holder will hold up surprisingly good. So good that in the end the holder can completely replace my old rectangular bag for "service" use. The only thing that really bothers me is that the zipper in the bottle compartment is awfully tight, so much so I almost sent the carrier back. But I figured that over time, as other reviewers have reported, it will likely "break down". (I've heard rubbing with a pencil or candle helps, but unfortunately I don't have either.) Some of you might find this helpful. I bought this larger bottle cage specifically because I want to use a 64 ounce stainless steel bottle. (I have a Klean Kanteen, but there are other great models with the same length and diameter.) My Klean Kanteen fits perfectly in the holder, but I've had an absolutely miserable time looking for a cup/pot , which is suitable for heating water and fits comfortably between the bottle and holder without being so tight that it catches on one or the other. The Vargo Titanium 900ml saucepan is a short and wide 900ml model that does its job perfectly. Yes, it is still a bit tight in the holder. But in my opinion it's acceptable, and maybe like a zipper it will open up over time. Unfortunately, this cup/pot cost me almost twice as much as the bottle holder. But at least it fits where nothing else I've found would work at all. I pack the bottle cage by tucking a cup under the bottle with the lid (handle down) tucked down under both. This leaves room for a triangia style alcohol burner on top and on the sides for a 6" ferro stick and firing pin, and a tea ball on a stick, also about 6" long. This leaves the entire side compartment free for a burner traverse, a small supply of petrol, coffee/tea, sugar, etc. There is still space in both compartments for everything on board. Not a lot of space, mind you. But several. (Those wanting to copy this setup should be aware that it takes about twenty minutes for the stovetop to bring the pot to a 3/4 full boil. I'm actively looking for something faster and small enough, but haven't found one yet Luck.) In any case, I'm glad I finally spent the money. This project was fun putting together even though it was way over budget and I'm sure it will find many uses.