Review on Stay Hydrated on Your Next Hike with SHARKMOUTH's 2.5L Hydration Backpack by Matt Kucrud

I've seen others complain about the taste of plastic in the water out of the bag so I was concerned. I soaked the inside of the bag in a pod of dish soap and hot water for 10 minutes. Then rinsed thoroughly until it squeaks. Be sure to pull it completely out of the hose by constantly pulling on the mouthpiece to allow water to flow freely through the hose. My husband didn't want to mess with it so he just washed it with soap and water. Well, he said he tasted like a Toys 'R Us toy from his childhood. Lol, like the inside of a pool room. Terrible, especially on a hot day. We walked 8 miles on the beach and loved all the features of these bags. My only two complaints are that it's difficult to take a serious sip from the mouthpiece, LOTS of work to quench your thirst quickly so it's best to just keep sipping as you go. Another complaint is that in the sand, the mouthpiece cap lets sand in. It's not locked tight enough. So be sure to put the tip of the mouthpiece with the cap back into the zipped compartment before placing the bag on the sand. That being said, the water stayed cold for over 6 hours on our drive and hike on an 86 degree day. However, next time I would put ice in the bag to make it ultimately refreshing. All pockets were very comfortable with double zips. I've also been able to store cold canned Zevia sparkling water in an insulated bag and it stays cold for hours. Really satisfied. Worth the money and very convenient. I'm 5'2" with a short waist and a 32" inseam. But the bag fit me perfectly, didn't dangle uncomfortably like other backpacks. I was wearing a tank top and by the end of the hike the bag had rubbed my right arm a bit but nothing that left a rash. It was the most comfortable backpack I have ever carried. I didn't feel like I was carrying 3/4 gallons of water at all. I also put my lunch in a bag as well as bug spray etc. Mine weighed 12 pounds total but was easy to carry. My husband was the same with his bag. I highly recommend this bag!