FAQ

How is this different from a traditional soft flask?

Traditional soft flasks have two major flaws: they are flimsy and they reek of chemicals. Most "wobble" when you set them down, making them impossible to stand upright on a lunch table at the lodge. Even worse, they often leach a plastic-like smell and taste into your water.

I developed the alpenvīve AeroFlex™ Soft Bottle to solve both. It is made from premium, high-density materials with zero chemical smell or taste. Additionally, the AeroFlex™ design is rigid enough to stand upright on its own—whether it’s completely full or totally empty (after the first fill). It stays upright at the table, yet feels completely invisible in your pocket once you start skiing.

Does the bottle require "breaking in"?

Yes. To reach maximum fill capacity and achieve that signature "upright" stability, your AeroFlex™ bottle requires a quick break-in during your first fill:

  • Step 1: Shape the Stability Base. Before adding water, use your fingers to separate the bottom fold. Try to form an oval shape out of the base. This "sets" the internal structure so the bottle can stand on its own.

  • Step 2: The "Fill & Squeeze" Method. Once you fill the bottle, close the cap and gently squeeze the AeroFlex™ material, especially around the seams. This helps the bottle expand into its optimal, rigid form.

  • Step 3: Top It Off. Open the cap, top it off with more water, and repeat if desired. This ensures the material is fully "set" and you are carrying the absolute maximum volume for a long day on the mountain.

How do I dry my AeroFlex?

To keep your bottle fresh between mountain days, follow this specific routine:

  • The Power Shake: After rinsing, turn the bottle upside down and shake it out vigorously. You want to clear any water trapped in the neck.

  • The Structural Reset: Reach inside or use the exterior to pop the bottom open as wide as it can go. Ensure the walls are not touching and the base is fully rounded. This allows fresh air to circulate through the entire internal volume.

  • Storage: Only store your AeroFlex flat once it is 100% bone-dry.

     

Can I reuse my bottle after putting hot chocolate or milk-based coffee in it?

We don't recommend it. While the AeroFlex™ Core is durable, the fats and proteins in dairy can cling to the interior seams and are nearly impossible to scrub out of a collapsible flask. To avoid any risk of "funky" smells or mold growth down the road, we suggest treating the bottle as a single-use vessel for anything containing milk or sugar. Keep your water bottles for water, and your coffee or cocoa bottles for a one-time mountain treat.