We just received the 2 water bottles that my husband ordered. Tried them for the first time today. So disappointed in the noise it makes while drinking. Actually, one cap is worse than the other. I work in a medical office and like to keep a bottle of water with me. This may be too distracting to use at work. I was actually thinking of sending it back or asking for a new cap. However, reading other reviews, it seems like it will be this way.
We had purchased 2 of these sports bottles a year ago and have used them extensively both on the road (biking) and in the gym without incident. Recently we were informed by mail from LLB that the caps were subject to a federal re-call and therefore must be replaced. Soon afterward we were contacted by the US Distributor, a company that I will call Kleen Kan. KK insisted that we return the caps for replacement via their supplied UPS tag. We didn't like the idea of sending the caps back before the replacements arrived however LLB CRS verified that this was the only option and she explained that the replacements would be sent our immediately and the transaction would take only a few days. Her projection seemed reasonable for when we checked with UPS, their ground transit time is advertised, at 2 days from shipping point(our home) to destination. Well several weeks went by with no caps from KK. I was quite upset and contacted LLB CSR who turned me over to the customer service manager who after hearing the story said that he would send two new caps. I mention that the reputation of LLB, in this household, was at stake due to the lack of performance by their supplier. After all, the name L.L.Bean is stenciled on each bottle in large letters. Incidentally, that was over a month ago and the replacements from KK still are yet to be received, not that I want or need them. I have considerable respect and gratitude for LLB and the service provided however I do think that they should discontinue their relationship with this vendor. Also, I have learned my lesson to never again pay any attention to a federal product recall.
So far I love the Bean Canteen. I have dropped it at least once on our floor and it survived. I got it primarily to send with the kids to school but I am thinking of picking up some more to have for everyone in the family. It travels well and keeps stuff cold.
