The water pouches have been very durable. We used them 2-3 times a week last season and they still look new. Another benefit of the water pouch is that it can be flattened as the water level goes down, and rolled softly once it's empty so that it takes up very little space. The top third of the filled pouch sticks out of my jersey pocket but I've never had one fall out, even though I mountain bike with them.