Have you ever opened your pack to grab your gourd and found it cracked or even broken in multiple pieces? I have. On more than one occasion. This gourd solves that. The finish is beautiful. The powder coating has taken some abuse and you’d never know it. It still looks brand new. It’s little lighter than I expected which is great for hikes or sipping in remote locations. I like this gourd even more than I expected too. If you’re on the fence, do it. You won’t regret it.

I like the idea of drinking the mate in a more traditional way, but this just turned into a mess. Found myself not wanting to use it bc no way to strain the leaves after use and not sure if I’m supposed to be reintegrating the montanita into the next brew by shaking it all down and reforming it? But it’s very messy. If you don’t fill it full with mate it crumbles to the bottom and that’s unfortunate bc the flavor when full is way is too strong. If wanting a lighter brew, I don’t think the gourd will work out. Probably better to use with a tea sock!