Garden hoses are a hassle in so many ways. To store. To drag around. And especially to roll up and keep free of kinks.
Enter the expandable garden hose. I get the appeal: It’s small, lightweight, easy to store and kink-free. Sounds perfect. So instead of dragging out my plastic hose reel cube and its ancient 75-foot, lime green hose, I ordered myself an expandable garden hose from TheFitLife to see if it would be everything I dreamed it could be.
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What Is TheFitLife’s Expandable Garden Hose?
It’s a lightweight, collapsible and kink-free hose available in lengths of 25-, 50-, 75- and 100-feet. It features a triple-layer latex inner hose, wrapped in a woven elastic fabric made to expand to three times its drained storage size.
The heavy-duty brass fittings connect the hose to the water supply and the spray nozzle, and a built-in valve shuts off the water if switching between spray nozzles or linking multiple hoses together. The hose comes with an eight-setting spray nozzle, great for washing your vehicle or other gardening purposes.
The 25-foot hose is absurdly lightweight—less than two pounds—and measures just under nine feet when drained. It’s easily bendable and pliable, resembling a large spaghetti noodle, and easily wraps up into a small gardening pot for storage. The hose’s woven black exterior feels durable and well-made.
VIA MERCHANT
VIA MERCHANT
Capable of expanding up to three times its size, TheFitLife comes with a lightweight and flexible 50-foot construction for watering the garden, pet bathing or even pool cleaning.
TheFitlife Expandable Garden Hose Features
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this expandable garden hose, but it exceeded my expectations with its impressive specs and features. The hose boasts a three-layer latex structure with a reinforced UV-resistant outer casing, swivel fitting and a 3750D polyester sleeve for added durability—all of which support up to 145 psi.
Weighing nearly three pounds, the 50-foot hose also has a latex inner lining, which is far more flexible and resistant to bursting than the TPE plastics used in other expandable hoses. Its lightweight, flexible design makes it easy to maneuver around the garden in temperatures ranging from 10 to 140 degrees. The brass fittings are much more durable than their plastic counterparts.
The nozzle offers eight different functions, perfect for washing the car, cleaning shutters, rinsing off patio furniture or watering plants. I also appreciated how it collapses to a compact 17-foot size when not in use, making storage a breeze.
How We Tested It
FAMILY HANDYMAN
I used the hose to wash my vehicle, water my plants and newly laid grass seed and spray off my patio. I was curious to see how it maneuvered when full of water, how the included nozzle performs, and how it works when attached to a sprinkler or other nozzle.
Expandable hoses aren’t typically known for their durability, but this model stood out. When I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised to find sturdy brass end fittings on both ends of the hose. Many other brands rely on plastic fittings, which are prone to cracking and leaking.
Using this hose was a breeze compared to traditional hoses which can be difficult to set up, drain and store. Simply attach it to the spigot, let the water pressure expand the hose and you’re ready to start watering. When finished, drain the hose and store it in a dry place.
As the hose fills with water, it slowly starts a dance reminiscent of the snake ash fireworks I remember from my childhood. Once filled, the 25-foot hose measured out to 28-feet — three feet longer than advertised! The full hose feels durable and strong, but with flex to it. So if you step on it while watering the garden, you’ll notice an instant drop in water pressure.
TheFitLife’s hose and spray nozzle worked together beautifully. The eight-setting spray head seems to have an action for everything. The “cone” and “flat” settings worked great for washing my car, the “shower” and “mist” for watering potted plants and the grass, and the “jet” setting for soaking my neighbor’s kids when they came running out in their swimsuits.
Expandable hoses like this one do have some drawbacks compared to traditional rubber hoses. They don’t perform well with a sprinkler or high-flow nozzle because the hose relies on water pressure to stay fully expanded.
When I tested it with a few different sprinklers, it worked fine while the water was running. However, the moment I turned off the water, the hose quickly deflated, sending the sprinkler flying across the yard.
Expandable hoses also don’t work without an attachment. You can’t simply put one end into a kids’ swimming pool or a large flower pot to fill it.
Pros
- Durable triple-layer latex design
- UV-resistant 3750D polyester sleeve
- Expands to up to 50 feet; retracts to 17 feet
- Delivers up to 145 psi of pressure
- Comes with an eight-function nozzle
- Made with brass fittings
Cons
- Can leak if fittings are not secured properly
Why You Should Trust Us
I am a professional woodworker and senior digital editor at Family Handyman, specializing in DIY tasks, renovations and maintenance projects. As a certified rigger and operator of forklifts and telehandlers, I also own a fleet of motorcycles and bicycles, all requiring regular maintenance and cleaning with a hose. With my hands-on experience maintaining vehicles and cleaning up after projects, I am well-qualified to provide expert advice on this expandable garden hose.
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
FAQ
Can you leave an expandable hose on all the time?
It’s not recommended to leave an expandable hose on continuously, as this can shorten its lifespan and reduce durability. When not in use, the hose should be fully drained and stored in a dry, shaded area to prevent damage.
Do expandable garden hoses reduce water pressure?
One downside of expandable garden hoses is their reduced water pressure. Due to their lightweight materials, they don’t compress the water as much as rubber or polyurethane hoses. However, with the right nozzle and secure fittings, they can still provide adequate pressure for most tasks.
How much does TheFitLife’s expandable garden hose cost?
At $29, the brand’s expandable hose is comparable to others I found online. However, it offers higher-end features like solid brass fittings and a triple-layer latex hose. It’s also the only product in this price range I’ve seen that includes a spray nozzle.
TheFitLife vs. FlexiHose vs. Pocket Hose
The FitLife can easily replace any standard garden hose, but there are other models on the market with different features. To see how they compare, I took a closer look at the FlexiHose and Pocket Hose.
When comparing the FlexiHose to TheFitLife, both hoses share several similarities—solid brass fittings, an eight-function nozzle, a 3750D casing and a length of 50 feet when expanded. However, the FlexiHose also comes in 75-foot and 100-foot options and features four layers of latex for added leakproof protection, making it ideal for larger yards or driveways. On the other hand, TheFitLife’s 3750D polyester sleeve may offer greater durability and longevity than the elastic sleeve of the FlexiHose.
Next, I compared TheFitLife to the Pocket Hose. Both models feature triple-layer latex tubing, eight-function nozzles and 50-foot designs. The Pocket Hose stands out with copper-infused aluminum fittings, which ensure safe drinking or pool water without chemical contamination. However, TheFitLife outperforms the Pocket Hose in terms of pressure, consistently delivering 145 psi, while the Pocket Hose reaches only up to 105 psi before hitting its limit.
In summary, the FlexiHose and Pocket Hose are excellent choices for heavy-duty or professional use, while TheFitLife remains a popular option for everyday tasks around the home.
Final Verdict
So, does TheFitLife’s garden hose live up to the hype? Based on both reviews and my hands-on testing, the answer is a resounding yes. While some have mixed opinions about its leakproof capabilities, I was impressed by its user-friendly features and versatility. It handled everything from washing the car and watering plants to providing some fun during play, all while being incredibly easy to set up and store. Overall, this hose is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an all-purpose hose for home use.
Where to Buy TheFitLife Expandable Garden Hose
VIA MERCHANT
VIA MERCHANT
TheFitLife expanding garden hose offers up to 50 feet in length, 40 psi water pressure and triple layer latex inner construction. The eight-pattern spray nozzle also offers convenience when watering plants, cleaning vehicles or washing patio furniture.
TheFitLife’s expandable garden hose is available in multiple sizes at Walmart.com.
