>> the first few sips from the hose after a time are warm due to the sun heating up the water exposed in the hose <<

I put the insulated hose on mine shortly after buying it and would not go back to uninsulated. I also prefer the cover on the bite valve that comes with the hose conversion - I never have a mucky or dirty bite valve.

It's worth the $16 to me; ymmv. The bite valve cover is available seperately for less money.