TripleB67

After using cheap water bottles from a certain online store during my 21 mile ride last week and my 30 mile ride yesterday, I think it's time I invest money in some water bottles that will keep ice in my bottle for more than 30 minutes.

It looks like the CamelBak Podium Big Chill ($11) and the CamelBak Podium Ice ($17) get pretty good reviews and would hopefully work better than what I have now.

So, for anyone who has used either, what are your thoughts?

Thanks!

TripleB67

Jean3n16

you could use the cheap bottles and if you ride on Saturday- Friday ( or even before). Fill & Freeze. Then Saturday morning, pull out and put on counter to thaw a bit while getting ready.

I just picked up an insulated bottle at the Goodwill today, im not sure how i feel about it yet. Well i hate the spout thats on it but insulation, ill report back!

DrIsotope

We only use Camebak Podium Chill here, 5 bottles split amongst the family. Because I find having to suck down lukewarm water for the last part of a long ride to be simply demoralizing. The nozzles can be a little annoying to clean if you let them get gunky, but other than that, they're great. The also keep ice longer than the similar bottles from Polar.

canklecat

I've had 24 oz Polar and Camelbak. They're different, neither is better. I prefer the handling of the Polar while riding.

One trick to keeping 'em cold longer is to partially fill them and keep 'em in the freezer. Some folks recommend laying them sideways in the freezer to spread out the ice along the length of the bottle. Not sure that matters as much as just having ice in there along with the water.

CanoeU92

If you are ever in TJ Maxx/Marshalls, check their kitchen stuff. I just scored one of the Camelbak bottles for $7 over the weekend.

I also have a couple of the Polar insulated bottles that are more like the traditional "cycling" bottles, but I like the CamelBak much better.

Cyclist0084

I've got two of the CamelBak Big Chill. Been using them for a couple of years now. In my opinion, they're the best water bottles around. I run a Q-tip around the spout after each use, so that helps to keep the gunk to a minimum. I heartily recommend them. You won't be disappointed.

spdntrxi

Elite with that "nanogelite" stuff tops all the others mentioned in this thread. Dead serious.

nozzles are also a PITA to clean

02Giant 

I prefer the Polar insulated with their new zip-flow cap, made in the USA.

jade408

I use a stainless bottle: Klean Kanteen! I like the "cleaner" taste, and it keeps things cold for about 10-15 hours! Maybe more, I haven't tested! Definitely had a few ice cubes left after 24 hours.

Sy Reene

I'm a fan of the purist insulated bottles with the watergate spout

nycphotography

I personally despise insulated bottles because they don't squeeze and squirt very well.

I never use the set I have, as I prefer warm a strong shot of gatorade to sucking to get any gatorade while extending the time I'm not breathing.

TripleB67

OK, here's a crazy question for everyone:

What's the difference between Podium Chill and Podium Ice...just amount of insulation?

TripleB67

JohnDThompson 

My problem with insulated bottles is they limit capacity. I'd rather have enough water at ambient temperature than have my supply of cold water run out prematurely.

Wileyrat

Good question, especially where I live....

I just went on Camelbak's web site, and they claim "Podium chill" bottles keep water cold twice as long as regular bottles, while "Podium Ice" bottles keep water cold four times as long.

I may be replacing my Podium Chill bottles with some Podium Ice bottles before next spring.

DrIsotope

Correct. Same size bottle, the Ice holds 3oz less liquid.

At least with the Camebak Chills, the capacity is 750ml, just like most every other "tall" water bottle out there.

dksix

The Ice gives up some capacity, I'm thinking the 25 oz Chill is the same size as the 21 oz Ice (I may be wrong, going off memory).

I love my CamelBak Chills, carry them exclusively regardless of temp outside. You may not tell much different in water temp on shorter rides but the Chill's insulation prevents condensation so wet hands/gloves after each time you get a drink. That along is reason enough for me.

Nashbar has the Chill for $11.99 and often 30% off coupons if you sign up for email flyers, that about $8.50 each. They are great to get an order over the $49 free shipping threshold.

jon c. 

I've been using the Podium Chill for about 5 years with no complaint. Filled with ice and water, it will keep it cool for 1.5 to 2 hours in 95+ weather. Never had a problem keeping the nozzle clean, but I only use water and never put my mouth on it.

TripleB67

Thanks for all the input.

Anyone tried, what I believe to be a newer bottle, the Polar Zipstream?

Thanks!!!

TripleB67

DrIsotope

My wife used the Polar Insulated bottle (24oz) for a good while as she doesn't like the jet valves on the Camelbak bottles (I don't know why.) This summer, we discovered that the Polar compared to the Podium Big Chill, filled at the same time with the same amount of ice, the Camelbak will stay cold at least 30 minutes longer, if not more-- mine would still have ice after hers was warm.

So now she uses a Big Chill with the cap off of the Polar.

FullGas

I use the Podium Chill bottles...

if they can keep water cold/cool for 1.5 hrs in TX summer heat, they're doing a good job.

Jaxjag

I use the Podium Big chill and like it very much. I fill with crushed ice then top with water and I still have some ice left when the liquid is gone, usually 1.5-2 hours later. In Florida.

Cyclist0108

I have found the insulated camelbacks really don't insulate very much compared to my normal ones. Also, my extra-tall insulated bottle holds only about 50ml more than the smaller sized non-insulated one.

canklecat

BTW, don't let gunky caps or nozzles deter you. Get some Clorox or other brand bleach spray, especially the gel type. Squirt some in the cap through the inside and sides once a week or so. Let it sit awhile, or overnight. Rinse. Done. No worries about cooties.

RushFan2112

I use the Podium Chill. It does the job....It's just a water bottle after all.

pdlamb

Interesting, not my experience! I couldn't find a replacement Polar last summer and bought a Camelback. Similar experiment; I tried new Camelback vs. 2 year old Polar, same number of ice cubes, filled to top of 24 oz bottle, took same number of sips at the same time. But after an hour my Camelback was all water, while ice cubes were left in Polar. At the end of hour two, I choked down the last, tepid water from Camelback, but the last sips of water from my Polar bottles were chilled.