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CamelBak sets the standard for hydration while being active, and they’ve continued to crank out innovative products like new bottles for Summer 2011, including the CamelBak Podium Ice Bottle.
CamelBak Podium Ice Bottle Review
CamelBak’s Podium Bottle is the best biking bottle out there. No competition, no questions asked, they’ve got that nailed. I fell in love with it years ago (read my original review here), and have been a dedicated user ever since. The bite valve is awesome. When you’re biking, there’s no more “grab bottle with one hand, wrench open with teeth, squeeze some hydration, jam the bottle up against my hip to re-cap it, place the bottle back into its lovely little cage.” Those of you who cycle, you know exactly what I’m talking about! Instead, the Jet Valve, a pressure operated valve allows water out when you want it, and none when you done. Want to make sure nothing’s sneaking out if you toss it in a backpack or the back seat of your car? Just lock it out using the “lock” mechanism, and even if there’s pressure applied to the bottle, nothing exits.
Now, take that excellent design and combine it with technology that keeps your water cold, even in warm temps, and you’ve got the CamelBak Podium Ice. Insulated water bottles are not a new phenomenon- CamelBak has been making the Podium Chill for a few years now, which keeps your Gatorade/Water/Whatever cool for a while while you’re riding in hot temps. Now, the Podium is available in the Podium Ice, which keeps product cold for up to 4x longer than the Podium Chill.
The Good
- Really does keep fluid cold for a good long while. I’m not exact enough to tell you if it’s 4x more than the original Chill, but on a 4 hour ride in 85 degree temps, my water was nice and chilly at the end.
- Podium design rocks the house. As always.
The Bad
- $20 is spendy for a water bottle. I don’t know if I’d regularly throw down that kinda cash just to ensure cold water. Hydration is hydration to me, and I’ll drink it at any temp. Cold is nice, but I’m not sure if it’s $20 worth of nice. Perhaps ask me again after 100 miles in 100 degree heat, maybe I’ll be singing a different tune!
Bottom Line
Great for long rides in hot hot hot temps. I’ve got 3 Podiums (both Ice and regular) packed for my bike trip.
;)
