Camelbak Podium Chill Bottle
You know you have to drink out of something while cycling, so why not choose a high-quality bottle that won’t change the flavor of what you’re drinking? I’ve used Camelbak bottles for three years now and can’t imagine riding with anything else.
The Camelbak Podium Chill bottle has double-wall construction, so your cold drinks stay cold about twice as long as compared to normal bottles. On extremely hot days I put my bottles in the freezer for about an hour before my ride (store it right side up and don’t fill the bottle all the way up). During the winter I start my ride with two Podium Chill bottles filled a warm sports drink and that seems to keep the bottle from freezing for about two hours (I often ride when the temperature is in the single-digits).
The bottle is made with Camelbak’s proprietary blend of BPA-Free polypropylene so it does not alter the taste of your favorite sports drink. The JetValve nozzle on the bottle does a great job of preventing spills and drips and you won’t have to close the valve when you’re finished drinking (however, you should close the valve if you are shaking a drink mix before your ride). The bottles can be washed in a dishwasher, but the Camelbak Website recommends washing by hand in warm water.
I replaced my old Camel Podium Chill bottles a couple of weeks ago. My old pair of bottles had traveled with me for over 12,000 miles on my bike and had been washed several hundred times. The bottles still worked fine, but all the paint had finally scraped off and they looked a bit rough.
The Camelbak Podium Chill bottles retail for around $12.00 each.
Dave
April 10, 2014 at 8:59 AM
I am essentially wondering:
1.) If you have more than one Camelbak Podium bottle, do you know how long you’ve had each respective bottle, approximately?
2.) If you do have more than one or just one (would be easier then to determine), will you tell me how they are holding up in regards to function and durability; e.g.
-Leakage
-Water flow
-Any taste from bottle
-Valve function/durability
I’ll spare some of the details about my stainless steel bottle, but it’s essentially dependent upon using an added layer for both insulation, but also to stick in my metal cage (http://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-Liter-Insulated-Bottle-Carrier/dp/B0019DCDIO).
Having only one bottle, I’d rather have more than one bottle to use for when on my bicycle. The valve on my bottle is not that sturdy either, long-term.
I don’t mind so much about scuff marks on a plastic bottle (might be able to add a thin insulating layer, though I’d have to experiment), as taste and how it holds up, more long-term (say after 2-5 years of usage). While I’m happy with Camelbak overall, I try to avoid making purchases without getting opinions, and input, and do think the valve on mine is a little weak
All Seasons Cyclist
April 10, 2014 at 12:47 PM
Funny, I was just getting ready to order a new set of these bottles! The CamelBak Podium Chill Bottles have been with me on over 15,000 miles of cycling (I use different bottles in the winter). The only reason I am replacing these bottles is because they are badly scuffed up due to some of the places I ride—they still function perfectly and are very easy to clean. After all the abuse these bottles have suffered they do not leak at all, the flow rate is still perfect and there is no aftertaste. And yes, I will be ordering the same bottle again (though the price has gone up since I wrote this article).