Its very large compared to most hitch receiver covers but its 100% plastic, so i have questions about its ability to withstand the elements.
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Showing posts with label iron man 2 water bottle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label iron man 2 water bottle. Show all posts
Great American Colorado Avalanche Trailer Hitch Cover Save 14% off
Its very large compared to most hitch receiver covers but its 100% plastic, so i have questions about its ability to withstand the elements.
Subzero 750ml Concave Metropolitain Style Bottles Save 50% off
these bottles are ok. I bought them for the price and plan on selling the rest. I had a subzero bottle before, but the shorter, wider and non rubberized one. This container doesn''t keep the water cold as long as my other one. And u can feel the coldness through this bottle when u hold it to drink. Also I''ve used it 5-7 times already and I still taste a metallic taste, which is what I wanted to avoid. I''ve tried cleaning it and soaking it, but it stills has the metal taste. I really like the color though and how it''s slim and fits into everything. Also having 2 choices for tops is pretty nice. All in all it is better and more eco friendly than water bottles.Save 50% off
Ultimate Direction 20-Ounce Bottle
I bought this water bottle at the 2007 Vermont City Marathon expo hall the day before my first marathon. It came with the mesh cover and pouch that straps to your hand. I had never run with a water bottle during my marathon training and I couldn''t believe I was just going to strap this on my hand and do it for 26.2 miles. It was the BEST investment in running gear I have ever made (aside from toe socks) and I was so glad I had it for the duration of the race. I used it for the next three years and just recently lost it at a conference I was attending.Water never leaks out of this bottle. The best feature is that you can flip it upside down, shake it, run 26 miles and you never lose a drop. That''s why when I lost it, I immediately knew that I had to buy a new one. Get it and hydrate!
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For the last several years I have been using a Camelbak water bottle which has been excellent, until I started using a intra-workout supplement called Purple in-train by Controlled Labs. Ive never had a problem mixing supplements in my old water bottle, but this stuff would gunk it up pretty good. For the last two weeks I have been mixing my intra-workout drink in this bottle with zero problems. Because the stuff still sticks to the sides of the bottle I have to clean it out on the weekends, but its doing me pretty good. I only wish I had bought the bigger bottle.Read Best Reviews of Ultimate Direction 20-Ounce Bottle Here
Ultimate Direction 20-Ounce Bottle is a good product. It does not leak! I bought one 4 years ago but the cap was wearing out from all the daily use. A new cap can be purchased but there is so little difference in price from purchasing a new bottle and cap combination that I chose to order both pieces.Want Ultimate Direction 20-Ounce Bottle Discount?
This is a terrible design for a water bottle. I was very surprised I paid more for this than a few bucks. I will have to admit, I huridly bought this at REI and didn''t look at how the water comes out, but this uses a rubber nipple that highly represents a baby bottle. In the picture, it is in the lowered (off) form, but to get water out, you need to extend it about 3 times that size. This is a terrible design, and since it is red, you don''t know when it is absolutely clean anyhow. Also, it would basically be impossible to clean since the rubber is glued to the lid, and since rubber collects mold I assume that it is going to give someone health issues. This "bottle" is only good for a few laughs and since it is impossible to thoroughly clean, probably for only one use.
XLAB Aero Computer Mount (Black) Save 23% off
I use the xlab aero computer mount attached to the xlab torpedo mount on my tri bike. Actually, that is the only reason i use both, just a way to mount my computer where i can see it. Overall it does a good job of getting the computer up where i can see it (versus on the stem), but i still have to look down to see it. My one real complaint is that if the aero computer mount were 1 centimeter wider then it would fit garmin bike computers much better. As it is the garmin bike computers cant really lock into the curved area and they move around or slip off of the side (the rubber gasket that comes with the garmin mount helps). When xlab says it fits most bike computers you would think they would test it with the universal garmin mount that a lot of people use and see this.
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I''m an amateur triathlete, and there are no places to mount a bike computer unless you want to tie something up on your aerobars. However, then you can''t put a water bottle in your aerobars!This mounting bracket attaches to the steerer column (where you connect the stem), which is ingenious. Nobody else uses this spot on the bike for anything!
I''m super happy with this product and its solution to my problem attaching a computer to my bike while keeping my aerobars free.
Read Best Reviews of XLAB Aero Computer Mount (Black) Here
In theory this would be a great product but it does not work with the FSA integrated headset my bike has (from a 2009 Canondale Slice). The bolt is not long enough to fit into the compression plug.Want XLAB Aero Computer Mount (Black) Discount?
Very simple and works great for my Garmin 310 XT. Is all what you need to make quick transitions from and to the bike. You just need to check the o-rings (small size) from time to time to be sure that it''s well set. I have the xlab torpedo bottle set up on my my aero bars, and this mount allow me to have my 310 XT right behind the bottle. I''m very happy with it, because is a simple solution.Save 23% off
Coleman Water Carrier (Blue) Save 11% off
My father purchased two of these Coleman 5-gallon water jugs for my wife and I as emergency water storage when we moved into a common hurricane area. We have used the Coleman water jugs for 8 years and have never had a problem with them. They can be laid on their sides on picnic tables, then open the vent on top and they serve as a great kid-friendly water service. The nozzles are easy to turn and easy to clean. During the hard Pennsylvania winters, I keep both of them full in case of emergencies. Every year before we start camping and fishing I wash them out with a table spoon of bleach and fill them with hot water. I would recommend these to my friends and I plan on buying a few more for safe keeping! Thanks, Coleman, for making another good piece of camping gear.
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We loved this product we just brought it on a three day camping trip. It was perfect. The water flows perfectly out of it and when you turn it off it doesn''t leak. It''s durable and made life easier with no running water or electricity available on our site.Read Best Reviews of Coleman Water Carrier (Blue) Here
I really wanted to like this product. After suffering through continuous leaking with the Reliance 7-Gallon containers, I was thrilled to find a product that didn''t leak when set on its side for dispensing. The first disappointment was the terrible plastic taste it imparts to the water. No problem, I thought, I''ll just use it for camp cleanup duties, refilling it with tap water from the bigger Reliance containers to wash dishes, brush teeth, etc.(we now use a Rubbermaid dispenser for drinking water). Until the second trip, when the vent cap broke from its keeper strap. Now I had to keep track of that every time we used it. Well, we just returned from a 3-week camping trip in Baja California and on the second morning of the trip, the spigot handle just broke off in my wife''s hand as she was turning it on. The container is now completely useless 5 months after we purchased it and on only its third use.It really is discouraging to see these manufacturers come up with useful ideas and designs only to outsource the manufacturing to the lowest bidder, who apparently could not give a whit about its usefulness in the real world. Somewhere, it seems, some brilliant bean-counter has decided that the "average" consumer will not pay the added 12.687 cents that would be required to make it profitable to manufacture this product to a standard that actually makes it useful.
But wait! I just looked at the title of the product! It''s called the "Coleman Water Carrier". I guess it succeeds at that . . .
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We bought two of these water containers for camping. If you need something to hold 5 gallons of water, this will do the job. If the use of a spigot is important, I would not recommend this product. The first problem is leaking. The spigot valve itself actually shuts off fine. The problem is you cannot properly seal the connection between the cap and the canister. The seam on at the mouth of the cannister leaves a ridge that the rubber seal cannot overcome no matter how tight the cap is twisted on the threads. The second problem is the handle on one of the spigots broke off on our first camping trip.Save 11% off
Camelbak Nurse Water Bottle (Purple)
Camelbak bottles are excellent for those who like/love them, and I would have given this 5 stars but the title specified purple, and I was shipped a blue bottle. Still an awesome bottle but a little disappointed.
Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle (1.4 Quart) Save 5% off
I bought the black Stanley 1.4 quart for my husband. He came home from work the other day and was showing me that the coffee he poured in the early morning was still steaming hot 10 hours later! We decided to keep the lid on and see how long it would stay hot. It was still hot 4 hours later before bed, and in the morning it was warm (like a cup of coffee that has been sitting out for 20 minutes or so). He loves the black color as he knows several people who have the standard Green color that has been around for ever, so this was a great way to get him something different. Thank you Stanley for making such an amazing product!
Update, 11/20/11--While I''m not in the coldest part of Alaska, it was almost -5 degrees F yesterday. Yes, that''s 5 BELOW zero. I left for work/school at 7:00 a.m., and got home around 11:00 p.m. When I poured the last cup of coffee? Still steaming. Not scalding, but steaming.
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I don''t work in a field where this should even be an issue; however, I do have a very clumsy teenage son that accidentally knocked my Thermos brand off the counter and on to the floor. The type with the glass insert just shattered. After having two of the Thermos brand type break during normal use, I decided to go with something which was (hopefully) more sturdy.I love the Stanley stainless steel thermos. I got the vacuum-seal one in red, 1.4 quart Stanley Classic. I have had it about a week now, and I absolutely love it. The 1.4 quart is more than enough for the 2 or 3 cups of coffee I have every morning. I have no issues with leaking or breaking because it is solid stainless steel. I remember my dad having one of these growing up. He told me he still has it, and it is nearly 45 years old! No leaking, no breaking, and better yet, my coffee stays piping hot all day long. I don''t even have to "prime" it first with hot water. I wish I would have just bought a Stanley to begin with; it would have saved me a lot of trouble.
Just to point out, I would not put this in the dishwasher. There is really no need to, though, because it cleans up so easily. It''s all encased too so, again, unlike the glass insert style, I don''t have to unscrew the base to get it clean. The supplier was great to deal with, price was reasonable (these go for upwards of $50 plus in my area), and shipment was exceptionally fast and efficient. You''ll never have to buy another thermos again.
Read Best Reviews of Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle (1.4 Quart) Here
Stanley will replace their vacuum bottles when they fail, and that is the good news. They keep sending me new made-in-China vacuum bottles, and they just keep failing after a few uses; that''s the bad news. The first time I called and said my thermos had failed, I was really impressed that they just sent me a new one--no questions asked. When that one failed after just a couple of uses, I was less impressed. When next one similarly failed with the paper wrapping still on it, I guess it was time to pick up on the pattern. I have one of the old (made in USA) green ones on my boat that has been a faithful companion for decades. That old one has seen some rough duty too. I am not going to ask for a replacement this time, as the new ones are just a waste of metal. When I was a kid in college with summer construction jobs, many old men had scuffed up Stanley vacuums that they had taken to work since they were young. Stanley bottles were a example of real quality back then. I would be happy to pay more for a quality Stanley bottle if there were some way to get one.Want Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle (1.4 Quart) Discount?
It''s a shame what''s happened to the Stanley company since they''ve outsourced their production to China. My father swore by their products for decades, being a factory worker who had his Stanely thermos for 20 years taking coffee to work. Sad that this is no longer the case.To start, for those that don''t know, I need to explain how a thermos works. Basically, it''s two containers. There''s the outer container that you see, then the inner container that holds the liquid. The space in between the two containers is an empty vacuum. The reason for this is that you can''t transfer heat in a vacuum, so this is what keeps the liquid cold/hot. If that vacuum seal is broken, then the thermos ceases to work. It''s just another big "cup" at that point with no insulating value at all.
This said, I''ve been bitten by Stanly FIVE TIMES so far:
1.) The first time I purchased one of the large green "vacuum bottles" (the 2 quart size). It worked for almost a week before it lost its vacuum seal and quit working.
2.) Thinking the first must be a fluke, I purchased a second one. This one managed to make it 3 weeks before losing its seal.
3.) I figured maybe there was something wrong with the manufacturing of the green containers, so bought a stainless steel one. It worked for two uses, and the seal broke.
4.) Finally, now out over $100 in merchandise, I contacted the Stanley company. They sent me a replacement 2 quart thermos, but it was the green one again. This one made it two weeks, then lost the seal.
5.) Never one to learn my lesson, I figured perhaps there was a problem with the 2 quart size, so gave up on it, and purchased a smaller 1.1 quart. This one worked for almost two months, but then lost its seal.
After the fifth failure, I contacted the Stanley company again, and this time was completely ignored. That was almost a year ago, and no response.
Now, keep in mind that these are SUPPOSED to be heavy-duty, rugged bottles designed for the work site. Even still, I only ever hand-washed them and treated them with kids gloves, especially after the first failure.
Stanley products are now garbage. That''s all there is to it. The sellout to China to do the production of absolute trash products has convinced me to never purchase another Stanley product again, whether a thermos or a tool. I''m done with the company after this experience.
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Gatorade Squeeze Bottle 20oz
This bottle is excellent for most sports or even for the daily grind and you need a pickmeup.A nice big, durable, and cheap water bottle to have on your table or out when working out.
Water only comes out when you squeeze meaning it won''t come out unless you want it to. Low maintenance and easy use.
There really isn''t much to say about this product other than, "Is it in you?"
5/5 ***** Purchase!
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I wish I had ordered a little bigger. Other than that we love it.No leaks and easy to clean.great the kids that i gave it to liked it and were really good it came in good time too in a nice shipped box as well.
Laken ISO 70 Insulated Water Bottle Save 70% off
I have a couple other Laken bottles Iv''e had forever. When I heard they are making insulated bottles with Aerogel I had to try it out. Aerogel is the lightest (3 times the weight of air!) and best insulating solid in the world; developed by Nasa to capture space dust. The bottle is as light as a 1Liter Nalgene bottle. Only downside is it''s volume is only .7 Liter and just over the size of a 1Liter...but it''s insulated! Keeps hots hot and colds cold. And since it has an epoxy coated interior, flavors don''t stay in the bottle after washing. I did notice the price hopped up a bit too, but still worth it.
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i have used several water bottles over the years, multiple nalgene pre and post BPA, SIGG, Klean. All with positive attributes. this one is more impressive than the others to me with the mild insulation. direct sunlight on the nalgene type bottles was not good over time and the bare steel ones too quickly conduct heat either to the drink or back to your hand. Yes, I like this one because it does not have an immediate heat response, its cap threads are outside the bottle, its not so wide as the nalgene and fits well in your grip, and the opening is not so wide that you have to stand still to take a sip. I have not dropped the bottle, if there is an issue with its durability i dont know, be careful with nice things.Read Best Reviews of Laken ISO 70 Insulated Water Bottle Here
Keeps drinks cool, but the small sized opening is needlessly difficult to place ice into. Needs a wider top.Want Laken ISO 70 Insulated Water Bottle Discount?
The bottle does a good job of keeping the water cold. I like all the laken bottles I''ve bought. I guess the only thing that detracts from this bottle for me is that it doesn''t come in a 1 liter size. Or, 16.9 oz size. I use those drink packets alot with my bottles and I have to either leave a little water out, or let the drink mix be diluted out because of the bottle size. Not a big deal really, but just one little thing that detracts from it. Otherwise, it''s a well made bottle, wide mouthed making it easy to drink from and add ice to, and keeps drinks cold. I drink so much water it never stays in the bottle long so I can''t tell you how long it keeps water cold.Save 70% off
Platypus Hoser Hydration System
I am a occasional hiker, quickly moving towards avid as the weather gets warmer. I purchased this 3L Platypus reservoir to go in a reservoir compatible small day pack I already owned. I found that the reservoir fit well in the pack, and I was able to use it easily.The biggest plus I found with this reservoir is that it had absolutely no taste what so ever. Even at the end of a 3 hour hike the water tasted as if I had just poured it into a glass from the fridge.
I also liked the size of the reservoir, as it allows me to carry the majority of my water needs all in one container. This makes it excellent for a single person on a long hike, or even for sharing among family members. I always have a back up vessel in case of a problem, but assuming all is going well with a 3L reservoir I don''t have to worry about running out quickly and finding water sources on the trail.
There were two things I had problems with using this unit. I found that the reservoir became difficult to fill once it reached about 2/3 of the way full. I have to use a water filter pitcher and trying to hold the reservoir around the small opening with one hand while pouring with the other became slightly tedious as the reservoir became heavy and wet from spillage.
The bite piece also took a little getting used to. It has to be bitten a specific way in order for water to flow freely. Once I figured it out I didn''t have many problems, but occasionally I wouldn''t quite have it in my mouth right and I would suck and get very little water. In a way, the valve being finicky is also a plus because the valve seals tightly enough that it doesn''t allow air back into the system.
One additional plus is that these reservoirs are compatible with a range of accessories offered by Platypus, including an attachment that allows you to connect a filter straight to the bottle.
The most common praise for this bladder is it "has no taste". This is indeed a quality one should look for in a bladder, and my Hoser does not add a chemical flavor to water, nor does it hold an introduced flavor. It isn''t a compelling feature unique to the Hoser, though, as none of the name brand bladders suffer this anymore.
Platypus''s own literature claims the bladder is BPA free. Again this is industry standard in 2011.
Let''s talk about where the bladder falls short and why I recomend the Camelbak Antidote bladders instead:
Unlike the Camelbak bladders the Hoser, has a very small fill port. So small it is very hard to fill the bladder from a hose or campground spigot without spilling water everywhere.
The Camelbak has a handle with which to hold the bladder while filling, the Platypus does not. It is difficult to achieve a full fill because one runs out of places to hold the bag.
The Camelbak has a quick release attachment for the drinking tube, the Platypus does not. One is forced to fish the drinking house out of their pack simply to fill the bladder if using a Hoser. One must put the bladder and the hose in the fridge if they wish to chill their beverage.
The Camelbak bladders have internal baffles to keep jiggle to a minimum, and to aid in drying. Platypus does not. In fact the Platypus can be a pain to dry fully.
The Camelbak Antidote series has a set of thin folding arms which hold the bag open when drying, greatly decreasing dry time.
The Antidote series includes a shutoff valve, Hoser does not.
The Platypus Hoser series of bags appears to have a multi-layered laminated plastic film construction. This is a common way to inexpensively achieve desired properties, but risks delamination in the long term. The Camelbak bladders achieve their properties with a homogenous construction.
This bag is currently $10 less expensive than an equivalently sized Camelbak Antidote. Not a savings in my opinion.
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I purchased two of these for a hiking trip. They both fit nicely in the water pocket inside my boyfriend''s backpack (the kind you can run the hoses to the outside of the pack). The hose ends clipped onto the front straps so the water was easily accessible. I''ve used hydrating systems that took a while to "prime". Not so with this one. The water starts flowing after just a couple of seconds. For anyone going on a hiking trip, this is perfect. You don''t have to mess with water bottles and since it''s resuable, it''s a nice alternative to plastic water bottles. Cleaning the bag was really easy too. The tubing takes a little more effort, but it''s not that difficult. I think they make specific cleaning "tools" for these things.Read Best Reviews of Platypus Hoser Hydration System Here
Overall, I am happy. The bladder seems to have no plastic taste effects. The tube on the other hand is another story. I ts been sitting for more then an hour, the tube must be drained to avoid the plastic mouthful. the bladder water is refreshing though once the first mouthful is gone. I let the bladder sit for two days as a test.With the tube empty: I got zero plastic taste
With the tube full, I got the the usual plastic taste and after test.
The bag seems fairly rugged and if I had a complaint at all it would be that the mouth is not big enough and I cannot get any ice in there. Sometimes I like ice.
The bag did freeze well though and thawed ok.
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I am a occasional hiker, quickly moving towards avid as the weather gets warmer. I purchased this 3L Platypus reservoir to go in a reservoir compatible small day pack I already owned. I found that the reservoir fit well in the pack, and I was able to use it easily.The biggest plus I found with this reservoir is that it had absolutely no taste what so ever. Even at the end of a 3 hour hike the water tasted as if I had just poured it into a glass from the fridge.
I own the 3l (100oz) version of this and I really like the size of the reservoir, as it allows me to carry the majority of my water needs all in one container. This makes it excellent for a single person on a long hike, or even for sharing among family members. I always have a back up vessel in case of a problem, but assuming all is going well with a 3L reservoir I don''t have to worry about running out quickly and finding water sources on the trail.
There were two things I had problems with using this unit. I found that the reservoir became difficult to fill once it reached about 2/3 of the way full. I have to use a water filter pitcher and trying to hold the reservoir around the small opening with one hand while pouring with the other became slightly tedious as the reservoir became heavy and wet from spillage.
The bite piece also took a little getting used to. It has to be bitten a specific way in order for water to flow freely. Once I figured it out I didn''t have many problems, but occasionally I wouldn''t quite have it in my mouth right and I would suck and get very little water. In a way, the valve being finicky is also a plus because the valve seals tightly enough that it doesn''t allow air back into the system.
One additional plus is that these reservoirs are compatible with a range of accessories offered by Platypus, including an attachment that allows you to connect a filter straight to the bottle.
Arundel Sport Water Bottle Cage
I read a story about these two guys who were focused on making a perfect water bottle cage, that''s it only a water bottle cage. So, I took the bait.I wanted a water bottle cage that would keep its shape, hold the bottle securely and easy for me to pull a water bottle out of it on steep climbs. This water bottle does all that.
CamelBak Podium Bottle
This bottle is designed to eliminate the messes created by normal water bottles. Normal bottles have a valve that pulls open and pushes shut. Often it is loose and doesn''t stay open, or it leaks around the sides and the residue eventually runs down the sides of the bottle. That''s not too big a deal if all you carry is water, but any sports drink will soon make a sticky, dirty, insect-attracting mess on the bottle, your hands, and the bike frame.The Podium bottle replaces the normal valve with a membrane that has a tiny "x" cut in it. It won''t let fluids out unless there is pressure applied by either squeezing the bottle, sucking on the mouthpiece, or both. The mouthpiece is not the typical CamelBak bite valve; think of it as a short straw. When you drink, the fluid goes through the mouthpiece and into your mouth -not onto the bottle. You don''t have to pull it open with your teeth. You don''t have to shut it with your hand (or by pounding it against your chest). It''s simple and it works.
There is one moving part: a cutoff valve that will seal off flow even if you squeeze the bottle. However, under normal circumstances, it can be left in the open position. The membrane is enough to keep the contents in, even if the bottle is inverted. For that reason, it also works well for use when running. The plastic is more rigid than most bottles of this type, but I didn''t find that to be a problem. These are 2-3 times the cost of a typical water bottle, but you can eliminate the distraction of messy bottles for under $20 (for two), and that''s a good deal.
However after a few months use, I noticed black mold growing in the nipple of the caps of both bottles. I used q-tips to remove some of the mold, but the rest is inaccessible. Its frustrating that I can see it inside the cap, but there''s no way to disassemble the caps to clean (per Camelbak''s website, the caps shouldn''t be taken apart, since this will cause leaks).
Bottom line: I love the functionality, but not willing to chance my health. I''m looking for replacement bottles now.
Update 9/7/2011:
I went against Camelbak''s advice, and took apart the plastic cap. I was then able to completely clean out all the mold. After re-assembling, I haven''t noticed any problems (i.e. no leaks). So even though the manufacturer doesn''t recommend it, taking apart the cap to clean seems to work.
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Ive used bike bottles for over twenty-five years now and never really had an issue with the bottles I have purchased over the years. From the cheapest to the most expensive they''ve all featured the simple spout that you pull open with your mouth and close with your thumb as you replace it in the cage.Cheap ones may not work as well or make your water taste like plastic but they work well enough and were cheap enough that when they were shot or you didn''t like them you could simply toss them away. I have water bottles in my collection that are easily ten years old.
Enough of the back story...I decided to test this bottle solely for the reputation of Camelback and the integration of their bite valve into a water bottle. A perfectly logical extension of their product especially among the roadies.
Despite their condescending advertisements I purchased a bottle to test. I can say that the bite valve doesn''t disappoint in this application. We are all pretty familiar with the Camelback bite valve and it''s a proven performer. It works very well in this application and I enjoyed using the bottle. However, considering the price, did it work four times better than a typical water bottle? probably not.
I think one unexpected market that Camelback may have overlooked is the under 5 year old demographic. The bottle allowed my 3 year old to use the bottle without spilling any water like he normally would with my "regular" bottles. Like a giant sippy cup he was able to drink all the water he wanted and be as care free as he liked without spilling a drop.
one last thought. These bottles are make in China. While not normally an issue I think that considering the price point they could have found a US company to make these for them.
Read Best Reviews of CamelBak Podium Bottle Here
Great bottle -works as advertised. The valve provides by far the best flow of any bottle I''ve used in over 20 years of cycling. The valve does not leak. The bottle is easy to handle and drink from.After several weeks of use, however, I noiced a black mold growing inside the soft rubber bite area on the top. I removed the soft rubber top, thoroughly cleaned the inside of the top, and soaked the whole top in bleach and water to kill anything remain mold. I started to be more attentive when cleaning the bottles right after use. The mold issue came right back, however.
Eventually, the flow of one of the bottles began to decrease. This prompted me to remove not only the soft rubber bite area, but also the plastic ring that holds the blue flow control ''flapper''. Once this ring is removed, you can see the inside of the valve itself and what I saw literally scared me -there was balck mold caked on the entire inside of the valve and it was so thick on the underside of the blue flow control ''flapper'', that it was impeding the water flow. It was scary to think how much mold I have been eating over the last few months. I cleaned the inside of the top as best as I could, but there was still mold in all the little difficult to reach areas.
To me, this a simple design flaw and I don''t know how it could be fixed -the inner chamber of the top does not get enough air flow after cleaning to sufficently dry it out. So, you will always have a wet environment inside the valve and this will always be an area where mold will grow.
You can make your own choice if this mold issue is acceptable -for me, it is not. I am concerned enough about eating all that mold that I will not use these bottles again. I gave this product one star not because I necessarily hate it -but because it has a serious design flaw that I find unacceptable.
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I am not often moved to write reviews for products, but I feel such a deep love and appreciation for the Camelbak Podium (24 oz) water bottle that I just can''t keep quiet! First, let me say that I don''t use this bottle for biking because I don''t bike. Instead, I use this bottle as my general drinking-water-all-day bottle as well as my whitewater kayaking bottle.There are several features of this bottle that make me love it so. First, the locking valve is a delight -both when I''m chucking it in a backpack and don''t want to worry about it leaking, and when I have it in my kayak and don''t want to worry about the river water, pristine though it may be, getting in. Second, when the locking valve is unlocked, the water still doesn''t come out on its own; You can tip the bottle upside down with nary a drop escaping. Third, when you drink from it, the flow is AMAZING. You''ll note that I capitalized all the letters in "amazing" because it''s just that good. This is much better than any bite valve on any hydration system I have yet experienced. As fast and hard as you suck, the Podium will keep up with spurt after spurt of that liquid of life: water.
And it''s quite handsome as well. I recommend it.
OKO L-2 Water Bottle Filter With NASA Technology
Usually people have to buy expensive products that do great work but that is not the case with these water filters. With these water filters they are great inventions with a low price.