Water Bottle Showdown

[Veronica]

One question -- Thom mentioned that the outside of the stainless steel bottle was warm to the touch. If you used the stainless steel bottle on a long ride in the heat, does he think the bottle would get so hot that it would be uncomfortable to touch? Or does it just stay warm to the touch, no matter how long it stays in the sun? Ooh, I guess technically that's two questions.

He says it never got warmer during the two hours it was in the sun and that the metal is too thin to get hot just from sunlight.

Veronica

[Steph_in_TX]

I've been using the chill jackets this summer and I've been pleased with them. I really like the ease of drinking from the chill jackets. DH likes the larger polar bottles, but uses the lids from the chill jackets for easier drinking.

[GLC1968]

Awesome comparison!

I just showed this to my H and he complained about the smaller capacity of the SS bottle. Personally, I'll take 3 oz less liquid if it means it'll stay cold. Plus, weight is not an issue for me since I've got so much extra on the bod - a few ounces on a water bottle is insignificant!

Thanks for sharing this! And thanks to Thom for doing the experiment.

[Mr. SR500]

I don't really care about cold water or not, but do like the non-insulated Camelbak Podium bottles.

[7rider]

I don't really care about cold water or not, but do like the non-insulated Camelbak Podium bottles.

My own DH is the same way.
Me...I take my insulated Polar bottle and put it - half-filled - in the freezer the night before a ride. I also half-fill a regular bottle. The next morning, I top them off with cold drink. I use the regular bottle first, and usually by the time I get to the Polar, halfway through my ride, it's still reasonably cool.
I really like cool drinks on a hot day.

I'm surprised that the Camelbak insulated out-lasted the Polar. I'd be inclined to go with that Camelbak IF it came in 24 oz size. I would REALLY miss that extra 3 ounces of drink.