When it comes to staying hydrated on your bike, not all water bottles are created equal. From insulation and durability to design and functionality, the right bottle can make all the difference on your ride. Even if it is for a race, a training or a contemplative outing, the water bottle you choose should meet your needs without compromise. In this review, I will dive into the features of the Podium Steel Bike Bottle from CamelBak, exploring what sets it apart and whether it’s the right fit for you.
About CamelBak
CamelBak is a leading American company specializing in hydration products, including water bottles, hydration packs, and accessories. Founded in 1989 by Michael Eidson, the headquarters today is in Petaluma, California. CamelBak is recognized for its innovative designs and commitment to sustainability. They emphasize eco-friendly practices, like eliminating BPA from their products and designing reusable solutions to reduce single-use plastics.
The Podium Steel Bottle
In my opinion, the CamelBak Podium Steel Bottle remains a solid choice when you value durability and insulation. It is a double-wall vacuum insulation bottle that keeps your drink very cold for a long period of time. CamelBak estimates up to 14 hours. It is made from 18/8 stainless steel. This Bottle ensures toughness but is also very lightweight. Naturally, it’s heavier than a simple plastic bottle, but its weight isn’t a problem. For those looking for supreme lightness, CamelBak offers the Titanium option of the same bottle.
One standout feature is the high-flow cap with a lockout mechanism. It prevents spills and offers a pretty smooth drinking experience. However, the bottle’s rigid design means you can’t squeeze it like traditional plastic bottles, which might take some getting used to. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you will love drinking with this bottle!
The testing
Foremost, I selected the smallest size, the 18oz, knowing that on both my mountain bike and my gravel bike, the 22oz size won’t fit. In terms of quantity, I might have preferred the slightly larger format. However, as I have two bottle holders, I will simply get a second one. This will allow me to have one bottle containing water and the other my hydrating drink.
It fits easily into the bottle holder. Of course, as CamelBak mentioned in their site, the Podium Steel and Titanium bottle will likely eventually show some light wear, something I quickly noticed. Scrapes and scratches are inevitable with bike cages and other exposure in outdoor activities. However, that doesnโt sacrifice the integrity of the bottle itself.
I am a big fan of electrolyte drinks and like to have a little something to keep me well hydrated during my outings, however long or short they may be. On the other hand, I enjoy it when my electrolyte drink is cold, because let’s face it, when it warms up, it becomes less interesting, sometimes even disgusting! And so, the Podium Steel is a real revelation for me. Finally, a bottle that allows me to absolutely enjoy my beverage throughout my ride.
I also tested this bottle on a trip to the desert in Utah. In Moab, even in spring, the sun and heat are just right. While the water in my hydration pack was already temperate after a short time, my Podium Steel bottle kept my beverage cold until the end of my outings. If I add ice cubes, I get an ice-cold drink for several hours!
On a different note, I also found there was no metallic taste in my beverages and it washes off very easily. The Podium Steel doesn’t let the taste and flavour of my electrolyte drinks linger either.
To conclude
A good water bottle is more than just a container. It is an essential tool for staying hydrated, especially during bike rides. The Podium Steel from CamelBak very impresses me, delivering convenience, durability, and performance in hot weather, when it matters most! Its unique capacity to keep your beverage very cold and is easy drinking thanks to its high-flow cap make it a standout option worth considering. If you are looking for a bottle that combines practicality with innovation, the Podium Steel bottle from CamelBak won’t disappoint.
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