|
The new Camelbak Podium bottle has got to be the
most revolutionary water bottle I have ever used. I have tons of water bottles that my wife wants me to get rid of that's
taking up cabinet space. I may finally get rid of them all after using the Podium bottle.
What's so exciting
about this bottle? It's the mouth piece of course. If you are familar with Camelbak hydration products, then
you know how good their mouth pieces are. The Podium bottle utilizes the same valve technology as their
backpacks but optimized for a water bottle application. Don't believe the hype? Neither did I until I bought
2 of these bottles and went on a test ride.
First thing you will notice: its like drinking out of a beer bottle.
Basically pour it into your mouth. I'm still amazed how this thing works. There are no drips or spills.
You don't even really have to bite on the valve to initiate water flow...just squeeze the bottle and out comes your favorite
drink. No sucking motion is needed (only if you want to!!). During my test ride I kept trying to bite
open the top as you would a normal bottle...sort of a phantom bite. Only to realize it's not necessary.
I also had to remember not to perform a closing procedure (again, not necessary). On regular bottles, I would have to
tap the top on my chest to close the bottle. This would leave a not-so-sexy Gatorade stain on my jersey each time.
Also, more importantly none of the liquid gets on your bike frame. No more sticky situations!
Want more from
your bottle? The Podium bottle is not done. It has a unique lock-out valve for transporting purposes. There
is a type of lever at the base of the mouth piece that you can turn to essentially seal the valve. This would be handy
if you are transporting your bottle (with drinks) in a duffle bag on your way to the big race. How many times has
a bottle leaked in your bag or on the seat of your Lexus / BMW / Hyundai? Don't you hate that? Well, then
this bottle is for you. That lock-out valve is basically overkill as the bottle doesn't even leak in the first place.
But piece of mind is great and adds to the Podium bottle's allure.
In conclusion, this is hands down
the best bottle I have ever used/seen. It's such a simple design that I'm shocked nobody else has come up with
something like this. With Camelbak's True Taste plastic bottle, your drink will taste like your drink...not plastic
(It works as advertised as I tested this with plain water). This is the bottle to get. I will not go back to a
standard bottle after this. If you use it, you probably won't either. Yes, it rocks.
Details:
Camelbak Podium bottle: www.camelbak.com
Price: $8-9 for 21oz
or 24oz sizes (variety of colors available)
|
