| Step up to the podium while cycling with the CamelBak Podium bottle. In addition to the environmental benefits of using a refillable bottle, the Podium offers a number of physical benefits as well. The bottle is made of TruTaste polypropylene, which lets you taste your water and not your bottle. The interior, meanwhile, is lined with HydroGuard to inhibit the growth of bacteria that can cause odors, discoloration, or deterioration of the bottle surface. And in contrast to most water bottles, the Podium doesn't have a "bite-open, hip-slap-shut" valve. Instead, the Podium incorporates a Jet Valve, a revolutionary self-sealing valve that lets you sip from any direction or squirt water over your head on long rides. Made of medical-grade silicone, the Jet Valve also eliminates splatter on your bike frame or jersey. Other features include a high flow rate, a positive shut-off closure on the valve for leak-proof transport, and your choice of 21- or 24-ounce sizes. About CamelBak The CamelBak is the originator and world leader in hands-free hydration systems. The first CamelBak products proved extremely popular among mountain bikers and motocross riders, because it allowed them to drink without taking their hands off the handlebars. The product eventually began to cross over into other sports when scientific studies showed athletes drank more fluids and performed better when they wore a CamelBak. Since then, athletes from an ever-growing list of sports and activities use CamelBak hydration systems for their convenience and performance benefits. In addition to cycling, CamelBak offers hands-free hydration systems for hiking, running, snowboarding, and skiing. CamelBak is a privately held company headquartered in Petaluma, California. |
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One less distraction
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| Review Date: October 23, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Michael Polakowski, Dayton, OH USA |
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. |
I have finally found the perfect water bottle
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| Review Date: May 1, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Jordan, Fort Lee, NJ United States |
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. |
new and improved bicycle water bottle
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| Review Date: October 6, 2008 |
| Reviewer: mom of 2, |
| These are a great addition to the camelbak product line even my 3 year old can use this on our bike rides. Love that they can go in the dishwasher. |
Camelbak solid quality
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| Review Date: September 20, 2008 |
| Reviewer: D.William, Charlotte, NC |
| It's just a water bottle, yes. Still, I really like the dispenser. It's leak proof, it's soft/rubbery, so you don't accidentally wop your teeth. I'll buy another. |
Great water bottle for biking
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| Review Date: June 4, 2009 |
| Reviewer: D. Fields, Conshohocken, PA |
| This is a great water bottle for biking. Squeeze and it squirts. No knobs to twist or pull with dirty fingers (I mountain bike). The cap secures nicely too. I think I'll get another one for my wife! |
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