Here is the line-up of the very best.
CAMELBAK
Before using the CAMELBAK podium I would see serious cyclists effortlessly sipping water from these vessels. Seeing a family member return from a bike ride in 90+ weather and the podium chill was still cold. This was the test.
With the soft JET VALVE this bottle does not let out water unless it is supposed to. The JET VALVE can lock out or just be ready to go. With kids running around and taking drinks from whatever bottle they please, this is a nice bottle that tips over and does not leak. I have used CAMELBAK hydration systems for more than 15 years. The CAMELBAK podium or PODIUM chill is high quality hydration that does what it is supposed to when demands are high. If you want a good soft bottle that stays cold grab the PODIUM CHILL by CAMELBAK.
CamelBak®
Founded in 1989, CamelBak invented the hands-free hydration category and is the global leader in personal hydration gear. With a mission to continually reinvent and forever change the way people hydrate and perform, CamelBak offers a complete line of technical hydration packs, gear, accessories and aviation / CVC-approved tactical gloves for military forces globally.
THE CLEAN BOTTLE
I was at a cross race in VEGAS during the INTERBIKE show. A friend of mine said “Look the CLEAN BOTTLE GUY, HE WAS AT THE TOUR THIS YEAR.” I was so confused. A mascot in the shape of a bottle was walking around. He gave me a bottle. This bottle is great for carrying supplements. Because it has 3 pieces cleaning is a cinch. The bottle is high quality with a comfortable traditional pop valve. If you have trouble getting your water bottle clean this is the bottle you want. The CLEAN BOTTLE is very durable too. Put whatever you want inside, it will come clean. www.cleanbottle.com
STANLEY
I love the taste of cool water coming out of metal. This company has been around for almost 100 years. You have for sure seen one of their bottles in your lifetime. These bottles have a very classic look with solid metal high quality construction. You have probably seen the classic thermos style container they last forever.
They have created a fantastic one handed water hydration system with a push button that has a solid seal. It comes in a bike version that will fit in the bottle cage or larger sizes that hold more and travel well. I really like the clean solid look of the shiny metal or the flat black paint. There are various sizes. If you just want a lot of water to take with you there are other great containers that have lids with loop holes for attaching to baggage etc. This is a bottle that looks good in an office or coming out of a gym bag. The BLACKHAWK one handed is my favorite. http://www.shopstanley-pmi.com/
SIGG
SIGG has been around since 1908. This is the bottle with the lid that screws inside to a narrow opening in the top. This bottle is seen hanging from messenger bags all over the world. SIGG makes a huge lineup of different designs on dozens of different bottles. They made a special edition for the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City. They introduced me to a nice full size metal bottle that fits in a bike cage. It has the pop top valve that comes off for easy fill and guzzling. If you are looking for a bottle with lots of designs check out the SIGG. They have over 120 bottles in different sizes and colors. They have a great children’s selection too. www.sigg.com
