CamelBak Podium Bottle

by CamelBak

• Revolutionary Jet Valve lets you sip or squirt at will.
• Positive shut off on cap lets you stop flow for transport or mixing drinks.
• Made from TruTaste. A proprietary blend of polypropylene that lets you taste your beverage, not your bottle. BPA free
• Made to fit all types of bike bottle cages

Product Description

Amazon.com

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.

Product Description

Step up to the Podium. The new CamelBak podium bottle incorporates Jet Valve, a revolutionary self-sealing valve into a taste-free bottle with a high flow rate. Capacity 24-Ounce.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0019DA71O
• Item model number: PODIUM21OZ
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (75 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #440 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #19 in Sports & Outdoors > Accessories > Sports Water Bottles

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One less distraction October 22, 2008

By Michael Polakowski

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.

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Great bottle but problems with mold in cap August 17, 2010

By Notmy Realname

Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought two of these bottles, and loved them from the start. They worked as advertised, and didn't spill or leak at all. I always washed both bottles immediately after use, and for months everything was great.

However after a few months use, I noticed black mold growing in the nipple of the caps of both bottles. I used q-tips to remove some of the mold, but the rest is inaccessible. Its frustrating that I can see it inside the cap, but there's no way to disassemble the caps to clean (per Camelbak's website, the caps shouldn't be taken apart, since this will cause leaks).

Bottom line: I love the functionality, but not willing to chance my health. I'm looking for replacement bottles now.

Update 9/7/2011:
I went against Camelbak's advice, and took apart the plastic cap. I was then able to completely clean out all the mold. After re-assembling, I haven't noticed any problems (i.e. no leaks). So even though the manufacturer doesn't recommend it, taking apart the cap to clean seems to work.

24 of 28 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great answer for a question no one asked. August 19, 2008

By Chris in St. Pete VINE™ VOICE

Ive used bike bottles for over twenty-five years now and never really had an issue with the bottles I have purchased over the years. From the cheapest to the most expensive they've all featured the simple spout that you pull open with your mouth and close with your thumb as you replace it in the cage.

Cheap ones may not work as well or make your water taste like plastic but they work well enough and were cheap enough that when they were shot or you didn't like them you could simply toss them away. I have water bottles in my collection that are easily ten years old.

Enough of the back story...I decided to test this bottle solely for the reputation of Camelback and the integration of their bite valve into a water bottle. A perfectly logical extension of their product especially among the roadies.

Despite their condescending advertisements I purchased a bottle to test. I can say that the bite valve doesn't disappoint in this application. We are all pretty familiar with the Camelback bite valve and it's a proven performer. It works very well in this application and I enjoyed using the bottle. However, considering the price, did it work four times better than a typical water bottle? probably not.

I think one unexpected market that Camelback may have overlooked is the under 5 year old demographic. The bottle allowed my 3 year old to use the bottle without spilling any water like he normally would with my "regular" bottles. Like a giant sippy cup he was able to drink all the water he wanted and be as care free as he liked without spilling a drop.

one last thought. These bottles are make in China. While not normally an issue I think that considering the price point they could have found a US company to make these for them.