On Test - Camelbak Podium Chill

I got one of these "leakproof" bottles the other day (thanks, ironNEO!) finally figured out a way to get it to leak.

These have a unique valve on the top that creates enough of a seal that it will keep liquids in, at least most of the time.  

It was sitting on my desk, loaded with bright green smoothie when something weird happened.  The air inside it had warmed and expanded enough to create some pressure inside it and it "burped".  The sudden release of air also carried with it a fine shower of green liquid that misted down on my computer screen and white shirt.

You might not think this would happen all that often, but the irony is that this is an insulated bottle; you are encouraged to put in cold beverages that will eventually warm and expand.

I think if you used the bottle on a bike while riding, this really isn't an issue and the bottle is a great device.  My one real complaint is that they made the lid (which is the real heart of the purchase) threaded differently than the standard bottles you already have.  Want to put the lid on a different bottle?  Sorry, you've been cock-blocked with proprietary B.S. methodology.   

Comments

[Nifeshoe]

Have used those podeum bottles for a number of years. They are great, put a little Nuun in side and you get all kinds of spray. Then wonder why your legs are a little sticky.

[Mark]

I think "leak-proof" refers to the bottle when you lock the valve (twist it). In a locked state, my normal bottles still leak a bit (and my Camelbaks don't)

If the valve is unlocked, it prevents splashing (of bike and you) that you'd get from a 'normal' bottle. But yes (unlike a normal valveless bottle) a little pressure can build up, which releases in a tiny 'burp' (and spray if bottle is full enough)

It's a much bigger spray if you've locked it in warm weather, or with Nuun inside, and then open it ...which presumably is the effect you'd get into your mouth if the unlocked valve didn't leak/release pressure regularly! :)

[drew]

i think that burp incident must have been funny like in an episode of the office...

[ZenTri]

Thanks for the comments! You guys are awesome and yes, the spray is super hilarious!

[Kendall]

I just bought one of the non-insulatd bottles, filled it up with ice water and had it at my desk. Had the same thing happen - minus the green spray.