KineticShift.com continues our hands on test of water bottles.
The Polar express is up and running. Polar Bottle returns with its latest insulated water bottle that is thinner, making it easier to squeeze, yet still keeps water comfortably chilled.
Polar Insulated Bottle Description: Polar Bottle is the original insulated plastic sport bottle. It keeps liquids colder longer than other water bottles. We innovated the industry back in 1994 by creating a bottle that would actually keep water cool during any outdoor activity. The bottle has evolved in the years since with brightly colored foil liners and patterns and an innovative removable valve system. Made in America, Polar Bottle is popular throughout the world.
Bottle Sizes: 20oz and 24oz
Plastic: Low Density Polyethylene
Country of Manufacture: USA
Retail Price: $10.99 (20oz) & $11.99 (24oz)
Basic Standards:
- This bottle did not leak when filled with water and squeezed
- This bottle did not leak when filled with water and turn upside down
- BPA free
Taste test and manufacturer’s claim test: A few years ago I received the original Polar Insulated Bottle for a Christmas gift and have been using ever since while hiking or cycling in hot weather. I would fill the bottle about 90% full with water and freeze the bottle solid overnight. In the morning, I would top off the bottle with water and head out on my ride or hike. After two hours of use, there would still be a little bit of ice left in the bottle. Typically while cycling I would carry this bottle along with a classic Specialized bottle. When I was finished drinking the Specialized bottle, I would still have ice cold water to drink… especially nice in 90ºF heat.
While at Interbike I stopped by the Polar Bottle booth and inquired about the current Polar insulated bottle that they were displaying. They explained that not much had changed except for the current bottle was actually thinner making it easier to squeeze. They gave me one to test when I arrived back home in Colorado.
For my evaluation of this bottle I decided to full the bottle with 1-1/2 cup of water and freeze it overnight. The day of the ride that I used this bottle it was 85ºF. I did use this bottle along with a Specialized bottle. The ride lasted about 3-1/2 hours around the foothills of Boulder County. I used both bottles making sure to always jiggle the Polar bottle listening for ice chunks. About 2 hours and 15 minutes into the ride, the ice had completely melted, but the water was still cold. The temperature of the water did warm a little by the time I made it home, but still nice and cool. Best of all, there was no ‘off’ or plastic taste to the water.
The thinner sides of this bottle did make it easier to squeeze while in use. I would recommend removing the supplied carrying strap while cycling since it will probably rub against your leg. The strap is very helpful while hiking, so do not discard the strap.
Likes: Insulated bottle, removable bite valve and carrying strap for all non-cycling activities
Dislikes: None
Kinetic Shift Recommended Use: All water bottle uses… cycling, hiking, running, fitness classes, etc. Remove the strap before using this bottle on your bike.