User submitted reviews
Review by Jeffrey K
I have been using Camelbak Podium botles on all my bikes for the last 12 years and have liked everything about them. Man did that change when I received 4 new ones in the mail today from BTD.
This newer, sleeker design looks cool, and I guess the spout is easier to take apart for cleaning, but that's where the good points end. Of my 3 bikes, only the one with Arundel Mandible cages will (barely) hold these bottles snugly enough to even ride around the block. On the other 2 bikes, they just drop into the cages without even a push. Reason being: THE DIAMETER OF THESE BOTTLES ARE 2 mm. SMALLER than the former version !
Why, oh why, would Camelbak scew up a product that has proven excellent for so many years ?
Review by schincat
I like the way these bottles work more than any of the other types of nozzles and bottles. I have tried them all including the newer metal ones and I always come back to Camelbak.
Review by Homero Villafranca
It's very ease to disassemble to clean the small parts and it maintains the squeeze before years, good quality ??
Review by Anonymous
The Podium is a good basic cycling bottle:
- 24 oz is a decent size. Not too large for bottle cages.
- Auto-sealing cap-less design is easy to drink from on rides.
- Top disassembles for cleaning,
Review by zitto gambe
I bought these to replace my old podium bottles. I really like the podium bottles for their ease of use, but these particular bottles are too small for my standard water bottle cages. I have a couple ENVE cages that I use on my gravel bike because they hold my bottles extremely tight (almost too tight). These new bottles just drop right in without any force and will pop out just as easily. I am going to use the new lids on my old bottles.
Review by Anonymous
A bit narrower than some brands making easier to get in and out of the cage. Like that you can take it apart to clean and it doesn't leak! I did have Polar bottles before these, the Podium is much better?
Review by Anonymous
Purchased two of these after two of my 10 year old podium big chills finally bit the dust. Within 40km of my 105km ride they had already ejected FIVE times. I can count on one hand the number of times my other bottles have come out of the same cages. These are just pure trash. One lid came completely apart after the first hit and was useless beyond that. You'd think it would stay put being completely empty. Nope, still lost it several more times. Both nozzles are split and are no longer leak tight. These bottles lasted me less than an hour and a half. Don't waste your money or your ride on these.
Review by Cwpathfinder
I originally purchased the bottles to replace my old water bottles with BPA free bottles. I have purchased Camelbak products in the past and found them to be good quality and their customer service department was excellent when I had questions concerning my Camelbak Rogue. After receiving my bottles I was impressed with their quality, ease of use and how easily they were to clean. At $11.00 they are a great value and I will be purchasing additional bottles in the future.
Review by Robert
This is my first modern water bottle. All my old bottles had a push to close spout where the rider had to pull it open with their teeth to get a drink. This new Podium bottle does have a twist to open design, but I just leave that in the open position all the time, because the valve design won't leak, even upside down until you squeeze the bottle. Plus this bottle holds 24 oz, 50% more than my old bottles. This is nice on my old Schwinn that has only one bottle cage.
Review by Martyn
Been a long-term loyal fan of the podium especially in this size 24oz which provides more than a race bottle yet is not too big in the bottle cage. Best qualities are durability (dishwasher safe) , looks and valve design - it is completely removable allowing it to be cleaned thoroughly - number one best attribute is that no matter how hard you shake it, it doesn't leak ...so you can keep your frame and hands free from sticky energy drink . A simple product executed flawlessly .
Review by lalofgh
These CamelBak Podium bidons are my favorites. They are long lasting, and are comfortable to use. Fit snugly into a variety of cages, and I've never had an issue with them ejecting, even on MTB rides. I use mine for gravel, road, and mountain rides. Don't accumulate much gunk or dust from off-road riding, simple enough to do a quick squirt if there is anything in there. Overall very happy with mine!
Review by Mjames
Perfect. Little pricey but worth it
Review by FlashBazbo
I use these bottles on my road bike and gravel bike. If you have used the previous Podium bottle, it's easier to just tell you what's different. A big plus is the new nozzle. It's higher volume and works great. It takes more effort to move the nozzle from the locked to the open position, but that's a minor inconvenience. The other change CAN be a problem. This Podium is slightly smaller in diameter than the old Podium. The old Podium fit snugly within my carbon bottle cages - sometimes a bit too snug. I sometimes had to wrestle it out of the cage, but at least I never ever had to worry about it bouncing out. The new Podium is very easy to get in and out of the cage, but it can be susceptible to bouncing out if you hit very large sharp-edged bumps.
Review by Al J
Fast shipping! This bottle is deceptive, it definitely holds 24 oz, despite being slightly smaller in physical size vs my Specialized bottles. I was worried that the twist lock spout would be difficult to open on the road/ trail, but that hasn't been the case. The lid is also easy to properly break down and clean. The bottle fits snugly in my cage, but removes/reinserts easily. I can highly recommend this bottle
Review by GDSPDX
The updated podium looks different, but performs even better. Not all water bottles are equal and I highly recommend these. They feel solid in your hand, easily pull out of the cage (yet stay secure) and are easy to keep clean. Plus, the camelback one-way valve is just perfect.
Review by gfparsons
This new and improved design of the Camelbak Podium water bottle makes a big difference, No drips onto my bike frame as the seal is very secure compared to the old model. The material feels stronger as well. The smoke color is understated and matches my bike.
Review by Cernunnos
I have two of these and they have developed an unpleasant odor after about a year's use. The odor develops into an unpleasant taste in water after a few minutes-a soapy perfume taste. I rarely use soap to clean them. I've tried soaking them in vinegar, baking soda, but nothing seems to help.
Review by Black Labs Rule
Not too big, not too small. Just the right size for a long distance ride on a hot summer day.
Review by John
Was an exclusive user of Elite bottles for years. These made me switch as it's much easier to take a gulp on the go while riding. My new favorite bottles!
Review by toad
I use them daily and now it's the only brand I trust and use