Winter water bottle cozy

[saimyoji]

I usually hike with my water bottle in my jacket, and wrap one up in spare clothing in my pack, but am thinking this might be worthwhile. Any idea how well these things work?

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___81502?CS_003=2477120&CS_010=81502

http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=1064

I'm thinking a DYI project is in order here. Anyone made their own? Anyone own one who could point out some weak spots, design improvement ideas?

Thanks.

[Toolshed]

Saim,
Go with the OR's - I strap them to my hip belt and keep the water bottle in them upside down. The other one isn't going to do much to protect.

I still have my original OR Bottle Parkas from the Early 90's. Buy good ones once and they will last a lifetime.

They would keep water from freezing for about 4-6 hours in the bitter zero cold of the adirondacks while winter camping/backpacking (Starting with hot water).

Before I could afford the OR parkas, I made my own out of Reflectix and duct tape and used them for a couple of years (circa 1990). They would keep hot water from freezing for about 2-3 hours on zero-ish days in the Daks.

[Toolshed]

PS - I think the price hasn't changed on these things. Well worth it for winter hiking.

[mudhead]

I have seen those on sale-BUT-they were 0.5L size.

[JAK]

This fellow did a test...
http://www.summitpost.org/article/346816/cold-weather-test-for-water-bottles.html

He used 850ml in the Nalgene, upside down in an OR cozy. Starting at 69.8 degF, with a freezer temperature averaging 5.3 degF, 40% of the water was frozen after 11 hours and 15 minutes.

[Alligator]

I made one once out of a blue foam pad and duct tape. I used it a few times, but found that just keeping my hydration bladder insulated was sufficient. The cozy was also bulky in the water bottle holder. I still carry a nalgene though for in camp, as I feel safer keeping that in my jacket or warming my bag with it, as opposed to say a platypus.

[Toolshed]

This fellow did a test...
http://www.summitpost.org/article/346816/cold-weather-test-for-water-bottles.html

He used 850ml in the Nalgene, upside down in an OR cozy. Starting at 69.8 degF, with a freezer temperature averaging 5.3 degF, 40% of the water was frozen after 11 hours and 15 minutes.
That link reminds me JAK - We typically carry 2 Nalgene water bottles in parkas and then either a .5 Liter or a 1 Liter Nissan Vaccuum Thermos.

The Thermos is ideal for hot water (Cocoa Tea or Coffee) late in the day when you are drained and descending and your remaining water in the bottles is turning to slush.
I found that if I was pulking into a spot or car-camping at a winter trailhead and weight wasn't a concern, the 1 Liter Vacuum Steel Thermos would keep boiling water reasonably hot for instant hot water the next morning for coffee and oatmeal. I could eat and drink while boiling up water for the water bottles, saving time. The .5 didn't have the volume of heat needed to keep it really hot overnight, unless it was in my bag.

[buckwheat]

Ya,
I did the blue cell foam mat solution to with the 1/4 piece I cut off. Duck it, baby. I've never had this solution come close to freezing on a day hike.

[Toolshed]

I made one once out of a blue foam pad and duct tape. I used it a few times, but found that just keeping my hydration bladder insulated was sufficient. The cozy was also bulky in the water bottle holder. I still carry a nalgene though for in camp, as I feel safer keeping that in my jacket or warming my bag with it, as opposed to say a platypus.
I had some friends do this for pot cozies, using duct tape, glue and blue foam pads. I agree - It seemed the blue ensolite pads were just too bulky for cozies...

[saimyoji]

I headed over to llbean and picked up one of the OR parkas. I'm using it as a model to make my own. pics to follow....

[saimyoji]

so here it is, basic, functional. bubble wrap with mylar on the inside (i know this is what Relectix is, but i had the materials on hand already).

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=30754&c=696

I have a few adjustments to make to make it sturdier, add a lid, clip attachment somehow. It fits the 32oz Nalgene, a Powerade bottle, Gatorade bottle.

[George]

in extreme cold I put the water bottles rolled in the sleeping bag after 4-5 hours of -20 no ice and no extra weight or bulk