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Reviews > Hydration Systems > Bottles > Klean Kanteen Vacuum Insulated Classic > Test Report by Doug White
KLEAN KANTEEN VACUUM INSULATED CLASSIC 3
TESTER INFORMATION
Backpacking Background: I've been backpacking for several years. I have tested a lot of different systems to find what works the best for me. I pack as light as possible without sacrificing comfort and functionality. I enjoy backpacking in all kinds of weather including winter. I also do snowshoeing and year-round mountaineering. I backpack in the Rocky Mountains just below treeline most of the time. My trips are normally at least a few miles (5 km) or more. Anytime I can get out and enjoy the mountains, even for a day hike, I do.
INITIAL REPORT
PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS To start with, the bottle is very appealing, modern, and sharp looking. I will say though it is a little bulky and heavy in my opinion from a backpacking point of view. The bottle looks and feels very rugged and durable though, I don't anticipate any failures or damage with it. The packaging is simple and straight-forward, yet the text seems to focus more on the environment than the product itself. The bottle is stainless but painted and seals with a plastic cap and o-ring. The cap also has a large loop molded into it for many methods of fastening or lashing. The only thing that concerns me is that the manufacturer lists not to freeze the bottle as it can damage the bottle. I was originally planning on testing this in below freezing conditions for the entire test. I may have to take a separate insulated lunch box or bag to shield the Klean Kanteen from the elements. TRYING IT OUT I followed the manufacturer's instructions to wash the bottle with warm soapy water prior to the first use. The cap sealed fine with no leaks or issues and rinsing the soap out was quite easy and quick. I used a kitchen container that had graduated measurements on it and filled the Klean Kanteen bottle with 32 oz (946 ml) of water to verify the fluid capacity. It did indeed hold that capacity, but barely. The liquid was filled to the brim and if I had used the cap, it would have overflowed. TESTING STRATEGY I plan on testing both hot and cold liquids in this bottle and plan on testing the manufacturer's claim of time that each liquid will maintain its temperature. I also plan on testing carbonated liquids to see if the bottle holds carbonation. As far as freezing the bottle, I will be careful, but would really like to get the bottle to right around freezing to see if a hot liquid will remain hot overnight. I may decide toward the end of the test to freeze the bottle anyway (regardless of the warranty) with a cold liquid inside and test if the liquid remains in the liquid state and doesn't freeze. SUMMARY Overall, the bottle seems durable and soundly-made but a little heavy and bulky for my style of backpacking. I will however test it with an open mind. LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
The product was tested on five separate trips with temperatures ranging from -5 F (-20 C) to 45 F (7 C). One trip was a day-hike and the others were overnight trips. It was tested in dry conditions as well as shallow and deep snow. Testing was done in some windy conditions as well as falling snow. The elevation ranges between testing areas ranged from 6000 ft (1829 m) to 10600 ft (3231 m). All trips were in the Rocky Mountains and in forested areas. PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
This item did great in the field. I loved the convenience of a warm meal with no cooking at camp involved. When the canteen first arrived at my home, I placed it outside in the shade with warm water in it. The water inside was 105 F (40 C) and the temperature outside was fairly steady around 44 F (7 C). It was left outside in these conditions for ten hours. When I opened it after ten hours and checked the temperature, it was at 90 F (32 C). So in this ambient temperature, I can say that it loses about 1.5 F (0.8 C) per hour. Another thing I did was test the product's ability to maintain carbonation and cooler temperatures. I poured a 12 oz (0.35 L) beer in it and left it inside at a room temperature of 73 F (22 C) for ten hours. The beer temperature was originally measured at 46 F (8 C). After ten hours, the beer was at 55 F (13 C) but still fully carbonated. This showed me that with cooler contents in room temperature, the product allowed a gain of about 1 F (0.5 C) per hour. Being that I tested the carbonation factor at home, I opted not to use this product in the field for carbonation as it is just a heavier container as opposed to a standard beer can that has its own container. Also, carrying the canteen with food in it wouldn't allow for beer to be put in it anyways. Had this testing period been in the summer, I would have tested beer in it out in the field. SUMMARY I am a minimalist by nature when it comes to backpacking, so when I first got the canteen and felt how heavy it was, although happy to test it, I was a little discouraged on whether I would enjoy it or not. I was proved wrong. The weight is hardly noticeable. Camping in the winter and having a hot and tasty meal ready to go with no work involved and no wasted time or fuel at camp was wonderful. I enjoyed using this. I may end up changing my entire food system around more convenient foods because of this. I also like the look of this product. It's very urban and up-to-date looking. I really would like to see a large funnel included with this product or the option to buy one as it would make food transfer much easier into the canteen. CONTINUED USE
I will continue to use this product. It's great for winter overnights or day-hikes when you want a hot and tasty meal fast. It's very convenient to use. I don't see myself using it much in the summer as most cold drinks already have their own lightweight container, but we'll see. Read more reviews of Klean Kanteen gear Read more gear reviews by Doug White Reviews > Hydration Systems > Bottles > Klean Kanteen Vacuum Insulated Classic > Test Report by Doug White |