Let's look at this from another angle. A plastic (Smartwater) bottle weighs in about 40g. I just looked in my cupboard and found a 750ml SS water bottle weighs about 120g (I believe this Varga converts to about 110g for 650ml, so I'm going to assume it is about the same). Fill each with 750ml of water. Now, when both are full of water, your plastic water bottle weighs 90% as much as your SS (or Varga) bottle. The Steri Pen that I carry weighs 160g. It seems to me the best way to save weight if you are backpacking where you can access numerous water sources is to carry less and replenish more. I guess in the desert, if you are carrying a gallon of water, you may consider another strategy.
I've heard people having problems with the lid forming a vacuum effect after being closed and then attempted to open after temperature and atmospheric changes make the lid difficult to open. I never used one so I can't say what conditions create that and it was probably 4 or 5 years ago that I even looked into titanium bottles.
Nice vid. The reason I am looking into titanium is its property of not leeching chemicals and anything that can effect the taste of the water. Don't know about you guys, but while I can drink metallic tasting water, it's not my preference at all. So how does the leeching properties of titanium fair against steel and aluminum? Seriously, I don't mind spending money on a quality one off piece of equipment. Thank in advance.
Well this is an old comment... but... Titanium is a surgical metal, it does not rust or patina in it's solid form. More so it is very strong and extremely heat resistant, you could leave it on the fire all night and not even get close to worrying, where as you could ruin an aluminum bottle with a hot enough fire. Steel bottles are not as good temperature wise as Ti, but they are more than good enough, however they are heavy and can rust and they are twice as heavy. Any steel, no matter how stainless, will rust eventually if it is not taken care of. If you just want the best, the last bottle you will buy for many years if not ever, I don't see a problem spending a few extra bucks on a Titanium one.
That's the thing many folks don't realize with titanium. Make anything out of it with threads, when Ti meets Ti, your going to get some galling. And you will hear it every single time. Just the nature of the beast. There's no way to make smooth Titanium threads that interact with each other. The version with the plastic top is likely going to be better.
Happy with the honest review. I had a few Vargo UL stoves that did not impress based on price. Not bashing the company as they make great cups etc and I'm sure many will like this water bottle. Put it this way when I first clicked the vid I thought "Damn, another water bottle...is Luke essentially gonna tell me this is 'can't live without Kit' and there goes another $85"? But no....I concurr on all counts. There's better out there for nearly as light (like a few sips of water heavier) and cheaper and often tougher. And no brutal chalkboard/fingers action.
The weight difference on the box & on the website could be the 4.6 oz is including the packaging. A good honest review. Not something I would use but it's always interesting to see what's out there.
That's a pretty tall-thin bottle as well. You can get a full 1x Litre Bottle that relatively looks 3/4 of that size with just a small diameter increase.
I still have one that I bought around 15 years ago (plastic top version). I like the way it doesn't colour the taste of liquids especially water unlike Nalgene plastic bottles. I had no idea they were so expensive nowadays, I only payed a fraction of that - I must have found a bargain in a sale. I'll have to rethink leaving it lying around in an unoccupied tent!
What other titanium bottles did you have in mind? Finding steel ones is not the problem, but any other Ti bottle I found is with weird cap making them completely useless on the spot. And when you even mentioned they are cheaper...
Metal allows cooking (boiling to purify) and making char and so on, also I just like the taste of ice water in metal, it may be an illusion but that does not change I like it, also load up with juice or wine and metal washes out better IMO, that said price does seem high, for me an issue, for some not an issue. (also this seems big to get a good boil (when full) in a good time)
Expensive? Sure, but you are not mentioning the fact that titanium is the safest metal in the world to drink from or cook with. It is why it is used in surgical implants. There is no leeching of anything harmful. For me that is worth the cost.
Great preview mini review. For my system its not worth the price. I have always used stainless steel and that works great for my needs. Have a great day
So some of the things you're being nitpicky about are just in nature of titanium itself. Titanium sticks on itself like some aluminum's will. it's not a slippery material like some metals are against other metatl or itself. titanium is also an element, so it's going to have some characteristics that are strange compared to other metals, one thing titanium has is very antimicrobial compared to other metals that need to be cleaned more often and or better. And is almost 50 percent as dense as Stainless, but 40% less weight than stainless steel. So take the good of the bad I guess. It also has some higher heat resistances In some cases then certain Steals And many stainless steels
Ouch, just the nose alone makes me run for the hills. Nice review, though. Thanks, Luke, I'll wait to decide once you use it. Maybe I can catch it on sale and have ear plugs on when I screw it on. No, even if you have a nice review for it, I just can't stands the noise. Really creepy. ATB, JB.
TheOutdoorGearReview Welcome! Hope you guys had fun on the recent hike and adventure. Heard you guys were in for some snow there, if I'm hearing the weather right for the east coast? Stay warm!
I would pay 84$ for a quality piece of kit, but that small bottle is FAR from it. For 84$ i would expect a bottle that hold at least a litre of water, have a quality pouch with it and doesn't make the sound of an old chevy's rusty brakes...not for me.Gonna stick with my klean kanteen...
IT WOULDA BEEN GREAT TO "ASK" AT THE BEGINING HOW MUCH WE THOUGHT IT COST..... NOT A DAMN SOUL ON THIS EARTH WOULD HAVE SAID 80 BUCKS!!! BUT IF THATS HOW YA ROLL.... ENJOY.....
Ugh. Any ultralight backpacker will use a collapsible plastic bottle. Any ordinary backpacker will use a cheap Nalgene. Everyday commuters will use an insulated Hydro Flask. This product only appeals to Ti addicts who can't get enough of that expensive metal.
It also may be marketed towards people who want to avoid the harmful chemicals that even BPA free bottles, especially the thin ones, emit into the water especially during hot temperatures. That said, harmful chemicals exist in pretty much every thing we consume, even fruits and vegetables. The relative amounts and their negative effects I am not knowledgeable on so I won't outright condemn anything without enough evidence. Personally I really don't like the plastic taste of a water bottle that has been sitting in the heat in sunlight and my gut says it can't be good for me.
Joe Hanson Those people concerned about chemical leeching can just get a thin-lined steel bottle for a fraction of the price. This is still a niche item in a niche market.
Well steel bottles weigh more and most people aren't worried about steel leeching. The weight difference, although maybe double, is still only a difference of a few ounces. To some that matters in every single item. Most things Titanium is a niche market.
Let's look at this from another angle. A plastic (Smartwater) bottle weighs in about 40g. I just looked in my cupboard and found a 750ml SS water bottle weighs about 120g (I believe this Varga converts to about 110g for 650ml, so I'm going to assume it is about the same). Fill each with 750ml of water. Now, when both are full of water, your plastic water bottle weighs 90% as much as your SS (or Varga) bottle. The Steri Pen that I carry weighs 160g. It seems to me the best way to save weight if you are backpacking where you can access numerous water sources is to carry less and replenish more. I guess in the desert, if you are carrying a gallon of water, you may consider another strategy.
I put some plumbers tape on the threaded lid. No more noise and a more waterproof bottle.
I've heard people having problems with the lid forming a vacuum effect after being closed and then attempted to open after temperature and atmospheric changes make the lid difficult to open. I never used one so I can't say what conditions create that and it was probably 4 or 5 years ago that I even looked into titanium bottles.
The guys that pull bristles out of their toothbrush to save weight will greatly appreciate these 3 ounces.
Bobby Harper That is true, they do. Not me though.
Cheers.
- Luke
Nice vid. The reason I am looking into titanium is its property of not leeching chemicals and anything that can effect the taste of the water.
Don't know about you guys, but while I can drink metallic tasting water, it's not my preference at all.
So how does the leeching properties of titanium fair against steel and aluminum?
Seriously, I don't mind spending money on a quality one off piece of equipment.
Thank in advance.
Well this is an old comment... but... Titanium is a surgical metal, it does not rust or patina in it's solid form. More so it is very strong and extremely heat resistant, you could leave it on the fire all night and not even get close to worrying, where as you could ruin an aluminum bottle with a hot enough fire. Steel bottles are not as good temperature wise as Ti, but they are more than good enough, however they are heavy and can rust and they are twice as heavy. Any steel, no matter how stainless, will rust eventually if it is not taken care of.
If you just want the best, the last bottle you will buy for many years if not ever, I don't see a problem spending a few extra bucks on a Titanium one.
That's the thing many folks don't realize with titanium. Make anything out of it with threads, when Ti meets Ti, your going to get some galling. And you will hear it every single time. Just the nature of the beast. There's no way to make smooth Titanium threads that interact with each other. The version with the plastic top is likely going to be better.
Happy with the honest review. I had a few Vargo UL stoves that did not impress based on price. Not bashing the company as they make great cups etc and I'm sure many will like this water bottle. Put it this way when I first clicked the vid I thought "Damn, another water bottle...is Luke essentially gonna tell me this is 'can't live without Kit' and there goes another $85"? But no....I concurr on all counts. There's better out there for nearly as light (like a few sips of water heavier) and cheaper and often tougher. And no brutal chalkboard/fingers action.
You made some good points as did the comments people. One thing that would worry me some is losing or theft. High priced items attract dirt bags.
The weight difference on the box & on the website could be the 4.6 oz is including the packaging.
A good honest review. Not something I would use but it's always interesting to see what's out there.
Thanks for the honest review.
mryanik0 I wouldn't give anything but!
- Luke
That's a pretty tall-thin bottle as well.
You can get a full 1x Litre Bottle that relatively looks 3/4 of that size with just a small
diameter increase.
titanium is super abrasive against itself, i wonder how long those threads will last before they get sloppy.
I still have one that I bought around 15 years ago (plastic top version). I like the way it doesn't colour the taste of liquids especially water unlike Nalgene plastic bottles. I had no idea they were so expensive nowadays, I only payed a fraction of that - I must have found a bargain in a sale. I'll have to rethink leaving it lying around in an unoccupied tent!
Do tritan plastic water bottles affect the taste as well?
it don't matter how light the bottle is once its full of water its heavy that bottle here in the uk on amazon is £98 that is crazy for a bottle
What other titanium bottles did you have in mind? Finding steel ones is not the problem, but any other Ti bottle I found is with weird cap making them completely useless on the spot. And when you even mentioned they are cheaper...
You should totally make a review of the Vargo Para! :D
Metal allows cooking (boiling to purify) and making char and so on, also I just like the taste of ice water in metal, it may be an illusion but that does not change I like it, also load up with juice or wine and metal washes out better IMO, that said price does seem high, for me an issue, for some not an issue. (also this seems big to get a good boil (when full) in a good time)
Titanium has a precious metal value as well
Great review like always.
Laurent Mercier Thank you my friend.
- Luke
Where is this bottle made?
China
Expensive? Sure, but you are not mentioning the fact that titanium is the safest metal in the world to drink from or cook with. It is why it is used in surgical implants. There is no leeching of anything harmful. For me that is worth the cost.
E McNamara I think there are pretty titanium products out there for the money but if you like it, that's awesome.
Cheers.
- Luke
nice water bottle if you have the money. Luke thanks for giving you opinion and alternative money saving items.
Digging the beard, and the green screen!
Tacticallysquared Away Thanks brother.
- Luke
do you think u can boil water in it using open fire? or will the oring melt?
pro Toyz Over an open fire you can. I wouldn't use it with a canister stove though. Just too hot.
- Luke
I'm happy my wide mouth Nalgene with a small cap lid. It's perfect, in my opinion.
A titanium kettle is inexpensive, and you can carry a stove, matches etc inside it.
What country is this manufactured in?
Great preview mini review. For my system its not worth the price. I have always used stainless steel and that works great for my needs. Have a great day
So some of the things you're being nitpicky about are just in nature of titanium itself.
Titanium sticks on itself like some aluminum's will.
it's not a slippery material like some metals are against other metatl or itself. titanium is also an element, so it's going to have some characteristics that are strange compared to other metals, one thing titanium has is very antimicrobial compared to other metals that need to be cleaned more often and or better. And is almost 50 percent as dense as Stainless, but 40% less weight than stainless steel. So take the good of the bad I guess. It also has some higher heat resistances In some cases then certain Steals And many stainless steels
Ouch, just the nose alone makes me run for the hills. Nice review, though. Thanks, Luke, I'll wait to decide once you use it. Maybe I can catch it on sale and have ear plugs on when I screw it on. No, even if you have a nice review for it, I just can't stands the noise. Really creepy. ATB, JB.
I’ll just stick to my heavy cover canteen that I bought years ago.
If only I could find some dehydrated powdered water! Think of the weight
I could save...
Scott Dunbar Haha No doubt about! If one drop of water would turn an entire bag of dehydrated powdered water...It would be incredible!
- Luke
Spendy! Noisy. Sounds cranky, I'd go for a cheaper one that has the same features. Good review Luke.
***** Thanks Jeff!
Take care.
- Luke
TheOutdoorGearReview Welcome! Hope you guys had fun on the recent hike and adventure. Heard you guys were in for some snow there, if I'm hearing the weather right for the east coast? Stay warm!
I would pay 84$ for a quality piece of kit, but that small bottle is FAR from it. For 84$ i would expect a bottle that hold at least a litre of water, have a quality pouch with it and doesn't make the sound of an old chevy's rusty brakes...not for me.Gonna stick with my klean kanteen...
thank you for your honesty as always bubba
Got to be lighter n smaller n id buy it.
The Vargo BOT is more practical.
great review i run a nalgene or a64 oz kleen kanteen i dont like ti
Forget it!!
got mine for 50 dollars usd.
Care to tell us how/where?
It was one of those sites like massdrop.com
I paid $52 for a Keith 700ml titanium bottle, Vargo products are totally overpriced.
IT WOULDA BEEN GREAT TO "ASK" AT THE BEGINING HOW MUCH WE THOUGHT IT COST.....
NOT A DAMN SOUL ON THIS EARTH WOULD HAVE SAID 80 BUCKS!!!
BUT IF THATS HOW YA ROLL.... ENJOY.....
THESOUTHWASRIGHT Haha I should have done that!
haha That would have been funny.
- Luke
TheOutdoorGearReview Yeah Luke! You need to set the punchlines up better!
Супер 🔥
Ugh. Any ultralight backpacker will use a collapsible plastic bottle. Any ordinary backpacker will use a cheap Nalgene. Everyday commuters will use an insulated Hydro Flask. This product only appeals to Ti addicts who can't get enough of that expensive metal.
Nalgene all the way yea!!!!! $12 to -$15 is expensive for a water bottle in my eyes. $84 seems like you pick money out of that tree in your backyard.
I've spent $24 for my 18oz. Hydroflask, but it's insulated (very good insulation btw). But $84 just for a water bottle? Seriously?
It also may be marketed towards people who want to avoid the harmful chemicals that even BPA free bottles, especially the thin ones, emit into the water especially during hot temperatures. That said, harmful chemicals exist in pretty much every thing we consume, even fruits and vegetables. The relative amounts and their negative effects I am not knowledgeable on so I won't outright condemn anything without enough evidence. Personally I really don't like the plastic taste of a water bottle that has been sitting in the heat in sunlight and my gut says it can't be good for me.
Joe Hanson Those people concerned about chemical leeching can just get a thin-lined steel bottle for a fraction of the price. This is still a niche item in a niche market.
Well steel bottles weigh more and most people aren't worried about steel leeching. The weight difference, although maybe double, is still only a difference of a few ounces. To some that matters in every single item. Most things Titanium is a niche market.
Nice yet over priced.