Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle Review
The Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle.
Good hydration and outdoor sports go hand in hand. Regardless of whether temps are in the triple digits or below freezing, your water bottle has to deliver palatable fluids.
The 20 oz. Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle I’ve been testing in Los Angeles has stood up to 90-degree heat without sweating it. The bottle’s myriad features make this product a winner for those seeking a well-insulated, BPA-free, no-fuss water bottle.
Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle Insulation
The Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle features an easy-squeeze, double-walled construction designed for quick access to cool fluids. In my testing, the double-wall build has proven able to stand up to the elements. I filled this bottle with ice water before heading out in 90-degree, full-sun heat for a bike ride. After 45 minutes, the liquids remained cool and refreshing.
After returning from my ride, I left the bottle on the balcony with no protection from the sun or heat. Thirty minutes later, I sipped cool water. The water temperature had risen somewhat, but much less than I’d expected. The manufacturer claims liquids stay cool 20 percent longer compared to other leading insulated bottles. Based on my testing, I believe this claim is accurate.
Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle Design
The Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle is designed with an integrated reflective fabric to enhance nighttime visibility. The fabric is protected by the bottle’s transparent plastic outer wall, so the reflectivity will not erode over time. The bottle I ordered features an orange design scheme over the reflective fabric. The design is the Nathan Sports company logo rendered into an interesting “snowflake” pattern. The patterning is both natural and industrial. I like the touch.
The Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle features a visually interesting pattern embedded in its reflective material.
The bottle is built from BPA-free plastic, treated with “taste-free technology.” I am not familiar with the particulars of Nathan’s taste-free technology, but I have not detected a “plasticky” taste from water held in this bottle. One feature I particularly like is the leak-free, soft-sip cap. For years, I’ve wondered why sports water bottles tend to be capped with hard plastic that seems primed to chip teeth or fatten lips. This Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle cap is one of the best I’ve ever seen. The cap alone is reason enough to love this product.
The feature I most like about the Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle is its “soft-sip” cap.
Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle Other Comments
Integrated into the Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle exterior is a “comfort grip.” The comfort grip is a 1-inch tall strip of textured plastic finishing that enhances grip. The feature is nice, but not one that makes a great deal of difference in my experience. Were the feature absent from the bottle, no functionality would be lost.
The Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle is dishwasher safe. This is a favorite feature for both my husband and me, since we’re always looking for ways to cut down on dish washing. Plus, because of the reflective material’s placement between the bottle’s plastic layers, machine washing won’t harm the reflectivity.
The Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle textured plastic strip does provide some grip assistance, but the bottle’s double-wall insulation, soft-sip cap, and integrated reflective material are more important features.
Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle Colors
The bottle I’ve been testing features light orange color accents on the bottle and cap. Other colors include silver, dark blue, neon green, and pink.
Who Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle Is For
The Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle provides excellent insulation in a thoughtful design package. It’s low-maintenance, and it offers nice styling. I’ve used it on my bike with no problems, and I’ve carried it around with me at work. Performance in both capacities has been excellent. Based on my testing, the bottle seems suited for anyone seeking a high-performing insulated water bottle that can be used in multiple capacities.
It should be noted that, if you are looking for a water bottle that has an integrated handhold strap or other “passive grip” feature, this product does not include those elements. It must either be held in the hand or placed in a water bottle carrier on your bike or pack. It also should be noted that the Nathan Sports Fire and Ice Bottle is not for use with hot liquids and it should not be microwaved.
Final Thoughts
This product is well designed and highly functional. I have used it in high-heat conditions and found the insulation to work as advertised. I like the BPA-free and taste-free plastic, and I am a big fan of the soft-sip cap.
Another Nathan Sports product, the Nathan Sports Orion Strobe, was previously reviewed by Active Gear Review.
MSRP: $12.00
For more information, please visit: http://www.nathansports.com/
