As we all know, not all products live up to their potential. Through the years, I’ve had many disappointments with outdoor gear. So, when a product comes along that actually does what it’s supposed to, it’s worth mentioning.
This review, as if you haven’t already guessed, is about canteens; something that through the years I’ve seemed to acquire a good many.
I have canteens of all sizes, shapes, weights, and colors. Initially happy with my choice, I always end up disappointed simply because they just don’t work. When hiking or fly fishing, and working up a thirst, there’s nothing worse than taking a swig of water that’s hot enough to brew tea. Once a canteen fails its field test, I either give it away, or it joins its comrades on the kitchen shelf—A.K.A “Canteen Cupboard.” For field use, these canteens are useless, but around the house, they work just fine.
Like it or not, I would have to rely on warm drinking water along the trail. And that’s exactly how it was, until about three years ago. I was at my favorite outdoor store when I passed by the canteen aisle. I glanced and kept walking; after all, I wasn’t going to fall for that again. I had no intention of buying another canteen. Well, I almost made it out of the aisle, and would have made it out of the aisle had it not been for the glint of silver that caught my eye on the end base.
I picked the canteen up off the shelf. Its logo read Klean Kanteen Insulated: Capacity: 16-ounces—weight: 8.75 ounces. Made of stainless steel, its construction was double-walled and vacuum-insulated. Its black, heavy-duty, screw-on cap had an opening to clip a carabiner. Its design was sleek and simple. I liked it! What I didn’t like was the price that was about twice that of other canteens. But would it work? The thought of spending more money for another canteen that probably couldn’t keep water cold from here to the parking lot, was just plain foolish. I put the Klean Kanteen Insulated back on the shelf, and walked away.
But, I just couldn’t get that darn canteen out of my head, and went back for a second look. Having used similar canteens in the past that have failed, I was skeptical. I struggled for a decision. Finally, I decided, why not? If it didn’t work, I’d return it, and with that in mind, I bought it.
Am I glad I did! The Klean Kanteen Insulated is an amazing product that does exactly what it is meant to do. It keeps water ice-cold. No need to chill the water or the canteen before use. Just drop in some ice cubes, fill, and you’re good to go! This is the only canteen I know that keeps ice cubes frozen up to two days, and keeps water cold for three. Even when left in full sun for hours, the ice cubes stay frozen, and the water chilled.
Recently, I’d left my Klean Kanteen Insulated inside our pickup truck. When I returned an hour later, the temperature inside the cab had soared to 103˚ F. My Klean Kanteen Insulated, on the outside, was almost hot to the touch. As I loosened the cap, the ice cubes rattled like change in a tin can. Not a single ice-cube was melted. I took a swig. Ice water never tasted so good!
Now we own two Klean Kanteens, because when Chris learned how well it worked, he had to have one. He bought the 20-ounce that he uses in his shop at work, and although it’s been dropped and dented a half-dozen times, it still keeps the ice cubes frozen and the water cold for days. He loves it!
This is an outstanding product. In fact, I’m still using the same one that I almost didn’t buy three years ago. When it comes to the Klean Kanteen Insulated, it’s true what they say, “You get what you pay for.”
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🌿Please note that not all Klean Kanteens are created equal. There are two models, the standard Klean Kanteen, which is less expensive, and only keeps water cold for a short time, or the Klean Kanteen Insulated that will keep water chilled for hours, if not days. Which one would you choose?
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