To test just how well our insulated bottle bags perform, we decided to put them through a rigorous experiment—placing them in direct sunlight for several hours in sweltering heat. The experiment was stationed on a tile table - this increased heat exposure directly on the experiment itself - well beyond any average ambient temps the experiment would normally be exposed to. Alongside one of our insulated bags, we also placed a standard Nalgene bottle filled with ice, without any insulation, as a control.
The Setup
Starting Exposed Temp & Time: 85°F - 9:07 am
We took two Nalgene bottles, filled each with ice, and left them out in the blazing sun with temperatures soaring well over 90°F. One bottle was placed inside our insulated bottle bag, while the other was left exposed. We checked both bottles hourly, documenting the temperatures and monitoring how long the ice remained.
Hour 1: 94°F - 10:10 am
After the first hour, both bottles still had plenty of ice, and our insulated bag was holding up as expected.
Hour 2: 114°F - 11:11 am
By the second hour, the heat was ramping up. While the ice in the exposed Nalgene had already begun to melt, the bottle in the insulated bag was still full of solid ice.
Hour 3: 118°F - 12:10 pm
At this point, the temperature of the tile table shot up to a scorching 114°F! It was clear that the unprotected ice was melting fast. Our insulated bottle bag, though, still had a significant amount of ice.
Hour 4: 117°F - 1:11 pm
In this extreme heat, even the toughest gear would be tested. The ice in the unprotected bottle had completely melted, while our insulated bottle bag was still holding up—though noticeably reduced.
Hour 5: 117°F - 2:12 pm
The unprotected bottle was now just a puddle of water, but our insulated bag continued to hold a small amount of ice. The protection it provided was impressive given the brutal conditions of 117°F .
Hour 6: 111°F - 3:15 pm
At the six-hour mark, the ice was down to a single small cube. Wont last the next hour.
Hour 7: 109°F - 4:16 pm
Ice completely melted but water temp remains a cool 49°F .
Conclusion
In this extreme heat test, the ice in our insulated bottle bag stayed chilled a full 7 hours, far outperforming the unprotected Nalgene bottle. While this test was done in extreme temperatures (as high as 118°F!), it demonstrates the incredible insulation properties of our product. Under more normal conditions, you can expect the bag to keep your ice even longer. Whether you’re riding in intense heat or just want to keep your drinks cold for a long day out, our insulated bottle bags have got you covered!