The CamelBak Chute Mag surprised me in the best way possible. Reasonably priced, it stands as a fantastic and more affordable alternative to the big-shot brands like Hydro Flask or YETI, matching their features and sometimes even surpassing them.
It’s a heavily (very heavily) insulated and durable bottle while still not being a burden on my hikes or other activities.
In this review, I’ll explain why the CamelBak Chute Mag has quickly climbed to the top of my favorites list and why it should be your next bottle if you are in search for a new reliable insulated companion. There’s so much to love about this one!
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KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
Insulation
The label clearly states that the CamelBak Chute Mag delivers an impressive 36 hours of cold retention and 16 hours of heat retention.
Bold claims, right? I thought so too, until I put it to the test. As I found out, it indeed lives up to the promise, but only in terms of keeping your water cold.
Cold Retention Test
I started the test by filling the bottle with ice-cold water at 32°F (0°C). After 24 hours, the temperature was 46°F (7.8°C), which is just a 14°F (7.8°C) increase. Impressive, but I wasn’t done yet.
I waited another 16 hours before opening the bottle again and this time, the thermometer read 52.5°F (11.4°C).
Even after 40 hours, the water was still refreshingly cold. Imagine how long it would stay icy if you threw some actual ice cubes in there. Three, maybe even four days?
If the golden standard for insulated water bottles is keeping drinks cold for 24 hours, then this CamelBak must belong in the platinum tier.
Heat Retention Test
Surprisingly, after a very successful cold retention test, my CamelBak failed to reach the promised 16 hours of heat retention.
I started the test by pouring 196°F (91°C) water into the bottle. After 8 hours, the thermometer read 123.2°F (50.7°C), which was very close to 50°C, the minimum temperature I consider “hot”.
It’s by no means a bad result. In fact, it’s usually more than enough for my hiking needs. However, it’s somewhat disappointing that the heat retention didn’t meet expectations and that’s why I have to knock off one star in the final score.
Insulation Score
★★★★☆
Durability
The CamelBak Chute Mag feels sturdy right out of the box, and as it turns out, it really is. Made from 18/8 stainless steel, this bottle uses the same high-quality material you’ll find in other premium bottles.
In fact, my CamelBak looks practically new after six months of regular use, despite a few accidental drops, some from a height of five feet. There are no dents or scratches to speak of.
The lid also holds its own in the sturdiness department. While it’s made of plastic, it’s much thicker and more resilient than those flimsy lids you find on cheaper bottles.
Durability Score
★★★★★
Lid & Cap Usability
The lid and cap of the CamelBak Chute Mag are unique, and dare I say, among the most interesting in my collection. But let’s take this step by step, shall we?
First, you have a choice of drinking from the wide mouth or through the spout, and having options is always an advantage in my book.
Both are useful in certain scenarios, but I usually find myself sipping from the spout. It’s well-designed and comfortable, which is especially handy when you’re hiking or on the move. The chances of spilling water all over yourself are minimal.
The Cap
The functional and fun magnetic cap steals the show and for good reason. The magnet is perfectly balanced – it’s not so strong that you have to wrestle with it, nor too weak to lose its purpose of staying put while you drink. Even if you place the bottle upside down, the cap stays put, unless you shake it like a maraca.
The cap also comes with a retaining strap that folds neatly, emblazoned with the CamelBak logo. It’s stiff, so no worries about losing the cap.
What about the opening mechanism? It involves three movements followed by pulling the cap upwards. While not overly complex, it does require some getting used to and could be a bit problematic when you’re driving.
The Lid
Moving on to the lid itself, it’s equally interesting. My favorite part is its ergonomic design and the rigid, plastic handle that can accommodate three fingers.
This rigid handle is especially helpful when opening the lid. Its size allows for a firm grip, and there’s an ingenious indentation on one side for your index or middle finger, which aids in the opening process. Kudos to CamelBak for sweating the small stuff!
However, this rigidness comes with a tradeoff. It’s less comfortable to carry the bottle over long periods compared to the flexible and soft straps or loops you might find on other bottles like Hydro Flask.
While the design is solid, I’ve had more comfortable loops to hold onto in my life.
Lid & Cap Usability
★★★★☆
Leakproofness
In the leakproofness department, my CamelBak has been remarkably reliable. Not a single drop has escaped when (and this is super important) I made sure both the cap and the lid were properly sealed.
However, if the cap isn’t sealed 100% (and I’m talking somewhere around the 95% mark) the water will leak like a waterfall. This happened to me once in many months of using the bottle, but that one time was enough to make me double-check the seal every time.
To provide a bit of context, comparing it to my old Hydro Flask, the latter doesn’t dribble as much even if it’s only about 80% sealed. So, for those of us who might be a bit forgetful or just plain reckless, the Hydro Flask offers a bit more leeway.
But that doesn’t mean the CamelBak Chute Mag is any less competent. It just demands a bit more attention to detail.
Leakproofness
★★★★☆
Portability
CamelBak Chute Mag is a hefty bottle with a hefty diameter at the base. My 40 oz. version has a base diameter of 3.75 inches, which automatically rules out squeezing it into my car’s cup holder. Even the 32 and 25 oz. versions are likely to give you a hard time.
The only size that will comfortably fit is the 20 oz. version, boasting a more manageable diameter of 2.75 inches.
So, should you trade capacity for the luxury of fitting your bottle in a cup holder? That’s a decision only you can make.
On a positive note, despite its size, this bottle isn’t the heaviest around. My 40 oz. CamelBak weighs in at 1 lb. 3 oz., while the 20 oz. version goes as low as 11 ounces.
Another thing worth mentioning is the coating on this CamelBak bottle. It’s quite similar to the renowned Hydro Flask coating, giving it a nice, grippy texture, so I have that assurance that it won’t slip out of my hand like a bar of soap.
Portability
★★★★☆
Ease of Cleaning
First off, let’s celebrate a small win: this bottle is dishwasher safe! This is always a major advantage for any bottle. You can just toss your CamelBak in with the rest of your dishes and let technology do the hard work.
But let’s say you prefer washing your bottles manually, which I always suggest for banishing every last bit of gunk. The good news is that the bottle itself features a wide mouth, making it easy to reach all the nooks and crannies with a brush.
Ease of Cleaning
★★★★★
Versatility
The biggest indicator of versatility for me is whether I can use a bottle for various outdoor activities. I haven’t had any problems taking my CamelBak on hiking trips, camping, or beach outings.
Additionally, the 32 and 40 oz. sizes of this bottle are fantastic for indoor settings like the office or gym. The capacity is more than sufficient, ensuring you stay hydrated without constantly needing to refill, and the insulation is exceptional.
However, I’ve encountered some hiccups on road trips due to the cup holder situation. But this inconvenience shouldn’t detract from the bottle’s overall versatility.
Versatility
★★★★★
Price/Value Ratio
This CamelBak hits the sweet spot between cost and value. Given all the features I’ve described so far, this bottle packs some serious bang for your buck.
You can snag even the biggest 40 oz. version of this CamelBak for around $40. On Amazon, it’s often even cheaper, usually going for $30-$35 (which is how I got mine).
If you compare it to a Hydro Flask or a YETI Rambler of the same size, you’re looking at spending an extra $10-$15, which is definitely not pocket change.
CamelBak also throws in their Got Your Bak Lifetime Guarantee and it actually adds significant value.
Price/Value Ratio Score
★★★★★
Conclusion: Is CamelBak Chute Mag Insulated Bottle Worth It?
The CamelBak Chute Mag is worth every penny, and I’d even go as far as saying it would be worth it if it cost $10 more.
Bold claim? Maybe. But after using this bottle for quite some time, I’m convinced it stands toe-to-toe with the biggest names in the industry. It might even outshine them in certain aspects.
While everyone else is reaching for their Hydro Flasks or Ramblers, you can stand out with your CamelBak and save a few bucks in the process.
CamelBak Chute Mag Insulated |
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Overall Score: 4.37/5 |
Jeremiah Kowalski
Hey there! I’m Jeremiah, the guy behind WaterBottleAdvisor.com. I used to have a bad habit of guzzling sodas while working remotely, but thanks to reusable water bottles, I’ve turned my hydration game around. After testing over 50 bottles, I’m here to help you find the perfect one to make staying hydrated a joy, not a chore. When I’m not reviewing bottles, you’ll likely find me scaling steep trails around the world, trusty water bottle in hand.
