Comments on: Ultimate Direction Bottle With Kicker Valves Review

By: Bryon Powell

Bryon Powell — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:08:26 +0000

Anonymous,
I'm sort to hear that you've had durability problems with the UD kicker valves. How frequently do you use the bottles? The Camelback Podium does have a nice valve, but I've not found the shape to my liking while running.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:33:59 +0000

I've had 4 bottles in use for 2 years and I've experienced the white valve seperating from the gray top. Tried contacting UD twice, but neve got a response. When they weren't broken they worked great. But 2 years is not great in terms of product life. I wished they sold the just the kicker valve top.

Picked up 4 Camelbak Podiums and they are looking like the replacement for the UD. I do miss the looped cap, but the nozzle mechanism looks like it may be a bit more sturdy. I leave it in always open position and it never leaks. We'll see if these last more than 2 years.

By: Kate McDowell

Kate McDowell — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:06:40 +0000

I *love* my UD kicker valve – it's so much better than the Nathan bottle i have. Thanks for the review!

By: Will Thomas

Will Thomas — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:47:07 +0000

I second Steve's comment. My teething, bottle fed child is much more drawn to my UD bottle over any other bottle. My UD bottles have passed the ultimate endurance test and keep on working.

By: Steve Bohrer

Steve Bohrer — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:15:12 +0000

I'm a little late to this discussion, but I love my UD bottles so I'll comment. They're the only bottles I've had that don't leak. In the spirit of continuous improvement, Nathan could learn something there. The other plus is their fall-breaking ability. I was running with two UD handhelds, one kicker and one the old style. I took a sudden digger, landing on my hands. The old-style lid simply blew off, spilling the entire bottle into the dirt. The kicker valve allowed a controlled release of pressure. Some liquid sprayed out, but most of it stayed in the bottle.
My only problem is that my little kids seem to think the valve is a binky and they chew on it if they find them laying around or while hiking. They don't hold up to sharp little toddler teeth. But overall, I love them.

By: Marc Meyer

Marc Meyer — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:17:01 +0000

I have used the UD bottles for two years and have not experienced any leaking. However, I did have one of the kicker valves break off one bottle. I contacted UD and they sent me two additional complete tops at no cost.

By: Mark Lundblad

Mark Lundblad — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:11:50 +0000

The only issue I've ever had with the UD bottles leaking is when I put them in the dishwasher and used the heated dry option. It warped the threads and comprimised the seal on the kicker valve somehow, so now I hand wash or obviously don't dry them via the heat option in the dishwasher.

By: Bryon Powell

Bryon Powell — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:42:18 +0000

Some points based on others comments:

* I've never had mine leak or the valve assembly detach from the lid. Sorry to hear that some have had that problem.
* I've found the bottles to be very durable. I've pounded them into the ground (unintentionally) and they've always stood up to the abuse.
* I'm not a big fan of the ring on the top. I suppose it could help spin the bottle top, but I'd be happier without it... but not so happy that I've tried to remove it myself.
* I guess kicker valves aren't great for watering dogs. I'll never know.

As for other bottles:

* I like the new CamelBak Podium ChillJacket bottle a good deal. In fact, I used it all summer long... when I wasn't running. It's shape doesn't match up with my handhelds so it's a no go for me while running.

* I've not tried the Amphipod Hydraform bottle.

Caren, I wish I would have known. I got rid of some unused Nathan bottles before I moved. I may still have some around...

By: Alan Jaques

Alan Jaques — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:03:57 +0000

Anyone try any of the amphipod bottles yet?

By: Shaun Hansen

Shaun Hansen — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:36:58 +0000

I run with two of these all the time… took a while to get used to having my hands full, but they are perfect! Small pocket on the bottle bag is perfect for carrying cell phone or car key when you're at a trailhead!