hot water bottle fail

[Doctari]

The 2 times I have done it, & I just use an old Gatorade bottle, I had the lid tight (that's TIGHT!) & let it cool just a bit before putting in the bag that I think pulls the lid tighter. I also left an air space (about 1.5") So far, no leaks either time.

[Syb]

I left the water level a good two inches below from the full mark.

Maybe check the threads? I've used it back when I was a ground-dweller with no issues. Also, are there any cracks? I've filled bottles with a soapy solution (like the tires guys do looking for leaks), shook the bottle and that gave the leaky spot away instantly.

Hope that helps.

Syb

[TFC Rick]

Anyone ever thought of using an actual hot water bottle? I know there would be added weight for a single use item, but I would think from the security of the closure and the rubber conformity it would be worth it?

Thinking out loud as I have never used one (yet).

[jackleberry]

Grandma did this in her bed too. It was called a called a 'hot water bottle' back then... You can buy them at any drug store for less than a Nalgene. They're designed not to leak, and they are more comfortable to lie with than a hard plastic bottle.

[MAD777]

Which Nalgene botte are we talking about here? They make a half dozen different materials, plus large & small mouth versions.

Also, was the water still bubbling when you fill the bottle or di you give it a minute to stop boiling.

The more details we have will really help because a lot of winter campers use this method.

[Rain Man]

Which Nalgene botte are we talking about here?

The OP says a Nalgene Cantene bottle. That's NOT what we all commonly think of as a Nalgene bottle, but is more like a Platypus. See photo below. Here's a link:
Nalgene 'cantene' bottle

For myself, I leave NO AIR (or very little) in my regular hard plastic Nalgene bottle when doing this. It is air that expands and contracts, not water, when it cools or heats. I want to get rid of that pressure/suction buildup.

I've not had a leak ... so far. But also I do NOT tighten the cap too hard. To me the cap is the 'weakest link.' I have screwed caps on other bottles so tight that the cap cracks. Not good. So, I don't 'He Man' it, as I think that would cause the very leak problem I want to prevent.

And no, wrapping a sock or t-shirt doesn't keep you from getting heat, but it does keep you from getting scalded.

Rain Man

P.S. A Google search turns up another 'Nalgene' bottle that looks like an old Army canteen. Not sure if that could be what the OP is talking about.


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[Roadtorque]

The OP says a Nalgene Cantene bottle. That's NOT what we all commonly think of as a Nalgene bottle, but is more like a Platypus. See photo below. Here's a link:
Nalgene 'cantene' bottle

For myself, I leave NO AIR (or very little) in my regular hard plastic Nalgene bottle when doing this. It is air that expands and contracts, not water, when it cools or heats. I want to get rid of that pressure/suction buildup.

I've not had a leak ... so far. But also I do NOT tighten the cap too hard. To me the cap is the 'weakest link.' I have screwed caps on other bottles so tight that the cap cracks. Not good. So, I don't 'He Man' it, as I think that would cause the very leak problem I want to prevent.

And no, wrapping a sock or t-shirt doesn't keep you from getting heat, but it does keep you from getting scalded.

Rain Man

P.S. A Google search turns up another 'Nalgene' bottle that looks like an old Army canteen. Not sure if that could be what the OP is talking about.


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I would be nervous of the same things. The lid is the weakest point on a bottle in good condition. I figure the very hot water can make the plastic lid a little pliable. If I tighten the cap as much as manly possible I figure I might stretch/warp/or crack the threads of the cap. My wife and I dont tighten our water bottles caps (cold water which we use ever single day) at all and have never had a leak. I'm defiantly going with hot water and super tight lid=bad combination.

As for extra insurance while camping with a hot water bottle I but the bottle in a sock and put it in one or two zip lock bags.

[MAD777]

For warm water bottle use in winter camping, I stick to the hard sided HDPE bottle with the large mouth. It's been an oldie but goodie for me.

[Shug]

I always put mine ..... Camelback Hard Bottle...... in a big baggie and seal it well! So far so good......!!!!
Shug the Dry

[Cranky Bear]

I have had several Nalgene's leak, but luckily never in the hammock! What I have done to stop the leak is use plumbers thread tape, as all of mine and my kids's have leaked at the threads, never had a problem since using the tape!