First Impressions of Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set
The Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set promises a lightweight, durable, and leak-proof solution for carrying essentials on any adventure. Coghlans, a name synonymous with practical outdoor gear, aims to simplify travel packing with these cleverly designed bottles. I was eager to see if this set could finally replace my collection of mismatched, leaky plastic bottles that have plagued my backpacking trips for years.
For years I’ve struggled with finding the right containers for my various soaps, lotions, and condiments when I’m out in the field. I’ve tried everything from hard plastic bottles to squeeze tubes, but nothing has been quite right. They either leak, crack, or are difficult to fill and clean. The promise of a silicone, food-safe, and easily attachable container system sounded like the perfect solution to this nagging problem.
Upon unboxing, the bottles felt surprisingly sturdy yet pliable. The silicone material felt durable and the color-coded caps added a touch of organization. The integrated hole for carabiner attachment was a thoughtful addition. My initial thought was relief; this seemed like a promising solution.
Compared to other travel bottle sets, like the GoToob or Humangear GoTubb, the Coghlans set seemed more focused on ruggedness and ease of attachment. While the GoToob emphasizes dispensing control and the GoTubb prioritizes small-item organization, Coghlans appears to target those who need a reliable, external carry option, and this is exactly what I was hoping for. I chose these bottles because they seemed like the most versatile option for my needs and they also advertised being food-safe.
My initial excitement was high. The design appeared well-thought-out, and the quality of the materials seemed promising. I was particularly intrigued by the large opening for easy refills and the selector cap for identifying contents.
Real-World Testing: Putting Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set on a week-long backpacking trip in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. I filled the bottles with shampoo, conditioner, and dish soap. I clipped them to the outside of my pack using small carabiners.
The bottles performed well in varying conditions. They withstood temperature swings from near freezing at night to warm during the day. There were no leaks, even when subjected to jostling during strenuous hikes. The labels stayed put, and I had no problem identifying their contents while setting up camp in the dark.
The bottles were simple to use. The wide openings made filling them at home easy, and dispensing the contents in the field was equally straightforward. I did find that thicker liquids required a bit more squeezing than thinner ones, but this was expected. The only issue I had was that the silicone material collected dust and debris when carried externally.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple camping trips and international travel, the Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking or degradation of the silicone. The caps remain secure, and the labeling system continues to be effective.
The bottles have proven to be quite durable. They’ve been dropped on rocks, stepped on inside a tent, and subjected to extreme temperature changes without any noticeable damage. The silicone remains flexible and resilient.
Maintenance is a breeze. The wide openings allow for easy cleaning with soap and water, and the silicone material dries quickly. I have also put the bottles in the dishwasher for a deeper clean without any adverse effects. I definitely prefer these over the bottles that are difficult to rinse out due to having a very small opening.
Compared to my previous experiences with plastic travel bottles, the Coghlans set is a significant upgrade. It is more durable, easier to clean, and far less prone to leaking. The ability to attach the bottles externally is a game-changer, freeing up valuable space inside my pack.
Breaking Down the Features of Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set
Specifications
- The Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set features food-safe (FDA), 100% BPA-free and phthalate-free silicone tubes. This ensures that the contents remain uncontaminated and safe for use.
- Each bottle measures roughly 8 inches in length, 8 inches in width, and 1.5 inches in height. These dimensions make them compact and easy to pack, while still holding a reasonable amount of liquid.
- The set weighs approximately 0.35 lbs. This lightweight design is crucial for minimizing pack weight, especially during long backpacking trips.
- The bottles are designed with an integrated hole for carabiner attachment. This allows for convenient external carry on a backpack or other gear.
- Each bottle has a selector cap for easy content identification. This feature is handy when you’re using multiple bottles for different liquids and need to quickly distinguish between them.
These specifications are significant because they directly impact the performance and user experience. The BPA-free silicone ensures safety, while the compact size and lightweight design enhance portability. The integrated attachment point adds versatility, and the selector cap promotes organization.
Performance & Functionality
The Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set excels at its primary function: safely and conveniently transporting liquids. The bottles are leak-proof, easy to fill and dispense, and exceptionally durable. I used these bottles extensively on my last fishing trip.
The primary strength is their leak-proof design and rugged construction. The bottles have withstood significant abuse without any signs of failure. The selector caps allow for clear identification of contents, and the large openings make filling and cleaning simple. The main weakness is that the silicone material can attract dust when carried externally, and it is difficult to rinse off.
The Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set has definitely exceeded my expectations. Their ruggedness and practicality is impressive.
Design & Ergonomics
The Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set features a minimalist, functional design. The bottles are made from a soft, pliable silicone material that is comfortable to handle. The caps are easy to grip and twist, even with wet hands.
The bottles are user-friendly. The wide openings make filling and cleaning a breeze, and the selector caps are intuitive to use. There is virtually no learning curve. These are super practical for camping.
Durability & Maintenance
The Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set appears built to last for years. The silicone material is highly resistant to cracking, tearing, and degradation. The caps are made from a durable plastic that can withstand repeated use.
The bottles are easy to maintain. Simply rinse them with soap and water after each use, or toss them in the dishwasher for a more thorough cleaning. No special care is required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set comes as a complete set with no additional accessories. The only form of customization comes from the user by selecting which contents go in each bottle.
While there are no official accessories or customization options, the bottles are compatible with standard carabiners for external attachment. I found that small, lightweight carabiners work best.
Pros and Cons of Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set
Pros
- Leak-proof design: Prevents messy spills and ensures contents remain secure, which is really important for me when traveling and backpacking.
- Durable silicone construction: Resists cracking, tearing, and degradation, guaranteeing long-term use, and making them my go-to for rugged trips.
- Integrated carabiner attachment: Provides convenient external carry, freeing up valuable pack space; this is the primary reason I bought them.
- Wide openings for easy filling and cleaning: Simplifies maintenance and reduces the risk of contamination, saving me time and hassle on the trail.
- Food-safe and BPA-free: Ensures the safety of contents, making them suitable for food items.
Cons
- Silicone attracts dust and debris: Can become dirty when carried externally and difficult to clean, which is a bit of a nuisance.
- Limited dispensing control: Squeezing can sometimes result in too much liquid being dispensed at once.
Who Should Buy Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set?
The Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set is perfect for backpackers, campers, travelers, and anyone who needs a reliable and convenient way to carry liquids on the go. It is especially well-suited for those who prioritize durability and external carry options. They would also be very useful for people that spend a lot of time in the wilderness and need food-safe options for carrying condiments.
Those who primarily need precise dispensing control or prefer a more streamlined aesthetic might want to consider other options. If you are primarily using the bottles in a sterile environment you should also consider different bottles.
A set of small carabiners for external attachment is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set
The Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set is a well-designed and highly functional product that delivers on its promises. The bottles are leak-proof, durable, and easy to use, making them an excellent choice for anyone who needs a reliable travel solution. The food-safe construction is a welcome bonus.
At $34.59, the price is justified by the quality and durability of the product. These bottles are built to last, and they offer a significant upgrade over cheaper plastic alternatives. It is definitely a purchase that I would recommend.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Coghlans Silicone Travel Bottle Set to anyone looking for a durable, leak-proof, and versatile travel solution. Grab a set and ditch those leaky plastic bottles for good!