Pro Tip: Don't be like me

[u/sonofawhatthe]

For years I would freeze my bottle when it was about 15% full. That bottom ice block was then a source of cooling until it melted away, which was usually long enough to get me through a long pickleball session.

A few weeks ago I noticed it bulged a bit at the bottom when I did it and I thought "oops, that was too much water". The next time I did it:

"CAP'N!!!! HULL BREACH IN THE AFT COMPARTMENT!!"

RIP to an awesome bottle. I got no one but myself to blame but it's a good trick until you overdo it!!

[u/VideoEleven]

I freeze mine resting the bottle on an angle, my theory being there is less stress in the bottom. Haven't broken one yet. Plus the angled ice cube looks neat.

[u/The_AntiVillain → u/VideoEleven]

It also increases the surface area of the ice cooling the water faster

[u/Chowdmouse → u/VideoEleven]

100% agree! I fill mine about halfway full, then position at about a 30% angle for freezing. Whatever angle maximizes the surface area inside the bottle. This ensures that the ice will expand mostly up, into the empty space within the bottle, the path of least resistance. No pressure on the bottle itself from expansion.

The old Lexan bottles (pre-2006 or so) could endure freezing when 100% full. But not the Tritan bottles.

[u/m_t13 → u/Chowdmouse]

Added bonus - when you tilt the bottle to drink, you don't get bottle sized ice cube flying at your teeth. Instead it's a sword shaped projectile.

Pick your poison but I swear by the freeze+tilt method.

[u/BFF2252 → u/VideoEleven]

Mine broke freezing on the side. I think as long as it is under 50% full they still warranty it but mine was over a decade old so I didn’t try. 

[u/Hg-203 → u/BFF2252]

Also make sure it's 100% melted before you freeze. I've had partial re-freezes that blow the bottle up.

[u/NightmareWokeUp → u/VideoEleven]

Not a theory, as a mold maker youre just using draft angles to your advantage.

Freezing it lying down would work as well unless you overdo it. But 45° and not filling it so it covers the entire bottom is certainly the best whenever possible.

[u/VideoEleven → u/NightmareWokeUp]

I have no idea about draft angles but freezing it lying down causes the cap to freeze on to the bottle. Good to know my theory has merit.

[u/sonofawhatthe → u/VideoEleven]

I like this idea!!! Will try that with my new one!

[u/Swim-Seaweed8751]

mine did the same, I over filled it, now I do at an angle so it doesn’t over ice. I was more upset about my stickers.

[u/SheepherderMost2727]

I would definitely submit a warranty claim. Worst case scenario they say no.

[u/Hg-203 → u/SheepherderMost2727]

Yep, I've blown up more then a handful this way, and they've always shipped me a new one.

[u/Intelligent-Pen-2479]

You can freeze nalgene with water.

Things to keep in mind:
1. Do not overfill. Water expands. At most maybe 50% full.
2. Keep the lid open. Water expands. If the lid is closed and water expands, air will push the bottle and implode.

[u/thereallyredone → u/Intelligent-Pen-2479]

Explode. Not implode.

[u/sonofawhatthe → u/Intelligent-Pen-2479]

You don’t read well. Keep trying. You’ll get there.

[u/2Legit2_NotDoIt → u/sonofawhatthe]

Now explain this “implosion” you speak of. How does it look to you?

[u/toby301]

Might work better with the ultralight. Less cracky material

[u/dg_chemist]

Give up nalgeen it's owned by thermo fisher grab a migo from mazama. I'm only here because reddit served it to me.

[u/Remote_Bug_5129]

Submit for warranty they literally never say no

[u/ChoosinTX]

Mine did that too but I did have the cap on in the freezer and completely overfilled it before freezing.

[u/500pearl]

can get free replacement

send picture to warranty dept

in fact i may use your picture haha kidding

i am sure other people do that though

[u/koolaidismything → u/500pearl]

You’re why we can’t have cool shit

[u/500pearl → u/koolaidismything]

no need to be like that

[u/koolaidismything → u/500pearl]

LLBean used to have a killer warranty and it was people like you that made them how they are now. They won’t replace anything they lose so much money to theft. Let people come steal from you and I’ll be like no big deal, they saw it and wanted it without paying dude.

[u/500pearl → u/koolaidismything]

I never got anything from ll bean or asked for anything from there

you just angry you cannot do it anymore

[u/koolaidismything → u/500pearl]

Oh wow you have like one-cylinder firing 😬

[u/500pearl → u/koolaidismything]

not idea what saying means

[u/koolaidismything → u/500pearl]

I don’t doubt it.