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Update 01/22/2024: Welp, we’re not sure what happened to ChillPod, but they’re no longer in business (we’re guessing??). If you’re looking for a cold plunge pod that’s just as good, if not better, consider the Ice Pod.
Ah, the ChillPod Ice Bath! These frosty wonders have taken the wellness scene by storm, promising to invigorate our bodies, soothe our muscles, and give us a chillingly refreshing experience.
But do they live up to the hype? Well, gather ’round and put on your beanie as we review the all-new ChillPod and put it to a test more challenging than the Iditarod.
The ChillPod: Product Description
Our icy escapade begins with the star of the show, the one and only ChillPod 2.0 portable cold plunge. Picture this: a compact tub brimming with possibilities, crafted from upgraded materials to keep your submersion experience as cool as a polar bear sipping on a snow cone. These plunges from ChillPod USA come in 2 different sizes, catering to the needs of even the most arctic-obsessed among us.
ChillPod Ice Bath Setup and Ease of Use
Time needed: 20 minutes
Now, setting up the ChillPod 2.0 Ice Bath is as easy as pie—well, a frozen pie, that is. With minimal effort, you’ll have it ready for action.
- Unbox the ChillPod
Everything you’ll need comes in a small black bag. The contents of which include the ChillPod, metal support legs, an air pump, drain valve, drain hose, some extra o-rings, the cover and the optional Thermo Lid if you opted to purchase that.
- Assemble the support legs
Thread the support legs together to a corresponding leg. Once all 6 supports are assemble, insert them into the built-in sleeves on the outside of the ChillPod.
- Connect the drain valve
Place one of the black o-rings onto the drain valve spout and then screw on the drain plug assembly until snug. Set the ChillPod upright, fill the surrounding inflatable ring with air, and then close the drain plug valve and plug.
- You’re now ready to fill the ChillPod 2.0 with water!
Using a hose, fill the ChillPod 2/3 of the way up. Don’t overfill! Remember the term displacement from 7th grade science? If you purchased the Thermo lid, you can fill that with air and lay it on top of the water. That’s it, you’re done!
Portability and Storage
Who needs a bulky, immovable ice bath when you can have a portable cold plunge? Luckily for us, the all-new ChillPod comes in two variants, the 2.0 standard version and a larger size called the ChillPod Elite.
ChillPod Standard 2.0
Measuring roughly 30″ tall, 30″ round and only weighing a featherlight 7 lbs, the ChillPod 2.0 is designed to be your frosty companion on the go or as a semi-permanent solution.
Total water capacity of the 2.0 caps out at 90 gallons (350L) which is an over-estimation. Since you only fill these tubs 2/3 of the way up, actual volume of water will likely be around 50-70 gallons.
Setting up the ChillPod ice bath as you’d expect, is incredibly fast and simple. From the initial unboxing to filling it with water, the entire process takes no more than 20 minutes.
And when you’re not chilling your bones, tear down and storage is a piece of cake! Just empty the water and it’s ready to tuck away, until your next frosty adventure.
ChillPod 2.0 vs ChillPod Elite Comparison
| ChillPod Specs | ChillPod Standard 2.0 | ChillPod Elite |
| Size | 31″ Diameter, 30″ Tall | 35.5″ Diameter, 30″ Tall |
| Empty Weight | ~7 lbs | ~8 lbs |
| Water Capacity | 92.5 gallons | 111 gallons |
| Suitable User Height | Up to 6’7″ | Up to 6’7″ |
| Insulation | Standard | Increased Insulation |
| Price | $119 | $149 |
Performance and Effectiveness
These portable cold pods are pretty good at maintaining those icy temperatures, giving your muscles a wake-up call they’ll never forget. However, there are a few caveats.
First of all, where you use your ChillPod cold plunge can make all the difference in maintaining icy temps. For maximum results, avoid direct sunlight exposure. An insulated garage or covered patio is ideal.
After our primary filling, we emptied a 20lb bag of ice into 80-degree Fahrenheit water with an ambient temperature of around 90 degrees. That brought the temps down to about 73 degrees. The ChillPod was able to maintain that temp fairly close for the next 18 hours and then started to fall off.
Related Reading: A Quick Guide To Finding The Ideal Ice Bath Temperature
The ChillPod’s #1 Problem
Unfortunately, as much as we love the ChillPod, it does require a LOT of ice–initially and ongoing. That’s perhaps the biggest consideration when buying one of these portable cold plunges. Trust us, the standard ice cube tray isn’t gonna cut it.
If hauling bags of ice home from the grocery store sounds too tedious, you’re going to want to invest in a water chiller. Frankly, it’s the only way to go long-term.
Follow this guide if you’d like to save hundreds of dollars on a water chiller: How To Build A DIY Water Chiller For Cold Plunge
Durability and Build Quality
As long as you don’t hop in like you’re at a drunken frat party, these portable cold plunges are built to last. Made of rip-stop polyester fabric, with gentle use, there’s no reason this cold pod should fail prematurely.
To get the most out of it, be careful entering and exiting, avoid wearing anything sharp (machetes included), and keep it out of the sun.
If for some reason, at no fault of your own, you spring a leak or something comes undone, the ChillPod 2.0 is covered by a 1-year warranty.
User Experience and Comfort
Slipping into the portable ChillPod cold plunge for the first time is like dipping your toes into a winter wonderland. No actually, you’ll likely question your ability to make good decisions. Yes, it’s freezing, but after the initial shock, taking an ice bath is quite euphoric.
Despite its small footprint, the ChillPod is very roomy inside. You might not be able to sprawl out and stretch your legs, but at no point will you feel cramped either.
After becoming a human icicle, getting out is a snap too. The walls are 30″ tall, so there’s no need for a ladder or anything of the sort.
Best of all? The ChillPod maintains its form really well. At no point during testing did we feel it would collapse. That’s what 700 lbs of outward water pressure will get you.
Related: How To Keep Your Ice Bath Clean
Price and Value for Money
Now, let’s talk about the frosty elephant in the room: the price. Starting at $119, the ChillPod is very competitively priced.
When you consider the countless benefits it offers, it’s an investment worth considering. Think of it as purchasing a personal snow globe of wellness, with the added perk of being able to enjoy it whenever and wherever you please.
Furthermore, given that dedicated all-in-one cold plunges can set you back upwards of $15k, one Benjamin and Jackson doesn’t seem so bad.
The ChillPod 2.0 Ice Bath: Final Thoughts
So, you’ve taken the advice of Andrew Huberman and you’re ready to embrace the chilly embrace of a portable cold plunge. Awesome!
Is the ChillPod 2.0 worth it? We think so, particularly if you’re new to cold plunge or you need a portable way of doing it. Yes, there are some drawbacks, but we think the pros heavily outweigh the cons.
In our opinion, the ChillPod is not just a tub of freezing water—it’s a ticket to an exhilarating frosty adventure.
Disclaimer: No polar bears or snow cones were harmed in the making of this blog post. Please use portable cold plunges responsibly and consult a professional if you have any concerns about your health or safety.
The ChillPod 2.0 Ice Bath
Summary
Whether you’re new to cold plunge or a prodigy of Wim Hof, the ChillPod 2.0 is a basic, yet effective portable ice bath. The price proposition relative to value is indisputable.
The authors and editors that comprise the Recovatech Team have 20+ years of combined experience and knowledge covering the topics of strength, fitness, and recovery. We are impassioned in our pursuit of presenting the most up-to-date information on strength training, cardio fitness, physical rehab, functional movement, nutrition, workout recovery, and best-in-class reviews. Should you feel inclined, please reach out to us at admin[at]recovatech.com.