Portable Ice Bath Australia
Portable Ice Bath Australia
What is a Portable Ice Bath?
A portable ice bath is a convenient solution to cold therapy, and it is where most people start their cold plunge practice.
I started with a garbage bin full of ice back in 2012, but things have come a long way in the world of getting icey since then.
The garbage bin filled with ice still works, but there’s a plethora of purpose built portable ice baths to choose from now.
Usually coming in the form of a round plastic cylinder shaped bath tub, these cold therapy tubs have been popularised by people like Wim Hof and other breath and ice practitioners using them for ice bath workshops and wellness retreats.
The small portable ice bath has also since progressed into more rigid style ice bath tubs, made from drop stitch vinyl and other materials, which offer a portable ice bath which is highly durable and cost effective.
Why are portable ice baths so popular all of a sudden?
Well, for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and wellness practitioners who want the benefits of ice bathing without being tethered to a traditional bathtub or facility, these easy baths are designed to be lightweight, easy to transport, and quick to set up, allowing users to engage in cold water immersion in a variety of settings—from backyard patios to remote locations – some of which are even compatible with an automated chiller unit.
Typically made from materials like reinforced plastic or high-density foam, portable ice baths provide the necessary insulation to maintain cold temperatures even in outdoor environments.
How Long Do Portable Ice Baths Stay Cold?
The entry level portable ice bath requires you to add in ice bags to cool the water. Depending on your outside temperature, it can take between 4-10 ice bags to get the water to reasonable temperature of between 2 to 12 degrees Celsius for you plunge session.
Naturally, you want a portable ice bath that keep the ice for a decent period of time, and perhaps for multiple sessions.
So the question is how long do portable ice baths stay cold?
This comes down to the quality of the material used in the portable ice bath and how thick the walls of the ice bath is. Other obvious factors are whether you are using an insulated lid after filling your portable ice bath with water and ice and of course how many people are using the ice bath.
There are definitely some very budget and poor quality ice baths out there, and it remains true that you get what you pay for.
Some portable ice baths use only a very thin layer of PVC at a maximum of 2mm of thickness which offers little to no insulation qualities, so your ice will be melted after one quick dip even if you put the lid on.
Much like a good esky, a portable ice bath should have a strong outer exterior, insulation material between layers, a reinforced base, and a quality lid that locks the cold inside.
The duration for which a portable ice bath can maintain a cold temperature depends significantly on the type of insulation used and the external conditions. On average, a well-insulated portable ice bath can retain ice for about 6 to 8 hours before requiring a top-up. This range varies based on factors such as ambient temperature, initial water temperature, and the quality of the ice bath itself.
For extended use, some users may opt for additional ice packs or periodically add ice to sustain the desired temperature.
Our Easy Plunge, for example, offers 10mm of thickness with 5 layers of material including a high quality canvas exterior and pearl cotton inlay to give extra puncture resistance and insulation qualities. Our lid is also reinforced and fits snug into the ice bath to lock the cold temperatures in for 4 x longer than other portable ice baths.
What is the Best Portable Ice Bath Australia?
What makes a good portable ice bath? This depends on what you want from your portable ice bath.
Of course, ‘portability’. Being easy to set up and pack down with ability to easy transport is what a lot of people look for in a portable ice bath.
Beyond portability, there are so many options that offer a strong mix of portability and semi-permanence. Options like our Stoic Ice Bath, which feature military grade drop stitch vinyl with 8cm thick walls offer a portable ice bath that weighs 12kg but pumps up to be super rigid, much like an inflatable stand up paddle board.
The best portable ice bath is one that fits into a back pack, but still can withstand the test of time. The size of the portable ice bath also matters. While the majority of the more budget portable ice baths on the market are a standing style ice bath, the higher end portable ice baths like the Stoic feature a horizontal, bathtub style design that allows you to lay back.
This added size obviously comes with the need for more ice bags to cool a larger volume of water to your desired temperature, but the good thing about this options is that it can plug straight into the automated chiller unit to give a constant temperature without the need for any ice bags at all.
Are Portable Ice Baths Worth It?
Portable ice baths take up little space and can be easily moved
When deciding whether a portable ice bath is worth it, one of the main factors to consider is how often you intend to use the ice bath.
A lot of people want an ice bath for home, so they can practice cold therapy multiple times per week. When I started going to dedicated recovery spaces and gyms to use the ice baths, it was evident that $45 per session was not sustainable if I wanted to do ice baths a few times a week.
Read Also: Should I Take An Ice Bath When I’m Sick?
Having a portable ice bath at home, you may be able to do an ice bath for as little as $15 per session if you are just getting enough ice bags for yourself. The reality is, ice bags can definitely still become expensive in terms of a weekly budget if this is an ongoing wellness ritual.
For many people, it’s worth considering other things they freely spend $40-60 per week on, and with this practice being something that contributes to your overall health, recovery, mental resilience, and sleep, investing in a portable ice bath can be highly worthwhile.
They provide the flexibility to practice cold immersion therapy at your convenience, which can be particularly valuable for those with busy schedules or limited access to traditional ice bathing facilities.
For the long run, we definitely recommend opting for a portable ice bath with a chiller unit like our Stoic Ice Bath. The amount you save on ice bags over the long run is phenomenal.
How to Keep a Portable Ice Bath Clean
Maintaining cleanliness in a portable ice bath is crucial for ensuring hygiene and prolonging the life of the ice bath.
The reality is, stagnant water is bad news. Any body of water, especially when you are bathing in it, you will need to replace and refresh or have it filtered and sanitised by a chiller unit.
We talk a bit more about keeping your ice bath clean in our other content here.
For the most basic level portable ice baths, the easiest options to clean the ice bath is to empty the water every week, or if adding some cleaning chemicals you could extend this out a little longer.
In general, when I set up a portable ice bath, regular cleaning involves draining and wiping down the interior with a mild disinfectant or diluted white vinegar after a couple of uses.
It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the material. Some portable ice baths come with filters or suggest using sanitising tablets, which can help in keeping the water clean for longer durations.
Additionally, always ensure that the bath is completely dry before storing to prevent mould and mildew build-up. Salt and sun will also break down the material on your portable ice bath faster, so protect from the elements as much as you can.
A good portable ice bath, like our Stoic, should come with an insulated lid. The insulated lid, which is also child safe and lockable on our Stoic model, not only keeps the ice bath cold, but prevents any debris, leaf litter and bugs from dropping into the ice bath in between uses.
When selecting a portable ice bath, two critical factors to consider are the thickness of the tub and the quality of the materials used. These attributes significantly impact the bath's durability, insulation effectiveness, and overall user experience. Here's a detailed guide on what to look for in terms of tub thickness and material quality:
Tub Thickness
Insulation Efficiency: The thickness of the tub directly affects how well the bath can insulate and maintain cold temperatures. A thicker tub generally provides better insulation, which means it can keep the ice from melting too quickly, even in warmer environments. Look for baths that are at least several inches thick to ensure sufficient insulation. Our Stoic ice bath has an 8cm thick wall all around the tub, which is up to 8 x thicker than most other portable ice baths, giving it greater insulating factor and durability.
Durability: Thicker walls are not just about insulation; they also contribute to the overall durability of the portable ice bath. Thicker materials can withstand more wear and tear, making them ideal for frequent use and transport. This is particularly important if you plan to use the ice bath outdoors or in various locations.
Stability: A thicker tub tends to be more stable. This stability is crucial when entering or exiting the bath, as it reduces the risk of the bath tipping over or shifting. Stability is an essential safety feature, especially when dealing with slippery conditions associated with ice and water.
Material Quality
Portable ice baths have differing quality in materials, thickness and insulating factor
Type of Material: Common materials used for portable ice baths include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylic, and reinforced fiberglass. HDPE is popular for its durability, impact resistance, and good insulation properties. Acrylic offers a more polished look but can be susceptible to scratches and may require more careful handling. Reinforced fiberglass is a strong contender due to its durability and excellent insulation, but it can be heavier and more expensive.
Weather Resistance: The material should be capable of withstanding various weather conditions, including direct sunlight, rain, and snow. UV resistance is particularly important for outdoor use to prevent the material from weakening or degrading over time.
Chemical Resistance: Ensure that the materials used are resistant to chemicals, especially if you plan to use cleaning agents or sanitizing chemicals to maintain the bath. Chemical resistance will help in maintaining the integrity and appearance of the ice bath over long periods.
Eco-Friendliness: Consider the environmental impact of the materials. Some materials are recyclable and more eco-friendly than others, which can be a deciding factor if sustainability is a priority for you.
Finish and Texture: The interior finish should be smooth to prevent injuries and make cleaning easier, while the exterior can have a textured surface to enhance grip and safety when handling the tub, especially when wet.
Additional Considerations
Lid or Cover: A quality lid helps maintain temperature and cleanliness. It also adds a layer of safety and helps prevent debris from entering the bath when not in use.
Portability Features: Features like handles, wheels, or lightweight design contribute to ease of transport and setup, making the bath genuinely portable.
Chiller Compatability: Does the portable ice bath have ports or threads to give you the option to use the tub solo with with water and ice as well as the option to connect up a compatible chiller unit which can offer savings on ice bags in the long run. If the portable ice bath comes with a chiller unit, make sure you check it is certified to Australian electrical standards.
Conclusion on Portable Ice Baths
Portable ice baths offer a versatile and effective solution for those looking to incorporate cold water immersion into their daily wellness routines.
You can go from $50 budget ice baths (which definitely won’t last long), all the way up to $3000 portable style ice baths.
With the right model, you can enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of ice baths virtually anywhere, making it a practical investment in personal health and well-being.
Whether you are an athlete looking to enhance recovery or simply someone interested in the mental and physical benefits of cold exposure, a portable ice bath can be a valuable tool in your wellness arsenal.
