SIGG Alpinestar 0.5L Review: SIGG, the long-established Swiss brand, has finally released this tough, beautiful, and piping hot insulated mountain bottle. Can it break the stronghold of Montbell, the mountain-only brand?
written by Yosuke.C
Bottles for mountain climbing are required to be not only heat-retaining (cold-retaining) but also tough. There are already several standard insulated bottles for mountain climbing and hiking, but this time we found a tough bottle that boasts excellent insulation performance and is likely to join the ranks of these "standard bottles."
Introducing the Alpinestar 0.5L, a bottle made by SIGG , a Swiss bottle manufacturer with over 100 years of history,
table of contents
Main features of the SIGG Alpinestar 0.5L
The Alpinestar 0.5L is a 0.5L insulated bottle with a copper-coated interior and a stainless steel vacuum double-wall construction that keeps 95°C hot water at or above 77°C after six hours, and 4°C cold water at or below 6°C after six hours. The exterior is made of 18/8 stainless steel (SUS304), which is highly corrosion-resistant and impact-resistant. It is resistant to hard use and drops, making it suitable for use in harsh environments. The outer periphery and bottom of the bottle feature non-slip rubber, making it easy to open and close, even with gloved hands, and provides stability even on unstable surfaces such as slopes and rocky areas.
The screw-top cap prevents leaks while on the go. This hygienic insulated bottle can be used as a drinking cup, allowing you to drink without touching the bottle directly to your mouth. It comes in three sizes: 0.5L, 0.75L, and 1.0L, and is available in three colors: black, brushed, and green.
Favorite points
- High heat and cold retention
- Tough enough to handle rough use without any problems
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Simple design and color suitable for everyday use
- The lid lets you see at a glance where the hot water comes out
- Anti-slip finish prevents slipping even when wearing gloves
Interesting points
- It's bigger and heavier than the rival heater bottle
- The rubber on the bottom gets caught when putting it in the side pocket
SIGG Alpine Star 0.5L Main Specifications and Review
| Item name | Alpinestars 0.5L |
|---|---|
| Body dimensions (diameter x height cm) | Φ7.4×23.7cm |
| capacity | 0.5L |
| weight | 294g |
| material |
|
| Capacity variation | 0.5L, 0.75L, 1.0L |
| color | Black, brushed, green |
| Reference price | ￥6,270 tax included |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Insulation performance | ★★★★★ |
| Portability (weight, size, ease of holding) | ★★★☆☆ |
| Lid and drink | ★★★★☆ |
| Care | ★★★★☆ |
| Cospa | ★★★☆☆ |
Testing insulation performance using a thermometer
the Alpinestar 0.5L , I conducted an experiment to see how well it retained heat. I tested it at room temperature (approximately 20°C) and in a freezer (below -15°C).
The test method was to pour boiling water all the way up to the inner stopper, then place the container upright with the stopper and cup attached, and measure the temperature using a cooking thermometer depending on the time that passed.
Here are the results of measuring the temperature after 1 hour, 3 hours, and 6 hours for each test.
Room temperature test (temperature approximately 20°C): Pour boiling water into the container and measure the temperature after 1, 3, and 6 hours.
Maintains a high temperature of 93.3°C even after 1 hour
| item | Alpinestars 0.5L |
|---|---|
| An hour later | 93.6℃ |
| 3 hours later | 87.6℃ |
| 6 hours later | 81.6℃ |
When tested in an environment with a temperature of approximately 20°C, the water was kept at a temperature of over 80°C even after six hours of boiling.
After one hour, it maintained an astonishing 93.6°C. This is one of the best thermos bottles we've featured so far on Outdoor Gearzine. Even after six hours, it maintained a temperature of 81.6°C, so you can eat instant noodles and freeze-dried foods piping hot. If you fill it with boiled water at the foot of the mountain and then head to the summit, you can enjoy hot food (and drinks) at the summit.
Low temperature environment (temperature below -15°C): Place in the freezer and measure the temperature after 1, 3, and 6 hours
Next was a test in a low temperature environment. Since insulated bottles are more useful when hiking in the mountains in winter, we believe this test produced more realistic results.
To simulate a low-temperature environment, the product was placed in a freezer and tested between frozen ice packs.
| item | Alpinestars 0.5L |
|---|---|
| An hour later | 90.5℃ |
| 3 hours later | 82.5℃ |
| 6 hours later | 77.1℃ |
The freezer temperature drops below -15°C, so it can be imagined that it would be used in mountainous areas like the Yatsugatake Mountains during the harsh winter. The results were excellent, maintaining a high temperature of 77.1°C even after six hours. Although it is somewhat affected by the low temperature environment, it can still be said to be at a high level.
A temperature of 77.1°C is sufficient for drinking coffee or tea, and if you are on a day trip to the mountains and the journey to your destination takes less than six hours, you can carry hot water with you without a stove.
Detailed review of the SIGG Alpinestar 0.5L
Field test at Tateyama in autumn, when temperatures dropped to minus 8°C
I've used the Alpinestar 0.5L
High heat and cold retention and toughness
The most important point for a thermos bottle is how high a temperature it can maintain. As can be seen from the experiment using a thermometer, the Alpinestar 0.5L is an excellent thermos bottle that can maintain a high temperature for a long period of time, even in environments below -15°C (in a freezer).
In the snowy mountains during the harsh winter, I often drink hot drinks instead of cold ones to hydrate during breaks, so the Alpinestar 0.5L . When climbing a snowy mountain, the Alpinestar 0.5L , and then boil water on the stove at my destination the Alpinestar 0.5L to ensure I had enough hot water for the return journey, and the 0.5L capacity was just right.
When camping, I sometimes melt snow to secure water, but if I put boiled water the Alpinestar 0.5L , it helps prevent freezing and also allows me to have a hot drink as soon as I wake up in the morning. The water I put in before going to bed is still hot when I wake up the next morning, about 10 hours later, so I can drink it as is, or if I boil it again, it takes less time to boil than room temperature water, so I can make hot water quickly even during the busy time before departure when I'm getting ready. I believe (from past experience) that whether or not I can have a hot meal in the morning has a big impact on my performance throughout the day.
Insulated bottles used for mountain climbing are used to carry water, which is a precious commodity in the mountains, so they need to be tough as well as insulating. The Alpinestar 0.5L is made of sturdy stainless steel, so durability is no problem, and there were no problems even when it was accidentally dropped while in use.
Lightweight and highly portable, with a simple design and color that's perfect for everyday use.
The SIGG Alpinestars series comes in three sizes: 0.5L, 0.75L, and 1.0L. I chose the 0.5L for portability. The basic matte black color makes it suitable for everyday use, and I use the Alpinestars 0.5L
In fact, the larger the capacity, the better the heat retention, and if heat retention is a priority, the 0.75L size offers better heat retention than the 0.5L size, so I was unsure about the size. However, since I often travel alone, I didn't need a larger capacity, and the 0.5L size is about 56g lighter than the 0.75L, so portability was also important to me. The 0.5L size works well for one person, and when full, it holds just enough hot water for one meal. Even if I drink coffee (150ml) and soup (150ml), that's still 300ml, and the remaining 200ml is enough for instant rice, and it was the perfect size for one person's cup of instant noodles (300ml) and coffee (150ml-200ml).
Slightly heavier than titanium thermos bottles
The 0.5L size weighs 294g, which is heavier than titanium thermos bottles, so for those who are serious about shaving off even 1g, this is a product they will not compromise on, even if it means paying a little more.
For those looking to shave every gram off their weight, titanium bottles are the winner, but when comparing heat retention, the Alpinestar 0.5L is superior. Considering the higher heat retention, the Alpinestar 0.5L didn't feel heavy. When weighing heat retention against weight, the weight difference with lightweight models like titanium bottles is negligible, and the Alpinestar 0.5L has the advantage in terms of durability as well. Titanium insulated bottles are lightweight but expensive, so choosing the best insulated bottle will likely depend on factors such as heat retention, weight, durability, and your wallet.
Anti-slip coating prevents slipping even when wearing gloves, and the spout is easy to see
The Alpinestar 0.5L bottle has an arrow on the stopper that makes it easy to see the spout, eliminating the need to check the spout or spill when pouring into a glass. It's not a huge problem if you don't have it; you can just check, but it's these little details that really show the maker's attention to detail. It's not a problem if you don't have it, but having it there reduces stress when using the bottle.
The Alpinestar 0.5L bottle has a non-slip coating on the bottom and top of the sides. The non-slip coating on the sides allows you to operate the bottle even while wearing gloves, making it highly maneuverable, and it was easy to open and close even with inner gloves that did not have a non-slip coating.
Easy to handle even with gloves on
The non-slip bottom also has the benefit of increasing stability, but unfortunately, the non-slip effect did not slide easily into the side pocket of a backpack, making it difficult to take in and out while on the move. The bottle itself is very durable and remained in place even when used roughly, but the non-slip coating is not that durable and peels off over time, which is a bit of a disappointment considering the stylish design.
I felt that it would be easier to use if the anti-slip coating could be removed depending on the purpose and situation.
Summary: A convenient insulated bottle that lets you carry hot water in the mountains in winter
When heading to your destination in the cold, it's not just your clothing that will keep you warm. Even a hot drink during a break can warm you from the inside out. If you're like me and enjoy alcohol, hot whiskey, hot sake, or hot water mixed with water will make your winter tent nights even more enjoyable than usual. I can't do without my SIGG Alpine Star 0.5L
Written by: Yosuke.C
People who act with just one backpack with the motto of "as light as possible" so that they don't get inconvenient.
From spring to autumn, I chase after char deep in the mountains and go fishing in the mountain stream. We walked the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. Camping to be healed by the bonfire. Snowboarding is a floating mountain with a mountain of silver.
A freelance writer who has been enjoying the outdoors for over 20 years and enjoying the outdoors in his own way all year round. Based on my experience writing articles for more than dozens of outdoor web media, I will be sharing my own experiences and tools that I have been using.
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