Rubbermaid 1/2 Gallon "Victory" Jug (Blue) Review

When the heat clamped down, not being much of a soda pop drinker and not being a fan of water fountains or coolers, I began looking for an affordable way to take my own water or Gatorade to work.  I'd been using a 1 liter Nalgene bottle, but it hadn't been making it even to lunch time and I didn't want to pay $6 - $10 for a second one.  I then stumbled across the Rubbermaid, 1/2 Gallon "Victory" Jug at Wal-Mart for $3.29; in blue rather than the "classic" red.   Ignoring the old adage that "you get what you pay for," I popped for it.  It didn't take long to discover that it worked - sort of - and that old adages are there for a reason.

Keep in mind that this is not a "drinking bottle," but a "jug" that is meant to have the liquids poured therefrom into a cup or glass.  However, too much of my youth was spent stomping up and down the creek without a canteen and then drowning my dehydration directly from the 2 gallon jug Dad and I used to keep in the back of the station wagon.  Oh, and yes ladies, as a confirmed bachelor, I do have a tendency to drink directly from the juice bottle in the refrigerator.  It's not that I can't be "trained" to behave in a more civilized manner, but then again, the issue of "cooties" hasn't presented itself in awhile.  (Uh, I wonder if there's a connection?)

That's the long way 'round for pointing out that the irritation of this jug's leakage problem stems, at least partially, from its "inappropriate" use as a drinking bottle; albeit a modestly "large" one.  Narrowed down to a single specific, the spout design has a major weakness - it DOES NOT stay seated.  The spout is a simple, hollow ball and tube for pouring.  Two, small tabs extend to either side of the ball and "seat" the spout in the twist-on lid (which itself doesn't always seat properly) with a small O-ring used as a seal.  Folded flush, the spout is "closed."  Pulled open, you may pour until your thirst is quenched or your fluids, almost, run out.

Herein lies the problem.  There is nothing holding the tabs in place and one or the other is chronically working itself part way loose.  This "unseals" the O-ring and the thing drips.  Pull open and push closed with a tab loose and you easily move the O-ring out of position; which then causes major leakage and not allowing the spout to be reseated properly.  What this means is that you have to always pay attention to make sure that everything is seated properly; before pouring/drinking, during pouring/drinking, while opening, and while closing.  It also means that your hands need to be fairly clean as you will regularly be handling the spout for reseating/adjusting/opening/closing.  (Make sure the kids avail themselves of the Purell bottle after throwing the dog's tennis ball for a half-hour.)

On the positive side, Rubbermaid's Victory Jug does have a nice "handle" (actually, a "squared-off" portion of the body opposite the spout) that its closest, direct competitor (Coleman, 2 quart jug, $4.59) lacks.  This works well for pouring, but is awkwardly placed for drinking directly from the jug.  Kids will be able to grip this "handle," but will still need to support the body from under the spout.  (Remember, this thing holds a true, half-gallon and some change.  That's roughly four pounds when full.) 

The carry handle works, swings readily (sometimes too readily), but may not be the most durable.  There is always about 4 - 6 ounces of liquid left at the bottom of the jug that just won't pour out without removing the lid.  (It's just the way the spout design extends from the bottom of the lid, inside the jug so that the fluids can't make it over the edge, into the spout.)  Even then, the opening is really too large for effective pouring. 

I use powdered Gatorade in this jug.  Bear in mind, however, that a simple rinsing will not remove the taste afterward.  It is dishwasher safe; but, if you want to remove the taste, baking soda is in order.  Be that as it may, I've left this thing in direct sunlight for up to two or three hours in 90-degree temperatures and, provided I started with water already cold from the frig, the contents have not become too hot to drink.  (Much more than that, particularly if you're not starting with COLD contents or have ice cubes therein, I don't recommend; especially if you're keeping this in the car/pickup.)

All in all, the thing works - sort of.  I got what I paid for and it functions in the role  I purchased it to fill.  I suppose, if you keep your expectations as low as the price, you won't be too disappointed.  It's just that I keep thinking there's got to be a better solution; I just haven't found or haven't been willing to pay for it yet.