The best portable ice baths, compared
A portable ice bath is a soft pod that weighs under 20 lb empty and packs into a bag. Five compared on weight, size, chiller fittings and what owners report.
Portable tubs in this guide
- The Pod Company Ice Pod ProUnder $300See it on Amazon
- The Pod Company Long PodUnder $300See it on Amazon
- The Cold Pod XLUnder $300See it on Amazon
The short answer
A portable ice bath is a soft, insulated tub that weighs 6 to 17 lb empty, folds into a bag and sets up in minutes. It suits renters, small spaces and anyone trying cold plunging for the first time. Our pick is The Pod Company’s Ice Pod Pro, because it takes a chiller later.
Portable tubs in this guide
- The Pod Company Ice Pod ProUnder $300See it on Amazon
- The Pod Company Long PodUnder $300See it on Amazon
- The Cold Pod XLUnder $300See it on Amazon
What makes an ice bath portable
A portable ice bath, or portable cold plunge tub, is a fabric-and-PVC pod held up by removable legs and an inflatable top ring. Empty, you can carry it in one hand. Full, it holds 85 to 126 gallons and weighs over 700 lb, so “portable” means between sessions, not during them. Our pick of the best cold plunge tubs sets these against every other type.
We have not used these tubs ourselves. The figures are each maker’s, and the owner reports come from r/coldplunge and Trustpilot.
| Tub | Empty weight | Stated capacity | Size | Takes a chiller |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Pod Company Ice Pod Pro | 8 lb | 110 gal | 32 in round, 30 in high | Yes |
| The Pod Company Long Pod | 17 lb | 126 gal | 62 × 27 in, 21 in high | Yes |
| The Cold Pod XL | 11.2 lb | 116 gal | 35.4 in round, 29.5 in high | Not stated |
| The Cold Pod Standard | 7.7 lb | 85 gal | 29.5 in round, 29.5 in high | Not stated |
| Lifepro NordPod | 6 lb | 102 gal | 36.6 in round, 29.5 in high | Not stated |
The portable tubs we would buy
The Pod Company Ice Pod Pro
The one to start with. It is the lightest tub here with chiller valves, and it carries a two-year warranty. Owners say the walls are thinly insulated, so buy the maker’s insulation wrap and keep it out of direct sun. A 6 ft 1 in owner calls it cramped.
The Pod Company Long Pod
The one for lying down. It stands on a metal frame, so it is the heaviest here at 17 lb, and the maker says setup takes under three minutes. Its 126 gallons is too much to cool with ice, by the account of a reviewer who used one, so plan on a chiller.
The Cold Pod XL
The roomiest round pod, 35.4 in across. Its owner reports are thin: of nine Trustpilot reviews, three describe the top ring deflating. Treat it as a tub for a season or two.
The Cold Pod Standard and the Lifepro NordPod are lighter and smaller. We found no owner reports for the NordPod outside Amazon, and its listing does not say whether it takes a chiller.
Portable against the other types
A portable tub is right if
You rent, you have little space, you want to pack it away, or you are not yet sure you will keep plunging.
Choose another type if
It will stay in one place for years, sit in the sun, or live on an indoor floor that must stay dry. A rigid barrel holds cold far longer.
The full comparison of types is on the tubs page, and our picks across every type are in the best cold plunge tubs.
Can you add a chiller to a portable ice bath?
Yes, if the tub has ports for one. The Ice Pod Pro and the Long Pod both have two valves. The Pod Company sells the Ice Pod Pro with its 1/3 HP chiller as a pair for $728 on its own site.
A soft pod loses cold quickly, so a chiller on one runs longer than it would on an insulated tub. Our guide to what size chiller a cold plunge needs covers which to choose.
How to keep a portable ice bath cold
Thin walls are the weakness of every tub on this page. Owners on r/coldplunge report 40 lb of ice warming within an hour in summer heat. The same owners report holding 50 to 55°F once they added an insulation wrap and used frozen jugs.
- Keep the lid on and the tub in the shade.
- Add an insulation wrap and a mat underneath.
- Fill it shortly before you get in.
The quantities are in how much ice an ice bath needs.
Common questions
What is the best portable ice bath?
The Pod Company’s Ice Pod Pro, for most people. It weighs 8 lb empty, has valves for a chiller and carries a two-year warranty. If you want to lie down, choose the Long Pod.
How heavy is a portable cold plunge tub when full?
Much heavier than it looks. Water weighs 8.34 lb a gallon, so 100 gallons is 834 lb before you get in. You cannot move a filled tub.
How long does a portable ice bath last?
Makers give one or two years of warranty. Owners report top rings deflating and spigots breaking within months to a year on some tubs, and others in use past a year with no trouble.
Can a portable ice bath stay outside?
Yes, with the lid on and out of direct sun. One owner whose pod faces south says the water warms up and the insulation then keeps it warm. In freezing weather, check the maker’s guidance before leaving it full.