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The band Foreigner must have had the best cold plunge tubs in mind when they wrote the song “Cold As Ice.” Well, maybe not, but it’s still true; cold plunge tubs can get cold, with budget-priced tubs’ temperatures even being regulated by the amount of ice you add to the tub.
RELATED: DIY Cold Plunge Tuff Stuff Stock Tank Review
Additionally, cold plunges can provide a myriad of health benefits, leading them to be sought after as a recovery method for gym-goers—myself included. With a variety of prices, sizes, and builds amongst them, it may be difficult to determine what suits your needs best. I’ll take a look at one cold plunge tub with a lower price point in this Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge review, reviewing its pros and cons. Read on to find out if this tub is best for your future ice baths.
Plunging Into Testing Recovery Tools
Garage Gym Reviews has tested quite a few muscle recovery tools over the years, and larger recovery products like cold plunge tubs and home saunas are now part of the fold. We bring our expert product testing to these products through our fitness equipment testing methodology.
With our team of certified personal trainers, coaches, and athletes, we know what to look for in top fitness tools. Our product tester tried the Alaskan Cold Plunge for several 5-minute sessions, and noted aspects of the cold plunge tub such as:
- Durability and construction
- Footprint and portability
- Ergonomics
- Conveniences
- Draining and cleaning
- Overall value
Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge
Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub
Product Highlights
- Vertical cold plunge tank
- Classic looking wood exterior
- Indoor or outdoor use
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy draining
- Does not require power or plumbing
- Built-in seat
Cons
- Base price doesn’t include chiller
- Some assembly required
Bottom Line
Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub offers a vertical option for folks who’d rather sit upright versus lay down and pretend to relax while submerged in cold water. The Scandinavian spruce wood exterior gives The Alaskan a classic spa look and feel for your cold plunge sessions. It’s worth noting the base price does not include a chiller but it can be added for an additional cost.
A Quick Look at the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge
Redwood Outdoors is a small company based in the USA, headquartered just outside of Seattle, Washington. The company focuses on traditional and barrel saunas, hot tubs, and cold plunge tubs that are built for outdoor use—hence the name. They do have some saunas and tubs that are fine for indoor use, too.
The company sells three different cold tubs: the Redwood Outdoors Yukon Cold Plunge Tub, the extra-large Yukon Tub version, and the Alaskan Cold Plunge. Unlike the inflatable Yukon tub, the Alaskan Cold Plunge is built of the same Scandinavian Thermowood as their saunas, with a hard plastic liner on the inside of the tub.
RELATED: Redwood Outdoors Sauna Review
This makes it a more expensive tub, too, although it’s still considerably cheaper than higher-end cold plunge tubs. One reason it’s less expensive is that the tub doesn’t (initially) come with a chiller; it’s regulated simply by the ice you add to the water.
Before You Buy
- At 250 pounds without water, this isn’t an easy tub to move around or tip over for draining. Fortunately, the Alaskan Cold Plunge has a built in drain plug that will empty the tub with a turn of the knob. It’ll require outdoor use, however, as you can’t control the water flow.
- Using ice every time you cold plunge can get monotonous and pricey. If that’s not your cup of tea, Redwood Outdoors offers different add-ons, such as a cold plunge chiller to help regulate temperature. You can also buy a cold plunge kit, with a chiller included.
- Redwood Outdoors recommends staining the wood to prevent the wood from graying due to weather over time.
Is the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Worth It?
At about $2,000, the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge is one of the less expensive cold plunges available on the market—compared to tubs with built-in chillers that is. The Thermowood construction also makes it a durable product, especially for outdoor use. With a capacity of 130 gallons, and a seat inside the tub, it can be much more comfortable and spacious than less expensive vertical tubs, like the Ice Barrel. Still, with that price tag, it’s an expensive ice bath.
RELATED: Polar Monkeys Cold Plunge Review
We rate the value of the Alaskan Cold Plunge a 4 out of 5, as it’s a fair price for what you get, but there still might be better-suited cold plunges available for you. For example, you may not want to use ice to control the temperature of your ice bath every session, or you may want a simple tub for cheaper. But with a decent balance of comfort and simplicity, the Alaskan Cold Plunge is a pretty good investment.
Great for:
- Those wanting a durable outdoor tub for ice baths
- People who like a nice aesthetic to their cold plunge
- Anyone interested in the physical and mental health benefits of cold plunges
Not recommended for:
- People who want to control the temperature of the ice bath
- Those looking for budget-friendly alternatives for ice baths
- Users who want to lay back in their cold plunge tub
Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Specs
| Price | $1,999 |
| Tub dimensions | 37” L x 37” W x 40.5” H |
| Water capacity | 130 gallons |
| Dry weight | 250 lbs |
| Tub material | Scandinavian Thermowood, hard plastic liner |
| Cover included | Yes (at additional cost) |
| Intended use | Outdoor |
| Electrical requirements | None |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Using the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge
There’s a lot that goes into using the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge. At 250 pounds without water, it’s not the easiest thing to move, so you need to know where you’re putting it before filling it up. Additionally, you have to get ice for each session to properly chill the ice bath. Still, once the session starts, it’s comfortable. The tub has a built-in seat which helps you relax a bit, a feature not always seen in inexpensive vertical cold plunges.
RELATED: How To Cold Plunge
Our product tester used the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge through several sessions, each about 5 minutes long. After extended use, he says, “The built-in seat is a perk, but when I used this in the summer, the outdoor temperatures forced me to use at least 80 pounds of ice each session, maybe more.”
Let’s take a deeper dive into this tub for cold therapy.
Footprint and Portability
Ideally, you’ll want to set the cold plunge tub in a fixed location, since it’s fairly heavy even without water in it. The 250-pound tub might still be lugged around, but it’ll take some effort. “I had to tilt it and rotate it side to side to move it around,” says our expert tester. “The drain being on the front of the tub added to the difficulty, too.”
With a diameter of 37 inches and a height of 40.5 inches, the cold plunge tub is fairly compact and still can hold 130 gallons of water. It comes with steps on the side that extend 21.25 inches out from the tub. The barrel shape helps it remain more compact than an actual tub, earning it a 4 out of 5 for its footprint.
RELATED: The Cold Plunge Review
Durability and Construction
The exterior of the cold plunge tub is made of Scandinavian Thermowood, which is specially treated for outdoor durability and protection. The inside of the tub is lined with hard plastic, which our product tester agreed was high-quality. A stainless steel logo is stuck on the outside of the tub.
As it stands, there’s not much else to the Alaskan and its materials or construction. There’s no chiller, so the tub and steps are the main thing to be concerned about when it comes to longevity. Redwood Outdoors recommends staining the wood to prevent discoloration. However, the overall construction is solid, earning it a 4 out of 5.
The Ergonomics
The Redwood Outdoors Alaskan is a pretty comfortable cold plunge tub. Able to accommodate one person, the tub has a seat in the barrel shape, allowing the user to relax in the tub—as much as you can while using an ice bath. Still, there’s no room to lay back like in a bathtub; you can only sit.
RELATED: Ice Bath vs Cold Shower
It’s simple to step in the tub with the step ladder, and the seat acts as a step to help you get out of the tub. While it is comfortable, there are no extra niceties, like cushioning or anything. We rate the ergonomics a 3.5 out of 5.
Features and Conveniences
“Other than the steps, this is a no-frills cold plunge,” our product tester says when it comes to extra features and conveniences. While there aren’t any included add-ons, there are plenty that are available at an additional cost. These include:
- Tub cover
- Cold plunge chiller
- Deluxe chiller + heater
- Floating thermometer
- Waterproof chiller cover
While the tub cover and thermometer are small additions to the cost of the Alaskan, the chiller and deluxe heaters are costly additions, with each chiller costing more than the cold plunge tub itself—although the chiller and heater can also add functionality to the tub, controlling the water temperature.
Because there are additional features—just not included—we rate the conveniences a 3 out of 5.
Draining and Cleaning
Draining the tub and cleaning it out are fairly easy enough, especially because there are no electronic parts to the tub. “You can easily clean it with a brush or sponge that you’d use to wash your car,” our product tester says. “The draining is straightforward; just twist the knob, and the water flows.” Still the plug doesn’t have a connection for a hose, so where the tub is will be where the water drains, so plan your tub location accordingly.
Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge vs Ice Barrel 400
Ice Barrel 400
Ice Barrel
Product Highlights
- Cold therapy tub for full body immersion
- Made from recycled plastic
- Comes with ice barrel, lid, step stool, etc.
- Holds 105 gallons of water
- 31″ barrel opening
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made in USA
- Available in two colors: black and desert tan
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Difficult to get in and out of
- Refill with 40-100 lbs of ice very 1-3 days
Bottom Line
The Ice Barrel is a way to incorporate ice baths into your workout recovery routine without having to use your bathtub. The Ice Barrel requires at least 40 pounds of ice to achieve appropriate cold plunge temps. Once filled, the barrel can maintain its temperature for one to three days depending on the surrounding environment.
Another ice bath without temperature control is the Ice Barrel 400. While it is a similar barrel shape of the Alaskan Cold Plunge, the Ice Barrel is about $800 cheaper. That said, the Ice Barrel also holds less water and doesn’t have the seat like the Alaskan. If you’re looking for a bit more comfort in your cold plunge experience, the Alaskan might be the better option.
You can read more of our thoughts in our in-depth Ice Barrel review. You can also check out our full video review on Garage Gym Reviews Everything.
| Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge | Ice Barrel 400 | |
| Price | $1,999 | $1,199 |
| Tub dimensions | 37” L x 37” W x 40.5” H | 42” H x 31” W opening x 25” W |
| Water capacity | 130 gallons | 105 gallons |
| Dry weight | 250 lbs | 55 lbs |
| Tub material | Scandinavian Thermowood, hard plastic liner | Recycled plastic |
| Cover included | Yes (at additional cost) | Yes |
| Intended use | Outdoor | Outdoor |
| Electrical requirements | None | None |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | Limited lifetime |
Customer Experience
Redwood Outdoors offers financing for their products through Affirm with interest as low as 0%, although you’ll have to qualify for the rates. Additionally, they allow a 30-day money-back guarantee for returns on products. The Redwood Outdoors cold plunge tub has a limited warranty that lasts one year; in all honesty, I’d like to see a longer warranty on an item with a larger price tag like this.
The customer service experience of Redwood Outdoors gets a 5 out of 5, as in our experience, they’re very responsive to our inquiries—responding within an hour. They can be contacted on the website through phone or a contact form.
Ordering and Assembling the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge
The Alaskan Cold Plunge can be purchased directly on redwoodoutdoors.com, but be aware that the site states there is a lead time of 4 to 6 weeks.
This is one of the simplest assemblies for a cold plunge tub or sauna ever…mostly because the tub comes pre-assembled in a big crate. All you have to do is place the cold plunge tub where you want it and fill it with water, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Customer Reviews
There aren’t too many reviews about the Alaskan Cold Plunge; at the time of this writing, there is one lone review on the cold plunge, which is 5 stars and praises the assembly and quality of the tub. While there are overwhelmingly positive reviews on other Redwood Outdoors’ other products, we’ll make sure to update this section as more reviews come in.
Final Verdict of Our Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Review
Looking for ways to improve your health and wellness, or for a faster recovery from workouts? If you feel an ice bath is the missing link to your recovery, the Redwood Outdoor Alaskan Cold Plunge is a fairly affordable cold plunge that’s comfortable and durable for the outdoors. Plus, a chiller can be added to regulate the cold water’s temperature.
Although it might be pricier than some alternatives, the cold plunge tub is easy to clean, drain, and use, making it a good option for those with the budget for it.
Full Rating
Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub
Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub offers a vertical option for folks who’d rather sit upright versus lay down and pretend to relax while submerged in cold water. The Scandinavian spruce wood exterior gives The Alaskan a classic spa look and feel for your cold plunge sessions. It’s worth noting the base price does not include a chiller but it can be added for an additional cost.
Product Brand: Redwood Outdoors
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 1999
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.1
Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge: FAQs
How much do cold plunge tubs cost?
The price of a cold plunge tub can vary greatly, depending on the size, quality, and extra features, such as a chiller or filtration system. Budget-friendly options can cost under $1,000, but high-end premium tubs can cost $8,000 or more.
How do I maintain an outdoor cold plunge tub or ice bath?
An outdoor cold plunge tub can be maintained by regularly draining and cleaning the tub. How often the tub should be cleaned or drained will depend on the unit’s filtration system (if it has one). Also make sure to leave your tub covered while not in use to prevent any debris from falling into the tub.
What are the health benefits of using a Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge?
The Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub can provide health benefits like any ice bath, including muscle recovery, reduced inflammation, and the potential to improve your immune system.
RELATED: Ice Bath Benefits
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The band Foreigner must have had the best cold plunge tubs in mind when they wrote the song “Cold As Ice.” Well, maybe not, but it’s still true; cold plunge tubs can get cold, with budget-priced tubs’ temperatures even being regulated by the amount of ice you add to the tub. RELATED: DIY Cold Plunge Tuff Stuff Stock Tank ReviewAdditionally, » Read more about: Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Review (2024): A Compact, At-Home Tub For the Outdoors » Read more
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