‘Game changer’: Frenzy for $20 Kmart dupe of $417 wellness item
The budget buy is said to be “just as good” as a cult-favourite designer item, but can that really be true?
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Shoppers are raving about a new Kmart product that has been compared to a higher-end item that costs much more than the “dupe.”
The budget retailer recently dropped the price of its Inflatable Portable Ice Bath, which has been compared to Vital+’s Ice Bath Barrel.
While the cult-favourite Ice Bath Barrel costs $417, Kmart’s version is priced at just $20, down from its usual $39.
“Kmart created the Inflatable Portable Ice Bath to cater to a growing interest in at-home wellness products, particularly those that support recovery and health,” a Kmart spokesperson said.
“This product provides an affordable, easy-to-use option for customers looking to incorporate cold therapy into their routines.”
Gracie Webb, owner of meditation and wellness event business, The Rituwell Club, took to TikTok to show off the Kmart item in a clip that has since racked up over 200,000 views.
“We ran an event at the beach recently with ice baths and I wanted to keep doing them at home afterwards but couldn’t really afford an expensive one given the current cost of living,” she told news.com.au. “But you don’t have to miss out on ice baths just because you can’t buy a fancy one.”
She found that Kmart was selling cheap ones and had the idea to freeze water in takeaway containers instead of buying bags of ice, which she said “isn’t really financially sustainable in the long run.”
“I use the ice bath every morning before work and it does the job. It really sets my mind up for the day and makes me feel as though I’ve accomplished something before I’ve even gone to work,” Ms Webb explained. “If I can get through that, I can get through anything.”
Her icy morning ritual, which typically lasts between two to five minutes, puts her into a meditative state as she has to focus on her breathing in order to push through the cold temperature.
“It also gives me mental clarity and energy throughout the day and is a great way to wake up without resorting to checking your phone or going on social media,” she added.
The certified life coach said she’s been “blown away” by the response to her TikTok, and is grateful she could spread the word about the wellness habit.
“If you’re looking for a budget-friendly ice bath to have at home, listen up,” Ms Webb said in her clip while setting up the ice bath on her deck.
“Kmart has these portable ones for $20.”
“As cool as one of those fancy ice baths would be, this is such a good budget-friendly option as it does the same job and is so easy to set up.”
Commenters were incredibly impressed with the hack, with one admitting, “I am absolutely influenced by this.”
“This is smart,” remarked another.
Other satisfied customers also chimed in to confirm it’s worth the hype.
“I’ve lived in a unit with no tub for 10 years and missed baths so bad. This is my favourite $20 I’ve ever spent,” said one.
However, others were sceptical about the buy.
“Nowhere near cold enough,” someone pointed out.
“Buy a real one,” added another user. “This is not going to work come summer.”
Cameron Mehr, founder of Vital+, believes that when it comes to ice baths, “you get what you pay for.”
His business, which sells products across the at-home cold plunge and sauna categories, launched in 2023 and is now an eight-figure revenue brand.
The brand’s ice bath bundles range from $123 to $3,497.
“Retailers, like Kmart, offer basic, bare-bones versions of ice baths, often lacking essentials such as a cover, lid, and proper insulation — features that are crucial for maintaining cold temperatures for more than a single use,” Mr Mehr told news.com.au.
While budget ice baths may serve someone looking for a one-time plunge where they add a large amount of ice, he said these models fall short when it comes to reliable, multi-use performance.
“Budget ice baths generally require users to add ice each time and aren’t insulated, meaning they can’t maintain a cold temperature between uses,” he explained.
In contrast, Vital+’s Ice Bath Barrel is made with a thick 5cm military-grade PVC fabric and includes a lockable lid for insulation.
When paired with the brand’s Chiller Unit in a package that costs $1,257, Mr Mehr said it’s “a completely different experience”, allowing users to set their ideal temperature and eliminate the need for ice altogether, which ultimately saves money in the long run.
David Altamura, co-founder of Wildsoul Wellness, a wellness studio in Melbourne which offers contrast therapy, said that cold plunging has a myriad of health benefits.
“It can reduce inflammation, aid in recovery and aching muscles post exercise, builds immunity, and helps the central nervous system,” he said.
“Ice bath therapy can be used at any time, but the most common practice is first thing in the morning to help with clarity, focus and energy. Post-workout, it is fine to do anytime.”
He said people can use ice baths daily, and two to three times a week has proven to be highly beneficial.
Mr Altamura believes that cold plunge therapy, particularly when combined with saunas, has had a major increase in popularity in recent years as people are placing more emphasis on mental health and recovery.
“This is particularly evident in the increasing millennial market, which is looking to both nurture and balance their health and wellbeing,” he explained.
For people who do not have access to a cold plunge facility or an ice bath, he said a cold shower can serve as a more accessible alternative.
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