Clean your Camelback hydration pack.

[Tom]

For those of you that use a Camelback Hydration Pack.  Y'all need to clean them.  If'n you don't, y'all be growing algae/fungus. 

https://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/outdoors/a22497959/the-best-ways-to-clean-a-hydration-pack-bladder/?src=nl&mag=pop&list=nl_pnl_news&date=072118

[Perazzimx14]

I had a backpack/hydration pack and after 1 use the cleaning and drying process of the bladder, hose and mouth piece was more than i was willing to deal with.  I threw out the hydration parts and now just have a back pack I throw a bottle of water into.

If I raced oor did other timed events thats one thing. But for everyday riding I'll just pull over and get a sip and be OMW in a few seconds.

[Matteo]

I had a backpack/hydration pack and after 1 use the cleaning and drying process of the bladder, hose and mouth piece was more than i was willing to deal with.  I threw out the hydration parts and now just have a back pack I throw a bottle of water into.

If I raced oor did other timed events thats one thing. But for everyday riding I'll just pull over and get a sip and be OMW in a few seconds.

I concur, only use it for long rides or hikes now.

[rdbandkab]

I'll did a cleansing of my go to drink bottles last week.   I tossed some bleach and water in the containers and left them soak for a few hours.
I try to keep them air dry or (if filled for the next day), in the fridge.

[Guzzistajohn]

I use vinegar in mine. Seems to be working, gives it a nice summers eve flavor.

[Darren Williams]

I use vinegar in mine. Seems to be working, gives it a nice summers eve flavor.

You're a strange, strange man!   

[Tom]

 

[Roebling3]

Included in the several 'how to clean your hydration system' is the suggestion to use a 'green scrubby'. If you need an abrasive pad to clean your Camelback or whatever hydrator you had best dispose of it. Most all plastics are easily abraded. When and if they are, and you still need them to be sanitary, it can no longer happen. All surfaces touched by any abrasive material will have microscopic striations providing ideal places for fungi, bacteria, et. al. to grow. I like the lemon juice version. NO PULP, NO ABRASIVES powdered or otherwise, please. R3~ 

[Tom]

 

[not-fishing]

Thanks for the tip it's been a few years for mine.  I really don't want to use soap or vinegar to clean them.

I figure Grappa for at least an hour out to do the trick.

A liter bottle per bag should be enough, I'll just lay it flat so it get's both sides.  I have three bags.

It's going to take me a couple of weeks to drain the grappa, just before bedtime while contemplating my next Guzzi.

[Gliderjohn]

I have heard of using denture cleaning tablets.
GliderJohn

[tazio]

I use a cleaning kit about 3 times a year. Just a small splash of bleach and warm soapy water.
I only drink water out of it as sports drinks and the like do not age well in the hydration bladder.
I use to Mix my own drink from powders, cheaper and I could pick a ratio to my liking.
Water only now.

[JeffOlson]

I have a hydration backpack, but I never use it anymore. I use Starbuck's instead! Plus, I like to stretch my legs every now and then.

On topic, I think my mother became ill recently because she does not wash her water bottles often enough.

[Sheepdog]

Between work and gifts, I’ve had a passel of Camelbacks. I gave them all away. I’ve never cared for their bladder systems, but their bicycle water bottles are the stuff. Same bite valve, but with an advanced plastic bottle that is treated to ease cleaning.

[Tom]

I have a hydration backpack, but I never use it anymore. I use Starbuck's instead! Plus, I like to stretch my legs every now and then.

On topic, I think my mother became ill recently because she does not wash her water bottles often enough.

I don't use one but I'd rather carry water with me.  When I take a break to stretch the legs, it's also a water break. 

[redhawk47]

I traveled from Colorado to Virginia, and back, end of June, first part of July. It was hot, in the 90s and often 96. Was 101 traveling 380 around the north side on DFW, and the traffic was barely moving because of construction.
I had a hydration pack in my tank bag and I made sure I was drinking every ten minutes. It made it easy to stay hydrated!

[DorsetBlue]

I have a couple of camelback bladders for my camelback rucksack. Used to use it for Enduro racing and off-road.  I used to clean the bladders with Milton Fluid (it works for baby bottles - although it also works well for sterilising beer bottles before filling them with beer  ).  I then normally store the bladders in the freezer.

[elvisboy77]

Outside of maybe marathons (I don't run)  I never saw the need for this sort of thing.  What's wrong with stopping every 2-3 hours? 

[tazio]

To be clear, my Camelback Hydration system is used only when Mountain biking.
Much excitement and jostling about requires me to keep both hands on bars as often as possible.
60~80 minute loop on narrow singletrack. Keep moving or get run over

[aschem]

I hear this method works if you don't have crud inside the bag: Put about 1/2 cup of water in the bladder and toss it in the microwave. Don't boil the water! Just heat it up, a bit at a time, until the bladder is too hot to touch. Take it out and let it sit flat, so the hot water contacts the entire inside of the bladder. Leave it until the water is cool.
I have used a blow-dryer on low to dry it out as soon as I empty it. It works pretty good on short, one-day excursions, and I initially fill it up with reverse osmosis filtered water.