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salimoneus

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Just wondering if there are any systems out there that do not use a plastic pouch, which likely leech chemicals into the water. I haven't found a camelback type system that did not make the water taste like plastic in high heat environments, and even if it doesn't have a foul taste, leeching is likely still occurring.

I currently carry a stainless bottle (Klean Kanteen) in place of the bladder inside the backpack, but obviously not nearly as convenient. I will gladly trade convenience for purity if there are no better options though. Of course there's not much that can be done to avoid having a plastic tube, at least I don't believe there is, but that can be cleared between uses to minimize contact.
 
#5 ·
salimoneus said:
I did find this which is something I had thought about looking into doing, might be a good solution if no commercially available one exists: http://www.examiner.com/x-8158-Open...nfree-camelback-hydration-system-using-a-stainless-steel-bottle-for-Burning-Man
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Ummm... the drinking tube is plastic.

FWIW, I think the current CamelBak bladders are made exactly like the IV bags used in hospitals, which are extremely tightly controlled for chemical leaching (for obvious reasons).

However, I'd recommend a hand-blown glass bottle with natural (free-range organic) latex tubing.

JMJ
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Yea I mentioned the drinking tube, but it can be cleared between uses so I think it's not much of a concern. I'm more concerned about the container.

IV bags might be tightly controlled, but it's still plastic and I can taste the difference. I'm surely tasting something if not the water.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
pursuiter said:
I have a Camel-Bac and never taste anything but the water. Maybe your water has chemicals in it?
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I doubt it, I buy RO-system filtered water from a reputable source, tested every few months with an.avg. tds of 4.2ppm. Maybe some people are just more sensitive to picking out flavors than others?
 
#10 ·
It's a given that some people are more sensitive to picking out flavors than others. I have a friend who says he can taste the salt in softened water. I'm not too worried about the plastic in my camelbac, but I don't leave any water in it after I ride. Some plastics are more prone for chemical leaching out, but I don't know enough about it to offer any advice. If you're that concerned about it, I would keep doing what you have been. It may not be the most convenient method but you'll have your piece of mind that your water is safe.
 
#15 ·
salimoneus said:
Just wondering if there are any systems out there that do not use a plastic pouch, which likely leech chemicals into the water. I haven't found a camelback type system that did not make the water taste like plastic in high heat environments, and even if it doesn't have a foul taste, leeching is likely still occurring.

I currently carry a stainless bottle (Klean Kanteen) in place of the bladder inside the backpack, but obviously not nearly as convenient. I will gladly trade convenience for purity if there are no better options though. Of course there's not much that can be done to avoid having a plastic tube, at least I don't believe there is, but that can be cleared between uses to minimize contact.
Click to expand...
I have never had a plastic taste issue with Platypus bladders.
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·
Shark said:
The pollution in the air we breath on the way to the trail is likely more polluted than the leached chemicals in a camelback bladder.
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While I agree that's likely the case, the difference is that one person can't do a whole lot about the air around them, but they can surely control everything else that goes into their body. I would rather make an effort to eliminate other sources of contaminants when practical, instead of just contributing more. There are definitely cumulative and combinatory effects with many substances in our environment.
 
#17 ·
salimoneus said:
Dang, all I could find is cage-free organic latex, think that would still be good?
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Buy a rubber tree. Fertilize it with your own feces and use your filtered water. Say nice things to the tree every day. Then hack into the bark and drain off the latex sap and make your own latex tubing (but pray that plants don't have feelings).

Seriously, try rinsing your Camelbak with mouthwash, then try some known taste-free water. Never leave water in your Camelbak. If you're still tasting "chemicals", try a Platypus bladder.

I've been using Camelbaks for about 15 years and even the new bladders have not tasted weird, and I consider myself to have a very sensitive palate.

Good luck - JMJ
 
#20 · (Edited)
womble said:
A 30 second check would have confirmed that it's not lined with plastic.
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What's it lined with then, Mr. Google?

I guess it was the SIGG bottles I was thinking of that had the plastic liner. Everyone thought that it was plain steel with no liner, but in fact they were lined with plastic that leached BPA into your water, and most people had no idea. On an unlined bottle it tastes like metal to me if left in there for a while. So which is worse, a metal taste, or a plastic taste? I guess that's subjective.
 
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