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Storing hydration bladder..tips?

19K views 30 replies 26 participants last post by  127.0.0.1  
#1 ·
I just got a new hydration backpack (Raptor 14 - doesn't look like you can take the hose apart to clean..) and used it today, it has a little bit of water left. I plan on using it again next weekend (obviously)..what would you recommend in daily storage?

I've heard to put it in the freezer..heard to fill it back with water and keep in the refrigerator..

What do you guys do?
 
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#2 ·
I just got a new hydration backpack (Raptor 14 - doesn't look like you can take the hose apart to clean..) and used it today, it has a little bit of water left. I plan on using it again next weekend (obviously)..what would you recommend in daily storage?

I've heard to put it in the freezer..heard to fill it back with water and keep in the refrigerator..

What do you guys do?
either way will suffice for next weekends adventure but in general people tend to use the freezer routine over the fridge especially for longer storage times.
 
#6 ·
I drain mine out in the sink, remove the bite valve, and put the bladder in the freezer. I wash the bite valve with dish soap and put it in a drawer. I have never had a bladder go moldy this way. refrigerator sounds like it would work but I don't have room in the frige for that.
 
#10 ·
After each ride, I drain out the water, refill, and put it in the 'fridge. then its ready to go for the next ride. Mine stores nicely in an otherwise unusable space under a drawer in the fridge. I have never had mold develop with this system.
 
#11 ·
Interesting I will have to try this refrigerator method.

I have always just inverted my bladder and put it over the top of a wood dowel/paper towel holder and let it air dry.

Never had any mold issues but I was always worried

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#12 ·
my experience shows I only have mold when I'm using something besides plain water
I use it once a week, usually drain it and place it with the rest of my gear. Using one of the performance mixes changes that, I have to rinse well to keep mold from growing. My wife doesn't like it in the fridge but I'm gona investigate that under-a-drawer idea MKid.
 
#13 ·
Since I use mine every weekend I just keep it filled with water in the refrigerator. When I come back from the ride I just refill it and put it back in the fridge.
 
#14 ·
If I'm using it often then I put it in the freezer.

If I know I'm not going to use it for a while I bend a wire hanger so I can shove it in the wide mouth and hang it in the coat closet to dry out. The wire hanger keeps the walls of the bladder from sticking together and staying wet.
 
#17 ·
I have a second fridge in my garage. My whole pack goes in after rides. No air in the bladder, cold temps, and no light really helps the mold. I wash mine about every 2 months and nothing looks, feels, or smells funny.

You can also get quick disconnect valves from camelbak to make the hose come off without disconnecting from the bladder. But the new Raptor is so easy to remove the bladder I'm don't think it's a big deal.
 
#21 ·
I have to agree with Boom. I clean mine out occasionally and get all of the air out. Usually leave it in my pack for the weeks riding. When I empty or near empty it on a ride I'll rinse it out and refill getting all of the air out. I too use water only. There's too many nooks and crannies to clean if I get mold growing.
 
#25 ·
Fridge guy here as well.
Camelback gets filled in the AM and I chuck the whole thing in the fridge when I get back from the ride.
I don't like cold water on a ride ergo the AM fill (enough for the ride) up.
I'm on the third season with the original bladder in my Mule.
 
#29 ·
After 6 months of cleaning and care, nights in freezer I now have occasional mold problem because of very occasional use of carb drink. Using the new osprey with zip top I can clean pretty easily, but not too thoroughly I suppose. Hose and mouthpiece are a problem. I try to fully air dry but it takes days.

Last week I bought a large bottle of the cheapest gin I could find, $17 for 1.5 liters. Filled the bladder including hose, left overnight, then drained back into bottle. Bladder was dry by afternoon. Refilled with water and now theres a slight pleasant gin taste. Definitely better than Clorox. Anyone know if the gin will kill mold?
 
#30 ·
Last week I bought a large bottle of the cheapest gin I could find, $17 for 1.5 liters. Filled the bladder including hose, left overnight, then drained back into bottle. Bladder was dry by afternoon. Refilled with water and now theres a slight pleasant gin taste. Definitely better than Clorox. Anyone know if the gin will kill mold?
Not sure about that, but did you drink the gin?