Anyone use a hydration bladder?

[Muse]

I started looking at these the other day because I like to go to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festivals (a yearly thing), and this year because of the massacre at the Gilroy Garlic Festival they are tightening up security and you can't bring in an ordinary backpack.

So, I bought a Miracol hydration pack off Ebay. Not this listing, but it appears to be the same as the one I bought for ~$6 less.

It's modest size, 2L. I just received it, started researching these things and there are caveats. Many leak. People say there's an issue with mold unless you care for them properly. The major thing is, when not in use, freeze them after rinsing (maybe using 1/2 teaspoon bleach in the process or 1 teaspoon baking soda), but the critical thing is freezing. Some say to dry thoroughly, but the critical thing is freezing.

I'm wondering:

Should I remove the tube from the bladder before freezing. The threads are plastic and I'm thinking removing the tube and replacing you risk stripping the threads and then you will have the dreaded leaky bladder. I just threaded on my tube, haven't put any water in yet. I figure I should rinse the thing before actually drinking any water from it. Should I ever remove the tube once screwed on??? I'm afraid to do that for fear of ruining the seal and then having a leaky hydration bladder.

 

[lxskllr]

I have a 2qt military canteen. I just let it sit with the lid off when not in use. I'm not a fan of straws of any kind. They're bacteria collectors, and hard to clean. If I had to freeze an empty container, I wouldn't use it. If rinsing with bleach isn't sufficient, I'd throw it out and get something else.

 

[Muse]

I have a 2qt military canteen. I just let it sit with the lid off when not in use. I'm not a fan of straws of any kind. They're bacteria collectors, and hard to clean. If I had to freeze an empty container, I wouldn't use it. If rinsing with bleach isn't sufficient, I'd throw it out and get something else.

If you look it up I think you'll find that people say these hydration bladder systems will defeat the mold problem is you freeze the bladder. Bacteria? Well, you could rinse it out after removing from freezer, I don't think bacteria would be a concern.

I ordinarily (i.e. in the past before they changed the rules this year) would just bring a small plastic bottle in my backpack. I can't do that this year. A canteen wouldn't work for me. Well, something I could wear externally might work, but I don't have anything I think I'd be comfortable using. I'm going to be rollerskating! Yeah, quad skates, all over the road adjacent to the music stages. A hydration backpack seems perfect under these circumstances. Well, if maintenance isn't a real problem. A guy said this at sierra.com blog on this:

RICK
7/3/2016 at 7:18 PM
I do the same thing....except the washing and drying bit. I empty the water, including the tube and pop it into the freezer. I've been using the same bladder for at least 12 years, so I guess I can say that it works ok!

 

[Elfear]

Just bought my first bladder (2L) about 6 weeks ago. I've used it it once or twice a week since then for longer runs. I normally give it a quick rinse after use, drain, separate the tube and bladder and stick both in the freezer. Every other use, I'll wash it out with some dish soap and stick it in the freezer. Not much long-term experience but thus far no issues with a leaking tube or mold growth.

 

[highland145]

Maybe flush with a vinegar solution. I have used that on the breg polar pad. Freezing might be easier for that though. As long as most of the water is out.

 

[repoman0]

I have a 3L camelbak and GF has a 2L that we take on longer hikes. Had them for a couple years now with no issues. Just rinse with water and let it dry before storing it. Ours have never leaked even a tiny bit and I have no issues putting it in my camera backpack with a couple grand worth of equipment.

 

[olds]

I don't freeze mine, that sounds silly. I just make sure it's dry inside.

If your that worried, and you use it a lot, and that price, buy a new one every couple of months.

 

[Muse]

I have a 3L camelbak and GF has a 2L that we take on longer hikes. Had them for a couple years now with no issues. Just rinse with water and let it dry before storing it. Ours have never leaked even a tiny bit and I have no issues putting it in my camera backpack with a couple grand worth of equipment.

Do you remove the tube from the bladder in the process of rinsing and storing? I'm concerned that repetitively doing that will cause that connection to leak eventually. Many people complain of leaks there. Many an adventure has been ruined thereby.

 

[Muse]

I don't freeze mine, that sounds silly. I just make sure it's dry inside.

If your that worried, and you use it a lot, and that price, buy a new one every couple of months.

I'm not going to use it a lot. Or, maybe I will, don't know. But even if I don't I don't want the situation to arise where yeah, I need it today, oh no, it's hell of moldy, bummer. Like that guy said in post #3 above, he just rinses, drains and freezes, doesn't even bother to dry it out and it's been going strong for 12 years! I'd like that kind of dependability if it's that easy to attain. But should I remove the tube from the bladder each time I freeze it, that's the question in my mind concerning this ATM.

 

[Muse]

Found an extensive review page for hydration packs

 

[clamum]

I have never heard of freezing a frickin water bladder. For what, to combat mold? If you dry them properly they don't mold; that just sounds like a good way to ruin it (make it weaker).

I have a regular bladder (not name brand, dunno what it is) and have never had an issue with mold or stankness. Just make sure you get a cleaning kit that allows you to reach into the bladder and swipe/pipe-clean the tube. They also make a little hanger to put in the bladder to help it dry.

I like the bladder setup but yeah, I definitely think the downside is cleaning them. But like I said, with a kit it's at least manageable.

 

[Muse]

I have never heard of freezing a frickin water bladder. For what, to combat mold? If you dry them properly they don't mold; that just sounds like a good way to ruin it (make it weaker).

I have a regular bladder (not name brand, dunno what it is) and have never had an issue with mold or stankness. Just make sure you get a cleaning kit that allows you to reach into the bladder and swipe/pipe-clean the tube. They also make a little hanger to put in the bladder to help it dry.

I like the bladder setup but yeah, I definitely think the downside is cleaning them. But like I said, with a kit it's at least manageable.

Seems like a PITA to have to clean with a kit and then dry every time you use it. In post #3 above a guy said he just gets the water out and freezes it, done this for 12 years, never had a problem. I think the important thing is to get enough water out of the bladder and tube and it will be OK in the freezer. No mold is going to grow in the freezer. Probably no significant bacteria either. Far less work than cleaning and drying repeatedly.

 

[repoman0]

Do you remove the tube from the bladder in the process of rinsing and storing? I'm concerned that repetitively doing that will cause that connection to leak eventually.

Yes. If it leaks, replace the O-ring for 10 cents. It's not even worth worrying about

My GF is paranoid and uses the cleaning kit, I just rinse mine within a day or so of using it and leave it on the counter to dry. Zero noticeable difference between the two.

 

[Tormac]

I have used different brands of water bladders hiking and biking, and have never had trouble with mold growing in them. Like everyone else I just do my best to dry them out before I store them away.

I have never heard of people freezing them. Does freezing things kill mold anyways? I am suspicious of this.

I have heard of people rinsing them out with the old fashioned mouthwash that is very high in alcohol (although I have never done that myself).

 

[Muse]

Yes. If it leaks, replace the O-ring for 10 cents. It's not even worth worrying about

My GF is paranoid and uses the cleaning kit, I just rinse mine within a day or so of using it and leave it on the counter to dry. Zero noticeable difference between the two.

I didn't notice an O ring where the tube screws into the bladder. I have a mind to just leave it connected indefinitely (as long as it doesn't leak). My freezer's always pretty full but I figure I can make room for the bladder+tube in a bag. There's always room for one more thing!

 

[darkswordsman17]

Why the fuck are people talking about freezing and cleaning? Just fill it with 150 proof moonshine. Kills the bacteria and gives you the real Bluegrass experience.

 

[Muse]

I have used different brands of water bladders hiking and biking, and have never had trouble with mold growing in them. Like everyone else I just do my best to dry them out before I store them away.

I have never heard of people freezing them. Does freezing things kill mold anyways? I am suspicious of this.

I have heard of people rinsing them out with the old fashioned mouthwash that is very high in alcohol (although I have never done that myself).

Freezing may not kill mold but it wouldn't grow in there. There are mold spores everywhere by the trillions. Under some conditions mold (which is a fungus) thrives. Mold needs moisture to do so and generally something to digest. But when it's 0 degrees F, I wouldn't think it would have a chance. I mean have you ever taken something out of the freezer and found that it had gotten moldy? No!. In a 40 degree F refrigerator, yes.

 

[Muse]

Why the fuck are people talking about freezing and cleaning? Just fill it with 150 proof moonshine. Kills the bacteria and gives you the real Bluegrass experience.

LOL... well, a giggle.

This had crossed my mind, but TBH I'm going to be on my quad rollerskates, that's the way I do Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, with a Pentax Kx DSLR slung around my neck fitted with my Pentax 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL IF zoom Lens. What's more, the ban on backpacks means that I can't have my shoes with me, so if something goes wrong... just about anything, I've gotta get back to my bicycle somehow, without shoes (which will be left in my bike's basket, the bike being checked at the festival's bike lot), with only those heavy skates... and I'll be skating through crowds. So, NO ALCOHOL! I've done it several times. Barring a mishap (including a skate breaking down) I should be fine.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Seems like an oddball thing. May as well just carry a regular backpack with possibly other supplies too (snacks, camera gear etc) and a reusable bottle to hold water.

 

[Muse]

Seems like an oddball thing. May as well just carry a regular backpack with possibly other supplies too (snacks, camera gear etc) and a reusable bottle to hold water.

Guess you didn't read the OP. I got this because the HSBF I'm going to next weekend is this year forbidding _regular_ backpacks, coolers, etc. They fear a copy cat active shooter scenario.

And it's really not so odd if you are going to be doing something strenuous outdoors, e.g. hiking, biking, etc.

 

[thedarkwolf]

I mountain bike and ride at least once a week so I just store my main one in the fridge with some water in it so it is ready for the next ride. Drying it out after every ride is too much of a PITA. I just clean it every couple months by filling it with water and a bit of bleach and letting it sit for a while and rinsing it out really well. If I'm storing it for a while then into the freezer it goes. I've had my old one which I keep as a back up in the freezer for 2 or 3 years lol. The freezing thing is pretty common in the mountain bike world.

 

[Kaido]

I have a 3L camelbak and GF has a 2L that we take on longer hikes. Had them for a couple years now with no issues. Just rinse with water and let it dry before storing it. Ours have never leaked even a tiny bit and I have no issues putting it in my camera backpack with a couple grand worth of equipment.

I owned a Camelbak back when I was doing heavy road cycling. Never leaked, was totally worth the money!