"camelback" question - sanitation

[W.E.G.]

I've noticed that a lot of packs to include the "camelback" water dispensation system these days.

I've always been suspicious of any canteen that could not be emptied and left to completely dry (like with the cap off, so that air could get in).

What's the deal with the camelback? How do you clean the "bladder" between uses? Seems like some water is bound to remain in the bladder between uses. I'm not too keen on this camelback concept if I have to flush the hell out of it every time I want to fill it up for a day-hike. Last thing I need to do is make myself sick by drinking bad water while I'm doing something that is supposed to be "good for my health."

[Deltaten]

Aw, c'mon gary...suck it up! ;)

A few germs is good fer ya :D Once ya build up an immunity to Montezuma's Revenge, yer good to go just about anywhere.

Seriously....
I would imagine that a good rinse w/water and possibly a few drops of clorox would do the trick; same as purification routine.
I use baking soda to "sweeten" my s.s thermos every week or so. COuld be done to a bladder, too??

IF I remember, I'll ask the boy, next time I speak w/him. He uses one daily.

Regards,
Paul

[Stranger]

Camelback and others sell special brushes and drying hangers, natch. They started making wider mouthed bladders to ease cleaning needs. I dump a tea kettle full of boiling water in mine and let it sit for 5 minutes whenever I get around to it (maybe once every 10 times I use it). Then I stick a bent up wire coat hanger into it to keep it propped open. I also try not to leave water sitting in it for longer than I am going to be using it.

Works for me. YMMV.

[Windustsearch]

I've had mine for years and have not cleaned it. It hasn't killed me yet. But the opening is like 3 or 4 inches wide, so if you wanted to dry it out, you could just stuff it full of paper towels, then rinse with listerine or something.

[Texas Tactical]

http://www.eagleindustries.com/images/prodimages/p_eag-90091.jpg

Camelbak actually makes a bladder dryer that allows for air to circulate inside the bladder so that it dries properly without any mold/mildew build up.

It folds up so you can fit it thru the bladder opening then expands inside to keep the bladders walls from touching while it's drying out.

[Jez Cruzen]

DELTATEN is correct - A 10% bleach solution will saniitze your camelback. Just be sure not to use any of the scented varities of household bleach now on the market. You will, however, have to thoroughly rinse the bladder or settle for slightly chlorinated tasting drink of water when you use it next.

[MikeC]

Gary, as others posted, it is a non-issue as long as you follow the directions. The wire thing designed to keep the bladder open has been replaced by a plastic thing. They even sell their own cleaner, however I have never used it yet. The only thing I use is a few paper towels to get the last few drips of water out.

[cycle_rcr]

Gary,

I use the Camelbak a lot, and have for years.

1. If you don't feel like emptying it immediately after use, put it in the reefer.
2. Just open and rinse well. Then drain as best as possible, and importantly, prop open to dry. Gotta get the thing dry for storage or you are guaranteed to have mildew.

I am cheap and use the hose to hold the bladder open.

Non toxic silicone gel is helpful on the sealing O-ring or plug.

Oh and the Camelbak bladder really is better than the cheapos at the discount store.

[Farmer from Hell]

Slip over to the REI down the street (http://clients.mapquest.com/rei/mqinterconnect?business=VA&closestn=20&closestprox=1&miles=900&link=find).

Kit (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47799910&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&color=&img=/media/710000_9996Lrg.jpg&view=large)

http://images.rei.com/media/710000_9996Lrg.jpg

FfH

[Stranger]

Camelback condoms? I guess they are fluid retention devices.

[izaakb]

We had similar devices in IDF. The solution we used was salt water warmed up. I think it was about 300 cg of salt and the rest was just warm water.

[gunplumber]

A camel's back is not a very sanitary surface, but its probably more sanitary than his Arse!

Anyway, I use a splash of bleach and rinse.

And I store mine full. What use is an empty canteen?

If I know I am going to use it the next day, I can rinse out the stale water and refil. If I didn't know I was going to need it - I have some stale but drinkable water.

[Windustsearch]

Same here, there is always some water in it. I have never cleaned it beyond a good tap water rinsing and it has never mildewed. The back pack itself, I must add, has been the only one to withstand the abuse I put a pack through on archaeo surveys, snake hunts, etc. It's a damn good pack and has been worth every cent ($175).

[Stranger]

Here is the information straight from the horses mouth. Go to the website and click on the "cleaning" button.

http://www.camelbak.com/mil/clean.cfm

Use a couple teaspoons of bleach to clean the bag.

[last_mile2002]

Bleach can and will cause the plastic to eventually loose some of its flexibility and crack. After each use, some baking soda and hot water out of the tap will keep the bacteria cound down. Then, you MUST let the interior dry, otherwise it will be a home for all sorts of microbes. I hang mine on the shower rod and use clothes pin to keep the two interior surfaces from sticking together. All you have to do is pinch a little of the front surface together and it will keep the entire wall from sticking to the opposite wall. Pinch the bite valve to let the water out and the interior will be dry in a couple of hours, except for a few sq inches under the clothes pin. (It will dry in 15 minutes, just move the clip.)

I've had my camelback for over 7 years and have only had to replace the bite valve once. Its never smelled bad and has never leaked. Just don't overfill them (no more than 3/4 full) and remove all air before using.

[danimal]

TRY THIS! clean and rinse your bladder
then add warm water and about half cup of lemon juice and some baking soda
the acid and soda will effervesce and leave your bladder with a pleseant scent and taste. Then just hang and dry!

[zack taylor]

Man, I always thought herbal tea was the best way to clean your 'bladder'.:biggrin:

Zack

[sslocal]

I have use done for the past ten years or so. I rarely clean it other than to rinse it out before use.
Having said this I have read that a water bottle and by extension a camel back, can develop over 196 different forms of bacteria.

[Stranger]

Originally posted by zack taylor
Man, I always thought herbal tea was the best way to clean your 'bladder'.:biggrin:

Zack

Nah, it cranberry juice.

[Windustsearch]

Having said this I have read that a water bottle and by extension a camel back, can develop over 196 different forms of bacteria.

Yes it's an excellent source of protein.

[Enquiring Minds]

SIMPLE: Hydrogen Peroxide. Kills all, can be left in until next use, rinsed at that time.

OR... DENTURE CLEANING TABS--Walgreens or generic--not the name brands. Same thing that Camelbak sells for OUTRAGEOUS prices. Say 2 tabs and 1/2 liter of water, squeeze the air out... you need surface area contact, doesn't require bladder bulged out to capacity.

Drain and DRY after fizzies stop, OR leave the fizzy water in until next use (run some through tube, nach), and rinse at that time.

I would definitely avoid the BOILING water and BLEACH... good for Pyrex glass, bad for soft plastic.


Originally posted by danimal
TRY THIS! clean and rinse your bladder
then add warm water and about half cup of lemon juice and some baking soda
the acid and soda will effervesce and leave your bladder with a pleseant scent and taste. Then just hang and dry!

That sounds like a good one too... I know there's antiseptic action there, just not sure how thorough... plus grit might gather in nooks and crannies.

[jacketch]

I've used hydrogen peroxide for the last ten years to sanitize water bladders and have never had a problem.

[W.E.G.]

denture tabs!

peroxide!


Doesn't this stuff leave a really yuckky tast in plastic containers?

[izaakb]

Originally posted by danimal
TRY THIS! clean and rinse your bladder
then add warm water and about half cup of lemon juice and some baking soda
the acid and soda will effervesce and leave your bladder with a pleseant scent and taste. Then just hang and dry!

We used baking soda alone, but I think your plan is awesome. WIll try it this weekend.

[Stranger]

Originally posted by gary.jeter
denture tabs!

peroxide!


Doesn't this stuff leave a really yuckky tast in plastic containers?

Not after they top it off with Jim Beam.

[Andy the Aussie]

I have had the same bladder (the water kind) since the late 90s. If I have been using it with tap or bottled water I have just proped it open and allowed it to air dry. If using creek or still water I rinse it a few times with clean water (tube as well) and then refill it with tap water and add a coupl eof Puritabs (water purification tablets. Allow it to sit over night, drian and air dry. Never had a stink problem (again the baldder not me) nor have I been poisoned.

a mate was using Milton Tabs (bleach) but they caused the bottom of the bladder to become brittle and eventually split open while he was on a pack run. He was not a happy camper.

Gary there are probably some other "sanitation" issues you need to know about but they don't relate to your camel back...maybe your bladder though.

Andy:biggrin:

[Adirondack1]

Aandy I thought that VEGEMITE killed everything!

I would suggest that you leave a healthy coating of VEGEMITE on the inside of your bladder till the next time you need it.

If you fill it with water a week ahead of time you'll have BEER!:beer: :rofl:

[Andy the Aussie]

After reading that mate I feel strangly ILL.....:rofl: :bigangel: I am happy to send you more of that road tar if you have developed a taste for it.....:tongue: :beer: :beer:

[zack taylor]

Adirondack1

You're not far off from the beer thing. As an enterprising young GI, years ago, I used to carry packets of yeast and small balloons. Used to add yeast to water bottles with 'bug juice', the army coolaid(with some extra sugar for 'kick'). Put a balloon on top, wait until the balloon inflated, then deflated at least half-way, and VIOLA. Electric Kool-aid. It was the rage while on the 'Z in Korea.

There are probably thousands of water bottles all over the world, with my 'zing in 'em. Wonder if monkeys and other animals have discovered them and had a good time.

Zack

[Enquiring Minds]

Originally posted by gary.jeter
denture tabs!

peroxide!

Doesn't this stuff leave a really yuckky tast in plastic containers?

Only if you don't rinse it out, otherwise nay.