Camelbak virgin

[Millerjerr]

I clean mine up with an ounce or so of household bleach. Just fill it to about a third with water, add an ounce or so of bleach, then more water. Drain some of it over the mouthpiece then let it set over night and drain and flush with more water and add a little lemon juice to the next load of water and your good to go for another month or so or until it gets bad again.

Jerry in Texas

 

[TERRY RYAN]

to store it I fill it with water and sling it in the freezer
seems ok to me

 

[Mutley]

Argos are doing some no name version for about £8

The Tesco one is a good buy if you want something cheap and cheerfull. I'm sure the bladder will split eventually but, at sub £10, you can always buy another or fit a Camelbak bladder and tube if you want

 

[Deleted account W]

Teaspoon of baking soda/bi-carb of soda overnight does the job

 

[Pukmeister]

I used to have a genuine Camelbak for touring till it got too grubby.

I recently bought a rucksack with a two litre "Camelbak" style bladder and tube for £22 made by Gelert at an outdoor/camping store and its better than the previous unit I owned. The RRP is £29.99.The larger rucksack unzips from the smaller unit, and it comes with a storm cover in the bottom pocket. The bite valve has a manual shut off valve next to it that works fine with gloved hands.

A bargain.

http://www.gelert.com/./products/Hydro-Vario_Pac_2_Litre.aspx

 

[retroman]

Hmmm, apologies for a possible thread hijack and/or uttering words of heresy, but are camelbacks really worth the aggro as far as biking is concerned?

If I need a drink I stop, have a break, and take a swig from a bottle.

I can see the point if you are desert riding or enduro racing, when time is of the essence and its essential to keep hydrated - but if you keep sipping away then you'll need to stop for a piss soon in any case.

Otherwise I would humbly suggest that camelbacks are another piece of semi-efficient 'macho tat' for gullible GSers to splurdge their cash upon.

Free country tho, and the above is all IMO, etc ...

 

[snoopy]

Check out the "Pure Hydration" model on ebay. I paid £20 delivered and they come in black or camo. Used by AU forces, apparently.

 

[GS TRV]

Hmmm, apologies for a possible thread hijack and/or uttering words of heresy, but are camelbacks really worth the aggro as far as biking is concerned?

If I need a drink I stop, have a break, and take a swig from a bottle.

I can see the point if you are desert riding or enduro racing, when time is of the essence and its essential to keep hydrated - but if you keep sipping away then you'll need to stop for a piss soon in any case.

Otherwise I would humbly suggest that camelbacks are another piece of semi-efficient 'macho tat' for gullible GSers to splurdge their cash upon.

Free country tho, and the above is all IMO, etc ...

You do have a point That's why I never bothered but they genuinely are good - in 30* you need to stop too often. The Camelbak means I can make decent progress without stopping - while looking like a Dakar warrior of course

 

[Padge]

I got a Camelbak for sking.. I used drink a heap of water as I didn't want to carry multiple bottles on me. Problem with guzzling a heap of water is you will pi$$ it out of you pretty quick.
If you're with a group this is a pain.. Same on the bike.. You'll need to stop..

The camelbak means you're sipping as you're sweating.....But you do look like a twat.

Hmmm, apologies for a possible thread hijack and/or uttering words of heresy, but are camelbacks really worth the aggro as far as biking is concerned?

If I need a drink I stop, have a break, and take a swig from a bottle.

I can see the point if you are desert riding or enduro racing, when time is of the essence and its essential to keep hydrated - but if you keep sipping away then you'll need to stop for a piss soon in any case.

Otherwise I would humbly suggest that camelbacks are another piece of semi-efficient 'macho tat' for gullible GSers to splurdge their cash upon.

Free country tho, and the above is all IMO, etc ...

 

[sparkplug]

but if you keep sipping away then you'll need to stop for a piss soon in any case.

As Padge mentioned 'it doesn't work like that'

Regular sipping prevents you needing pee breaks. Drinking big mugfulls makes you need pee breaks.

Also - you should sip BEFORE you get thirsty. Thirst is a symptom of dehydration.

If I'm doing more than a couple of hours on the bike I'll take mine (Source - but I've also got a Platypus I carry as a spare on really long trips). It helps your concentration to be hydrated.

Not a 'badge' or just Farkle and bling - and well worth the 'hassle' IMO

 

[retroman]

Horses for courses ... but I'm not convinced. Hillwalking? MTB-ing? Running?Yes. Motor biking? No.