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7 Easy Ways to Clean & Dry Your Hydration Bladder

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Boy with Hydration Pack on His Shoulder Wearing White Shirt before Surfing,

Cleaning your hydration pack’s bladder is probably the last thing on your mind right now. It’s one of those chores that’s remarkably easy to overlook and even the most experienced backpackers sometimes forget to scrub out the water bladder after every trip.

Yes, you read that right, you’re supposed to clean your water reservoir after each use! It may sound extreme, but water bottles, hydration packs, and other hydration reservoirs are the perfect environment for growing mildew, mold, and bacteria.

Thankfully cleaning and drying your hydration bladder isn’t too complicated. There are a few different ways to do it and we’ll cover them all below. First, let’s take a closer look at why it’s so important to keep your hydration pack clean. 

Moldy fungus on food

Moisture from water and other fluids (especially sugary sports drinks) causes mold to grow easily.

Dangers of a Dirty Hydration Pack

Like many pieces of camping and backpacking gear, hydration packs are rarely cleaned as often as they should be. Most people are content to clean a water bladder only occasionally and just get used to the kind of nasty plastic taste that develops after a while. The thing is, that plastic taste means something is wrong! 

At the risk of getting too nasty, part of the problem is that you can’t see into a hydration bladder. Unless you have a model that can be turned inside out, it’s anybody’s guess what’s in there. If we could see it, though, the necessity of cleaning your water bladder often would be clear.

It only takes a tiny bit of leftover water to grow mold and mildew in storage. Most of what grows are just gross, but there are also some dangerous pathogens that thrive in moist environments, so it’s important to take gear cleaning seriously. 

There are a surprising amount of people who think that if you just put water in it, you don’t need to clean a hydration pack at all. This is not true! Not only does regular cleaning protect you from nasty bacteria, mold, and more, it will also make your water taste fresher and cleaner. This is what actually sells people on regular clearing. So try it once, taste the difference, and you’ll never go back. 

7 Ways to Clean a Water Bladder 

There are a few different kinds of hydration packs out there, but most used by hikers and backpackers today utilize a water bladder of some kind. And bladders have really been a game-changer for backcountry explorers of all kinds. You can carry more water much more easily in bladders than in water bottles.

Besides, most use a tube and bite valve to allow you to access water at any time without digging all through your pack for it. While some water bladders may need special kinds of care, the following methods should work on most models and are focused on removing build-up from the inside of the bladder.

You can and should also clean the outside to some extent, but it’s less important than the bladder itself. After all, the water you’re going to drink is what you want to keep clean. So here are the seven best methods for cleaning a water bladder. 

1. Hydration Reservoir Cleaning Tablets 

Perhaps the easiest method is to use cleaning tablets made specifically for water bladders. All the major hydration reservoir brands offer cleaning tablets. Just mix them with warm water and you’re ready to go. Be careful not to use hot water or boiling water as this can damage the lining of your hydration bladder. 

You can also buy full reservoir cleaning kits for Osprey, Hydrapak, Platypus, and Camelbak bladders, among others. These will provide you with brushes and scrubbers designed specifically for the hydration pack you have and can make it easier to clean the mouthpiece and drinking tube. You don’t necessarily need a branded kit, however. DIY methods can work just as well.

2. Use a DIY Solution 

So just what are the best DIY cleaning solutions for a hydration bladder? There are a lot of DIY recipes out there and many of them work to some degree. It’s going to depend somewhat on how dirty your bladder is. But any of these should be enough once you’ve started cleaning it out after every use.

One additional tip to keep in mind is that mixing chemicals can be dangerous. Make sure you have a clear idea of what you’re doing and be aware of which cleaners you should never mix. So, one option you have is to make a solution of baking soda and bleach and soak your water bladder in this before rinsing it out.

You’ll need a teaspoon of baking soda, and just a few drops of bleach per liter of water. You can use up one teaspoon of bleach if needed, but generally, less is plenty. Mix throughout in warm water to create a cleaning solution. 

3. Other Natural Cleaning Solutions

Baking soda and bleach are far from the only options, however. For a more natural DIY solution, you can use white vinegar and baking soda. You’ll need a teaspoon of each per liter of water and you can use it in exactly the same way that you would a cleaning tablet or the bleach and baking soda solution.

 Some people also add lemon juice, either before the main cleaner or by adding it to the mixture. Lemon juice is great for breaking down organic matter and build-up inside the water bladder. If you’ve used your bladder for something other than water, lemon juice can help break down any leftover organic material and combat residual smells. 

You might want to play around with your DIY cleaning solution a bit too. Depending on how often you use your bladder, what you’re putting in it, and the climate you’re in, different solutions may work better. With all of these, you can adjust the ratios a bit as well. Just be careful not to overdo it! 

4. Denture Cleaner 

This is possibly the weirdest water bladder cleaning option out there, but it really does work. It makes sense too. After all, you want dentures to be clean enough to go in your mouth without damaging the material of the dentures. So, if you find it easier to get denture cleaner tablets, or if you want to save a little money (they’re cheaper than hydration pack cleaner tablets), this is a great option. 

With all of these options, you can take off pieces like the mouthpiece and bite valve and soak them in a bowl for better access. If you need to scrub inside, the cleaner kits are really convenient for getting a good deep clean. You can find similar scrub brushes with general kitchen cleaning supplies as well.

Plates and foam in the kitchen sink, green ceramic tile background.

Dish soap doesn’t just work for dishes so go ahead and clean your hydration bladder with it!

5. The Classic: Dish Soap and Water

The simplest option out there is to use a small amount of dish soap with warm water. The advantage of this method is that almost everyone has dish soap on hand. But it can be tougher to rinse out thoroughly than some of these other solutions and you may want a more natural solution, especially out on the trail (More on that in a moment!) 

With any of these solutions, or with a cleaning tablet, you’ll fill the bladder and then hold it over your head with the valve open, until water starts to run out. This ensures the cleaning solution or soapy water has reached every part of the hydration pack. After that, let it soak for 20-30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. 

6. Can I Use a Dishwasher?

So, it depends. Some hydration bladders are dishwasher safe and others are not. In particular, Hydrapak bladders are known for being safe to clean in the dishwasher. In particular, these are generally reversible which allows your dishwasher to actually reach the inside of the bladder. Otherwise, it’s not going to be of much use. 

If you use the dishwasher, make sure to turn the bladder inside out and place it on the top rack. If your dishwasher has multiple settings, use the lighter ones, and possibly wash with warm water versus hot. After you remove your bladder from the dishwasher, you should still air dry it. Many washers have drying features, but they’re not strong enough to get all the moisture out.  

7. Cleaning Your Bladder on the Trail 

One particularly tricky aspect of keeping your hydration bladder clean is how to clean it on the trail. For long treks especially, this is essential. So what should you take into account for cleaning a water bladder as you go? The first thing you want to consider is to make sure you have a cleaning solution that’s fully biodegradable.

Natural soaps are one option, and Bottle Bright makes biodegradable water pack cleaning tablets as well. You use these the same as any other cleaning tablets. If you’re sourcing water on the trail, make sure to boil it before bringing it down to the temperature you want for cleaning. 

After that, you fill the water bladder, let it soak for 20-30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. You’ll want to pour the soapy water into a cathole a good distance from your water source. Again, you don’t want to end up drinking soap any more than you want to be drinking mold! Other than that, it’s pretty easy to clean and dry a hydration bladder on the trail. You can use use-specific drying racks, clothespins and a line, or even just a Y-shaped stick to dry it out. 

Drying Your Hydration Bladder 

The drying step is a little easier at home. But no less important! In addition to thorough rinsing, you want to dry your water bladder as fully as possible. It’s the moistness that allows mildew and mold to grow, so making sure your bladder is totally dry before you put it away is essential. The best way to do this is to air dry your bladder in a way that maximizes airflow into the bladder.

So you want to find a way to prop it open somewhat or hang it. If you do have a reversible bladder, turn it inside out to dry. Otherwise, you can use a cup hanger, clothes hanger, paper towel holder, or a clothespin on a line to hand dry your hydration bladder. Personally, I find a paper towel holder works best. Plus, it’s right there in the kitchen if you’re cleaning your bladder over the sink. 

male runner with camelbak

If you’re going to freeze your Camelbak, make sure it’s not completely full and that it’s right side up.

A Few Extra Camelbak Care Tips 

Okay, by now it should be clear that cleaning out your water pack every time you use it is the best option for avoiding mildew, mold, and bacteria inside. There is, however, an extremely easy option if you don’t have time to dry it, or if you have to skip cleaning for some reason. Freeze it! This can also be a good storage option even if you do take good care of your hydration pack.

Freezing will prevent mildew from growing. After all, even the most careful attempt to dry out a water bladder is sometimes unsuccessful. You should also avoid putting especially smelly or strong liquids in your water bladder. For a group camping trip where you’re partying all day, it can be tempting to load up some wine or liquor in a water bladder.

Not only is this a bad idea from a hydration standpoint but it’s also likely to leave your bladder permanently smelling of pinot grigio. Fruit juices can also have this effect (and promote mildew growth), but whiskey is the absolute worst for this. Really, it’s not worth it! 

Another Reason to Clean Your Hydration Bladder

In addition to keeping you healthy and happy while camping, cleaning your hydration bladder can help you out in a few other ways as well. Regular cleaning gives you a great opportunity to examine your bladder for mold growth, tears, and other issues.

Taking a close look at what comes out when you rinse it can help you identify a big problem before it gets worse. Or, it can give you a push to replace a bladder that’s seen better days. Finally, regular cleaning and maintenance can impact your warrant!

A lot of hydration systems come with warranties, but they’re only valid if you’ve been taking good care of the pack. If you do want to try and repair small problems, however, it’s not an unreachable goal. Small tears can be patched with silicone-based sealants, and again, lemon juice is a great way to get rid of stuck-in smells of build-up. 

Final Verdict: 

It may seem like a silly thing to get so worked up about, but cleaning your hydration bladder regularly can save you from some big headaches. After all, no one wants to come down with a nasty illness while out on the trail. And regular cleaning can extend the life of your bladder, help you get replacement gear if something breaks, and even gives you a chance to examine your hydration set up for issues at the end of each use. 

Thankfully, there are many ways to clean a hydration pack, and they’re all relatively simple. In fact, you shouldn’t have to buy anything at all to do a good job of cleaning your water bladder. Just remember to use warm water rather than hot, rinse the bladder thoroughly, and make sure it’s completely dry before you put it away! 

 

Bonus tip: Check out this great video on hydration pack storage tips for keeping your bladder in great shape between uses!

 

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Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments

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Life is an adventure, a journey filled with countless opportunities for thrill and excitement. For some, the idea of living life on the edge, embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is an exhilarating concept that fuels their passion for adventure. This article delves into the world of adrenaline-chasing, highlighting the benefits and experiences of such a lifestyle.

Kitesurfing: Riding the waves of excitement

The first step to living on the edge is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Kitesurfing, a water sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding elements, is an excellent example of an adrenaline-fueled activity. The activity entails utilizing a sizable maneuverable kite to capture the force of the wind, enabling the rider to traverse the water on a board specifically designed for kiteboarding. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring through the air, feeling the breeze caress your cheeks, and mastering the art of maneuvering a kite. Kitesurfing is a remarkable adventure that captures the spirit of embracing excitement and pushing boundaries.

The psychological thrill

In addition to the excitement of the tangible experience, embracing a daring lifestyle offers a mental rush that is just as stimulating. Engaging in these activities provides an exhilarating experience that stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relievers. This results in a profound sense of joy and an overwhelming feeling of invulnerability. The thrill of this frenzy can become habit-forming, compelling thrill-seekers to pursue fresh and increasingly demanding adventures consistently. 

The benefits of embracing the edge

Embracing a daring lifestyle goes beyond pursuing excitement; it presents many advantages. Participating in thrilling adventures can enhance physical well-being, as numerous pursuits demand robustness, stamina, and skill. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance one’s emotional well-being by offering a means to alleviate tension and unease. Engaging in these activities demands concentration, which can effectively alleviate mental clutter, resulting in a serene state once the surge of excitement diminishes.

The balance of risk and reward

While living life on the edge can be exhilarating, it’s important to remember the balance of risk and reward. Adrenaline-fueled activities often involve a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to approach them with a healthy respect for safety. Proper training, equipment, and precautions can help mitigate these risks, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without unnecessary danger. 

Always research your activities and location. This understanding can help you decide if the risk is acceptable and if you have the skills and equipment. Check and maintain your gear, and never sacrifice safety. Finally, embracing adventure with a responsible and safety-conscious mentality lets you enjoy high-risk activities without risking injury.

Living life on the edge embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of thrill, excitement, and personal growth. Whether kitesurfing across the waves, scaling a mountain, or skydiving from a plane, these activities provide an escape from the mundane, a chance to challenge oneself, and an opportunity to experience life at its most vibrant. So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the adrenaline, and start living on the edge. After all, life is not meant to be lived in the slow lane; rather, it’s about experiencing every thrilling moment it offers.

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Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails

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Wind farms and solar panels are not just alternative means to get our natural resources. They have now combined with another industry and are making some unexpected news. 

The tourism industry has marked renewable energy farms as hiking trails, and hikers are here for it. You can read more about renewable energy sites. Although you might not think of hiking on a wind farm as beautiful as hiking along a famous mountain trail, you might just be in for a surprise. 

Let’s discuss the benefits that renewable energy farms have as hiking trails. 

Why are Renewable Energy Farms Important? 

Renewable energy farms are important for the future of civilization. These farms provide an alternative to our natural resources, such as wind and energy. 

The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions and reduces the air pollution other traditional processes create when providing natural resources. 

These farms also allow for the creation of the country’s own resources without having to import natural resources from another country and save their limited natural resources. 

Here are some of the reasons why energy farms are important: 

  • Allows for sustainable rural development 

This will allow landowners to make an extra income by generating energy. 

  • Test new technologies 

Providing the opportunity to test technologies to find new ways to create renewable energy. 

  • Improving the effect of climate change 

Climate change has left the environment filled with toxic pollutants, which has led people to become sick and breathe in harmful air. 

Renewable energy can change this by lessening the number of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and providing much safer, cleaner, breathable air. 

  • This leads to job creation 

Job creation within the renewable energy farms industry is plentiful as there is a need for skilled workers such as construction, maintenance and manufacturing to build the necessary infrastructure that is needed to generate these wind and solar farms. 

The Benefits of Renewable Energy Farms As Hiking Trails 

Renewable energy farms have many benefits for both the environment and people who love spending their time outdoors. 

Embracing the Use of Green Technology 

Since wind farms and solar plants are located in areas that are unpopulated, they make for great hiking trails. 

By visiting these sites, people get to experience green technology, and by integrating them into recreational spaces, people can visit these sites and embrace green technology by seeing how they work and the positive effects that it has on the environment. 

The more people embrace the shift to green technology, the easier it will be to use it. 

Energy Farms Offer A Unique Experience For Visitors 

Visiting energy farms means you will have a unique experience while there. You will get to see how these large devices work and how they replace the basic resources needed to survive. 

Tours can give visitors more information on the background of the construction of devices, their environmental impact and why it is important for us to switch to sustainable energy resources. 

Visitors Get to Enjoy Natural Beauty 

The sites for these renewable energy farms are often located in areas that are surrounded by natural beauty, such as large landscapes. 

Natural pathways can be used as hiking trails without the need for carving out new roads and damaging the ecosystem. 

Visitors can even discover native plant life and explore the natural wonders that are located at these energy farms, as they are often placed where no infrastructure has been built on the property before. 

Providing Health and Wellness Benefits 

Hiking has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving fitness, and helping aid mental well-being. 

Energy Farms have Community Benefits and Increase the Economy 

These hiking trails can help boost economic sales, bringing tourists to the community. This will give the local people the opportunity to expand their businesses. 

This can also help increase employment within the community as these sites will be visited frequently and lead to new business openings to cater to tourists. 

Conclusion

Renewable energy farms greatly benefit both the economy and the people who want to spend their time on them. These farms are especially important for transitioning from natural resources to newer energy resource power plants. 

From learning how to embrace green technology to getting health and wellness benefits to enjoying nature’s natural beauty and finding job opportunities within the market. 

Spending time on these renewable energy farms can be educational and recreational for anyone who visits them. To find more renewable energy farm hiking trails, you can visit https://outsidebozeman.com

 

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Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance

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Much like other sections of your RV, the windows sometimes need a bit of maintenance. It is essential to clean off dirt and insect smudges and also make sure they are adequately sealed to avoid leaks and water harm.

If you have a broken RV window, then you may want to consult Van Isle Glass. However, if you wish to know more about simple measures to ensure your RV windows stay spotless and secure, you are in the right spot! Continue reading below.

Polish Your Windshield Using Ultra-Fine #0000 Steel Wool

Numerous RV enthusiasts have praised the use of the finest grade of steel wool #0000 for removing stubborn bugs and water marks from their windshields. Before proceeding, first test the #0000 steel wool on a small portion of your windshield. Apply it with light, circular motions. Sweep away any remaining steel wool bits with a microfiber towel. Next, spritz the surface with a residue-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a separate cloth.

Steel wool is also great when used with a spray lubricant for cleaning tires, maintaining grills, starting campfires, and repelling mice. A gentler alternative is cleansing dish pads. These pads are versatile, suitable for cleaning various materials such as wood, porcelain, stainless steel, chrome, painted areas, and glass.

Apply a Sealant to Avoid Leaks

Silicone sealant is effective in stopping leaks in areas like your windshield, RV windows, sunroof, and vents. It penetrates tiny gaps, creating a robust waterproof barrier. Ensure the surfaces are clean before application and do not have old caulk, dirt, oil, and other residues.

Furthermore, clear away any standing water on windows to prevent hard water stains. Make sure the inside of your windows stay dry to avoid condensation and mold build-up. If there is significant condensation on your windows, consider getting a small dehumidifier.

Use Tools to Access Difficult Regions

Using cleaners with long handles can prevent you from straining to clean those distant parts of your windshield. Windshield cleaning tools often feature a lengthy, swiveling triangular head that is ideal for getting into corners and spots difficult to access manually.

Opt for a Residue-Free Glass Cleaner

A high-quality glass cleaner will maintain the clarity of your windows and windshield. A great glass cleaner performs well on both standard and tinted windows, making sure to remove streaks or leftover residue. Another option is a natural concoction of half vinegar and half water, with a touch of lemon essential oil.

Steer Clear of Cleaning RV Windows in Bright Sunlight

A sunny afternoon may feel perfect for washing your RV windows, but the warmth can speed up the drying of the cleaner, resulting in streaks or spots. It is advisable to tackle your RV window cleaning during early morning, late evening, or when stationed in a shaded area for the best outcome.

Endnote

Keeping your RV windows clean and clear is not only about aesthetics, but is also vital for safety. The subtleties in cleaning, like steering clear of the sun and using the appropriate products, play a key role. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine view during your various journeys.

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