I have always been a little unsure about hydration bladders(reservoir) as my method of carrying water on the bike because of challenge of keeping them clean. Even with a bit of effort they seem impossible
to dry and therefore water remains in the bladder and the tube after use. Our kitchen bench often has bladders propped open over drink bottles and tubes lying around on benches as we try and find the best way to dry the insides or the bladder and tube and avoid them growing mold.
With better design into solving some of these issues – its has got easier, it has got more hygenic.
Let’s look at how best to keep your bladder clean and hygenic. Using this method does require an investment in the Cleaning Kit but given your initial investment in a hydration reservoir and backpack it’s worth it, especially for a family where there is often more than one reservoir to keep clean. Keeping the reservoir clean will extend the life of the reservoir and make sure it is hygenic to use.
Camelbak Cleaning Kit
Tools in the cleaning kit
1. Remove the tube from the bladder
2. Cleaning the Bladder
- Always empty your bladder after use.
- Pop some warm water into the bladder. Add a little a environmentally friendly detergent.
- Use the large brush to scrub the inside of the reservoir
- Tip the water out and rinse thoroughly.
- Dry the inside of the reservoir with a towel
- Insert the hanger and hang to allow to dry thoroughly
- Insert the port to allow the inside of the reservoir to dry thoroughly
For a more thorough clean you can use the cleaning tablet (there are a couple in the kit) or add a tsp of baking soda and let sit 5-30mins and then repeat the cleaning process described above
3. Cleaning the Tube
- Rinse the tube with water
- Scrub the tube using the tube brush. The brush is designed so that it can clean the full length of the tube.
- Rinse the tube again with water.
- Tip the tube up to remove the water
- Hang the tube to dry with the bladder.
4. Once dry store so you are ready for your next ride
The ease and the improved hygiene this solution offers is worth it.
get Better and goRide – How to keep my biking hydration bladder and tubes clean
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To find the natural crease line of your waist, stand straight with hands at the side. Then bend sideways running the hand down the outside surface of the leg. This movement will produce a crease at the waist so place your measuring tape on this crease. Return to standing straight and place the tape measure around your waist at your crease point (usually the narrowest part of your torso).
To find your inside leg measurement stand with heels against a wall. Place a book between your legs as high up as it will go. Move away from the wall keeping the book against it. Place a tape measure at the top end of the book and let it drop to the floor.
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