Clean the CamelBak is one of the most popular topics on forums dedicated to outdoor sports. And the answers collect advice that is not always advisable. That’s why the world leader in hands-free hydration wanted to ask its engineers and product experts how to maintain the water bag ensuring hygiene, cleanliness and durability over time and eliminating germs, bacteria and viruses as well as bad odors: avoiding stagnation and deposits means in fact keep mold and bacteria away and being able to use the same bag for many, many years.
How to clean your CamelBak
The best thing is to always purchase, together with the bag, a dedicated cleaning kit (it costs around ten euros). The Brushes are the best way to wash all areas of the tank. To clean, we recommend using soap and water and drying the bag thoroughly after each single use, especially if used with substances other than water (there is also a page with instructions for cleaning the products).
One of the CamelBak slogans that the company cares about most is “taste water, not plastic!“: all its products are made to be odorless and tasteless: but how to have a bag without unpleasant tastes or odors?
Il bad taste of water it is generally due to a poor quality plastic water bag, as well as to sanitation: an unpleasant taste can be a sign of chemical substances harmful to the body. When choosing a water bladder (we also talked about it here) you need to keep this aspect in mind. CamelBak water bladders are free of bisphenols (BPA, BPS and BPF: here is a scientific study on what they are and why they are dangerous). CamelBak has also developed proprietary Hydroguard antibacterial technology, incorporated into the walls and tubes of its tanks, which inhibits the growth of those bacteria that cause odorsdiscoloration and deterioration of the tank.
If the water bag you have does not meet these characteristics, you can try to combat the plastic effect by filling the bag 3/4 full with hot water and inserting a spoonful of sodium bicarbonate, then leaving it to rest for about 45 minutes. Don’t forget to rinse well (we have explained the process in detail here).
How to remove mold from your water bag
The water bag goes stored clean and dry. Some athletes keep their empty tanks in the freezer. If you leave deposits in the bag for a long time or if you use it with liquids other than water, without cleaning it properly, mold could form. To remove them you can use hot water and two tablespoons of baking soda or bleach. Hold the tank high and press the Big Bite Valve, to allow the solution to flow into the tube as well; then let the detergent rest for 30 minutes. At the end Wash the tank with warm water and mild soap and rinse thoroughly. Air dries to avoid moisture build-up.
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How to store your Camelbak bag after use
Storing your equipment correctly extends its life. So here’s how to deal with the water bladder. After washing and drying it, hang the tank upside down. It is essential that the bag remains open and inflated, without the internal surfaces fitting together, to allow air to keep it dry. Detach the tube: it too must breathe. This can be done alternatively Place the empty, open bag in the freezer.
How to clean the Camelbak hose
CamelBak hydration bladders are produced with a quick connection and release system of the tube, which allows it to be stored separately and allows air to circulate through it. Pipe cleaners designed to clean the inside of the pipe are also on the market. To empty the tube of residual drops, you can blow air into it, or you can rotate it over your head by holding it at one end, using centrifugal force. A system for disconnecting a tube without a release mechanism (or for removing the Big Bite Valve), is immerse the end of the tank in hot water for 5-10 minutes: This softens the plastic and makes it easier to detach the tube. Same thing for reattaching them: soak the parts in hot water before snapping them together; As the plastic cools, it firms up and seals the joint.
What detergents should you use to clean your Camelbak?
CamelBak makes available cleaners specifically designed for the plastic of its hydration bladders. Alternatively you can use water and neutral soap.
Does the bag you just purchased need to be washed?
It is always advisable to wash a newly purchased product. To do this, fill the tank halfway with water and neutral soap, shake it well, lift it and clamp the Big Bite Valve so that the detergent also flows into the tube. When finished, rinse the cleaning solution out of the tank and hose: the tank is ready for use.
What liquids can I put in the water bag?
The bag it can also contain substances other than water but we recommend paying particular attention to cleaning after use. Some athletes use it with supplements or fruit juices. When hiking in extremely low temperatures, a small drop of alcohol can prevent liquids from freezing. If you want very cold water you can add ice. It is also possible to carry hot drinks, but it is suggested not to use boiling water.
CamelBak hydration bladders
CamelBak is the inventor of hydration bladders and has developed a substantial wealth of knowledge and patents. It is today one of the very few sports companies in the world to produce them in its own factories. CamelBak uses exclusive materials and treats the hydration bladders with antibacterial technology. The bags are subjected to very severe tests, as this video nicely shows
Its CRUX line offers capacities between 1.5 and 3 litres, classic and lumbar formats and designs that adapt to different outdoor disciplines. The Big Bite Valve is in food-grade and self-sealing silicone; a lock/unlock lever makes it drop-proof. The water hose has a Quick attachment/release mechanism to the tank via Quick Link System. The generous dimensions of the tank mouth (probably the widest on the market) make filling, emptying and internal cleaning easier. A Rigid ergonomic handle allows loading water with just one hand. The cap opens and closes with a half turn. A heat-sealed groove in the center (except for the 1.5 L model) provides for the uniform distribution of water on the two sides of the tank, avoiding the annoying “ball” effect on the back with a loaded backpack. Furthermore, thanks to it, the bag does not collapse to the bottom as it is emptied. CRUX water bladders are present in CamelBak backpacks produced from 2017 onwards, housed in special and removable pockets.
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2024-04-16 09:08:34
#clean #CamelBak #Advice
