What is the best way to store a Camelbak over the winter?

Question

I needed the "hydration system" for the summer, and I'm sure I'll need it every summer. However, the last one I had was hung to dry and in a few weeks it collected mildew like no other.
My best idea so far is to stick it in the fridge; however, I live with three other roommates and our fridge isn't all that big.
Any ideas?

Answer 1

This is very simple:

first clean it out using Bleach. This will kill anything that is growing in it and will not harm the rubber or plastic.

Second, rinse it out thoroughly with hot water and drain it completely

Third, hang it up somewhere and in such a way so that it is held open so that the rest of the water can evaporate. I usually hang it in the bathroom on a towel rack with it folded lengthwise with the two side seams touching. This helps to open it and allows it to dry out completely. Make sure to check the hose and make sure there isn't any water left.

Once the insides are completely dry you can store it somewhere dry until you need it again. I usually just hang it on a hook in my closet.

I have 3 of these and have never had a problem with any of them. I also don't ever put any other liquid in my camelbaks except water. My oldest camelbak is about 10years now and still works perfectly and has never leaked or had any mold or mildew inside.

Good luck.

Answer 2

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/awwpe

Probably can! But just be sure to wash it out good when you're done. You may also want to post this in the motorcycle or bicycle section...

Answer 3

OWNERS MANUAL
CARE AND FEEDING OF YOUR CAMELBAK®

Now you're hydrating! Congratulations and thanks for purchasing the first most advanced and only true hip mounted Hydration System available today. You are obviously a person who understands that true hydration is much more than just drinking water when you're thirsty ... when it's too late. Now, you can go be anything you want to be in style!



FILLING


Remove the inner collapsible liquid reservoir through the hook and loop closure of the outer Pak.
Fill the liquid reservoir to the desired level with the beverage of your choice (and ice if desired) through the easy fill opening.
Seal tightly and check for leaks.
If not filled completely, remove any trapped air by inverting and squeezing the Freedom ValveTM to purge.
Insert the filled liquid reservoir into the CamelBak® Pak.
Position tubing at desired location and seal hook and loop.
Note: The tubing is compatible with most water purifiers. By removing the Bite ValveTM, you simply plug the tubing onto the discharge side and fill through the tubing.


CARRYING


When carried as a backpack, loop carrying straps over shoulders so CamelBak® nestles comfortably over the spine, about 3" below the neckline.
Adjust strap length to comfort by sliding strap through buckle until desired length is achieved (3" to 4" below base of shoulders). Secure loose ends with Tri Glide Web Keeper.
SUGGESTIONS: Cross strap in back when worn on the chest. Coil excessing tubing in Pak, never cut tubing.
Use your own ingenuity to attach CamelBak® to other equipment. Suggestions for CamelBak® is best accomplished by crossing the straps. This is done by unlocking the quick disconnects on both straps. Connect the upper left strap to the lower right strap, then upper strap to the lower left strap. Or see your dealer about the Powerbelt I.


CLEANING


The CamelBak® delivery system is a closed system and if you do not blow back into it, the contents will remain as pure as the liquid that you put into it!
Since the likelihood of inputting impure liquid is high, we recommend rinsing with hot water after every use.
For more thorough cleansing, we have had numerous reports that Dr. Bronner soap works well. It is readily available at health food stores.
A double teaspoon solution of household bleach in a full reservoir of water will have a sanitizing effect on your reservoir.
A double teaspoon of baking soda in a full reservoir of water left overnight helps reduce residual taste and odor.
Vigorously massage both the reservoir and tubing while cleaning.
Always rinse well with hot water. Dry with a paper towel by swabbing with a blunt rod or simply shaking it around inside the reservoir.


STORAGE


Remove the Bite ValveTM mouthpiece and open the fill cap so that air will be allowed to flow freely through the liquid reservoir.
Grasp the tubing at the point where it attaches to the liquid reservoir. Remove the tubing from all tubing guides by pulling it toward the bottom of the liquid reservoir ( toward the ground if the liquid reservoir is being held in a vertical position). Allow the tubing to swing freely.
Verify that the liquid reservoir can now be hung on a peg, etc., which allows air circulation and the tubing can drip dry.
The reservoir can be dried by swishing a dry paper towel around the inside. Note: Prop sides open with paper towel or similar item.
Rinse well before next use to remove any dust.


BITE VALVETM


There are two valve styles available.
The blunt end valve requires a retainer ring on the tubing. Be sure you do not force the ring past the stops in the valve.
The tapered valve is a friction fit only and does not require the retainer ring. Be sure you do not force the ring past the internal valve stops. The tapered valve will exchange with the blunt end valve by simply cutting off the existing ring.
For extreme usage, either valve can be affixed more permanently with a small zip tie at the base of the valve.
Both Bite ValveTM mouthpieces are intentionally designed for removal which enables you to inspect and clean regularly.
Never use sharp instruments on the Bite ValveTM mouthpiece. It is a precision part with extremely light tolerances.
Note: The valve has a very strong memory and when new, the slit may not readily appear. After squeezing a few times and it still does not appear, DO NOT CUT. Apply straight pressure with non-sharp object, like a paper clip, at point of slit.


HANDS-FREE DRINKING


The tubing can be routed over either shoulder and place Bite ValveTM mouthpiece in mouth. Fluid is retrieved in two ways:
When the Bite ValveTM mouthpiece is below Pak level, it is a gravity-fed system. Bite gently on the Bite ValveTM mouthpiece and the liquid will flow. When the Bite ValveTM mouthpiece is above Pak level, a slight drawing action (as in a straw) is required.
The valve bite area for maximum flow is at point "A" in the figure below. Biting at point "B" is to be avoided as pressure there may work the valve off the tubing. The front of the valve has a vertical slit (see figure "C") that, when compressed on the flat sides, will open to allow the liquid to flow. When compression is released, flow will stop.
When operating in freezing weather conditions, fluids must be purged from the tubing to prevent freezing. This purging can be accomplished by compressing the Bite ValveTM mouthpiece and allowing fluid to gravity flow back to the reservoir or by compressing the Bite ValveTM mouthpiece and blowing gently to force fluid back to the reservoir. Or see your dealer about an Insluated Tube Cover.