Hydrapack?

[muddysmudge]

I use a Camelbak all the time, road and mtb use.

When it gets muddy on a mtb ride I throw the bag (not the bladder!) in the washing machine, looks nice and new again in no time!

I can understand your concerns re germs and bugs lurking in the bag and pipe though. I use steriliser tablets, the ones that can be used to clean baby bottles. When I get back from a ride I just wash it all through with clean water and then soak the lot in the sink with water that has been mixed with the steriliser tablets (or liquid, we use Milton here in the UK) and then let it dry naturally. No aftertaste, just nice and clean.

Job done

[Catrin]

Good idea Muddysmudge! I have used denture tables to soak the inside of my 50 ounce bladder, but I like the idea of soaking everything in a sink of solution. Will look for baby bottle sterilizer tablets - great idea!

My new 100 oz bladder for my new Camelbak is easier to clean - I can get my hands down in there and clean everything well, but soaking is still a good idea. I do put Hammer Heed in my bladder for long rides - it works for me and am not changing that habit. I just have to be even more careful with cleaning it when I do that.