First, does Potable Aqua have a "shelf life"? If so, what is it?

I've only got one bottle (I know, I need more...:-) & I dated it 7/99, so it's 3-1/2 years old. It's never been opened. I can find nothing on the label indicating expiration.

Second, does using PA (according to the directions) have any effect on the hydration bladders (polyethelene?) such as those by Camelbak, Hydrastorm, or Platypus? How about Nalgene bottles?

Appreciate any feedback.

Thanks.

David

The first question I can't really help you on. I know it has one once opened, but not sure about unopened bottles. As far as hydration bladders, I've used Potable Aqua tabs in my Camelbak for just over 40 bag nights and haven't had any problems. The iodine does stain the inside of the bag, but after flushing it once or twice upon getting back home, it is (visibly at least) no worse for the wear.

Hope this helps,
Chris.

i thought that iodine will last for 5 years, im not sure though...

If what you're concerned about is deterioration of the plastic, we explored that a bit with regard to water containers in the PSK. Once upon a time (11/01) we did the "Great Water Container Test"

http://www.equipped.org/ubbthreads/showt...;sb=&o=

Basically, with twice the normal concentration of Potable Aqua, and NO attempt at aiding dissolution of the tablets (I just dropped them in, so they mostly sat in one spot slowly dissolving), there was no apparent deterioration of any of the containers in two weeks. The only container that failed in the first month was the latex condom, and that lasted almost a month, faling sometime in the last two days. At two months, the latex balloon had lost a lot of water somehow, but was still intact. The zipper lock bags had also lost a lot of water (evaporation, I think), but were also fine. All the other containers (fish bags, oven bags) were still full and intact. There was no visible effect at all on the polyethylene containers, only the latex.

Considering that the hydration bladders are a MANY times thicker than any of the containers in the test, I wouldn't worry about that aspect. They will stain, but that's it.

Nalgene bottles have been used for long enough that I would really be shocked if they were affected at all, either.

David,
The first number of the code stamped on the label is the month packaged; the next 2 digits are the year packaged; the next 2 digits are the batch number used by the manufacturer. The expiration date is 4 years from the date packaged if the bottle is sealed. If the bottle has been opened, it is only good for 1 year. This info is straight from WPC brands (manufacturer). Hope this helps.
George

Thanks, everyone.

David