I just picked up a MSR Hydromedary, and after testing it out dried out the bag, but the tube is proving more difficult. I don't want to put it away moist in the tube (mold etc) Any tips?

Maybe some canned air (like they sell at computer stores) to blow the remaining water out of the line?

Or hang it up for a couple of days somewhere warm?

I'm not familiar with that particular model, but most newer bladder designs have a removable bite valve so air (and water) can flow freely through the tube. You should also get an expandible frame to hold the bladder open. Now all you have to do is hang the bladder with the tube open (bite valve removed) and evaporation will take care of the rest.

This is how I dry out camelback stuff anyway.

I agree with Jason, take the bite valve off and swing the hose around a few times above your head to whiz out most of the water. Then hang it up to dry. Otherwise you get this black mold in the pipe. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Drew

rinse the tulbe with bleach & soapy water for few minutes. then wash it with clean water. hang it on clothes drying hook with bite valve removed. That's how I do it all the time. It works very well.

How often should I replace my hydration bladder/ tube?

TRO

I've had my CamelBack since they were first made and the original bladder is still going strong. I've been in FL for 8+ years and had it for at least 4 years before that.....12 years.....not a bad investment.

Airing out is probably the only way, even blowing in it will introduce more moisture from your exhaled breath. You might be able to find some sort of pipe/tube cleaner that has an absorbant head.

I just bought a Camelbak, and was wondering this myself. (The instructions that came with the bag were, well, rather spare.) I got an expandable hanger for the bladder, and as for the tube, I unhooked the bite valve and unhooked the tube from the bladder, spun it round my head a few times to get rid of the excess water, and hung it up to dry. So far, so good.

On a realted question: my Camelbak initially had a plastic/soapy taste to it, which seems to have dissipated. Is that typical?

Thanks,

.....CLIFF

Cliff,

The Camelbak does not need to be cleaned like other water bladder systems. The bag and tube are coated with: "HydroGuard™ antimicrobial silver ion compound in tube and reservoir minimizes bacteria and fungus growth"

I'm sure that is what gives the Camelbaks the weird taste. On the other hand all we do is blow out the excess water from the tube and hang the bag with the Camelbak hanger to dry. We have never had to clean our bags or tubes. We have six in our family and use them often. My oldest son uses his every weekday.

Thanks for your input everyone. I tried several of the suggestions about hanging, swinging and blowing out the tube, but there was still a thin cloud of condensation in the tube. Today I buckled and got a tube brush (like a bore snake) and it took take of things. I also got some cleaning tablets made by Nalgene, for both the bag and tube. Thanks!

If you look at blackhawk.com and look at hydrastorm accessories, you'l find a cleaning brush for your tube (and many other goodies)