Camelback Novice - Help Wanted

[mlinkibikr]

I was in one of my all time favorite stores (REI) and couldn't resist throwing down for a 1.5 litre Camelback. This is my first experience with one so I have a couple of questions.

1. How do you get the mouth thingie to work? This one has the "bigmouth" deal and as much as I try to bite and suck (oops - can I say that in this forum?) I am getting nothing. I've studied the end piece and don't see any holes for the water to come out ? I've switched the on-off valve both ways and still no luck. Help!

2. Do y'all really need to buy a kit to clean these things or is a swirl of warm soapy water and a rinse sufficient?

Thanks!!!

Dave.

[WoodButcher]

There is a mostly cut through slot in the end of the bite valve. Make sure the manual valve is open (yellow plastic on the blue bite valve, should be in streamline position, not sticking out). You may have to help that initial slit open (ie careful knife work). Otherwise, rolling it around between your fingers should free it up.

Then just bite and suck.

Yes, if you are just carrying water, then warm soapy water though the whole thing is fine. Rinse well and let it dry out. I finally bought one of those "camelback" hanger things to hold it open, but before that I just stuck it over a wrapping paper cardboard tube for air circulation.

[HiSPL]

If you use anything other than water (ie. gatorade) then make sure you drain and rinse it as soon as you get home. It can get real funky in there, and it's not real easy to clean.

Efferdent tablets make a great cleaner too. Fill it with warm water and plunk 5-6 tablets in there and let them go to work. They will sanitize it and give it a fresh, minty taste :lol: . Repeated rinsing will remove the taste....

[mlinkibikr]

Efferdent !? That's a great idea.

I was asking because of course Camelbak sells all sorts of gadgetry to maintain their gadgets and I didn't want this to become a lifestyle of its own ya know? If I'm travelling it would be " oh dang - I'm all out of Camelback hose brushes and fizzy tabs" - I'm glad you guys have found some viable options.

Thanks for the tips!

[HiSPL]

A plastic coated wire hanger will also do a good job of keeping the bladder open to dry. Just bend it in a zig zag shape small enough to get through the mouth and use the hook to hang it somewhere.


I remember when these things first hit the market. I was pretty heavy into mountain biking at the time. They were the coolest thing you could have as a biker, and I can't remember how many times I let mine get all green and fuzzy inside because I didn't clean out the gatorade. :puke:

[kurt]

10% bleach solution works to clean anything where bacteria is concerned. Rinse well, dry well, party on.

[SRADkneedragger]

I have 2 of the original CamelBacks!(Mid 80's) When the guy first invented these he came around everywhere out here in west Texas pitching them to anyone who would listen for 5 minutes. Motorcyclist's, bicyclist's, joggers, oilfield workers, my mom,,, At the time I thought it was just a fluke deal. I used mine for YEARS with the original bladder sadly it finnally gave up last year. I always put crushed ice in mine almost full and then filled with water. it stayed cold and supplied plenty of water as the ice melted. Later I cut the insulation out the bag on the side against my back to wear under my leathers roadracing(too help keep cool) only cleaned it with hot water and occassionly some bleach water

[Warhammer]

If you just use water in your Camelbak (or other brand) you can just empty it out and store it in the freezer. This way you will never get floaties growing in it.