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When using a CamelBak (or other hydration bladder system), it is easy for mold to grow if the bladder is left sitting with water in it. What is the best way to avoid mold (or other nasties) growing inside in between trips?

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Have you considering accepting any of these answers? Is there something you feel is missing that you're holding out for? – Russell Steen♦ Feb 7 '12 at 21:57
@RussellSteen: Nope, just forgot. Accepted. – jrdioko Feb 7 '12 at 22:03
Thank you for following up. – Russell Steen♦ Feb 7 '12 at 22:10

5 Answers

up vote 9 down vote accepted

CamelBak have a great Care & Tips section on their website. Summarising their recommendations:

Keep it clean and dry when not in use. If mould develops:

  • Use hot water and two tablespoons of baking soda or bleach
  • Leave for about 30 minutes
  • Wash with hot water and mild soap
  • Air dry
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This does work and extends the life well, but I feel it just delays the inevitable. I usually replace the bladder after 3 or 4 years when the bleach just isn't keeping it at bay any more. – Rory Alsop Jan 28 '12 at 11:12
I would add to make sure to hang it where water will run out and it will dry. You can put the bite valves through most dishwashers to get them thoroughly clean as well. – Russell Steen♦ Feb 3 '12 at 3:22
up vote 5 down vote

Leave the filler cap open to allow any water residue inside to evaporate and so the humidity level of the air inside the bladder matches that of the air in the environment around it

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This is basically what I've done for nearly 20 years with my platypus. May also want to take off the bite-valve on the straw so the straw has airflow through it. – Pulsehead Jan 28 '12 at 11:28
up vote 1 down vote

I would suggest:

  • leaving the cap open, letting it air dry,
  • then sealing it up and keeping it out of direct sunlight in a dark area (perhaps inside your pack).
  • When you are ready to use it again, rinse it a few times - run some water through the hose as well.
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up vote 1 down vote

This is why I like the pouches that have a zip-lock bottom as well as a cap on the top - it makes it a lot easier to clean the inside and leave it open to let it fully dry.

My friend also swore by leaving the pouch in the freezer when not in use - this would obviously slow down mould growth considerably in between uses.

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up vote 1 down vote

I clean it out then leave it to dry for a day or two. But you can never seem to get all of the water out of the hose, so I keep mine in the freezer. At -18 the mold can't grow.

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