Cleaning Your Water Reservoir: CamelBak Antidote Cleaning Kit

CamelBak's Antidote Cleaning Kit can also be used on other reservoirs.

If you are backpacking this season, you'll probably want to upgrade or at least clean your water reservoir before your next trip. A lot of mountain bikers would come into my husband's bicycle shop with all sorts of weird things growing in their bladders! Most of the time this is caused by loading the reservoir with sugary electrolyte solutions that are known to grow mold and fungus.  That's so disgusting!  So far I haven't had any such problems. Maybe it's because I've only used pure, filtered water in my reservoirs and make sure to clean and air them out after each use.

CamelBak Antidote Reservoir

One of best upgrades in a hydration system which I reviewed last year was the CamelBak Antidote Reservoir from

CamelBak 100 oz Antidote Reservoir

CampSaver.com
The features I like are the easy Quick Link detachable tubing and the larger fill port opening. The tubing itself has been treated with anti-microbial properties and will resist bacterial and fungal growth.

What I really like are the dryer arms that prop open the fill port for more thorough drying. These two things alone make the reservoir easy to clean and stay clean.

The tank itself is baffled to help distribute the water's weight. I've taken this reservoir on long hikes and there was no sloshing or shifting within the Antidote. The water also stayed quite cool without much insulation from my backpack, (Mountainsmith's Women's Alder 30) 

Antidote Cleaning Kit open: Reservoir hanger, tube and reservoir brushes, replacement dryer arms. Also has two packets of cleaning tabs.

Antidote Reservoir Cleaning Kit
When I check my gear, I always hope that my cleaning and putting away routine has payed off. Some hikers recommend keeping their water bladders in the freezer to keep things from growing in them. To me that's sort of extreme but even CamelBak says this is fine. Here are some additional reservoir cleaning tips from CamelBak:

The best way to care for your reservoir is to clean and dry it after every use, especially if you fill the reservoir with anything other than water.  However, theoretically, if someone didn’t clean it after every single use, and mold or discoloration happens to develop…

• Use hot water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda or bleach.  Mix the solution inside your reservoir and hold it up above your head while you pinch the bite valve, allowing the bleached water to run through the tube.  You can also use CamelBak Cleaning Tabs.
• Let the reservoir and cleaning solution sit for about 30 minutes.
• Wash the reservoir with hot water and mild soap. Be sure to completely rinse away any bleach or cleaning solution before using again.  You can also use CamelBak brushes from our Cleaning Kit to scrub your reservoir and tube.  Brushes are the best way to ensure you are scrubbing all of the areas of the reservoir clean.
• Once the reservoir is clean, be sure to air dry the reservoir so no moisture is trapped inside, which can cause mold to grow.

These steps will make your reservoir safe for use.  If you have spots left from the mold, they will never come all the way out because the reservoir is permanently stained, but still safe and usable.

CamelBak Antidote being air dried using the hanger and dryer arms.

If you're like me and are not into "freezer bags" you'll need to scrub out your reservoir before and after use. The larger port of the Antidote allows you to get your hand fully inside to clean and dry it properly. I recommend a weak solution of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to 50 ozs of warm water to clean the reservoir if you've filled it with water additives or hydration solutions. Using the built in dryer arms on the Antidote, I open the bag up and invert it with the hanger as shown above. The same with the smaller reservoir that came with my Rudy Project DayPack Hydration II (2 liters or 72 oz). It can be accessed using the large brush in the kit. The handle has a little kink that makes it easy to use once inserted.

The 2L  or 72 oz reservoir which came with my Rudy Project Day Pack

This is a very stiff brush and quickly removes any debris from the inside of the bladder. It goes all the way down into the corners. I like to finish by putting a few paper towels inside and allowing it to fully dry. The Antidote has built in "dryer arms" and the cleaning kit provides an extra pair. Extend them out and hang the bag upside down as the hanger clicks into the Quick Link port.

The large brush even fits inside this smaller port. The tube brush reaches through about 75% of the hose.

All in all the CamelBak Antidote Cleaning Kit is perfect for the Antidote and other brands of water reservoirs. The tube brush is genius but I wish that it was only a little bit longer so I could clean the hose completely from one end. I'm not too comfortable about trying to remove the Bite Valve end and inserting the tube brush there but it's really not a big issue. I think the newer anti-microbial materials of the Antidote are a great idea to help prevent bacteria and mold growth but I always like to clean, dry and store my reservoirs after each hike.

This Antidote Cleaning Kit retails for about $19.99 and is available along with the CamelBak Antidote Reservoir at Campsaver.com

 

Hydration Solutions for Ultralight Hikes

Trending Now: Hike with less water but carry a portable filtration system

The summer heat is no time to skimp on water.  I really like my hydration packs such as CamelBak's Antidote Reservoir but even with its lightweight Mule carrier, it's just overkill for most hikes.  You'll find this to be the case more so with front country backpacking where you store much of your food and water at base camp or in your car parked in the lot.

Hauling Too Much Water?

Traveling super-light has its place and carrying 100 ozs of water is definitely going to blow out your back especially if you have other essential gear packed in.  I've found the best solution to be this:

Aurora 2SA Carbide Firestarter by Solo Scientific

1.) Find out where you will be hiking and if that area has a clean water source.

  

2.) Take what you need but pack a water filtration system in case of an emergency.

3.) Bring Stainless Steel cups that allow you to boil your water for extra disinfection.

4.) Bring a water proof firestarter to boil water. I use this Aurora 2SA Carbide Firestarter by Solo Scientific.

All of these items are relatively light, compact and easy to carry and will save you several pounds in your pack weight.  Remember 1 gallon of water weighs a whopping 8.35 lbs!  Now if you're climbing in the heat, you will be drinking a lot of that but let's face it.  Most of that water is just going to be dead weight for most of the trip.

Stainless Steel Klean Kanteen Pints & Carabiner

Stainless Steel Pint Cups by Klean Kanteen

The beauty of bringing along these cups is that they are lightweight, weighing only 3.5 ozs and virtually indestructible.  Clip them on your backpack with colorful bands that attach to their own S carabiners.  Clip them off to retrieve water from a nearby stream or lake. 

You can also place these 16 oz, 18/8 gauge stainless steel cups right over a fire and sterilize the contents by boiling water in the cup.  Use them to make soup, ramen noodles, oatmeal or any other camp side gorp requiring hot, boiling water.

These are excellent, easy to pack solutions for sterilizing water that you know is relatively pure to begin with.  Boiling will not, however, remove heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead and other such contaminates from your water. In fact boiling only concentrates them.  If you are uncertain about your water source it's best to go to Plan B, a comprehensive but portable water filtration system.

Purificup Portable Water Filtration System

Purificup is hailed as the world's first portable water filtration system that removes 99.9% of contaminants such as bacteria, parasites and pathogens via a high tech nano-silver filter.  The unit is self contained with no tubing or extra parts required. 
Purificup is quite different from the CamelBak All Clear which uses batteries for UV disinfection.  While I really like the idea, UV light water purification does not strain out parasites, organic/inorganic contaminants and undissolved solids from the water. To underscore this, the CamelBak website recommends that if you are using the All Clear when camping in Upstate New York, that you:

Travel Water Facts:

When filling from a stream or other natural water source, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve also strained out any particulates prior to purifying your water to avoid bacteria or protozoan cysts like cryptosporidium parvum.

Therefore you may want to have the Purificup as your primary water filtration system to work with "iffy" potable water supplies.
 
Purificup for Natural Water

Our water source, Koi Central

Purificup makes portable filtration systems for both tap and natural water.  The unit comes in a capsule that allows all of the parts to nest neatly inside but weighs only 13.25 ozs.  That's with the filter soaked and charged.

No Water Boiling Needed
The nano-silver medium is an effective sterilizing agent so there is no need to boil the water for additional disinfection after it has been filtered. It is even effective in removing parasites such as giardia, also called Giardia lamblia, a type of single celled, flagellated protozoa.  This parasite may be found in streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes that have been contaminated with feces or sewage, (Eww!). Giardia infection causes a disease called giardiasis and is marked by abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Silver naturally has both antibacterial AND anti-fungal properties so it takes care of fungi as well.  One filter will purify up to 11 gallons of water.  That's saving you close to 92 lbs of water weight you DON'T have to carry!

Purificup filtering water from our Koi Pond

Purificup Filter Features:

Exclusive 3 Stage Filter Technology

1. Ion exchange resin: Turn hard water into soft water by removing heavy metals (lead, copper, cadmium, mercury, etc) and calcareous (meganesium, calcium icons). In addition, it stably produces wear basic water during its life span.
2. Activated carbon: Remove chlorine and other organic odor including THM, organic solvent, and pesticides.
3. Nano-silver membrane:  The membrane kills 99.99% of the pathogens in natural water sources such as streams, falls, creeks, and rivers.  It is located on the inlet and exit of the filter circulation channel, preventing the filter cartridge from contamination. + Absolute 1 micron filter for additional layer of protection against bacteria.

So How Does the Filtered Water Taste?
Unpacking and setting up the filter was quick and easy.  Simply immerse the water filter in pure water for about 60 secs. to prepare it.  In the lead photo I'm filling the included cup at the waterfall of our Koi Pond which is stocked with numerous fish.  Yes, the water smells fishy. We also have waterfowl, turtles, frogs and other critters using the pond.  Can you say e. coli?

I placed the collection container on top of the filtering unit and you can see pure, sparkling water flowing into the cup below.  The resulting water was very clear with no turbidity, cloudiness or fishy smell.  The taste?  Delicious!!!  Now I'm not promoting drinking water out of a fish pond but it just shows how effective Purificup really is.  I didn't feel ill or have any digestive problems from drinking my filtered pond water.  If it works on THAT water, it will clean up anything.  No backpacking / survival kit is complete without a comprehensive water filtration/purification system.  This is one of the best I've seen to date and what I will be packing from now on.

The Wrap
The choice is yours.  Continue hauling water like a pack mule or lighten up. Most of the time I do not finish all of the water in my hydration pack, even for longer hikes.  I've started carrying less water and have been fine....so far.  Just to be safe, I plan to keep a water filtration system on board in case of an emergency.  That way I have the best of both worlds.  Traveling light but traveling RIGHT.

Traveling light with less water.  Mountainsmith's Dart TLS Lumbar Pack with Water Bottle

Outdoor Adventure Expo

This year's NY/NJ Outdoor Adventure Expo featured canoeing, kayaking, rock wall climbing, geocaching and archery

One of the great events we look forward to each year is the Outdoor Adventure Expo hosted by Monmouth County Park System in the New York, New Jersey area.  This year's event at Turkey Swamp Park, Howell NJ was one of the best to date.  It gave us a chance to test out new equipment and meet local representatives from all types of outdoor clubs, sports experts and retailers.

Shipman Magda has Swimming Certification

On the Water

New Jersey is known for its beautiful beaches and of course water sports and boating activities. We took canoeing lessons through a program taught through the county park system. They showed us how to choose oars of the proper height, fit and adjust floatation vests, transport and launch our watercraft and navigate on the waterways.

Magda, in the lead photo and here additionally took swimming lessons with a certified swim coach which I highly recommend. As kayaks and canoes can easily capsize, it's important to know how to swim to avoid panic and survive.

We really enjoyed trying something new and since we have already had canoe lessons, getting going with the kayak was pretty easy.  Mountaineers Books has a new release, Sea Kayaking by Dan Henderson, so check it out in the left hand column. An Outdoor Expo like this allows you to test various types of equipment to see what kind of gear best suits you.  Good to know as you don't want to end up renting or purchasing outdoor goods you absolutely hate to work with.

Bare essentials inside my Ribz Front Pack

Packing Light - Ribzwear

We always like to test out new gear at the expo and this year brought the Ribz Front Pack to carry everything. I was able to fit both my digital and video cameras, SOL Origin Survival Kit, cell, Aurora Fire Starter, Mission Enduracool Instant Cooling Towel, a full sized hoodie and more in the small Ribz.  

We were able to take it in the boat but did not wear it as it would interfere with our flotation vests. The items we packed are the most bare-bones items I would take.  Here they are:

SOL Origin Survival Kit-This kit offers the most bang for its compact size. If were somehow got lost in the outback this kit has a floating compass, whistle and signal mirror to help us be found. It also has fish hooks, wire, a knife with a light, aluminum foil, fire starter and Tinder Quik.  The case itself water proof so if it got wet, everything in it would still work for you...even the fire strike & tinder.

Aurora Magnesium Fire Starter-It is always good to have a secondary or backup fire starter. However the Aurora is my first choice for a fire strike. It quickly lights your tinder, (I carry cotton balls smeared with Vaseline) and will work even if it gets wet.  If you are lost and need to signal for help, start a fire and lay some green vegetation on top.  It will give off white smoke visible for miles.  You can also use it and the aluminum foil to boil / purify water, cook the fish you just caught and stay warm. I started the fire here with some newspaper, alcohol sterno cooking fuel and the Aurora Magnesium Fire Starter.  As you can see it cooked our wienies and chili beans to perfection.

Mission Enduracool Instant Cooling Towel-This towel has so many uses!  With a SPF of 45 it can serve as a sun blocking head or neck cover.  Wet it and give it a snap.  It will cool you off in seconds.  Roll it up, it's a pillow, roll it out it's a sun cover.  It's recommended that you carry a bandanna in your backpack because it has so many uses.  The same concept here only better as this towel has sun blocking and cooling properties built in.
Be sure to check out the VIDEO from the event day at the top of this webpage and get a FREE KAYAKING Lesson!

Enjoying the great outdoors Geocaching!

Winter Hiking & Biking: Hot Food & Drinks to Go

Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Insulated containers.  Fill your Day Pack with HOT food and drinks to stay warm on the trail.

Every successful outdoor adventure begins with proper preparation and planning.  You can reference our Winter Layers article on how to keep warm on the outside but how about the inside?  

We all like to bring along snacks and maybe a sandwich but what about something HOT for a winter hike or bicycle ride?  Totally within reach.  All you need are the right containers to help keep things nice and toasty warm.  Yes,  that would include you.

MOUNTAINSMITH Alder 30 Women's Pack

Ladies first!  The Alder 30 offers a woman-specific details and is made from 17 recycled 16 oz plastic bottles.  This is an extended day pack with bottom panel compression straps and easy access to the entire pack contents plus the following features:

• Compression molded back panel with contoured lumbar support
• Delrin® hoop suspension system
• Elastic sternum strap and bite valve catch
• Expandable front panel stash pocket
• Ice axe & tool loop
• Internal hydration bladder sleeve with exit port
• Pivoting dual density waistbelt for optimal load transfer
• Removable safety whistle
• Shoulder harness and waist belt are ergonomically fit specifically for women
• Side compression straps with quick-release hardware
• Side panel accessory pocket fits sigg™ and nalgene® style water bottles
• Trekking pole mount(s)

This gender-specific design day pack takes into consideration anatomical differences us women share.
Fully loaded, large capacity holds much more than the average day pack, up to an extended 2563 cu inches (42 L) and weighs only 3 lbs 4 ozs. 

RUDY PROJECT Day Pack II  Hydration

Single Entry with Front Pocket

Compression Side Straps

Headphones Exit Port

Ergonomic Reinforced back Frame

Integrated Mesh Shoulders

Elastic Drawstring with Cord Lock

Waist Belt

Since Day Packs are for, uh the day, they tend to be small but the Rudy Project Day Pack II Hydration has a full on removable internal hydration system with a 2L bladder.  Since the hydration pack stays next to your body, the water doesn't freeze.  Plus it means more room in the backpack itself for other things. 

We especially appreciate the double zippers and multiple pockets on the Day Pack which even has a hidden/retractable helmet retainer.  Mountain biking, climbing, skiing or snowboarding, you'll be able to stow your helmet during the trip.  This bag is lightweight and very comfortable as we have used it on our Ski Expeditions last season.  Since your water concerns have thus been taken care of, you can now move on to something equally important.  Hot food and coffee!

Klean Kanteen Insulated Containers

Double Walled Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel

Wide Mouth for filling yours. Eat right out of the container

12, 16 & 20 oz sizes

Interchangeable Cafe Lids and Loop Caps

Keeps food and drinks hot for up to 6 hours, cold for 24

The Klean Kanteen is a whole new twist on the Thermos bottles of old. BPA free, 18/8 grade stainless steel does not react with acidic or hot food & drinks.  So go ahead, pack it with your favorite garlicky hot spaghetti and meatballs then switch to the Cafe Cap and add your barista's best, hot coffee.  There is no flavor transfer.  Bring along some spoons and eat right out of the container.  No disposable packaging to worry about as you bring out just what you've brought in keeping the forest pristine and klean. 

Hot Broccoli Cheese Soup STAYED HOT on our hike. Visit Augie Foods!

I packed my favorite Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Soup in my insulated Klean Kanteen before going on my hike. Three hours later when we stopped, it was still so hot I could barely eat it!  Really I needed to let it cool down before eating it even though it was cold and windy that day. Klean Kanteens are so versatile for bringing along drinks AND food, keeping them hot or cold as you prefer.


Trangia 27-5 Ultralight Cookstove

5 lightweight aluminum Pots and Pans with removable handles
Non-stick, scratch proof surfaces  
Adjustable windshield included
Can be used with alcohol burner, (included) or Primus gas burner
 

Trangia 27 5 using the Primus burner & gas canister

I like to bring along a cookstove and mess kit because it is such a comfort to stop and have something HOT to eat while hiking.  This set is made in Sweden of ultra light aluminum weighing only 1.9 lbs and nests into a small disk, about 5 1/4 inches in diameter.  Very compact, the Trangia 27 5 fit neatly into the Day Pack along with two Klean Kanteens with plenty of room to spare.  It also fits easily in our Sunlite Bike Bag with Panniers.  You can bring along anything from instant oatmeal packets to savory freeze dried camp meals found at your local outfitters.  I like to bring my own fresh ingredients:

Trail Eggs 'n Sausage 

Gas Burner Attachment

Pre-crack fresh eggs into a ziplock bag

Turkey or pork sausage patties in another

Spinach or whole grain Wraps or Pita Pockets
Sliced Cheddar Cheese (optional) 

Salt & Pepper Packets (optional)

Salsa or Ketchup Packets (optional)

Start the sausage patties first, flip and then add your eggs.  These are non-stick pans so no worrying about bringing extra oil.  Cooks in under five minutes or less if you like your eggs sunny side up.  Place the HOT eggs and sausage patties in a wrap or Pita Pocket and you won't need plates or napkins.  Perfect for an early AM hike when you didn't have time to eat a serious breakfast at home.  Trangia Cookstoves and gas burner attachments are available from CampSaver.

Never underestimate the value of getting something hot into your stomach after being exposed to freezing temperatures.  If you're on a bicycle, you have to factor in windchill which can make the temps feel even colder.  Hypothermia is a serious medical condition and one of the ways to help bring up your core body temperature is to eat and or drink something hot.  If you plan to be out for less than six hours, a Klean Kanteen will keep your food and drink hot for at least that long.  Beyond that six hour limit?  Bring a cookstove so that you can stop and make something hot on the trail.  Sorry but gel packs and Clif Bars just don't cut it in the wintertime.  Hiking isn't a punishing ordeal, (or at least it shouldn't be).  Pack right, pack light and bring along something hot to eat and drink so your trip will be much more pleasurable.  

Trangia 27 5 light weight aluminum set includes a spirit lamp to cook a hot meal on the trail.  It was my only cookstove on a week long camping trip but I recommend the gas burner attachment as it heats quicker and cooks longer.

Cool Morning Workouts

Rainy, cold mornings?  Pfftt!  GORE Phantom SO Lady Gloves, Smartwool's Microweight Baselayer and Exofficio's Rain Logic Jacket have got it all covered!

No matter what the calendar says in many areas the weather is already turning quite chilly, especially early in the morning.  It is also still very dark!  Training in the morning is recommended because doing so, you have less traffic and pollution to deal with.  Most of us know that if we can get up early and get our road work done, we have a better chance of staying on course.  The later you wait, the less chance there is that you'll make time to exercise later in the day.  So what do you do?  Use some common sense to keep comfy and safe out there:

GORE Phantom SO Lady Gloves

Keep Your Hands Warm

This is a major problem for early morning excursions.  While you don't need fur-lined mittens at this point, you do want them to stay warm and comfortable.  GORE BIKE WEAR's Phantom SO Lady Gloves are perfect for morning rides or walks when you need just enough coverage to keep you going.  They are soft lined and made with their Windstopper TM fabric that knows how to ward off harsh winds but has an amazing wicking action to keep your hands dry.

Hop on your bike and you'll appreciate the inner forehand's foam padding and terry insert on the thumb for wiping away perspiration.  The reflective logo on the ring fingers give you extra visibility in low light conditions.  You can do a lot more than just bike with these gloves and for cross training, you're ready to ride after your walk.

GORE Facewarmer, wool hat by TurtleFur

Keep Your Face Warm
This is incredibly important for both your facial skin and lungs especially when cycling.  If you add the windspeed to the speed you are going on a bike, you'll find yourself sustaining a much colder "feel".  This can lead to red, chapped skin that has been over exposed and dry.  The best way to combat that is to use a light scarf or this  GORE BIKE WEAR Facewarmer.  I prefer the Facewarmer to a scarf because there's no bulk and it stays in place during vigorous activity.  So lightweight but does an excellent job of keeping the chill and rain off.

Smartwool's Microweight Baselayer in Lavender

The GORE BIKE WEAR Facewarmer has an opening for the nose with additional holes for your mouth.  It is completely windproof but does not induce sweating or vapor buildup.  The reflective logo is but another layer of visibility on the road.  I'm also wearing a 100% wool cap by Turtlefur and an all Merino wool Microweight Baselayer Zip-T by Smartwool.   Both the cap and the shirt keep you warm while allowing perspiration to wick away from your skin.  Smartwool's Baselayer has a handy zippered neck, giving you the option of increasing ventilation to your skin as you warm up.  Wool also naturally repels water so it is perfect to pair up with my ExOfficio Rain Logic Jacket.
 

See the Light

CatEye's NEW Tora Outdoor Light

CatEye's performance outdoor light designed for athletes and cross trainers. The four LED's offer a wide array of lighting options. With up to 700 candle power the super bright head lamp works great for fast cross-country runs under tree cover. It also provides extra illumination on your bike.  The small .5 watt LED's offer what is needed in a low power light for map reading and close-up applications.

• Locking Magnetic Switch
• 1-watt LED OptiCube™ lens for brightness
• 3X 5mm LED’s for broader or close up viewing
• Shock and water-resistant
• Battery check function
• 4 modes

Adventure Medical-Survival Kit Video

Be prepared for medical emergencies and equipment failure on the trail with Adventure Medical / Survival Kits!  Two kits in one.  A full on first-aid kit PLUS supplies to repair your outdoor gear on the fly.  Really the best of  both worlds to help you survive out there longer.

Adventure Medical - Survival Kit  SOL