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

 

Klean Kanteen Steel Pints

Enjoy the warm weather!  PHOTO: Cold beer just tastes better in a reusable Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Pint. 

Many of us see Saint Patrick's Day as the unofficial beginning of spring. As the weather warms up, please keep in mind that when hiking, backpacking and cycling to always bring out what you carry in.  Reusable containers are making a big splash as you can pack them with your favorite goods or use them to share a tasty brew on the trail as you see here.   (Don't laugh but cyclists often use a frosty beer as cold "currency".)

Klean Kanteen Steel Pint with rubber color ring & carabiner clip

Klean Kanteen's Steel Pints are not only cool in the Pub but are great for backpacking or a picnic in the woods.  Made of 18/8, food-grade stainless steel, the 16oz Kanteen Steel Pint Cup is durable, versatile, reusable, and dishwasher safe.  These are well made drinking goods that can be used over and over so you can ditch that red cup.  Buy these once and reuse, reuse, REUSE!

Packing Smarter - Packing COOLER

You can pack a LOT in a cooler and have it waiting for you in your car at the end of your hike / bike ride.

Your food and drink will stay refreshingly cold and you will not need to carry all that extra weight on the actual trip.

The Sixer Travel Cooler - Mountainsmith

Nothing to throw away and if so, pack it in the cooler for when you get home.  All you'll need to take with you is your hydration pack and perhaps an energy bar or some trail mix.  

The idea is to travel light.  Only take what you absolutely need for the excursion and leave the rest at "base camp".  In warm weather, having something cool waiting for you at the end of the day is a wonderful incentive to keep going.  You will also travel much faster without having a lot of heavy items along.
  
Just remember to keep it clean out there.  I see so many plastic water bottles on the side of the road during my bike ride, it's SO disgusting.  You can help change all that by utilizing reusable water bottles, cups and food containers whenever possible.  I am so ready to get out there and enjoy this gorgeous weather!  Who's with me?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The Sixer Travel Cooler by Mountainsmith Review

The Sixer fully loaded!

Now that we are getting some warmer weather, (heck, the whole winter has been pretty mild), one tends to think of venturing out for a cycling tour or backpacking adventure.  Keeping your food and drinks fresh and cool is going to be more of a challenge as spring approaches.  As the days lengthen and warm up, that sandwich you packed this morning may actually be a "bit off" by the time you stop for lunch. 

So in the interest of good eating and keeping it fresh we took a look at Mountainsmith's new packable cooler, The Sixer.  Believe me, there is a LOT to look at in this bag.  This insulated cooler is built with all of the rugged features you'd expect of mountain backpacking gear but is incredibly light weighing only .80 oz. 

The Sixer holds a six pack of Samuel Adams AND my StayFit Lunch 2 Go with room to spare.  Everything stayed cool for several hours.

What surprised me though is that The Sixer fit a full six pack of 12oz glass bottles PLUS my StayFit E-Z Freeze Lunch 2 Go container.  There was plenty of room for ice, a gel pack and energy bar as well.  Here are The Sixer's Features:

• D-ring attachment points for optional shoulder strap
• Reinforced haul handle
• Clear label sleeve
• Zippered lid
• Front elastic rigging to hold a shirt, towel, etc.
• Mountainsmith Bottle opener is included that works!

The shoulder strap included with the bag is very comfortable for carrying but this bag is also designed to work with Mountainsmith's color coordinated Travel Storage Series.  Without the six pack of bottles, The Sixer fit inside my AngleTech panniers which are quite narrow.  However for larger camping/touring saddlebags the cooler will most likely fit fully loaded.

One thing you don't want while mountain biking or backpacking is for your food to go bad in the sun's heat. You may not be able to taste it but food spoilage is a very serious situation.  It can put an abrupt end to an otherwise great day out.  Keep it cool out there with proper food storage accessories like these.  The Sixer is available at Walmart & online at Amazon for between $16-$20.  See more Mountainsmith gear their website.

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.