Backpack and bladders - I've no idea.

[jethro10]

Well kinda getting sick of drinking mud from the bottle cage held bottles.

But have no idea on bladders and packs. Never considered them
So have several probably simple questions. I'd be interested more in a dual purpose pack, probably 10L + 2L water so can carry everything for the day.


1. Do backpacks that hold bladders do so in a seperate compartment, or is it just stuffed in with the other goodies.
2. Can you mix brands, does it matter?
3. Does cost of bladder = quality.
4. Can you put powders in them? I assume so, just wash out as normal.
5. Style of bladder, is there any advantages to some. I guess bigger openings for filling = easier cleaning?
6. do you have to match sizes? Could I get a pack that takes a 3L bladder, but use a smaller bladder so have the capacity just in case?
7. Anything else I have never though of!

thanks
Jeff

 

[Kestevan]

1. Mine has the bladder in a semi-seperate section, theres a "pouch" at the back of the bag for the bladder - I think this is fairly standard.
2. Can't guarantee it, but I think a lot of them are compatible. I have a decathlon bag/bladder but use camelbak hose/valves.
3. Not that I've noticed, my Decathlon is as good as my daughters much more expensive camelbak. The only caveat is that the bite valve which came with the cheaper bladder was a bit poo. The camelbak valves are much better.
4. Yep - but make sure you clean and dry the bladder/hoses after use.
5. Bigger fill holes are good, they make cleaning easier. You can also get a "frame" which fits inside to hold the bladder open whilst it dries, This stops the formation of mold.
6. Dont see why not.
7. The backpack design is also important, make sure it fits and is comfy. The more expensive ones may be better ventilated and have better straps. Personally I've never had a problem with the cheapy Decathlon offering but YMMV.

 

[Panter]

I have a cheapie Decathlon one, a cheapie Tescos one and recently "upgraded" to the Camelbak Mule.
Frankly, the camelbak is slightly better, as it has a larger opening, but it's not worth the huge price hike IMO.
The Camelbak bladder does appear to be better quality, but again, in no way relative to the price paid.

You can put what you like in them, just make sure you wash it all out the SECOND YOU GET HOME. Don't leave it and think "I'll do it later" as you'll forget. Then, when you come to use it, you'll find intelligent life has evolved in it and it's only fit for the bin

 

[Fiona N]

On the cleaning business - you can use baby bottle sterilising tablets. Dissolve the tablet in hot water in the bladder leave for a few minutes then flush through the hose and leave to dry.

It's soluble bleach basically but not toxic like the normal stuff and formulated for plastic drinking bottles. A box of about 100 tablets costs about 50p from Asda and the like so there really isn't any excuse for poisoning yourself. You don't even have to do it every time (unlike for babies)

 

[ufkacbln]

You don't even have to do it every time (unlike for babies)

I got this image of a baby soaking in Milton!

 

[Fiona N]

I got this image of a baby soaking in Milton!

Well I understand if you keep them clean, they smell less

 

[Sleeping Menace]

Well I understand if you keep them clean, they smell less

re: keeping clean / smelling less... are we now talking about the water bladders? or babies? .. both?


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[Hicky]

I've got the decathlon rockrider one think it cost about 15/20 poundsih...?....bought mainly for the small daysack not the bladder.

I've also got a "Source" issued(army) one which I've used and a camleback too.
I dont tend to use them very often and prefer bottles.

If anything I'd reccomend only using water in them, they're too much of a pain in the rear to clean hence I'd not risk stomach bugs.

Dont see why milton cant be used, or sit the whole bladder in boiling water for 5mins to kill anything nasty.