Hydration pack update…

My second trial with the Sierra Hydration pack turned out well with the bite valve bitter taste issue resolved. I guess cleaning it by soaking it in soap and baking soda really helped. The only other tweak I can think of is to put one of those small velcro straps near the end of the bite valve so I can latch it near my opposite shoulder for easier access during a ride, plus if the bite valve doesn’t close properly, the water won’t leak out because the bite valve elevation will be higher than the outlet/water level on the bladder. This has happened a few times, but nothing serious.

Jo from Toronto has told me about adding ice cubes to the pack rather than trying to freeze a little water in the pack the night before your ride. My little experiment of freezing water in the pack worked well enough, but it would work better if you could firmly support the bladder in a “filled” sort of shape (ie: rounded) while it was freezing otherwise you won’t be able to fill it to capacity. The ice cube solution is best.

February 1st, 2011 Addenum: The method of putting about a cup or two of water into the bladder, then blowing air into the bladder after you close it up works the best. With the bladder pumped up with air, you can lay it on its side in the freezer and the water will freeze on the bottom without blocking the fill cap or the exit bite valve tube. Just make sure the cap is not on too tight and is dry so it is easier to open after it is frozen. Then you can fill the bladder up the rest of the way with more water. Obviously this is for use during hot weather.