After all the distance paddling discussions - does anybody have advice on which hydration back packs have worked best for them?
I've been through two in the last 10 months, both of their straps fell apart and the tubes/mouthpieces started growing mould, even after thorough rinsing and drying???

I only use the genuine Camelbak brand because they're the best by far.. IMO

I've used them for mountain bike riding for years and I soon discovered the hassle of cleaning them out..drying them out and trying to stop mold growing in the bladder and straw.

But I know the answer to that problem now... and it's so easy.

I never use plain water.. I always use a light mix of lemon cordial.

I can leave it half full for days.. weeks..and even months.. and then sip away without any risk of mold or any nasty stuff growing inside.

The cordial has preservatives in it and prevents any mold growing.. maybe the sugar does something also.. also.. I use lemon because orange or lime cordial discolors the straw and bladder.

I've not even rinsed a bladder out for years and all my Camelbaks are still perfect.. I think I have about four now.. I bough a new 2ltr Camalbak just before our last down-winder because I knew it was going to be a long one (little did I know).

I might look for a 3ltr one soon.. maybe also a waist (bum bag) style... You can never have too many Camelbaks..

Anyway.. that's my two cents worth..

DJ

stuart, you can always throw the bladder in the freezer when you're not using it - frozen bladder = no mould.

I just leave mine filled with water all the time. I don't get any mould in them.

Just drain the water and refill before using if it's been more than a week or so between uses.

I have several Camelbaks and they have all been fine.

For use overseas (Nepal and a recent trip to India) I have dropped a few Puritabs in the water to purify it and the pure water keeps the bladder and tube gunge free.

Don't put bourbon in them... while you won't get mould, you never ever get the taste out.

I've been using both the backpck and bum bag style (depending on what I'm doing) from black wolf. The Taipan one wrks best for me as it holds 3ltrs nd is comfortable. It also has plenty of extra space to store extra safety gear.

Here is a link www.blackwolf.com.au/products/tank-hydration-reservoir-3l/

I use an electrolite mix in the packs which is fine so long as you wash them out after use.