Water Sucks!

Water sucks when it tastes bad!

Clean Your CamelBak Before the Trail

There’s nothing worse than getting a few miles into a hike, taking a drink, and realizing your water tastes like plastic.

Before you hit the trail, give your CamelBak—or any hydration bladder—a quick cleaning. Especially if it is brand new or has been sitting for a while.

Fill the bladder with warm water and add a couple tablespoons of baking soda. Shake it up, let it sit overnight, and run some of the solution through the drinking tube. Rinse everything thoroughly the next day.

If you still notice that plastic taste, try a warm-water-and-white-vinegar rinse for 30–60 minutes. Then rinse it again with clean water.

And don’t forget the tube and bite valve. Water sitting in those little places can hold onto odors and flavors.

Finally, let everything dry completely before you pack it away.

Your water should taste like water.

It’s a small thing, but when you’re miles from the trailhead, clean, good-tasting water is one less thing to think about.

Now go collect a good day.