Winterizing the Camelbak

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I use the camelbak in winter, but I have to take a few steps to keep the line from freezing. Blowing the water back into the bladder will help, but it makes taking quick sipps difficult. Once ice does build up, blowing the ice chuncks back into the bladder will also help. When the tempts are below 20, the tube may freeze too fast for this method to work.

Here is an alternative. Run the tube through the pit-zip of your jacket (hopefully you have a pit-zip), and then attach it to the inside of your collar. The inside route will keep it from freezing.

For brutal cold, throw a small handwarmer directly under the bladder. Use the pouch kind made by Heatmax that uses iron powder and charcoal as a chemical reaction to make heat (Walmart). It'll generate warmth, but will not damage the bladder or be enough heat to make the water too warm. You may also put the camelback on under your jacket.

There is also a winter version of the Camelbak available with a built-in hand warmer pouch.

Have Fun!

copyright 2007 Bryan McFarland

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