Cleaning out your hydration backpack

First, let’s get familiar with the Alpha Outpost Hydration Backpack. It has a two-layer cargo design; one for the bladder and one for your cell phone, keys, etc… The drinking tube is built with a biteable mouthpiece valve to make drinking water easier and the padding on the back makes it comfortable with even the most intense of movements. 

 
Now, that you’re familiar your hydration system lets talk about how to clean it. One of the biggest issues with any hydration backpack is how easy mold can grow in some areas of your water bladder and drinking tube. Mold grows because fungi thrive in moist environments. Mold is essential for the environment because of their ability to break down organic materials, but very problematic for our bodies.  Also, if you use any performance enhancing drink mixes or any type of additional flavoring you’ll need to take a more vigorous approach to keeping it clean between uses. If you don’t clean it in between uses then expect a nice science experiment inside your hydration bladder.

 
One of the best ways to clean out your hydration bladder in between uses is actually one of the simplest. Just take some good old fashion dish soap and water. Let it sit for a while, rinse then dry thoroughly. However, if you have some funky stuff growing inside or outside your hydration backpack you’ll want to step it up a notch.

To remove your hydration bladder from the backpack, follow these steps.

Unscrew cap.

Remove cap and retainer.

Unfasten the hook and loop fastener to expose hydration bladder. Pull out hydration bladder.

To clean follow the steps below

1. Fill hydration bladder with hot water.
2. Use two tablespoons of bleach OR baking soda. (You can also use denture cleaning tablets). Shake bladder around and let it sit for about 30 minutes. 

3. Hold the hydration bladder in an elevated position and allow water to run through the drinking tube.
4. Rinse away any cleaning solution used before filling it up with drinking water. When clean, air dry so no moisture is trapped inside. Equally, you can dry it with some napkins.

NOTE: If dirty still, use a brush to scrub off the remainder of the grime.