What's the best way to dry a hydration system bladder

[nextmayor]

I just got a Hydrastorm Tempest 100oz. hydration system. I'm just wondering the best way to dry the bladder? Any suggestions?

[ArmyHummer]

I would thinl, hanging it upside down, or wherever the hole is down, and try and keep some air in it to keep the insides from sticking together.

Its like drying a ziplock bag. Just hang it so the opening is towards the gound, and blow some air into it so keep the sides from touching and find a way to hang it -closepins etc.

[Locutus2999]

Army is correct, Upside down with the insides not touching each other is the way to go. Camelbak and Blackhawk both have a product to assist in this (http://www.airsoftarms.com/viewproductdetail.php?ProdID=3336), however that maybe a little excessive.

http://www.airsoftarms.com/showpic.php?ImageID=1613

[nextmayor]

Army & Locutus:

Thanks for the input but it doesn't exactly work. We all have the same idea on how to dry a bladder, hang it upside down let it drain, but keep it open so it can air out.

Hanging it upside down will not work because the fill port is about 1/4" from the top. Hanging it upside down does not get all of the water out.

Any other ideas? Am I worried about nothing. I don't want mold to grow in my Hydrastorm. I dumped out as much water as I could, I dried what I could with paper towels, and I have the handle of a large spoon sticking in the bladder righ now so air can circulate.

I'm only worried about this because I used it Saturday and there is still some moisture in the corners.

What does the Camel Bak dryer do and how does it work?

[Locutus2999]

All they do is basically what you are using the spoon for, keep it open so it can air dry, which should be sufficent.

[ArmyHummer]

Of coarse theres always air hose, air pump, dryers, or possibly using a small towel to push into the corners and help dry.

[Agent 47]

cleaning rod + Towel = win ;)

[Locutus2999]

Well, I probably wouldn't want to stick a towel down in there, lint inside your bladder wouldn't be good. Really, as long as you keep it open it shouldnt take more than a few hours to air dry.

[skitelluride531]

in my opionion your worrying about nothing, i have had my camelbak for a year now never once i have i dried it out, and never once have i gotten mold in it...i dont think you really need to worry about it.

[nextmayor]

Thanks everyone, I just did not want to ruin a new piece of gear.

The smaller Camel Bak the I use for skiing dries a lot quicker than the 100oz. Hydrastorm that I picked up. I was just a little worried.

Thanks

[AllenTC2]

You and I seem to be having parallel airsoft lives!! LOL

This may be hard to visualize......I took one of those rubber/plastic coated wire coat hangers. Straighten the hook so it's like a "7", not a "?". Then, I bent the lower, straight "cross rod" in the middle. What you have after that is like an inverted "V" with the hook at the top. Then I pulled out the inverted V section w/o the hook out.

Okay, I tried my hand at MS Paint.......look at this, and try not to laugh.

Anyway, that is working pretty good for me right now. I also found instructions at the Camelbak website for washing and "refreshing" your bladder.

Oh, I forgot to mention, you then prop the bladder upside down, using the straightened hook, keeping the opening on the "down" side. I also disconnected my hose.

[nextmayor]

AllenTC2:

Thanks for the hanger idea. Like you suggested, just be careful not to puncture the bladder. I used my hydration system on Saturday and it still had water in it last night. I took your advice, propped it open with a bent up hanger and it was dry this morning. Thanks.

As for similar interest, it appears we do share some. Just FYI, my South African / Rhodesian M-83 Assault Vest came yesterday. Check out my initial review of it at:

http://teamtwo.com/t2forums/viewtopic.php?t=53

Thanks for the advice.