Posted: 12/29/2008 4:52:10 PM EDT
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I got one of the $12 surplus Camelbaks that were mentioned in a thread the other day on ebay.
Being used, I was originally planning on replacing the bladder upon arrival, but since I got it today and checked it out, the thing looks brand new. There is some sand in the crevasses, and there is a soldier's name sharpied on the outside, but that is to be expected. It looks like there has never been any water inside the bladder. That being said, could I get away with just sanitizing the bladder, tube and mouthpiece, or is it cheap insurance to replace those parts? If so where is the best place to get those for the least $$$? Also, I was planning on using this as part of my BOB setup that will stay in my truck. Do I keep it full of water ready to go, or do I fill it when needed from bottled water that I will have staged in my truck? Lastly, for $12 I couldn't be more happy being the cheap bastard that I am. Very much worth it! 
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How does it smell? Run some alka-seltzer tabs through it just to make sure. I use those instead of the "offical camelbak cleaning tabs" for far less money.
I keep water in mine, but I use it a lot. when I store them I keep them empty and hanging on hooks to make sure nothing grows inside. For your BOB I would probably keep them empty or at least rotate the water out every couple of months. |
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Baking soda works to clean mold and shit out of it.
As already mentioned, rotate the water out if you're going to store it in there. I'd switch every month allowing for a complete cleaning and drying each time. Coat hangers or paper towel tubes make a good alternate for the fancy camelbak hanging kit. |
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I saw the same thing and purchased two at $10.00 each. Went to REI and bought a cleaning kit. That was about $20 so now I up to $40 in the pair. When the two (one Ambush and one Thermobak 3L) came in I was very pleased. Saw some instructions here on using hairspray to clean off the sharpie writing and it got most off. That was another $1 is its $41. The bladder seemed fine but I was concerned about the hose and bite valve. When I could not get the hose cleaning brush through the hose I became a little more concerned. Decided what the hell, I'm going to replace the bladder and hose. Best place I found was Extreme Outfitters. So I bought two bladders, hoses and bite valves. This adds another $65 or so to the pot so now I have just over $100 in the project. But I am happy. I trust the cleanliness of the system and have two outstanding hydration units. This morning found out Cabela's is having a 75% off on new Camelbak Mules in Desert Camo - $29.95 each. That is a $125.00 item for $35. Bought two again. Tell me - am I a sucker for hydration units or not? Anyway, I now have them in the car, truck, BOB, and emergency supplies. Oops, sorry - the price was $29.99 each with shipping at $9.95 for the both, total $69.93. |
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Quoted:
cheaperthandirt.com has bladders on sale 3 for $10 with insulated hose and bite valve I picked up a 3-pack last time I was in Ft. Worth and they are hydrastorm brand. They seem to work OK. (no leaks yet) (I figured $10.00 was worth it just for the hose insulation that I can put on a camelback bladder hose) Quoted:
This morning found out Cabela's is having a 75% off on new Camelbak Mules in Desert Camo - $29.95 each. That is a $125.00 item for $35. Bought two again. Somebody must have fixed it, because I went to their site and they are now $39.99 ea. Still not a bad deal, but your deal was better.  Congrats.
(I always miss out on the best deals  )
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