The Hassle of Cleaning and Drying Non-Recyclable Reservoirs

A reusable bladder, which comes with most hydration packs, is recommended to be cleaned and dried after every use, especially if you fill it with anything other than water. You can buy a kit making the cleaning process fairly easy. However, drying the bladder is a bit more painstaking, and you either need to buy a drying rack or improvise a metal coat hanger or household utensil. Otherwise a soft-sided bladder will tend to collapse on itself allowing the liquid to pool which will cause bacteria to grow and possibly mold to develop. And if mold happens to form it will require a cleaning solution (bleach is recommended) and brush to get rid of it. Who wants to drink from a bladder that’s had bleach in it? A recyclable, reservoir is a superior solution for convenient use.