How can I keep the hose on my platypus from freezing when I use it in sub-freezing temps?
hephzibah
My hose is froze
system
#2
i heard it recommended to drain yer water after dinner and then refill it in the morning from the running sping,and I would think while hiking, steady drinking every so often would work wouldn’t it. Instead of gorging from stop to stop, sip it every so often to rehydrate?
i wouldn’t recommend placing a fresh loaded unit inside your clothing, because it could chill you for some time.
burn
system
#3
Ditto on what BW said. Blow the water back into the blatter. You will get a little freezing near the mouth piece where some water will collect, but it usually melts with the flowing of the new water. Camelbak sells an insolator to put over the hose that works.
Gravity Man
gravity man
system
#4
To keep your tube from freezing up in cold weather, insulate it. Either Camelback or Playpus makes an insulating sleeve that goes over the tube. Runners and skiers frequently use it in the winter time.
Peaks
system
#5
Might want to think about using plastic soda bottles in cold weather instead of the bladder and the hose thing.
Also turn/carry your water bottle upside down and when you want to drink, flip them and drink. If a little ice freezes in them, it’s okay as ice freezes from the top down (they are carried upside down). Water is heavier than ice so the ice goes to the top (water freezes from the top down).
Also you can carry a small plastic soda bottle close to your body (say 1/2 liter size or so), whereas a 2 quart water bladder is a little tough to position there correctly.
Other water bottles with water in them can be stuffed deep inside your pack with a lot of insulation around them as a result and they also will not freeze.
Just suggestions. See you out there. :cheers
Maintain
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#6
As mentioned, blow the water out of the hose. Never let water sit in the hose, as it will freeze sooner or later. A cheap cozy can be made from an old blue foam pad, for both the hose and the bladder. Boil some water in the morning and mix hot and cold. Stays warm throughout the day in the cozy.
Alligator