Can bladder-packs with sippy-tubes be kept unfrozen?

Good ideas. One of the work ID clips with the retractable cord hooked
to a vest or something with an edge has worked for me.



MichaelT wrote:

I have experimented a lot with the camelPak in very cold conditions.

I have removed the insulation so I can see the color liquid. Because if
any liquid remains in the tube after blowing it back, it freezes
quickly.
This is more important than anything the insulation might offer.

Keeping it within clothing and close to your body works okay.
But with ski racing you don't want to be digging with gloves and poles
on.
I have glued a piece of velcroe to the black nozzle cover and another
piece to a shoulder strap near my neck on the Camelpak.
Having the nozzle near my neck helps keep it warm.
I can grab it easy, uncap the black nozzle cover an stick the line in
my mouth and squeeze. After awhile or on an easy downhill, I'll blow
the line clear and cap it, and raise the line up and then stick it to
the velcroe.
I usually try to take a long drink before the race start, so I don't
have to mess with it for 10k or more during the frantic early stages of
a race.

For the Mora Vasa race which was like 20 or 30 below windchills, I did
take a large hand warmer that had a sticky side and stuck it to inner
clothing on my lower back area. This helps keep the lower bladder where
the hose is connected warm!

It is not foolproof, but I have never had an issue with racing and
freeze ups.

I have had more issues with cold weather training, where I tend to not
focus as much with keeping the line clear. Hope this helps!
MT




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MichaelT