Key Points
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There are hydration packs specially designed for cold weather. They come with an insulated hydration pack, an insulated water tube, and an insulated bite valve.
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Blowing the water out of the tube is important to keep the tube and bite valve from freezing. You must blow water from the tube after every drink.
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Always keep hand warmers in your hydration pack pockets. You can use them for various reasons, including thawing frozen water tubes and bite valves.
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You can still use a hydration bladder even when the temperatures are below freezing. It's all in the preparation.
It's difficult to imagine freezing temperatures with most of the US under a heat dome in August of 2023, but winter is coming! With winter comes questions about how to care for products that contain water, such as a hydration bladder.
One of the big drawbacks to a hydration bladder is that it will freeze when the temperature drops. Can you enjoy the unique ability to drink without stopping that the hydration bladder gives you? What can you do if you get caught in cold weather with a hydration bladder? Is insulating a hydration bladder for winter possible? The answers to these questions and more are just ahead.
Do I Need To Hydrate in the Winter?
According to Massachusetts General Hospital writer Alison Graziano, RDN, LDN, it's important to hydrate in the winter:
"It’s not uncommon to feel less thirsty in cold weather and many people are unaware that cold-weather dehydration exists. Dehydration occurs when the body doesn’t have enough fluid to function properly. Regardless of the temps outside, staying hydrated is important all year round…Water makes up approximately 60-70% of our bodies and is essential to how well our bodily systems are regulating everyday functions. Water is necessary for transporting nutrients, removing waste from the body, supporting the immune system, hydrating your tissues and organs, maintaining blood pressure as well as maintaining a proper body temperature. This is important for preventing hypothermia if outdoors in winter."
You need to keep your hydration pack from freezing to keep hydrated in the winter. You can keep your water bladder from freezing, but there is a process. The process will vary depending on the climate in which you're using a water bladder, how long you are in that environment, and how diligent you are about keeping your water from freezing.
How To Insulate a Hydration Bladder
You can insulate a hydration bladder for winter activities, but there is only so much you can do after the temperature drops below 25 degrees. At those temperatures, keeping your water, gear, and yourself from freezing is harder.
You can take measures to prevent your hydration bladder from freezing. Here are the steps that make up the process.
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Before you leave for a cold weather adventure, purchase a hydration pack built for cold weather. An insulated hydration pack is a must in cold weather. Gearhandle makes both universal and made-to-fit after-market insulated hydration packs if you want to use your existing hydration bladder. They are triple-insulated. You can carry it, stuff it in a backpack, or strap it to the outside of your pack.
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Ensure the insulated hydration pack has an insulated water tube and bite valve. Most will have an insulated sleeve, insulated water tube, or both. Not all will have a protected bite valve. Try to choose a model with an insulated tube and a bite valve. Often, it is the water tube and bite valve that freeze first.
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You can make your own to avoid purchasing an insulated hydration pack. Use a fleece or wool blanket for insulation. Just pack it around the bladder. Take special care of the water tube and bite valve. Tuck it into the pack, or route it inside your jacket. See the tips below for more DIY ideas.
The Top Insulated Hydration Packs
There are hydration packs made especially for cold weather. They cost more than a standard hydration pack, but you get more, too. If the weather is worse than expected, you will be glad you spent the money.
by CamelBak
CamelBak SnoBlast Hydration Pack
Stay hydrated and ready for any winter adventure with the CamelBak SnoBlast Hydration Pack. This pack features a Therminator Harness and SnoShield material that repels snow, ensuring your water stays accessible and unfrozen. With its durable construction and insulated design, the CamelBak SnoBlast is the ultimate companion for cold-weather activities.
by USWE
USWE Pow, Ski, and Snowboard Backpack
Conquer the slopes with the USWE Pow, Ski, and Snowboard Backpack. This backpack is great for cold weather hydration, with a built-in harness for your hydration tube. The pack is not only insulated to prevent freezing but also provides excellent functionality and comfort while skiing or snowboarding. Stay hydrated and focused on the slopes with the USWE Pow Backpack.
by CamelBak
CamelBak Zoid Hydration Pack
When it comes to compact and reliable hydration in cold weather, the CamelBak Zoid Hydration Pack is a top choice. With its Therminator Harness and SnoShield material, this pack keeps your water tube and bite valve protected from freezing temperatures. Whether you're hitting the slopes or exploring winter trails, the CamelBak Zoid ensures easy access to water without worrying about freezing.
Tips for Keeping Your Hydration Back From Freezing
Even if you have purchased an insulated hydration pack, extreme cold calls for extreme measures. Those who have suffered a frozen hydration bladder know that thawing out a frozen hydration bladder, water tube, or bite valve can take a long time. It is best to keep your hydration gear from freezing in the first place.
Here are a few things you can do to use your hydration pack safely and keep your hydration bladder functioning when the temp has dipped below freezing
by HotHands
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Put several Hot Hands Feet Warmers on either side of your hydration bladder. Putting a foot warmer on the inside of the hydration pack and next to your body may cause you to sweat. You must decide if a foot warmer against you is really needed.
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If you start the morning with the water in your hydration bladder at 38 degrees, it will freeze much faster than if you start with 50-degree water. The first step in the process is to start with warm water in your hydration bladder. If you're camping, try warming water up in your coffee pot. You don't want to put scalding hot water in your hydration bladder, so let it cool or mix it with cooler water until lukewarm.
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Put your hydration pack under your jacket. You will need an oversized jacket to do this, but your body heat will keep the hydration pack warm. If you're camping with your kids, a small person can borrow a larger person's jacket. Then, put the jacket over them and the hydration pack.
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Run your hydration tube under your arm or around your collar. Your body heat will keep the tube warm.
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Blowing the water out will keep your tube and bite valve free from freezing. If you blow too much air in your hydration bladder, the air in the bladder will cause that annoying sloshing sound.
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Keep your hydration bladder in your sleeping back at night. At the very least, remove your tube and keep it in the sleeping bag. Your body heat will keep the tube and bite valve from freezing.
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The more water you keep in your hydration bladder, the less likely it is to freeze.
After the Freeze
If you find that your hydration bladder, water tube, or bite valve has frozen, don't panic. There are things you can do to thaw them out. Hopefully, you have brought the necessary things to get the job done. If not, take note of the tips below and keep spare bite valves and hand warmers in your pack for cold weather emergencies.
Here are a few things to thaw out your hydration bladder, water tube, or bite valve.
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If your bite valve is frozen and you have a spare, replace the bite valve. Be sure to put your frozen bite valve where it will thaw.
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If your bite valve is frozen and you don't have a spare, route the water tube into your jacket and keep the bite valve against your body. It will take a few minutes, but it will thaw. Another option is to wrap a hand warmer around it briefly. A rubber band works especially well to keep the hand warmer wrapped around the bite valve.
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You have a frozen water tube if your bite valve is not frozen. You can put the hydration pack under your coat and route the tube under your arm. If this is impossible, you can use hand warmers to thaw the tube.
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If the weather is cold enough to freeze your bite valve, you should enjoy your activity with a friend. Each time you stop, check each other's water tube and bite valve for signs of freezing. If you find it frozen, you have a buddy to borrow water from.
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If you are cold weather camping and have a thermos with a hot beverage, you can drop the bite valve in a cup of coffee and thaw it there.
Once you return from your chilly adventure, be sure to properly dry your hydration pack, as well as disinfect and clean the bladder.
Prepare For Freezing Weather
By now, you know that preparation is key to enjoying a cold-weather adventure, especially if you use a hydration bladder. Questions like, is it possible to enjoy the unique ability to drink without stopping that the hydration bladder gives you? What can you do if you get caught in cold weather with a hydration bladder? Is insulating a hydration bladder for winter possible? As you can see, you can use a hydration bladder in freezing weather, and armed with this information, you are ready to brave the cold.
Interestingly enough, freezing your hydration bladder in the freezer is one of the best ways to store a hydration bladder during the off-season! Keeping your hydration pack frozen keeps mold and mildew at bay.
From choosing the right hydration pack to using it in cold weather, let My Outdoor Gear guide you in creating the adventure of your dreams.
