Carrying a water bladder in freezing temps

Obsessed1

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
May 7, 2019
Messages
118
I have been working on an idea to carry 2-3L bladder in frozen temps. Here is the idea I came up with.. I made a simple bag/ pouch that just fits a bladder. Then using 2" webbing i sewed a shoulder strap off the bottom of the bag that is adjustable and loops over the opposite shoulder then another strap off the top of the bag that again goes over the opposite shoulder... when worn the pouch hangs up against your ribs cage under your arm( left in my case) it's snugged up to your body and worn under your sweater and coat this allows your body temp to keep the water from freezing. The drink tube is run up your arm and tucked under your cuff for quick access. Placing the bag slightly in front of center of your side gives lots of room to still use a pack.
The idea is kinda like a shoulder holster except your hanging a water bladder instead of a handgun. Positioned right it doesn't affect either bino pack or full daypack/ meat hauler.
 
Joined
Apr 8, 2020
Messages
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Seems like it would keep your water from freezing, but could also make you colder from having a bag of water next to you- if you start with body temp water or were really exerting yourself to where the cooling was beneficial maybe it would be ok.

Another option may be to put a hand/body warmer packet next to your water to keep it warm.

In freezing temps I switch to bottles instead of a bladder usually, if I do carry a bladder I blow the water back out of the drinking tube to keep it from freezing.
 
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Obsessed1

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
May 7, 2019
Messages
118
Seems like it would keep your water from freezing, but could also make you colder from having a bag of water next to you- if you start with body temp water or were really exerting yourself to where the cooling was beneficial maybe it would be ok.

Another option may be to put a hand/body warmer packet next to your water to keep it warm.

In freezing temps I switch to bottles instead of a bladder usually, if I do carry a bladder I blow the water back out of the drinking tube to keep it from freezing.
I also blow the water back down. I've never had any negative affect from packing water next to my body as of yet ( I came up with this concept 10 years ago) I am pretty warm blooded though and don't often get overly cold. Up here in Northern Alberta we can often be hunting/ hiking/ snowshoeing in -30c weather.. My try at this concept was rather uncomfortable for long carry as the straps dug in but changing angles and wider straps have solved that issue. I also sewed a pocket on the inside of a heavy fleece vest under the arm for a bladder... it carries nicely but you have to wear the vest under your coat, which is sometimes just too warm when hiking.
 
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