Carrying a water bladder in freezing temps

[Obsessed1]

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.

 

[MTPipeliner]

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.

 

[Obsessed1]

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.

 

[fjefman]

Interesting idea, I rarely have to deal with temps below 20f but I just wear my camelback under my outer shell and tuck the hose under my arm. I have not had any hose freezing issues since I started doing this.

 

[Bubblehide]

I have never had a single issue with a bladder in my backpack freezing, even in negative temperatures. The hose is a different story, but as Obsessed1 pointed out, you just need to blow any water left in the hose, back into the bladder.

I think you're trying to fix a problem that doesn't exist. But, I suppose you could be using a different setup that is problematic.

 

[Obsessed1]

I have never had a single issue with a bladder in my backpack freezing, even in negative temperatures. The hose is a different story, but as Obsessed1 pointed out, you just need to blow any water left in the hose, back into the bladder.

I think you're trying to fix a problem that doesn't exist. But, I suppose you could be using a different setup that is problematic.

I run my bladder in the sleeve on a back designed for it. I struggled with the water freezing up on whole day treks where temps are in the -30c and lower range when it's just in the pack.. I generally don't have much else in the pack other than kill kit and 1 game bag so there's not much to insulate the bladder..if I'm predator calling the pack comes off and sits on the ground for the duration of the stand... late season elk hunting it's often just freaking cold out.. we are often recording the coldest temps in the world up here.. last year we had two days that went sub -60c
Needless to say I didn't go out hunting in those temps lol... but -30 to -35 c is not uncommon to be out and about in.

 

[Beendare]

I just let the water drain back out of the hose....after drinking, hold the hose up with it pinched open-problem solved.

I don't blow it down as that introduces bacteria into the bladder.

 

[Bubblehide]

I run my bladder in the sleeve on a back designed for it. I struggled with the water freezing up on whole day treks where temps are in the -30c and lower range when it's just in the pack.. I generally don't have much else in the pack other than kill kit and 1 game bag so there's not much to insulate the bladder..if I'm predator calling the pack comes off and sits on the ground for the duration of the stand... late season elk hunting it's often just freaking cold out.. we are often recording the coldest temps in the world up here.. last year we had two days that went sub -60c
Needless to say I didn't go out hunting in those temps lol... but -30 to -35 c is not uncommon to be out and about in.

I've hunted in weather down to negative 20. It sounds like you've git some much more lower temps you're dealing with. I suggest using an insulation sleeve with a recgargable hand warmer in it, with a down jacket or such around it. Depending on your needs maybe more than 1 handwarmer, and or a way to recharge.

 

[justinspicher]

When I use a bladder and it’s that cold, I’ll put it inside a neck gator and then in the pouch in my pack. Its worked so far.