How to look after your hydration pack
Good maintenance will make your pack last longer
Your kit really gets put through the wringer in mountain biking. Even if your pack is designed to withstand close encounters with branches and stones, it can still wear out prematurely because of all the mud and sweat. What tends to happen is that they get soaked up by the fabric and then damage it as they dry. Mud breaks down the weave, while the salt in sweat attacks the fibres. This is why it's essential to take good care of your hydration pack and clean it regularly.
Doing so will mean that your pack lasts longer, which will reduce its environmental footprint.
Don't machine wash it as this could damage certain parts. Instead, hand wash it with water and a mild soap. A sponge or a soft brush will be just the job!
As a precaution, you could use a waterproofing spray to guard against splashes of mud.
Tip: To get rid of the toughest mud stains, soak a sponge in a mixture of water and white vinegar then rub the stain!