This time of year I keep having days where everything in my pack gets wet from condensation forming against my hydration bladder. I put it in a kitchen garbage bag but it's noisy, and the extra fluff isn't well liked. I usually carry a little extra clothes this time of year as the weather changes so frequently. Usually I layer glove liners with my gloves, bring extra dry wool socks, a skull cap, and a wool pullover or maybe a rain jacket.
What have others done to avoid damp socks, head gear, gloves etc?
It's never been a problem for me.
What have others done to avoid damp socks, head gear, gloves etc?
Bought a Seek Outside pack that has the sleeve on the outside of the pack bag and Talon. Not the reason I bought it but it is a fringe benefit. Any way you can rig yours on the outside?
An empty bread sack might be a better fit or just starting with warmer water.
I've never had condensation problems but I have had a frozen line so I use disposable/crushable bottles late in the year.
My pack is a Tenzig 2220. The bladder is against your back, save for the padding.
It cools while sitting, or overnight when camping, but I'm wondering if it's body heat when moving that makes it so bad.
When it starts freezing I use a Nalgene hdpe bottle. It sweats some, but will tolerate freezing better.
Like the bread sack idea. Just seems like stupid problem to cause yourself.
...I'm wondering if it's body heat when moving that makes it so bad.
It's a cold object (the bladder) that causes moisture in the air to condense on the outside of it. Just like it does on the outside of a glass of iced tea. It's never been a problem for me because the air is dry here, and the bladder sits in its own pouch so it's separated from the pack contents.
It's a problem I've never had in so. Idaho but it's a lot drier here than in no. Idaho. During hunting season the humidity seldom gets much above 70%, even when it's raining.
Put warm water in the bladder?
My pack is a Tenzig 2220. The bladder is against your back, save for the padding.
It cools while sitting, or overnight when camping, but I'm wondering if it's body heat when moving that makes it so bad.
When cold it would act as a cold finger and being near your back humidity/sweat would condense on it.
Yep, the trick is not to put COLD water in your pack.
Took me a while to figure it out .. my problem was summer hiking. I'd fill the water bladder and put it in the fridge 'cause cold water is nicer to drink than warm water. Mistake. Just drink the water warm.
If you're out in cold weather, you might need to pre-heat the water up near body temp. Should (knock on wood) fix the issue.
Tom