Energy supplements within a platypus

[jpvios]

Hi all,

I'm going to be doing the West Highland Way again in a couple of weeks and I'm toying with introducing a energy supplement into my drinking platypus rather than it just containing straight water. I've heard stories that adding things such as Robinsons fruit juice can ruin a platypus. Can anyone advise the do's and don't for this and recommend any supplements which can be used.

Thanks,

John

PS) Here's a picture of a platypus

Platypus

[xslawekx]

Dextrose tablets are the cheapest and best thing you can get.

You don’t add them to water but let them dissolve in your mouth.

It’s rapidly absorbable d-glucose that feeds the muscles and keeps the fatigue at bay.

No need to worry about your Platypus that way.

[jpvios]

Thanks for that xslawekx . I've used the Dextrose tablets before on other long distance treks but I though I would look for a water based solution for a change.

Thanks,

[walkingpoles]

I've seen platypi with fungi inside. I'd bring the sugary kick in a bottle.

[Scottk]

What about carrying a small water bottle like a Smart bottle and decant water and tablets into it so you don't overdose on the energy tablets.

[jupe1407]

I've been using a Source Widepac bladder for about 4 years. I generally mix water with Vimto and throw in 2-3 High5 Electrolyte tabs. I've had no problems with this. Just don't come home from a walk in warm weather with half your fluid still in it and forgot to clean it for about a fortnight

[davekeiller]

I've never tried anything other than water in my camelbak. I can't think of a reason why squash or energy supplements would necessarily damage a platypus, but you'll need to clean it thoroughly after use or the sugar will turn it into a microbial growth medium.

[ScotFinn65]

I don't believe they would ruin your reservoir. However, you need to clean it thoroughly after every use.

The build up of smallest amounts of any substance, not cleaned, will breed bacteria and result in (first) small dark dots. Then gets much worse.

Even with the small dark spots, the first use of your bladder after that will result in one outcome. You will spend your next walk running for the bushes.

Joking aside, this could result in serious dehydration issues.

Don't ask how l know this

[Giant Stoneater]

Some reservoirs are made anti-bacterial or you can sterilise with bleach or water treatment tablets.

Re Dextrose is like a sugar hit so it gives you energy but does not replace any minerals that you loose on a walk and the way the weather has been lately it's important to replace these also.

[fireman]

I've always put diluting juice in my camelbak and never had any problems and always cleaned it after use. I also store it in the freezer after use, and let it thaw out before using again