Can you patch a water bladder? I have a small leak in a Camelback.

I was thinking Sil Net. Would this be harmful to the drinking water?

I think a camelbak is polyurethane.
McNett has patch tape that is polyurethane specific.
Tear Aid A is another repair product for poly.

But first - "CamelBak reservoirs for 2008 come with a Lifetime Warranty" - talk to your local shop about a warranty replacement. Camelbak is very proud of their bladders and usually stand behind them regardless of the circumstance. If your local shop won't deal call Camelbak direct.

If that doesn't work ask about the material and then patch appropriately.

I believe bladders are around $30, so a little effort could get you a pretty good return.

Edited by greg23 on 05/25/2009 12:13:04 MDT.

It was given to me as a gift ~ 8 to 9 years ago, and has been through a thru-hike. Would the lifetime warranty have applied then? Would that be an abuse of the warranty to try to return?

Rich,
Sounds like you got your use out of it. But if you hit a store the same day the Rep was there I wouldn't be surprised if you ended up with a bladder.

On the other hand, Tear-Aid A is about $8 and you're good to go, and ready for the next hole as well.

After inspecting it a little closer, the leak is about 1 inch for the bottom where the material kind of buckles when full of water. So it doesn't look like a puncture. So maybe it should fall under warranty since it is more a design thing.

Call them.
Explain what you see.
Be polite and honest.
They will say yes or no....

I have had several Platys replaced in this same situation.

After emailing Camelback's warranty department I received an email back stating the following:

"Your reservoir is still under warranty as long as it’s an Omega™ HydroTanium™ or an Omega™ Max Gear™ Water Beast™ Reservoirs, it’s a manufacture defect and, you’re located in the U.S."

My Camelbak is not one of these. It appears to be a (Camelbak Long-neck Water Beast Reservoir). Plus I believe I would be responsible to the shipping cost to Camelbak. Last week I went to an REI attic sale and found a Omega Camelbak with a small leak. Got it for $2.83.

I went ahead and patched both with Sil Net. The patches appear to be holding great so far. Thanks for everyone's suggestions. Many of the items like Tear-Aid did not seem readily available w/o ordering online. Since I already had a tube of Sil Net it is free.

I'll see how well the patches work after a weekend trip this weekend.

In-the-field repairs can be made using Krazy Glue and duct tape. Tyvek tape is recommended for repairing inflatables (or in this case water bottles) as well.