For years, adventure fueled my life. Whether I was backpacking through rugged trails, cycling down winding roads, adventure motorcycling across breathtaking landscapes, or running in pursuit of the next horizon, one piece of gear was always by my side: my trusted hydration reservoir backpack. It had carried me through countless adventures, ensuring I stayed hydrated through the highs and lows of each journey.
But there was one nagging problem. Every time I returned home, tired yet exhilarated, I faced the tedious task of drying the reservoir. I’d hang it upside down, prop it open, shake it endlessly, and sometimes resort to makeshift solutions like paper towels or improvised drying racks. Despite my best efforts, I’d still end up with lingering moisture or worse—unwelcome mold and odors. It was frustrating and often left me wondering if I was shortening the lifespan of an essential piece of gear, or if I would even bother using it again.
One particularly tiring day after a grueling adventure on the UTAH Back Country Discovery Route, I stood in my garage staring at my hydration reservoir, still dripping wet after days of air-drying. I thought, There has to be a better way. That moment sparked a journey I hadn't anticipated.
Determined to solve this problem once and for all, I used my makeshift workshop to create sketches, trial runs, and prototypes. Solutions began to fill the space as I experimented with designs that could dry the reservoir quickly, efficiently, and safely. The solution became clear: a system that combined powerful airflow with intelligent design.
The first breakthrough came with the DRYE™ Fan, a rechargeable, compact fan capable of multiple speeds and equipped with an adjustable timer. Its purpose was simple yet transformative: to circulate air inside the reservoir and accelerate the evaporation of water. I have my own favorite brand, but knew that there are a lot out there--so I made a system of DRYE™ Rings that could all fit the same fan along with any brand bladder. I also knew the reservoir wasn't the only area needing attention—the narrow drinking tube was equally problematic. That’s when the DRYE™ Wire was born, a flexible tool outfitted with absorbent microfiber cloths that could wick away moisture deep inside the tube where mold loved to grow.
After countless iterations the first functional prototype emerged. I tested it relentlessly—after runs, long motorcycle rides, and even backpacking trips. Each time, the results were consistent: the reservoirs were dry within hours, ready to be stored without worry.
I realized I wasn't just solving a problem for myself; this was a solution adventurers everywhere needed. And so, the DRYE™ System was born—a patent-pending innovation designed for athletes, adventurers, and anyone who depends on hydration reservoirs to fuel their pursuits.
Today, the DRYE™ System continues to evolve with new innovations, but its mission remains the same: to extend the life of hydration reservoirs, eliminate the hassle of drying them, and keep adventurers focused on the trails, not the cleanup and bacteria that can be left behind. It all began with a problem, a spark of determination, and a dream built in a garage—a small idea that’s making big waves in the outdoor community.