How to use a hydration reservoir
Hydration is key to every outdoor adventure, and a hydration reservoir makes it easier to stay refreshed without breaking stride. Whether you're hiking, thru-hiking, biking, or trail running, Gregory’s hydration systems are designed for seamless integration with your pack, offering comfort, convenience, and performance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up and use your Gregory hydration reservoir and accessories, so you can hydrate efficiently and focus on the trail ahead.
1. The Bite Valve: Your Hydration Gateway
When your new reservoir arrives, the bite valve will be covered by a small plastic cap to keep it clean during storage and shipping
Here’s how to set it up:
- Look for the perforated edge on the cap. Press your finger into it to break the seal, then peel it away.
- To “unlock” the valve for the first time, pinch it between your teeth and bite down gently. Some valves may be sealed from the factory, so press it a few times with your fingers or use a fingernail to pop it open.
- Your bite valve has two positions:
- Closed – marked with an “X,” ideal for preventing leaks when you’re not drinking.
- Open – twist it, bite down, and sip.
Pro Tip: Always travel with the valve in “closed” mode when tossing your pack into a car, storing it, or flying. It’s an easy way to avoid small drips that can dampen your gear.
2. The Quick Disconnect Kit: Refill Without Re-threading
Anyone who’s wrestled with a hydration hose knows how annoying it can be to thread it through shoulder straps each time you refill your reservoir. Gregory’s quick disconnect kit solves that problem.
To use it:
- Find the quick disconnect button where the hose attaches to the reservoir.
- Press and hold the button, then pull the hose away from the reservoir.
- Remove the reservoir from your pack, refill it, and reconnect the hose with a satisfying “click.”
For example, in our Nano series packs, the hose runs through the harness. Without a quick disconnect, you’d need to unthread it every time while wasting precious trail minutes.
3. Insulated Hoses for Cold-Weather Performance
Cold temperatures can freeze your hydration hose. Gregory’s insulated hose keeps water flowing in winter conditions and protects the hose from UV exposure in summer.
Set-up is simple:
- Attach the smaller section of the insulated hose to the hose end coming from your reservoir.
- Insert your reservoir into the pack.
- Feed the insulated hose through the H2O slot and connect it to the upper hose section.
Need to adjust the length? Wear your pack, measure where you want the bite valve to rest, and cut the hose to size with a sharp knife. Always keep your existing bite valve because a new one is not included in the insulated kit.
4. Fine-Tuning for Comfort
Your hydration system should fit your movement style:
- Fast hiking? Keep the bite valve close to your mouth to minimize motion.
- All-day treks? A slightly longer hose allows you to drink without turning your head too much.
5. Pro Hacks to Maximize Performance
- Pre-chill in summer: Add ice cubes to the reservoir before filling with water for hours of cold refreshment.
- Keep it clean: If you use electrolyte mixes, clean your reservoir and hose after every trip to prevent sticky residue.
Gregory’s hydration accessories are built to keep your water system efficient, easy to use, and trail-ready. With just a few minutes of setup and some small adjustments, your hydration system will feel completely natural, letting you stay focused on the trail ahead.
About the writer
Gregory Team
The Gregory team in Europe is a collective of passionate hikers, trekkers, and outdoor enthusiasts who love to spend their time on the trails. Some of us thrive on multi-day hut-to-hut hikes and thru-hiking challenges, while others prefer backpacking adventures with hostel stays and scenic day routes. What unites us is a love for the outdoors and a desire to share real experiences, trail-tested tips, and gear advice to help others discover the world one step at a time. Discover our Instagram or Facebook for fun adventures and product information.
