How to Use a Hydration Pack
Hikers and backpackers of old have long carried their drinking water in a canteen, water sling or, more recently, sports bottle. The popularity of outdoor sports, combined with a better understanding of dehydration, has led to the development of a more advanced, high-tech drinking system--the hydration pack. Holding an average of 70 ounces of water, the compact, flexible packs make quenching your thirst while on the go effortless and easy. To learn how to use your hydration pack, read on.
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Instructions
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Rinse the hydration pack reservoir several times with warm water prior to use as this will help eliminate any off taste and wash away any dust or accumulated debris.
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Open the external cloth pack and remove the internal reservoir. Remove the large lid from the top of the internal reservoir. Load the reservoir with water.
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Secure the lid when the reservoir is full, and guide the unit back inside the external pack. Ensure the reservoir is situated inside the pack so that the tubing is located at the bottom and the lid is at the top. The side of the reservoir with the tubing attached should be facing the interior lining of the cloth pack.
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Run the tubing through the opening located between the shoulder straps and close the external pack.
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Slide the tubing through one of the loops located on the pack's shoulder straps. Place your arms through the straps to carry the hydration pack across your back. Adjust the straps accordingly to make the fit more comfortable.
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Drink the water from your hydration pack by placing the end of the tube into your mouth and biting down on the plastic nozzle. Give the nozzle a tug to pull it open and apply gentle suction--similar to drinking from a long straw. To close, push the nozzle down.
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Remove the reservoir from the external cloth pack when you are finished using it. Leave the lid open and clip the reservoir to a hanger in an inverted position, with the hose on top, to allow any remaining liquid to drain away.
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Tips & Warnings
To keep your hydration pack clean, prior to use, load the reservoir with fresh water. Briskly agitate the full reservoir, then drain. If your hydration pack develops an unpleasant aroma, load the reservoir with water and add 2 tsp. of baking soda. Allow the mixture to remain in the reservoir for 24 hours. Then invert to drain and rinse with fresh water.
Do not fill your hydration pack with any liquid other than water. Instructions are based on the design of a "typical" hydration pack. Your individual pack may vary slightly.
Resources
- Photo Credit wikimedia commons
