» Hydration FAQ's
What is the difference between Hydro Dynamic and Water Tower reservoirs?
Most of the features on the two reservoir systems are the same. The Water Tower Reservoirs have the Water Tower shaping and the Quick Connect that the Hydro Dynamic Reservoirs do not. The Water Tower packs are meant for higher performance and have the motion-fit suspension.
back to topWhat is the Hydro Rak?
Up until now almost all hydration reservoirs were designed to slide into a sleeve in the back of the pack. Once you put the reservoir into the sleeve it slumps to the bottom. Take a few drinks and it slumps more. Unfortunately water flow is directly related to the height of the water in the reservoir compared to your mouth height. All JanSport/Nalgene reservoirs have the Hydro Rak at the top of the reservoir. A toggle found at the top of the sleeve that holds the reservoir slides into the center hole of the Hydro Rak, keeping it high and tight, and insuring maximum water flow. To remove the reservoir, simply push the toggle out of the hole. Starting with packs made after January 1, 2004, all JanSport Technical packs that come with a reservoir or are hydration ready have the toggle at the top of the sleeve (you can tell by the red webbing on the toggle).
back to topWhat is Water Tower?
All other reservoirs on the market are a rectangular "I" shape. We have given the Water Tower reservoirs the tapered funnel shape, to push the bulk of the water higher in the pack and thus increase the water pressure, just like your town does with its drinking water. The Water Tower shape is also very ergonomic, for it is broadest where your back is flat and broad and it tapers to nestle into the cavity of your spinal channel. This shape also allows maximum heat radiation from the lower back (see the Icon and Venus packs).
back to topWhat is the Quick Connect for?
When refilling or cleaning most hydration systems you must remove the reservoir from the pack and thus you also must pull the drink tube out from the routing to the shoulder straps and then reroute it to put it back. Frankly this is a pain! The Quick Connect is medical grade technology that allows you to leave the hose in the pack when you remove the reservoir. The reservoir self-seals when disconnected and will not leak. The water in the hose will not drain out as long as the shut-off valve is off. The Quick Connect is also handy in that it allows you to chill your reservoir in the freezer without having the hose freeze solid as in all other reservoirs.
back to topHow do I connect a filter to my reservoir?
The 63mm Big Bore opening on all JanSport/Nalgene reservoirs is the same as the treads on the wide-mouth Nalgene bottles, and most filters will simply screw right onto it, or they have an adapter. The cap is attached to the reservoir so it will not get lost in normal use. To attach a filter you will need to turn the cap over and pop off the cap leash.
back to topWhat is that swivel at the bottom of the reservoir for?
We added a swivel where the hose connects to the reservoir so you can hang the reservoir in a tree (using the extra holes in the Hydro Rak and some cording) and use it as a shower.
back to topWhy is the Nirvana mouthpiece shaped like a pacifier?
All bite valves have a sweet spot where you are supposed to bite, and some can even hurt your teeth if you bite in the wrong spot. We took a clue from Baby Nuks to shape the mouthpiece giving your lips oral clues as to the perfect spot to bite.
back to topWhy is the hose so long?
Routing of the drink tube is a personal thing. Our Water Tower packs have a pocket at the end of the shoulder straps to hold the bite valve, and thus it may need to cross the chest of the user. Once you have determined how you like to position your hose, feel free to cut it to the perfect length for you. Hoses are easily cut but not easily added onto!
back to topWhat is the pocket at the end of the shoulder strap for?
Water Tower packs have a pocket at the end of the shoulder strap that allows the bite valve to be tucked away, keeping the mud and gunk off it. It is also a handy place for Gu and other energy snacks.
back to topWhy is the buckle not on the end of the shoulder straps on the Water Tower packs?
These packs were meant for high-energy sports, so we moved the buckle from it's traditional spot under the armpit and put it at the waist, where it can never rub into your armpits again. It may take a few times to remember to pull up to adjust instead of down.
back to topHow do I adjust the sternum strap on the Water Tower packs?
The sternum strap is kept in place by a white Delrin wand inside a Hypalon rubber sleeve with slots cut out for various height positions of the sternum strap. The upper right-hand corner of the Hypalon rubber has a small cutout that allows you to push the Delrin wand out, remove the wand to reposition or remove the sternum, then rethread the wand through the rubber and the webbing of the sternum strap. The advantage of this system is that there is no webbing underneath the shoulder strap to rub on your body, and the sternum can be completely removed if required.
back to topWhere do I get replacement reservoirs or parts?
Your retailer can purchase replacement JanSport/Nalgene reservoirs and parts through the same distributors that they get their Nalgene bottles from.
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