Gregory 3D Hydro Review

The Gregory 3D Hydro stands out for its reliable design and construction features, making it a versatile option for a wide variety of outdoor adventures. We appreciate its durable construction, hanging loop, and the ability to disassemble all components.

Ease of Use

This is one of the most user-friendly of all hydration bladders we have tested. It comes equipped with intuitive features, including a push switch to secure the bite valve, a large handle for easy filling, and a hanging clip for convenient drying. We love the high water flow rate that makes it easy to drink and use while hiking, biking, and exploring in the great outdoors.

The bite valve is average-sized and feels comfortable in the mouth, and provides a more than sufficient flow of water. To use, unlock the valve by pushing down, and start drinking. It also features a robust hanging clip at the top of the bag, which works well with a variety of backpacks. The clip is made of thicker plastic and fits all of the running and hiking bags we tested it with. We also appreciated the magnetic clip that secured the mouthpiece to the backpack.

One downside of the bladder's design is that it can't be rolled up or packed away because of the thicker components (like the handle) on the body of the bladder. An option that has as much suspension as the 3D Hydro is unlikely to be as packable.

Ease of Care

We appreciate that all components (including the bite valve) can be popped off and cleaned independently. The plastic hanging clip is a welcome feature that works surprisingly well. Instead of using a pair of kitchen tongs, you can hang the bladder upside down to let it dry out. That said, the size of the bag and opening of the screw lid limits its cleaning capabilities.

This is not a dishwasher-safe bladder and cannot be flipped inside out. As a result, care must be consistent to prevent bacterial build-up in the bag itself. Fortunately, the 3D shaping allows a brush to scrub inside the bladder easily.

All hoses disconnect from all connections, and the mouthpiece comes completely apart for independent cleaning. It also features a mid-hose quick-release clip. To empty, blow all the water through the hose before disconnecting the hoses, and hang it to dry. If you use sugary substances, be sure to rinse out the bags well.

Ease of Filling

We love the robust handle and screw-top lid used in the design of this bladder. The handle allows you to fill from a faucet, river, or another water source easily. Unlike a flip-top bladder, it cannot easily collect water from extremely shallow sources, but most users will not need their bladder to do so.

We tested this while exploring streams and rivers in Sedona, Arizona. We also filled it several times at the sink. Overall, we appreciate the handle and screw top which makes it easy to collect water in all these locations. Under a small stream, we would submerge it and fill it right from the source (then we would treat it to ensure its safety for drinking). Since the handle is oriented along the long axis of the bladder, it sits lengthwise on the bottom of the water source. This helps bring water into the bladder, rather than the body falling vertically and limiting its filling capabilities.

Quality and Durability

This earns top marks for quality. We appreciate the robust and almost over-engineered design that features bomber components like a stiffer hanger, reinforced screw top lid, and puncture-resistant plastic. This is a hydration bladder that we trust to hang in the backcountry without worrying about it puncturing if it falls or encounters sharp rocks.

We tested it by stuffing it into fully loaded backpacks and smaller running packs. We filled and used it over 30 times in our testing and never experienced issues with leaks, punctures, or integrity flaws. We also pulled at the seams of the bags, and they don't delaminate, even with a lot of pulling force. We poked the bag with a pencil, which did leave an imprint, but couldn't poke through the plastic. Overall, it appears to be quite durable, even if it's far from indestructible.

Weight and Packability

The biggest caveat of this contender is its bulkiness and lack of packability. It weighs 7.4 oz, making it an ounce or two heavier than most. This is due to the integrated handle and components that we love so much, which contribute significantly to its high durability score.

While this is a great option for backpacking and hiking bags, it's not our first choice for an ultralight adventure where the bladder itself needs to be rolled up and stowed when empty. Use it where structural integrity is needed. Due to its bulkier design, it is easier to stuff into fully loaded packs than other options that tend to flop around when stuffed into tight spaces.

Should You Buy the Gregory 3D Hydro?

We appreciate the reliability of this bladder. Given its bomber design, it's one we'd trust for longer missions into the backcountry, where it might take a beating, either in your pack or out of it. We are willing to pay a little more for its extras, but some may not see the value in the handle or hanging accessory. Initially, we were unsure as well. Now, we're fully convinced of its benefits and believe there's great value in getting this top-of-the-line bladder.

What Other Hydration Bladders Should You Consider?

If weight is an issue with the 3D Hydro, check out the lightweight Hydrapak Contour, which also offers some unique cleaning features. If you need something less expensive than the 3D, the Cherainti Reservoir is a decent option with a very accessible price tag.