Abstract: A hydration pouch with a releasable coupling is disclosed. The hydration pouch is a flexible bag or pouch with a separate inlet and outlet. A hose or tube is provided for a user to draw refreshment from the pouch. A valve is provided at one end of the tube. Closer to the pouch, or at the pouch itself, a coupling is provided for attaching and detaching at least a portion of the hose. The coupling includes a shutoff or check valve in order to maintain the patency of the pouch when the hose is disconnected. Upon engaging the portions of the coupling, fluid within the pouch is able to feed into the tube. In use, the pouch is generally housed in a backpack. By actuating the coupling, the pouch alone may be removed for refill, chilling or cleaning—leaving the hose behind so it does not also have to be refit in the pack the next time around.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing a change in the core body temperature of a mammal under cold conditions are provided. In the subject methods, a requirement for thermal energy input in said mammal is first detected. In response to the detection of this requirement for thermal energy input, a surface of a portion of the mammal is contacted with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to introduce thermal energy into the core body of the mammal. The subject devices include at least a means for detecting a requirement for thermal energy input and a means for contacting a surface of the mammal with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in maintaining the core body temperature of a mammal substantially constant under cold conditions for an extended period of time.