With so many different hydration reserviours on the market today, we wanted to highlight the work that Source has done to put it a step above the others. Â The features that we like are:
Widepac Wide Opening Access Patented slide closure for easy draining and cleaning.
Cool Weave Cover Tube Insulates and blocks UV-light. Water stays cool and Inhibits bacteria growth.
QMT™ Additional In line QMT Quick Connector at the tube extremity, allows connection of filter, UTA or other accessories with the push of a button.
The other features that are incorporated in the Source Bladders are:
Angled Valve Turned 360 degrees for perfect valve/mouth orientation. Allows tube to be 25cm shorter. Less excess tube bouncing around the chest!
Dirt-Shield™ Protective Cover keeps the drinking valve free of dirt and protect
Hi-Flow Storm-Valve™ No-bite push-pull valve with integrated shut-off mechanism. Like drinking with a straw. Easy disassembly for cleaning. (U.S. Patent 6,622,988).
Angled Valve Turned 360 degrees for perfect valve/mouth orientation. Allows tube to be 25cm shorter. Less excess tube bouncing around the chest!
Dirt-Shield™ Protective Cover keeps the drinking valve free of dirt and protection
When you are looking to purchase one of the bladders, you have two different types of bite valves to choose from. One is their Storm Valve. The Storm allows you to remove the dirt cover and pull the valve out with your mouth and start drinking. The flow is very good and can keep up with you as you drink.
The second option, is their Helix Valve.  Unlike the Storm valve, with the Helix, you remove the dirt cover and bite down on the valve to start the flow of water.
With the bite valves interchangeable and having the quick disconnects on the bladder, you have many different configurations that you could create.
An accessory that Source has come out with to assist in refilling your bladder without having to remove it, is the UTA (Universal Tube Adapter).  The UTA works by removing the bite valve and connecting the UTA to the bladder hose. Then you can either use a garden hose faucet or a water bottle to refill your bladder. The idea is to have the water pressure going down the tube into the bladder.  This can come in handy when you do not have the ability to remove your Plate Carrier or Chest Rig to gain access to the bladder.
This past weekend, I tested their new 100 ounce bladder (3 Liter) with the inner baffle. I was very surprised to see that  the profile of the bladder was thinner compared to the “standard” bladder. It fit easily into the inner compartment of my MAP pack.
I also took a look at their one Liter Kangaroo pouch. It is a very small bladder that is perfect for short games, a day at the range, or a nice hike.  A nice feature that this bladder incorporates  is the bladder cap also contains a spout. So, you can remove the bladder’s hose via the QMTs and now you have a canteen. If needed, you could use this if you take the dogs out for a hike.
With all of the features and sizes that Source has fit into their line of bladders, you really have to ask yourself why would you look at other companies.
UPDATE: June 27, 2012 – I had the opportunity this past weekend to use Source’s new 3L/100 Ounce Bladder with inner baffle.  I was surprised at how thin it felt.  It reminded me of the 2L/72 Ounce Bladder and fit pretty close to that size inside the inner mesh pouch of my MAP (Modular Assault Pack).  The shape of this new edition to the Source family resembles more “pill” like in its design.  This new shape seems to solve the problem of using a 3L bladder and having to shove it into a pouch that would be better suited for a 2L bladder.
If you are are in the market for a bladder, I would highly recommend Source’s new 3L/100 Ounce Bladder.  Source also includes a UTA with some of their bladders. Now, you have a great option for a bladder and a great tool to refill it.
- 72 ounce vs. new 100 ounce with inner-baffle
If you are in the market for a new bladder, check them out. If you have never purchased a bladder, make this the first … and only one that you need to buy.
