Simple, robust, functional and effective!  Scoring a perfect 10/10 from Country Walking Magazine wgho said "this is the benchmark hydration bladder, it is also the most popular and most praised hydration bladder encountered on the EB trail."

Wide-mouth filling with simple slide-top closure - tick!

Soft, flexible hard wearing reservoir - tick!

Press-click hose attachment - tick!

No drips - tick!

gr8trails have used a variety of Source hydration bladders whilst guiding, believing Source to be the most affordable and easiest to use bladder reservoirs available.

Offered in a variety of sizes, 1.5l, 2l & 3l, Source Widepac hydration bladders can be used in packs available across the UK market, whether that be hillwalking packs, daysacks or lightweight action packs.

The Widepac version offers the enhanced benefit of an easy fill, wide top opening and slide closure. This opening makes it very easy to empty, fill, clean and dry, and yet has an airtight seal when the bladder top is sealed, by use of the simple slider. Remove the slider, drain the contents and leave to dry stood open, upside down, very simple too!

The almost glass like appearance of the bladder is also a unique self cleaning design feature, preventing the build up of any biofilm. Furthermore, the liner technology has an anti microbial grunge guard treatment to block the growth of bacteria, with no plastic after taste found in some bladders.

The same anti microbial technology is used in the durable tube that connects the reservoir to the mouthpiece. This has a lock off valve at the base of the reservoir, very convenient when you may not wish to remove the tube from your pack, simply release, refill and reconnect….with no leakage! Much better than other systems available with similar technology, which may leak whilst in your pack.

As well as having the expected bite valve mechanism, the mouthpiece also features a twist ‘on and off’. Again, better than some alternatives, preventing the valve from being accidentally opened whilst in the back of a well packed car perhaps!

Source offer a broader range of hydration reservoirs and accessories to suit any budget, available at our preferred retail partner Ellis Brigham, Mountain Sports stores.

Enjoy your walk or ride! Don’t forget the rest of your essentials on our recommended kit list.

Despite being the second cheapest in test, the Source reservoir boasts a lot od winning features. It opens at the top for easy filling and cleaning, the slide closer gives a secure seal and the wide, squat shape of the reservoir made it the most comfortable in my pack when full. The flow from the bite-valve is good and there's a neat on/off mechanism. The water tasted fine and there are nice touches like a valve cover for transit.

A great price for a good system.

"BEST in TEST & BEST VALUE"

IT'S GOOD Source makes similar bladders for at least two other outdoor companies (Deuter & Kathmandu) but keeps the best design features for itself. This bladder offers an upgraded bite valve that twists easily to allow or prevent the flow of water. It has a brilliant sliding closure that is exceptionally easy to use and very secure. You can remove the hose from the bladder with no leakage, which is really handy if you're refilling from a stream and don't want to remove the tube from your pack. It comes with antimicrobial treatment and it is exceptionally easy to clean. I personally prefer this kind of closure because it's so much easier to dry out before you pack it away (dry it upside down over an empty drinks bottle).

VERDICT The best value and the best in test and frankly the best option for the majority of walkers. Easy to use, easy to clean and dry and easy to refill on the hill: a great choice.