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!

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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.

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Every now and then a new invention hits the shelves that's at once so simple and so useful, it leaves you wondering why nobody thought of this before, the Source Convertube is one such item.  This clever adaptor tube will convert your water bottle into a hydration system.  It works with Sigg, Nalgene or mineral water bottles, fits through the ports of any hydration compatible back pack, and uses antibacterial technology to keep your water tasting fresh.

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The stand out feature from this hydration pack is the hole in the middle which keeps the width of the reservoir below 3.5 cm thick. This means the pack doesn’t balloon out too much taking up too much room in your pack, which is a key problem with many other hydration packs.
With a capacity to hold 1.5 litres it’s classed as a small hydration pack. Source’s main range of packs range from 1.5 litres up to 3 liters. The Low Profile Widepac is therefore great for anyone on a short walk, who doesn’t tend to drink much or if you’re only carrying a smallish pack.
The cut out isn’t the only clever design feature; the patented Widepac technology allows you to open the reservoir at the top to fill rather than the traditional screw top. A red plastic clip slides over the top of the pack sealing the liquid in. This means you able to fill it right to the top, get into the pack to easily clean it out and also pop items in such as ice cubes.
Helping to keep your water tasting like water are a few intuitive design features. For example the plastic has been designed to be smooth almost like glass ensuring no “plasticy” taste. This also ensures that liquids won’t stick and just run off the surface, so you won’t really need to clean it out as it’s self cleaning while a “Grudge Guard” stops any bacteria growing so its not going to go green and slimy any time soon.
The tube is of great quality, really tough material and it clips into the reservoir with no trouble. The mouth piece twists to seal and you bite the valve to drink! There’s a little black cap to clip onto the valve to keep it protected while it’s not in use. All very simple to put together and use.
To get the best out of any hydration pack you can hook it into a backpack. With the Source Low Profile Widepac being so slim it will fit into most backpacks including smaller day sacks.
Overall a great product from Source Great for anyone looking for a smaller sized hydration pack. When not it use it folds down into a small size. It’s not only going to keep you hydrated but it also leaves plenty of room for gear in you bag.

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We're big fans of the full Source hydration systems, but the company also has an option for those who don't want to invest in a full reservoir but still want the benefits of hands-free drinking in the form of the Source ConverTube, which converts a standard mineral water, Sigg or Nalgene bottle into a hydration system.

The ConverTube comes with a Source Z valve complete with anti-bacterial layer in the tube, grunge guard system and dirt shield to reduce the chances of bacteria and mould growth.

Three adaptors mean you can use either a standard-issue mineral water bottle, a Nalgene bottle or a Sigg one. To use it, you simply adjust the retractable tube to the height of your chosen bottle, fill with water and screw the ConverTube universal cap onto the bottle.

At a suggested retail of £15.99, the ConverTube isn't that much cheaper than a full Source reservoir, but then arguably, in some situations, it's more versatile and gives you the choice between using a normal bottle, a disposable one or going hands-free.

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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.

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Video Review of SOURCE WXP Military Bladder

Exclusive 4 layer coextruded Polyethylene construction with taste-free, maintenance-free Glass-Like liner. Integrated Grunge-Guard antimicrobial. Patented leakproof slide wide opening for easy cleaning, draining, ice insertion. Easy opening NC filler port fits most pump-style water filters. Weave covered tube. Self sealing SQC quick disconnect hose is detachable from filled reservoirs with no leakage, offers click-in compatibility with USMC Miox Filter system. Patented push/pull storm Valve requires no biting, delivers 25% higher flow than bite designs. Integrated valve shut-off. Dirt Shield valve cover.

Click HERE to watch video

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"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.

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Source Gobi Sandal

There aren't many things that remain unchanged and reliably good year on year, but the Source Gobi sandal is one. Even the price is the same this year. The special feature is the green spot on the sole, which is used as a measure of wear: if it is still intact when a problem occurs, the guarantee remains valid. The Gobi is a synthetic sandal, so it is fast to dry and ideal for those wanting to use it in water. The straps have Velcro fastenings, so they are quick and easy to use. More importantly there is neoprene padding on the inside to improve comfort. There is good stiffness in the sole for walking on uneven terrain too. Overall this is a well-proven classic that performs well year after year for travelling and walking.

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BBC COUNTRYFILE Magazine - FEMALE GROUP TEST
"Well built, versitile sandals with great cushioning"

"Comfortable from the first time you wear them"

"Built to last. Reliable, environmentally friendly"

"Just another factor to put a spring in your step!"

Review from BBC Countryfile Magazine

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IT'S GOOD The Gobi has proven itself for many years and remains a good general-purpose sandal. Its straps are synthetic, making them fast drying and ideal for crossing rivers when backpacking. There is also a good neoprene padding behind these straps, which adds extra comfort compared to more basic, lower priced sandals. The 'green spot' on the sole is a measure of wear that the shoes have experienced, and if this is still intact when a problem occurs the guarantee still stands. The Velcro straps make this sandal easier to adjust than a buckled alternative, while the stiffness of the sole unit is great for general walking on uneven terrain as well as smooth terrain. Use the Gobi for general walking when boots or cross trainers are not required, and it will often be a good option.

Review from TRAIL magazine