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The practically effective Source Outdoor Widepac Hydration Reservoir with Helix Bite Valve is made from a patented co-extruded polyethylene. This structure not only confers a sleek look to this reservoir; it also keeps the taste of your water fresh and natural by keeping off any plastic-like taste while you quench your thirst.
The Taste-Free System is one of the sole reasons why the Widepac is a favorite of many users. Irrespective of how long you keep your water in the reservoir, your water will retain its natural taste. It is also important to note that this hydration reservoir is both BPA- and phthalate-free.
You probably hear of "glasslike" and the first thing that comes to mind is weight! Well, don't get deluded. The glasslike liner is a thin film (insignificant in weight) covering the entire inner walls of the reservoir making it smooth to deter bacterial growth. It does this by preventing biofilm buildup (the slimy thing on overextended wet surfaces).
The Source Widepac is relatively lightweight and packable whenever you need all your outdoor gear together. More conveniently, this product comes in three versatile sizes of 1.5 liters, 2 liters and 3 liters.
The few seams that form up the bagging are well secured and won't loosen. As you may understand, these are qualities of a hydration system that will serve you through many expeditions.
Just like the Source Tactical WXP Hydration bladder, the Source Outdoor Widepac Hydration System is extremely easy to use. In fact, everything is startlingly straightforward.
Even if you are a first timer with hydration bladders, using the Source Widepac won't feel like rocket science.
The Widepac Slide Closure utilizes the fold-top opening and it does open incredibly wide. This gives you enough opening for filling, ice-insertion and cleaning.
With a suction tube just the right size, the Source Widepac won't have you contending with a baggage of kinking tubes on your chest.
Add that to the Helix Bite valve that sucks smoothly and what you get is a truly high-quality reservoir. The Widepac is one of the 3 Source Bladders that use the Helix Bite Valve whose construction won't have you forming dimples on your cheeks.
The only problem some of our members had with this bladder is that it is impossible to fill it up to the brim as some of the water spilled out when closing. As we have always stated, bladders with screw cap openings are the only variety you can fill up to the brim. The Source Tactical WXP Reservoir has an advantage over the Source Widepac because it features both the screw cap and the fold-top openings.
Caring for your hydration bladder is one of the things we have always emphasized. In fact, we have consistently stated that you should clean and properly dry your hydration bladder after every use, particularly if the contents were sugary or alcoholic.
Well, if you intend to purchase the Source Widepac Hydration System, you do not have to wet your pants about that. The glasslike film is more than 20 times smoother than ordinary TPU films hence eliminating any chances of bio-film build up. This reservoir is virtually self-cleansing.
Grunge Guard Technology utilized in this product is an approved and certified antimicrobial agent that ensures there is no bacterial growth in the reservoir.
When you decide to clean the reservoir and tube, the fold-top opening opens wide enough for thorough cleaning. The only disadvantage is that this reservoir does not flip inside-out and cannot be washed using a dishwasher. We however found out that we could use these reservoirs for several days before routine cleaning, except when we used drinks different from water.
The hose is also easy to clean. However, what we discovered is that you will need to put more attention on the valve and its push-and-pull lock system because if not properly cleaned, there are high chances of malfunctioning.
The approved Grunge Guard Technology makes this product highly reliable as it will hardly harbor any bacteria or microorganisms if well taken care of. This enables the reservoir to keep the water clear and reliably retain its natural taste.
One of the things that struck me the first time I used this Source Widepac Hydration System is its reliability when it came to hose removal. The hose conveniently detaches from the reservoir giving you an easy chance of refilling, storing and cleaning your hose properly.
Again, a detachable hose comes in handy when you accidentally destroy either the hose or the bite valve. That means that you can easily order for compatible parts from Source Outdoor. This is also an advantage when you intend to replace your hose with an insulated hose.
Finally, we discovered that this hydration system is not prone to leaks. Neither is the glass like material prone to wear making it a low care and maintenance reservoir. Simply fill the required amount of water into the reservoir and enjoy.
The Widepac Hydration System is another outstanding choice when it comes to versatility. It is lightweight and portable making this product an ideal outdoor gear for runners, hikers, cyclists and mountaineers.
It comes in 3 capacities of 1.5 liters, 2 liters and 3 liters providing you with a wide variety to choose from. There is not much option when it comes to colors but most users do not have a problem with that. Use it to carry drinking water or storing little amounts for personal use whenever there is need.
This reservoir falls a bit short for use as a camping water container as the available capacities are not large enough. However, if you will be making long trips away from your campingsite, then apart from carrying your 10-liter Dromedary Container everywhere you go, this hydration pack is a goldmine as you haul the desired amounts of drinking water to your short trips.
| Picture | Bladder name | Best applicable use | Available Capacities | Our Ratings | More Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Source Widepac | Best for comfortable backpacking | 1.5L, 2L, 3L | Check Price | |
 |
Source Tactical WXP | Applicable to all outdoor uses | 2L, 3L | Read Review | |
 |
Deuter Streamer | Best for Hiking | 2L, 3L | Read Review | |
 |
Camelbak Crux Reservoir | Best for mountaineering | 3L | Read Review | |
 |
Badlands Water Reservoir | Best for hunting | 1L, 2L, 3L | Read Review |
Certainty, the Source Outdoor Widepac Hydration Bladder is a wonderful product that you need to consider purchasing. It is versatile and will seamlessly fit into a wide variety of uses. Again, you will like the fact that it comes in 3 different capacities so it is up to you to make a choice.
This reservoir is easy to use even if you are a first time user of water bladders. Simply open, fill in the water, close and begin to enjoy your water by simply biting the valve. A slight bite on the valve allows sufficient flow of water.
The entire system from the reservoir, hose and bite valve, is compact and durable. This hydration bladder compares competitively with most of the best reservoirs in our list of top 10 hydration bladders.
