Source Widepac Hydration System

Last updated: August 20, 2019

Source Widepac Hydration System
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We looked at the top Hydration Systems and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Hydration System you should buy.

Overall Take

In our analysis of 70 expert reviews, the Source Widepac Hydration System placed 11th when we looked at the top 15 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

The patented Wideslide wide opening makes filling, cleaning and draining the bladder easier than ever – and it’s 100% leakproof. All SOURCE Hydration Systems are low maintenance & easy care thanks to our unique GlassLike and GrungeGuard technology. Water stored in a SOURCE Widepac tastes like water – no plastic taste thanks to our TasteFree Technology! The Widepac hydration bladder from Source Outdoor features a wide opening for easy filling, cleaning, draining, and ice insertion. Available in three different sizes ranging from 1.5 to 3-liter capacity. Source’s glass-like film is smoother than standard TPU films with virtually no difference from glass itself, preventing bio-film build up and making the system virtually self-cleaning. And the bladder retains a pure liquid taste with no plastic flavor. Utilizing an FDA-approved and EPA-registered anti-microbial agent, Grunge Guard Technology inhibits bacteria growth on the reservoir and drinking tube surfaces for the life of the system. The Widepac comes with a co-extruded tube and rounded Helix bite valve, which delivers a full flow with just a soft bite and a safety shutoff mechanism that won’t leak under pressure or with prolonged use. The 90-degree design allows the tube to be shorter, minimizing excess tubing around your chest and creating an ideal drinking angle. It also includes a Dirt-Shield protective cover that protects the valve from valve from dirt, sand, dust, mud, and other pollution. All Source hydration systems are BPA and phthalate free.

Expert Reviews


What experts liked

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.
The company includes a neat add-on called the Universal Tube Adapter (UTA) that clicks in place where the mouthpiece goes.
Source utilizes a co-extruded PE film which is meant to be entirely taste- and odor-less. Additionally, Source has developed what they term “Glass-Like” technology, which is essentially a way to make the inside surface of the bladder extremely smooth, thus providing less real estate for assorted microbial life forms to throw a party in your hydration system
The Widepac is easy to drain with no residual water lurking about because there’s nowhere for it to hide. The mouth opens wide allowing it to dry out quickly.
The plastic utilizes an FDA approved, as well as, an EPA registered anti-microbial properties. Source’s glass-like film is much smoother than standard plastic and there is virtually no difference from a glass bottle.

What experts didn't like

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.
Every now and then we noticed that the hose and/or bite valve would get a little air in it between sips (probably pulled down from the bite valve), which meant the next sip would be a bit bubbly.
Clunky Dirt Guard
Plastic may discolor

Our Expert Consultant

Vicki Liston 
Home Improvement Expert

Vicki Liston writes, produces, and narrates “On The Fly…DIY,” an award-winning home improvement and DIY show of unique project tutorials for the casual DIY’er.

Home improvement and all things DIY have been Liston’s passion since she bought her first house in 2007 and she started making video blogs in 2014. She’s performed hundreds of DIY projects, from small ones to major, wall-smashing renovations and can teach you how to make a trendy DIY barn door for cheap. The proceeds earned from “On The Fly…DIY” are donated to no-kill animal shelters and rescue organizations.

View our Hydration System buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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