Source Hydration Bladder WXP - 3 Liter (100oz) Water Bladder with High Flow Storm Valve - Featuring All Hydration Technology Advantages (4305530003)

When I received this bag, I was pleasantly surprised at the little details I hadn't given much thought to, but was always annoyed/wary of with other systems. The system can be broken down in to three portions, so I'll cover those individually.The bag: has a completely smooth surface, heavy duty, a good opening with an easy to grab handle. Hose entry is at the bottom of the bag bag. The smooth surface means water just beads up and rolls off, so you don't end up with a wet bag when you're in a rush. Give it a quick shake and you're good to go. The hose detaches using a quick-release mechanism, but the QR system also has a built in valve so that you can disconnect the hose, fill the bag up, then clip the hose back on to the bag and be on your way. This is important when you have to pass the hose through a dedicated hydration hose hole in the top of the bag; normally you'd have to have the bag within 1 ft of the water source, but with this you can separate and reconnect the two easily when refilling the 3L bag.The hose: has quick release mounts at either end. One end goes in to the hydration bag, the other the mouthpiece. The hose itself has light insulation which prevents it from becoming lukewarm on a hot day; it's noticeable in terms of the water actually being warmer, but it's also noticeably cooler than other systems I've used like Osprey, Platypus and Camelbak. The hose itself is a replaceable item that can be purchased separately, so if your hose builds up algae on the inside this is something you can explore - the most common reason for me replacing the hydration bag in my existing hydration systems. Again, the hose uses the quick release mechanisms that are self-sealing, so you can unclip things and water won't spray everywhere.The mouthpiece: twist and lock design. It comes with a dust cover attached by a thin thread. To drink, twist it to unlock the mouthpiece, then use it like you would a low end bicycle waterbottle. Most of the mouthpieces on the market require you to bite down or squeeze the mouthpiece to get water flowing, but this is a more simple mechanism, so if you let the hose drop without closing it it will start leaking water everywhere (a potential minus). Once again, this is a replaceable item so if you damage it you can replace just the mouthpiece rather than the whole hydration system.A second minor minus is the dust cap gets in the way a lot when trying to put the cover back on the hose; the thread holding it to the hose connects to the mouthpiece on the outside of the L bend at a fixed point and if it wraps around like mine does a lot you can't put it back on to the mouthpiece without looking at it. This is a minor point and I could just remove the dust cap, but as I use this for cycling it happens to me a lot and looking at it while doing 25 mph isn't exactly an option. Since it's just a bit of cord, to get around this when I get the right sized replacement cord I'll simply cut the existing one and replace it with one that's slightly longer - the dust cap won't sit as closely to the mouthpiece, but regardless of the orientation of the cord I will be able to replace the dust cap cover over the mouthpiece.

I've never been this happy about a water bladder in all my life. NO PLASTIC TASTE to the water!!! It was pardon the pun, "HIGH QUALITY H20." I saw a great review by ITS Tactical on these and knew I needed to get one. My friend got the Source Tactical 40oz with a kangaroo pouch and I got this one. The bladder is easy to get into and clean, the fill cap works well and it is nice to have a handle there. I love the quick disconnects on the hose and storm connection. For those that aren't familiar the bit valve takes a twist and the pull it out like a sports bottle. I like this version, there is a helix also that I hear works well. The water was always crisp and clean. Even after leaving the water in my bladder for over a month I went back, took a swig (brave I know) and it was every bit as good. They advertise you don't have to clean this bladder, I dunno if it can be done or not, since I've only had it a few months but I am becoming a believer. Did not pop, did not leak, even when laying on it. I've had camelback, hydra storm, etc. and they all break open or have plastic taste to the water but not this one. Get it!

What an amazing bladder! Just got this today in the 3L model and I love it. I've owned and used many other bladders over the past years (namely the "Camelbak" stuff) and I've really had no complaints with them... But this product by "Source" is a step-up IMHO. The material that the bladder is constructed of feels extremely heavy duty and durable. The wide opening at the top is perfect for cleaning, drying and adding ice (I've already had it filled up and drained out a few times to check for leaks.) Also, the clasp/handle that secures the top opening is solid and easy to manipulate. The small spout is just right for filling up on the go, while the bladder is in it's carrier. I don't particularly care for the bite-valve, but I wasn't planning on using it anyways... which leads me to the best part about this bladder. The QMT (Quick Mate Technology) that "Source" utilizes is the SAME SIZE as the "Camelbak" QLT (Quick Link Technology) Therefore, I was able to disconnect the stock "Source" drinking tube from it's bladder and then connect my "Camelbak" drinking tubes (which I have customized for my specific uses.) This way I can still use the "Camelbak" mouth-piece/bite-valve that I prefer. Again, this thing feels super tough, like it could take some serious punishment. I expect that it will last me for quite some time, as long as it is maintained properly. I actually plan on purchasing a second one, just to have as a spare... (Yea, that's how bad-ass this thing is!!) I don't think there's too much more to say, other than I highly recommend this system! Thanks again to "Source" for a quality product!

My valve started freezing when temps hit the 20's and windy, and I don't mean from leaving it in the cold overnight, it would freeze between uses and was impossible to get water out of. Others who had the more common silicone bite valves were able to break up the ice and get to their water. My solution was to tuck the tube and valve between my back and my pack which kept it warm enough not to freeze. I think the ice was also preventing it from closing properly so I had some nice wet surprises; into my pocket, my glove, down my back, etc. which can be exciting when you're trying to stay warm. For this reason, the Helix valve will be in my next amazon order.PROS:- Water tastes great- Easy to clean, fill, hang, and disconnect everything- Well madeCONS:- Storm valve freezes, and leaks- Heavy (all those features come at a cost)