BEST IN TEST & BEST VALUE

SOURCE WIDEPAC

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 drinkd 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.

Read the review from TRAIL Magazine Spring 2010

BEST BUY

SOURCE Widepac 2

Opening across its full width, this reservoir is easy to fill and clean, and closes by folding over the top and sealing with a slider. 'Glass-like liner technology' combines with an anti-bacterial Grunge Guard and is self-cleaning if the reservoir is used with plain water, although warm, soapy water is needed to purge isotonic or sugary drinks.A straight-line disconnect valve seals when the tube is removed, making it very easy to install and refill the system in a rucksack. No tube clips are provided. The bite valve has a plastic cover, attached by a thin cord.

SOURCE Tube Brush Cleaning Kit = TGO RECOMMENDS with 4.5 STARS

SOURCE Liquitainer 1 collapsible bottle = TGO RECOMMENDS with 4 STARS

Review from TGO Magazine July 2009

SOURCE - Gobi Sandal

IT'S GOODThe 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 May 2009

SOURCE - Widepac 3 litre bladder - TESTED

Latest upgraded version of our favourite hydration system put through the grinder

"The Source Widepac has been our hydration system of choice for several years and now the latest, revised version doesn't disappoint."

"Best hydration system on the market in our opinion and long term experience"

Read the review from OUTDOORSmagic.com - April 2009

SOURCE - Gobi Lady Sandal

BBC COUNTRYFILE Magazine - FEMALE GROUP TEST
Price: £59.99

"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!"

Read the review from BBC Countryfile Magazine May 09

HYDRATION SYSTEMS – ON TEST August 2007

VITAL STATS

Materials Polyethylene with grunge guard

Capacity 2 Litres

Weight 172g

BEST IN TEST

BEST VALUE

SOURCE WIDEPAC 2 LITRE

It’s good Great price, with a rolltop opening, which makes filling and cleaning super-easy. You get an autoseal link between the feeder pipe and bladder, and the bite valve has a cap to prevent accidental squeezing. This means that there were no leaks in my test. Better still, the water taste was good as any here.

But You may prefer a simple screw cap, and some locking bite valves are neater.

Buy it if You want the best-tasting and most easily cleaned hydration system.

VIEW VIDEO OF PRODUCT

1st in TEST

SOURCE GOBI LADY

COMFORT & FIT

Light and very comfy. The neoprene-lined straps were easy to adjust and didn't chafe, even on long walks. I loved the grippy footbed and the simple, effective strapping, which kept my feet securely in place.

PERFORMANCE  20/20

For a sandal, the Gobi was unbeatable, with just the right stiffness in the sole. The rubber around the toes guards against knocks.

VERDICT  20/20

A good looking, fairly priced sandal that's perfect for walking on a variety of terrain. Can be worn casually and also carries SOURCE's 'green dot' guarantee.

  SOURCE WIDEPAC

EASE OF USE 10/10

Opens at the top, making it easy to fill and clean, and closes securely with an excellent, easy-to-use slider. Nice detachable hose, too.

PERFORMANCE 8/10

Delivered big gulps of taste-free water and the cap on the mouthpiece kept clean.Needs a shut-off valve for full marks.

VERDICT 18/20

Super-tough, easy-to-use bladder, with some excellent features. Needed on/off tap to push the top two.

Read the review from CW Magazine July 2008