Description
The SOURCE Tactical WLPS 3L bladder is my (Brian’s) absolute favorite bladder for the GR1 and Rucker. It’s wide which allows it to take up more of the width and height than the popular WXP bladder. Because of this it’s not as deep which makes packing for a GORUCK event that much easier.
When it comes to GORUCK events I’ve had weird luck with bladders. The first I bought was a CamelBak and it broke on me during my first event. The second I bought was an MSR Dromedary 4L which has a tendency to leak everywhere. The third bladder I bought was from Source and (back in 2012) and it’s still working to this day. I’ve replaced the hose on it once but that was it.
Between 2012 and present I’ve bought a number of Source bladders to keep around for guests but I’ve never had to replace one. I consider myself pretty lucky in this regard but, because of that, Source is the bladder I recommend for GORUCK events.
If this is your first bladder purchase and your backpack has webbing then don’t forget to pick up an ITW GrimLoc. You won’t regret using one keep your hydration hose in check.
Scott (verified owner) –
Bought this because of the low profile design. It’s even better than I had thought….fits perfectly with a goruck weight plate in the upper pouch of my large ALICE pack. My old camelbak bladder was too thick/bulky when filled to capacity. This takes up hardly any space. Love it.
aureos (verified owner) –
I had been using an older CamelBak bladder with the MILSTD quick disconnects in both my rucks and hiking packs, but wanted a second to dedicate to my ruck for events. I think Brian’s recommendation of this low profile bladder is right on. It makes a surprisingly big difference in the ease of packing the ruck for events.
Nikki (verified owner) –
3L Low profile was exactly what I needed. I drink lots of water and some bladders can be too bulky. The 3L sits nicely in my pack and the heavy material is durable against my plate. I don’t fear it will accidentally bust compared to other bladders. I also in love with the wide opening. I can easily dry it after a ruck and not worry about water getting stuck.
Jared Green (verified owner) –
Had an old issue camelbak (like, 2008 old) that needed replacing. This feels like it’ll last, opens easily for filling/cleaning, and I’ve left water in it for almost two weeks that tasted just fine after. It fits my GR1 super well, and I like that the hose disconnects from the bladder end. Shouldn’t have waited so long to get one.
Reijo Saajasto (verified owner) –
Having only used Camelback in the past I can’t compare to other Source bladders (different sizes/shapes) but there is no comparison to the Camelback. This feels so much sturdier from the bladder itself to the hose. Expect to get many years of solid service from this.
Nick (verified owner) –
Upgraded to this bladder from a Camelback 3L. Very glad i did!
Both the bladder and hose are way more sturdy. And the bite valve flows much more water.
Great system!
Fits perfectly in my 20L Rucker
Hopzosa (verified owner) –
Re-review/post for the right bladder. Although, I’d image 5 stars for all Source and ADR gear:
First bladder ever , probably only bladder….until fail or until Source makes something better! Probably not recommended, but I only RINSED the inside before filling and drinking the first time there was no “plastic” taste at all. My only improvement in the future would be the Helix High-Flow Bite Valve to get more water per drink.
Bill Szymborski (verified owner) –
I have had other popular hydration packs/bladders for 3 decades. I just purchased my first Source bladder and am impressed with materials used in construction of them. The bladder material is thick and almost rigid! The hose comes with a cover to keep cool in summer and keep from freezing in winter sports. I have only used it for workouts but it has performed well. The low profile design fits well in my GR1 and makes overall packing much easier. I will use Source hydration bladders for the next 3 decades at least!
John (verified owner) –
Happy that alldayruckoff started to sell this product. As soon as I saw inventory, I purchased immediately. No complaints with purchase, looking forward to my first events starting in May.
Grey Crusader –
This has been the ONLY hydration bladder that I have used since I started training for my first GORUCK event back in 2014, and it has served me well through over 20 GORUCK events, as well as hundreds of miles of ruck training. Nearly indestructible, I’ve only had to replace it once in all that time, due to a mysterious leak that I couldn’t seem to patch. This Low Profile version also fits in my rucks better than the more standard version, because it is flatter and wider. If you are planning to do any sort of rucking, hiking or similar activities, do yourself a favor and buy a SOURCE hydration bladder. They are awesome.