REVIEW: Source Rider 3 Liter

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Next to Camelbak, Source Hydration is the second big player in the field of hydration packs. With the increasing use of plate carriers in combat, the requirements for hydration packs have changed. The demand for a shorter hydration pack with a flat hydration bladder to better integrate with the plate carrier quickly arose. Source offers the Rider 3L in addition to their regular models, which is available at CAMOSTORE and has been tested by Martin for you..

The Rider 3L, as mentioned above, is specifically designed for use with a plate carrier. It can be quickly and easily mounted on any plate carrier with MOLLE loops on the back using 4 Fastex buckles. The attachment is secure and does not wobble at all.

The major advantage is that the system can be quickly attached and detached without having to thread the complete attachment through all the MOLLE loops, as is the case with regular hydration bladder packs. This means the Rider can be used even when you are not using a plate carrier.

To this end, the back of the Rider features a flat pocket that is secured with Velcro. Opening this pocket reveals flat and simple shoulder straps, which even include a chest strap and Velcro loops for the drinking tube.

In this compartment, there is also a reflective strip in its own pocket that can be easily pulled out and attached to the front with Velcro in case of emergency.

The front features 3 rows of MOLLE with 4 loops each, with the outer loops being slightly narrower. Between these rows, there are 2 strips of Velcro for patches or the aforementioned reflective strip. At the top, there is also a carry handle for transport.

In order to store some energy bars or small items, there is a flat pocket in the lid of the hydration pack with a volume of 1.5 liters, which can be opened from the right with a zipper.

The lid itself is equipped with zippers on the right and left sides as well as a Velcro strip at the bottom. Here, you can simply pull on the center strap to open both zippers at the same time to access the hydration bladder.

This is usually only necessary for cleaning the bladder - filling it can be done completely from the outside.

Thanks to the Click-In technology and a UTA (Universal Tube Adapter) from the outside.

The hydration pack is heavily padded, which can be seen very well on the inside. This is not only good for the back, but it also prevents the liquid from heating up quickly due to body heat. There is also a small pocket here designed for an inline drinking filter.

If you want to lead the tube outside, you have a total of 4 options: at the top or in the middle of the pack on the right or left.

The hydration pack is made of Cordura. Unfortunately, the thickness is not entirely clear. Source typically uses 1000D Cordura for their backpacks, however, the material feels much softer - we estimate it to be 600/700D Cordura.

If you prefer not to fill the bladder from the outside, you can of course fill it normally. Source uses the Widepac™ technology on some models, eliminating the screw cap completely. Instead, the bladder is sealed at the top with a slider - similar to waterproof dry bags. This ensures easy filling and cleaning.

The hydration bladder itself is the WLPS model (Wide Low Profile Hydration System) and holds 3 liters. It weighs only 100 grams and is equipped with a baffle in the middle to prevent the typical bulging and sagging of liquid in a hydration bladder, creating a very flat profile. The WLPS is 36cm long, 25cm wide, and a maximum of 6.7cm deep. The material used is 435-micron co-extruded Glass-like PE - extremely taste-neutral and antibacterial. The hose is directly connected with a quick coupler and can be detached even with a filled bladder without liquid leaking out.

At the other end where the mouthpiece is located, the Angled Storm™ Valve is used, an angled mouthpiece that can be opened via push/pull mechanism. One advantage over Camelbak is that there is no need to bite the mouthpiece to release liquid - you can simply pull out the front part and let it flow. For added security, the mouthpiece can be rotated to prevent accidental opening. The entire setup is protected by an integrated cover attached to a sturdy nylon strap at the rear.

CONCLUSION: Dehydration can occur very quickly in combat situations because you sweat more under a plate carrier. Retrieving a water bottle would be too cumbersome and time-consuming in most situations. With the extremely flat Rider from Source, this problem is effectively addressed, and you