Source ILPS 2L-3L Hydration Bladder with UTA Adapter, Coyote

Source ILPS 2L-3L Hydration Bladder with UTA Adapter, Coyote. A low-profile hydration bladder designed specifically for ballistic vests. It maintains a streamlined shape even when filled and can be used as a 2-liter (in the vest) or a 3-liter (in a backpack). The bladder's QMT (Quick Mate Technology) is side-oriented, allowing the tube to be routed out of the ballistic plate pocket without kinking or crushing the hose.

Source doesn’t stop at just improving serviceability by enlarging the cap but has invented a new type of reservoir with a Widepac opening that allows the entire bag to open from the top. The drinking nozzle is turned 90 degrees, reducing the hose length by 25 cm, keeping it out of the way. The drinking tube is covered with a highly abrasion-resistant shield that insulates the water from external temperatures and blocks UV radiation.

The mouthpiece is of the Storm design, a pull-to-open model. It’s easy to dismantle, clean, and maintain. The opening can be done entirely with your mouth. Advantages over a bite valve include higher flow rates, better performance in cold weather, and leak-proof operation under pressure. The mouthpiece attaches to the hose via QMT links. If you can’t use your hands to open it, we recommend the HELIX valve mouthpiece.

The package includes the Source UTA (Universal Tap Adapter), which is a tap and bottle adapter for Source QMT-compatible bladders. With this adapter, the bladder fills easily directly from a tap without needing to remove the hydration pack or bladder from your back or bag. The UTA replaces the mouthpiece during filling.

The inner surface of the reservoir is made from a specially smooth film, matching the smoothness of glass. Surface smoothness is critical since any growth that may feel slimy requires a rough surface to adhere to. With a smooth surface, there’s no chance of adhesion, making the reservoir self-cleaning as fresh water exchange removes all impurities. The surface also features a Grunge-Guard treatment, acting as a deterrent to bacteria at a molecular level. Due to these characteristics, Source does not offer cleaning tablets or other specialized maintenance tools. All necessary maintenance can be performed without special tools, except for the hose, which does require a hose brush. However, my experience has shown this bladder to be virtually maintenance-free.

Technical Specifications:
Dimensions
Length: 36 cm
Width: 27 cm
Thickness: 6.7 cm
Volume: 2 L / 3 L
Weight: 380 g
Tube Length: 94 cm

SQC - Quick Connect between the hose and the bladder. The connection includes a check valve, preventing the bladder from emptying when the hose is detached while full. The removable hose makes routing through gear easier; for instance, the mouthpiece usually won’t fit through D-rings.

QMT - Quick Mate Technology: both the tube and the mouthpiece detach via quick-release. Both locking points are equipped with a check valve, so when the hose or mouthpiece is removed, no water escapes. The detachable mouthpiece allows for quick swapping according to the need of the moment. The greatest benefit of a detachable mouthpiece becomes clear when threading the tube through gear; often, the tube won’t fit through D-rings with the mouthpiece attached. This feature also allows for replacing the mouthpiece with the included UTA adapter, enabling the bladder to be filled directly from a tap or a standard water bottle. Removing the mouthpiece also facilitates filling the bladder through the hose from another bladder.