Snowboarding, skiing, ice climbing, hiking, running or biking in winter: hydration in the cold is just as important as in the summer heat. Here are some important facts and tips about hydration in cold weather.
The cold winter air is dry and with every breath we take it absorbs humidity from our body – that’s a well known and important fact and one of the reasons why hydration is a big deal in wintertime. But there’s more: In the cold, we also subjectively don’t feel as thirsty as we do in Summer. For one because we don’t feel we’re sweating as much as in summer heat (which is deceiving). And also because in cold weather our body goes into something like a freeze-protection mode, which makes us perceive our thirst less than in the summer heat.
Although we don’t feel as thirsty, hydration is key for a good performance in winter as it is in summer. Some scientists even found evidence that hypothermia is more likely to strike when dehydrated
Keeping the flow – prevent hydration freeze
Hydrating in winter raises technical questions: How to hydrate in freezing temperatures? You don’t want to take your gloves off to take a sip. A Hydration System – packed close to the body or stored in a dedicated insulated Winter Hydration Pack – allows you to hydrate hands-free.
Our Source Hydration Systems are built for year round use. For freezing cold temperatures we offer the Winter Tube Kit. With one click your summer hydration system is ready for temperatures below freezing point:
- The insulated tube protects your drinking water all the way from the bladder to the valve.
- The Push/Pull Drinking Valve included in our Winter Tube Kit features higher flow and no silicone parts, thus makeing it less likely to freeze (read more about our valves in last week’s blog-post).
- Last but not least: Our drinking tubes have a wider diameter than the industry standard. This feature allows for better flow and gives you extra protection against hydration freeze.
What else to do..?
Cold suppresses thirst, so schedule drinking at regular intervals.
Also, frequently take sips from your reservoir to avoid hydration freeze.
In extremely cold temperatures, it’s recommended blowing briefly into your drinking tube before and after drinking to push the water from your tube back into the bladder.
The average adult loses 1½ to 2L of water each day. Being in a cold-weather climate can add to this water loss through the increased excretion by the kidneys, perspiration and evaporation from the lungs (the breath you see on a cold day). Remember that you must drink even when you are not thirsty. Note that actual fluid requirements are dependent upon the level of physical work performed, the temperature and what you are wearing and carrying.
If you use our winter-gear as recommended more extravagant measures, such as adding alcohol (Vodka), salt or electrolytes to your drinking water to lower the freezing point, shouldn’t be necessary.
Filling your bladder with hot water (maximum 60ºC/140ºF) can be a nice plus for the first few hours in any case!
The story of SOURCE started with a groundbreaking invention more than 20 years ago: Our X-Strap technology for hiking sandals. And we keep inventing. Just recently we registered our SPRESH Squeezable Bottle and the Universal Tube Adaptor (UTA) with the US Office of Patents and Trademarks.
We’re not trying to re-invent water. It’s perfect. But at SOURCE we look for more intelligent, convenient and sustainable ways to store water, to take water along, to bring water wherever you’re thirsty. We invent simpler and better ways for you to hydrate, to drink water, whatever you are doing. And we’ve had some good ideas over the years. Today, SOURCE holds almost a dozen patents.
SOURCE holds patents in Hydration Systems Technology and in Footwear
The first patent SOURCE registered was the SOURCE Outdoor Sandal’s unique X-Strap system. It was the starting-point for the success of SOURCE Sandals, more than 20 years ago. Until today, 20 years later, that patent protects the unique strap-system that make SOURCE Hiking Sandals so comfortable and successful all around the world. Of course, we also keep improving our Sandals, just recently with the addition of Cupron Copper-Oxide.
New patent on the technology inside the SPRESH Squeezable Water Bottle
We’re proud that very recently two new patents were accepted by the United States Patent And Trademark Office.
The latest patent registered concerns our SPRESH Squeezable Watter Bottle.
The unique technology inside the SPRESH lets you drink with a light squeeze from your hand, without lifting and tilting the bottle. As with everything, the simple idea is the best idea: It’s like you’re drinking from a straw. Try it, order your SPRESH online!
The Universal Tube Adaptor (UTA)
The SPRESH patent joins the line of inventions SOURCE registered over the years. Also just recently, we’ve registered the unique concept of our Universal Tube Adaptor (UTA).
UTA lets you refill your hydration bladder from a bottle or a tap without removing it from your pack.
The Widepac and more to come …
Best known – next to the mentioned X-Straps Technology in sandals – is the SOURCE Widepac bladder. The patent makes sure, there are no low-quality copies out there, just the high-quality SOURCE Original Widepac featuring the unique, wide opening with the slider, the patented “Sealing device for flexible liquid container”. And looking ahead, this is our promise to you: We’ll keep inventing!
What’s the best hydration mouthpiece and drinking valve for you? – It may sound like a technical question but it’s way more than that. It’s personal.
You take our hydration systems outdoor wherever you go – and we make sure you get the most advanced and convenient hydration technology possible. Hydration needs are different in every situation. That’s why we offer different hydration systems, bladders, and two different Valves: Our Source Helix™ Bite Valve and the Source Storm™ Push-Pull Valve. Which one’s right for you? Here are a few things to consider.
Helix™ Bite Valve – simple to operate and completely hands-free
Our Helix™ Valve is a bite-valve: Meaning you apply pressure with lips or teeth and the water flows. It’s simple to operate and you can do it completely hands-free, virtually no practice required. If no pressure is applied, the Helix™ shuts off. On top of that: The extra locking mechanism makes it completely leak proof and keeps your pack dry at all times.
Our Hydration Systems were by the way the first ones to have a lock-system on all valves. For many years, Source Hydration Valves also were the only angled mouthpieces in the market. We found it fits more comfortably while drinking and it allows a significantly shorter tube, which makes it more convenient to store away when not drinking.
High flow and multi-purpose Storm™ Valve – when the going gets tough
If you’re in extra rough conditions where the valve needs to be extra robust, or if you’re hiking across a glacier in freezing cold air, a bite-valve might not be the right choice. We recommend you use our Storm™ Push-Pull Valve, it’s simply less vulnerable: there are no soft silicon parts and it’s a free flow valve, therefore the risk of a hydration-freeze is significantly reduced.
Also if you’re planning to camp out or to take your son on a fishing-trip we suggest you use our Storm™ Push-Pull Valve. Hydrating, it feels like you are drinking from a bottle. Plus you’ll be happy to use it as a ‘tap’ to rinse the fish you caught. The uninhibited flow of water is one of the big pros of the Storm Valve. When not in use, you lock it like the Helix™ Valve with a little twist and it stays 100% dry.
Having said all this, there’s a lot of room for discussion and personal preference. Drinking from the bite-valve is a somewhat simpler hands free experience, but we know plenty of people that operate the push-pull valve just as swiftly.
Valves available in accessory packages
As a standard extra, all our valves come with a dirt-shield cover to make sure your drinking-water tastes like water, even when you’re dug in somewhere in mud or sand. Both valves, the Storm™ Push-Pull Valve as well as the Source Helix Valve are available in the Hydration Accessories section of our website (in black or coyote).
Last but not least, talking Tactical Gear and Drinking Valves, we should add we’re also producing CBRN Hydration Systems which include a special type of drinking valve, adaptable to masks.
So, which valve do you prefer?
Let us know…
We’ve been getting loads of great test-reviews in leading outdoor magazines and blogs. Here’s some background info on why our Source Hydration Systems are “Best in Test” in the UK Trail Magazine and why the US Backpacker Magazine calls our reservoir the “better bladder”.
For the latest issue of the U.S. Backpacker Magazine the tester kept fresh water in our Source WLP Reservoir for eight (8!) weeks and confirmed: the water still tasted like fresh water.
“Source says their reservoirs don’t need to be cleaned or emptied after use to prevent slime buildup. Our tester left water in the Source WLP for eight weeks without cleaning and reported no stinky taste or smell.”
This Source advantage is owed to our unique TasteFree™ System.
What is the Source TasteFree™ System all about?
One of the reasons Source bladders provide healthier and tastier hydration: we’re the only ones using PE (Polyethylene) film for the reservoirs. A material that offers plenty advantages by itself.
Additionally, due to our GlassLike™ Film Technology, our reservoir is too smooth for bio-film to build up (see blog post: Source 2,000% smoother). Thanks to this smooth surface all our reservoirs are practically self-cleaning. There are no residues.
Smooth tastes good …
Thanks to our GrungeGuard™ technology the anti-microbial agent is embedded in the actual film of the bladder. It’s not just a coating! That makes a world of difference: the protection does not wear off with time – making the bladder long-lasting and practically care-free.
Easy handling and care: It’s the original Widepac!
Last but not least: Testers and users all love the easy handling of our bladders. Amongst other details, we invented the original Widepac opening – Source reservoirs opening wide like a paper bag. A feature that others have tried to copy.
The original Widepac opening allows easy access for filling, emptying and drying. Closing the bladder with the patented Source Wideslide is fast and easy.
And we keep inventing
The Widepac opening, the Wideslide (patented), the Universal Tube Adaptor (patented), the Convertube: All these and many more products and features were invented by Source. Try us!
Here’s our full selection of Source Tactical Hydration Systems to order online (free worldwide shipping included from $60 USD).
SOURCE hydration bladders are practically self-cleaning. One of the key reasons: The unique Glass-Like™ Film Technology, which makes the surface of our bladders almost as smooth as glass. To visualize the fact, we had specialists perform microscopic imaging of our bladder’s surface.
The surface of our multi-layer Polyethylene film for the SOURCE hydration bladders is almost as smooth as glass. The microscopic detail is one of the key elements for long-lasting taste-free and hygienic storage of liquids. The Glass-Like™ surface prevents bio-film build up, making the system practically self-cleaning. The test shows: SOURCE’s Glass-Like™ Film is 2,000% smoother than standard TPU films. It’s obviously SOURCE – Better by technology.
And the winner is … Our products usually don’t compete with shavers, radios and grills. Just the more reason for us to be proud that the jury of the Australian Design Award awarded the new SOURCE iVis Hydration Pack with the AustralianGood Design Award in Commercial and Industrial Design.
The iVis is a high visibility Hydration pack incorporating the WXP low-profile, wide mouth water bladder low-profile, wide mouth water bladder with a flexible hose. It’s the ideal partner to take on the road, when all you need is water and a small essentials pocket. The Firefly will make sure you’re seen in any weather condition, and will keep you hydrated. The tucked away straps and hydration tube help you maneuver around without getting caught.
High visibility and all advantages of SOURCE Hydration Systems
The WXP low-profile bladder features all the advantages of SOURCE Hydration Systems: tough 3 layer construction with Glass-like™ PE liner, it’s Taste-Free™ and Grunge-Guard™ antimicrobial, it has a leak-proof slider with wide opening, external fill port, self-sealing QMT™ with push button convenience and a built in shut off mechanism which allows our Universal Tube Adaptor (UTA™) or valves to be disconnected without spilling.
Now in the running for Australian International Design Award
We are very happy that the jurors decided to award the iVis Firefly with the Good Design Award in Commercial and Industrial Design. The iVis Firefly is now in the running for the Australian International Design Award. We recommend the jurors will take our Firefly for a spin outdoors! A big round of applause for our product designers!
We are proud to introduce our new Double D «3 day pack»! Jon, active duty US Marine Corps infantry officer, was one of the first people outside of SOURCE involved in testing and improving the prototype. And he did some serious testing: taking the pack over 130 Miles by foot – heavy to fully loaded with about everything you could possibly need. See what he has to say! And then go ahead and take the new Double D on a mission yourself.
“SOURCE provided a prototype of this new planned 45L offering in the fall of 2011 and asked for test and evaluation input. I used that prototype to hike the 26.2 mile Bataan Death March Memorial marathon in the ‘heavy’ category.
About a year later, a production version arrived and I continued to conduct T&E on the concept. This review provides observations gleaned from both packs which are structurally almost identical.
I’ve written my observations from the perspective of a guy who has rucked Med/Lrg ALICE, MOLLE, ILBE, and have messed around with (but not rucked) FILBE. I also own an ATS RAID and Karrimor Sabre 45. I’m 6’2″, 205 lbs, and wear a size 44L coat.
Double D Design
The Double D’s pockets at the bottom of the sides are perfect for stabilizing longer items that you want to secure with the beavertail’s compression straps. They have the capacity to hold up to (4) 60mm or (2) 81mm rounds in their fibers, as well as secure the bottom of an extra hydration carrier, rifle buttstock, etc.
The pack was excellent at stabilizing any load I put in it, and that contributes to less fatigue and energy consumption on the move. Most of this stability came from the detachable waist belt, with the rest coming from the well-contoured shoulder straps.
The basic orientation of the pack seems more alpine styled, and that allows the carried weight to ride closer and higher on the body. The pack is also well-built, but not over-built, which can create a weight penalty for little gain.
The load lifters allow adjustment on the move and also minimize fatigue. The sensible interior organization provides a means to secure a hydration bladder, radio or other bulky object, without unnecessary or excessive straps and material.
Double D Advantages
The beavertail concept is smart and functional. During the Bataan march, I carried four water bottles in the pockets and was able to extract them on the move.
This component is where SOURCE’s conceptual designs start to shine. I’ve secured a lot of odd-shaped items to the outside of the pack, from a rolled up bivvy sack, air mattresses, a helmet, ammo can, etc.
The 3 liter pockets are perfect to stash warming layers, components of MREs, water bottles, extra magazines, you name it. The waist belt has the perfect contour to avoid interface issues with armor. Having just read this, understand that if you wear a warbelt, you might have some issues in that department depending on the thickness of the belt and what you have attached to it. It’s always a game of compromises; get it to work with armor and your 2nd line and you’ll have drama with the 1st line, and vice-versa.
This situation helps make some of the case for a minimized gunbelt if you can expect to run all three (pack, armor, and 1st line belt) frequently.
Double D Comfort
The PALS sewn in along the bottom of the pack could be stitched more towards the outside edge, so large items that are lashed down do not interfere with the wearer’s legs.
Although the pack can’t be blamed for the laws of physics that afflict the majority of comparable packs over armor, the shoulder straps dug in to my armpits when I put a full load of about 50 lbs. in it and wore it over an Eagle plate carrier with front and back SAPIs. A Mystery Ranch strap-cinch solved the problem and the pack rode very comfortably.
There were no comfort issues when worn without armor.
Double D Durability
I’ve run the prototype and production versions of the Double D across 134 miles (yes, that’s not a typo) of ruck marching, to include 20 miles while wearing a 1st Gen issued Eagle plate carrier with front and back ESAPIs.
Some of it was during my workup to the Bataan Death March and the event itself. I’ve carried a variety of loadouts, from bags of rice, dumbbells wrapped in sleeping bags, and a complete 72-hr gear list (minus six stripped MREs).
Weights averaged between 40 and 50 lbs, and Meni Keinan (head of military design) told me that it’s designed to hold up to 55lbs.
All straps and stitches have held up fine, despite the deliberate beating I put on the packs during T&E.
Double D Bottom Line
This is a very good pack with capacity for carrying a 72-hr tactical load across a broad climate range, including mission-essential equipment such as small arms ammunition, demolitions (e.g. M18 Claymore) C2 or leader tools, or biometric equipment.
It appears to have the basic organization, capacity, and stability to carry a sniper’s ancillary equipment and sustainment load.
It would also serve a suitable role for certain hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and folks with a need for preparedness and resources that are staged and ready.”
Thanks to Jon for his thorough testing and feedback! Please note: His views are not an official endorsement of SOURCE products, nor are they any affiliation with the Marine Corps.
Now combat soldiers can finally hydrate fast and in good taste!
Source Tactical Gear has released a series of three UPGRADE KITS that allow any soldier, with any conventional gear, to upgrade their hydration system to our genuine, world famous, reservoirs and accessories.
Why Upgrade?
Only with a Source Hydration System you’ll gain:
LOW PROFILE At last a reservoir that leaves some space for cargo. We know there’s more than just water that needs to fit into a fighter’s gear. With a new baffled wall welded inside the reservoir, we have succeeded to limit the bulging of the reservoir to keep a slim form even when full. The LOW PROFILE keeps the load balanced in operation.
WIDEPAC™ CLOSURE A wide opening of the reservoir, using our original patented slide bar, makes filling and drying super easy and fast. This smart closure system is strong enough to withstand over 230kg (500 lbs.).
TASTE FREE™ The film we developed for our hydration systems ensures your water stays fresh and tasteless. None of that rubber aroma! The surface of our film, unlike others, is made super smooth, we call it GLASS LIKE™. It’s so smooth that bacteria and mold find it virtually impossible to grow on it. This way the water stays fresh without the need for extra care or cleaning tablets.
GRUNGE GUARD™ Takes the thinking out of drinking! On top of that we incorporate our original anti microbial into the film during the production process QMT™ Our self sealing “Quick Connect” enables easy disconnect of the tube and valve, making it easier to remove the reservoir to refill. It is compatible with various accessories such as our UTA™ (Universal Tap Adaptor) as well as different filters and pumps that are available on the market.
In all our UPGRADE KITS we included our Universal Tap Adaptor, the UTA™. The UTA™ allows you to plug in your hydration system to any tap or water bottle and refill your reservoir without taking it out of your gear.
Three UPGRADE KITS are available:
(for more details click on the links below)
We are excited to announce that LA Police Gear is now a stocking dealer of Source Hydration.
Founded by Los Angeles area police officers with the mission to provide quality law enforcement equipment at competitive prices with outstanding customer service to their colleagues, LA Police Gear has grown to be one of the preeminent retailers of tactical clothing and equipment in the US.
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