Outdoors

Source Universal Tap Adapter lets you refill your hydration bladder in your backpack

Source Universal Tap Adapter lets you refill your hydration bladder in your backpack
The Source UTA drops 1.5 L of water into your hydration pack in under a minute
The Source UTA drops 1.5 L of water into your hydration pack in under a minute
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Source's UTA is designed to work with bottles and taps of various shapes and sizes
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Source's UTA is designed to work with bottles and taps of various shapes and sizes
When using a bottle simply hold it above your pack so that water drains via gravity
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When using a bottle simply hold it above your pack so that water drains via gravity
The Source UTA drops 1.5 L of water into your hydration pack in under a minute
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The Source UTA drops 1.5 L of water into your hydration pack in under a minute
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Filling up your hydration pack just got a little easier ... not that it necessarily needed to. The Source Universal Tap Adapter is a simple attachment that lets you refill your hydration reservoir through the drink tube rather than the opening in back. You can fill up on the go without ever taking your pack off.

The UTA is basically a valve designed to fit all kinds of taps and water bottles. The system comes with a compatible drinking tube designed to replace the stock tube on your bladder and work with the UTA valve. The tube appears to be built specifically for Source bladders and may not work with other models.

When you need a refill, simply pop the bite valve off the drinking tube with the quick release button, affix one end of the UTA to your water source and click the other end into place on your hose. The adapter expands when your reservoir is full to let you know you're good to go.

If you're refilling from a sink, the pressure from the tap will fill the bladder. When using a bottle, you simple hold the bottle higher than the bladder, so that the water is fed via gravity. Source says a 1.5 liter (50.7 fl oz) bottle will drain into the bladder in about 50 seconds.

If you're carrying a lightweight hydration pack with little more than a bladder and a snack inside, you probably won't gain much benefit from the UTA. On the other hand, if your bladder is buried in a large, multi-day pack filled with supplies, being able to refill it without taking it off could be a big bonus, although maybe not as "groundbreaking" as Source tries to sell it.

The adapter only weighs 17 grams (0.6 oz), so it's a pretty negligible addition to your backpack or pocket. It sells for US$35, which seems a bit steep for something so niche and simple, but it's out there if you have a need for it.

The video below gives a quick demonstration.

Source: Source (don't get to write that too often) via Outdoors Magic

Source UTA - Universal Tube Adapter - Video Manual

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7 comments
7 comments
Slowburn
Nifty idea but it is overpriced.
Gadgeteer
Definitely overpriced. For $35, I'd expect at least an inline filter.
gav
You're paying more for the idea than the actual item's worth. Having said that, it's a little steep I have to admit ;)
agulesin
Can't you buy "sport" bottles with a spout on them, this could be pressed directly into the drinking tube?
Slowburn
Just get a funnel that will slip into the tube.
kellory
I use a soft funnel and a rubber band. same concept.
ArmyDoc
for us in the military who mount the hydration bladder on our body armor and route the tube through the shoulder webbing, this is awsome. for us, not having to remove your kit to refill is a big plus. I'm pretty sure this is why it was designed.