Source is a company that was founded in Israel with a focus on sandals and tactical gear. With its success in these arenas, Source started producing hydration packs such as the dual-bladder Divide reservoir that we recently tested. The Hipster is one of Source’s newest packs that takes the more modern approach of concentrating the pack’s weight on the rider’s waist.

Tech Info:

The Hipster is a belt system that fits around the rider’s waist, changing the center of gravity. This belt uses a 1.5-liter reservoir that spreads out around the belt. The reservoir uses Source’s WidePac Closure, which allows riders to clean out the bladder with ease and makes for quicker access and sealing. The bladder also uses Source’s GrungeGuard Technology, which keeps bacteria from growing via an anti-microbial coating.

The belt has an adjustable strap that allows riders to snug up the tension, depending on waist size. Along with the belt is a harness with thin shoulder straps to give the belt a little more stability. The end of the tube has a small magnetic clip that allows it to sit in place on the front of the belt for easy access when riding. The Hipster is available in three colors and retails for $90.

On the Trail:

Filling the bladder was pretty straightforward, despite the odd shape. Popping the bladder into the pack took a little finesse, but once we got it settled it stayed snug and didn’t slosh around. The shoulder straps are long enough to accommodate average Joes and NBA players alike.

It took a couple rides for our test riders to get used to the different design of the Hipster, but once we adjusted we were pleased with the concept. Our backs were able to breathe, and we didn’t get overheated, even on hot summer rides. The drinking tube was fairly easy to access, and the magnetic clip held it in place, even over rowdy sections of trail. The 1.5-liter bladder gave us more than enough water for longer rides in the desert and still hasn’t grown any mold. The harness gave the whole system more stability, but a couple of our test riders would have liked a set of thin pads where the straps went over our shoulders. The harness is easily removed if you prefer not to use it. Regardless, the overall fit of the Hipster was snug and comfortable. The weight of the Hipster felt evenly distributed, and it felt more natural ripping down steep sections of trail.

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