Platypus

[dogwood dan]

I am looking for first hand info from people that have used the platypus water bottles. How do they hold up, do they work well with the "camel back" stile tubing. What, were, how have you used them? Do you still use them I am looking for the full down load. I am rebuilding my kit from the ground up. After service just did not want to go back to the woods now after some time and two kids I have found the joy again but my gear is out of date, worn out, and dry rotted (some what like me). I would be thank full for the first hand knowledge.

Thanks Dan

 

[fmajor007]

Hi Dan,

I've been doing outdoor stuff (hunting/hiking/climbing) most of my life (+45 years) and these "new" (last 12 years or so) Platypus/Camelbak reservoirs are the way to go!!! Been using them almost since they 1st came out. The drink-tube is just awesome - especially for when on-the-move hiking/climbing. You just drink more (and thats better all around) and with less hassle. This is especially so for kids - my 2 LOVE using theirs.

I liked the Platypus brand stuff better b/c the reservoir seemed more abrasion resistant than Camelbak stuff. However, most backpacks/day-packs have a sleeve in them so that's not such a concern. I actually bought a $12 off-brand 'mil-spec' version from the big auction site and it's works great.

This being said, in cold, cold winter temps (like 20's and colder), i don't use the Platypus/Camelbak reservoirs. Intead, i use a couple Nalgene (made from Lexan) bottles and a 'cozy' to insulate/help keep 'em from freezing.

 

[OwenM]

I have the 1L Platypus "bottle", and the 1L Hoser for when I don't need the greater capacity of my 3L Camelbak.
Was dubious at first, and carried the bottle along with a Nalgene, but am heading out tomorrow for an overnight with just the 2 Platypus containers for the second time.
I've used the bottle maybe a dozen times, but the Hoser only 2 or 3. The bite valve on the Hoser has leaked a few drops, but other than that, no complaints.
Discovered the straw from the Camelbak "Better Bottles" fits on my PUR filter(so could a piece of the factory hose if you cut it off), which makes pumping water into the Platypus really easy. The side pockets on the pack I'm using are also shaped so that the Platypus is much easier to insert and remove than a regular bottle, so there's not much reason to carry the Nalgenes any more.

 

[Erasmus]

The 2 or 3L Platypus bag w/ drinking tube is EXCELLENT. I wouldn't be without it. Pay xtra and get the drinking tube that pretends to not impart a chemical/plasticy taste to the water.

With a lot of use (one year of hard backpacking/hunting/fishing) the bags flex enough that the plastic delaminates at wrinkles or folds and developes pinhole leaks. Duct tape or official Platypus Bag patches will delay the inevitable replacement. They have lifetime warranties. I have half a dozen, and just accumulate the "popped" ones. When I get 3 or 4, I stuff 'em into an envelope and fire them off to the Platypus Bag mothership, and they send "free" replacements.

Buy into this system. It is proven excellent. It is one of the few pieces of gear that I wouldn't hesitate to re-purchase.

 

[Bowman1911]

I started using Platys when they first came out. I've had several 1 liter, & a few 3 liter. The one liters didn't last me but about a year apiece, due to filling too full & freezing, but the 3 liters are just about unstoppable. I don't have any hands on with the hose system, or the bite valves, but the bottles & the squirt cap will last quite a long time. The most recent bottle I've used was a 3 liter with my old squirt cap ( off a 1 liter) & I carried it to work every day for well over 3 years after freezing it half full of water the night before & it's still in working order. I've since replaced it with a stainless bottle, but I've broken it out for a hike or two & it's still going strong.

 

[mtwarden]

I've still got platy bottles on the job that are closing in on ten years other than winter camping (need the wide mouth), they are the only bottles I use, day hiking, trail running and back packing. I like the little 0.5 L bottles to mix my gatorade in, almost always have one of these. Also use their 1 and 2 liter bottles as well as their 2 liter Hoser bladder setup.