Platypus Big Zip SL

Priced: $29.95 - $34.95 Rated:   - 4 stars out of 5 by 28 reviews.
Platypus Big Zip SL -
The Big Zip SL reservoir is the most deluxe, off-the-shelf hydration system made. Every beautiful, taste-free feature is designed to make staying hydrated easy—starting with our new SlideLock closure. It ensures an easy, leak-free closure every time, opens wide for easy cleaning and makes a convenient carry handle. Next up is the film. It’s BPA- free, supple, super-durable and treated with our all-natural SlimeGuard antimicrobial treatment to keep it taste-free. You also get an ergonomic, right-angle shut off valve for leak-free packing and a quick-disconnect hose for easy filling, cleaning and swapping of packs.

Features:
• 2.0L (70 oz)
• Dimensions: 7 x 18.8 in. (18 x 47 cm)
• Weight: 5.5 oz. (157 g)

Fit:

  • Quick-connect fitting allows you to remove from pack without re-routing drink tube.

Lining and Layers:

  • Lightweight, puncture-resistant, three-ply plastic laminate is lined with food-grade polyethylene that won't flavor your water with a plastic taste

Fabric:

  • Durable welded construction lets you boil, freeze, inflate and collapse the bag over and over again
  • New materials increase durability and flexibility.

Insulation:

  • You also get an ergonomic, right-angle silicone shut off valve for leak-free packing and a quick-disconnect hose for easy filling, cleaning and swapping of packs

Hydration:

  • Every beautiful, taste-free feature is designed to make staying hydrated easy, starting with the new SlideLock closure
  • Ergonomic shutoff valve is angled 90° for no-hassle hydration

Features:

  • New SlimeGuard anti-microbial treatment keeps your water fresh and taste-free.
  • Taste-free tube won't affect the flavor of your water
  • Film is BPA- free, supple, super-durable and treated with an all-natural SlimeGuard antimicrobial treatment to keep it taste-free
  • New and improved taste-free, lightweight, collapsible reservoir
  • It ensures an easy, leak-free closure every time, opens wide for easy cleaning and makes a convenient carry handle
  • Drinking tube assembly includes HyperFlow™ bite valve, providing one of the highest flow rates on the market
SunnySports
Platypus premium hydration system is loaded with improved features like the new and easy-to-clean wide-mouth SlideLock closure with secondary reinforcement that ensures an easy and solid closure every time. They have also added a quick-disconnect fitting so you can remove, clean and refill your Big Zip without re-routing your hose.
1.8 L (60 oz.) Dimensions: 7.5 x 13 in./Weight: 4 oz.
2.0 L (70 oz.) Dimensions: 6.25 x 17 in./Weight: 4 oz.
3.0 L (100 oz.) Dimensions: 7.5 x 17 in./Weight: 4.5 oz.
This product can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.
Popular searches that include this item:

REI

Easy-to-clean and easy-to-fill, Platypus introduces a new widemouthed Big Zip SL two-liter reservoir.

Made in USA.


SummitHut.com

Our premium hydration system is now more durable than ever and loaded with improved features, like our new easy-to-clean wide-mouth SlideLock closure with secondary reinforcement so you know it’s sealed securely, and a quick-disconnect valve for removing the reservoir from a pack without re-routing the hose. Other upgrades include a redesigned, easy to use shutoff valve and a softer, more flexible, but still taste-free reservoir.

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Average Price History: Price History
Review RatingNumber of Reviews
12
7
4
1
4
Activity:Hiking
BPA free:Yes
Bite valve shut-off switch:Yes
Capacity:70 fl. oz / 2 liters, Weight
Dimensions:1.8 L - 7.25 x 14.75 in
Liquid capacity (L):2.1 liters
Liquid capacity (fl. oz.):70 fluid ounces
Material:Polyethylene
Quick disconnect tubing:Yes
Weight:5.5 ounces
Weight - metric:0.15 kilograms
Weight [with packaging]:2.0L, 3.0L: 0.45 lb, 1.8L: 0.75 lb
Wide-mouth opening:Yes
Compare specifications to related products.

Similar Products:

Platypus Big Zip SL Hydration SystemPlatypus Big Zip SL Hydration System$32.95 - $34.99
Platypus Big Zip SL 1.8LPlatypus Big Zip SL 1.8L$32.95
Platypus 3L Big Zip SLPlatypus 3L Big Zip SL$32.95 - $34.99
Platypus Big Zip SL 3.0LPlatypus Big Zip SL 3.0L$34.95

Subcategories of Hydration:

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Platypus

Platypus Big Zip SL Reviews:

Positive Reviews:

Great Water container

This water reservoir & accompanying tube has the features I was looking for, over Camelbak (which I also have used in the past).

1. The handle allows you to carry water back to a campsite (to use, or filter/ purify) without the tube attached.

2. There is a quick release place at the bottom of the reservoir that the drinking tube plugs into. However, you don"t have to keep the tube in permanently, & just unclip it, to use the reservoir stand alone as a water container.

3. When carrying this container in your pack (without the tube), the wide opening allows easy pouring into any container (unlike Camelbak. This issue was important for me as I need to fill my dog's water bowl on trail).

4. I have a Kelty Trekker external frame backpack. Its area for holding water bladders is horizontal. No problem, I was able to drink water easily from the drinking tube, when this Platypus Big Zip is positioned sideways in the pack.

5. It fits into the REI day pack/ stuff sack called the Flash 18 (I use the Flash to stuff my clothes in while backpacking, then use it for hikes from basecamp).

6. The Platypus didn't leak ever on me on several backpacking trips.

7. The drinking tube for the Platypus Big Zip, also has a twist lock on it, to prevent leaks.

When I backpack, everything needs to have 2 or more uses (otherwise its excess baggage/ weight). This is a water container, water carrier, plus a hydration system.

I am very happy with this (& when I bought mine, my spouse had to go get the same thing the next day, lol! :)

HTH
Penner at REI on 12/12/2012

Works well

My old hydro pack developed mold so I needed a replacement before my Mt. Whitney hike this year. I picked this bag due to its wide opening up top. The wide opening makes it easy to transfer water from my nalgene bottle into the Big Zip. The wide opening also makes it easy to clean and air dry with my wife's egg beating utensil. The only thing I didn't particularly like was having to bite the bite-valve just right to get the water to flow out. It wasn't a big deal, but when you're tired, it can be a bit annoying when you just want a drink. The on-off feature prevents drips, but requires two hands to undo so it is also another small step you must do when you're tired. The clip is a nice feature to keep the tube from swinging wildly and keeps it near your mouth for easy access. The product appears to be well-made and it looks like it will serve me well for many years to come. I would recommend it to all backpackers, but if you're cycling, I wouldn't recommend it because of the on-off switch that must be manipulated.
SoCalYankee at REI on 07/07/2010

Great Product

Really glad I bought this. The big zip makes it easy to pour in water and clean, as long with dry. the product is also very durable plastic. I really like the feature of the removable drink hose. It makes it easy to refill without taking the whole hose out of my pack when refilling.

I have hooked up a sawyer inline filter to the hose, which works great and never have any problems. The nice part too is that it is clear, so I can see if debris is floating around in it when I put in dirty water, which would then clog my filter. The big zip makes it easy to reach a hand in if necessary.

The shut off valve is very convenient and was only necessary after several months of high use. I am not a fan of Camelbak products, and this was the right choice for me.
Anthonyy at REI on 08/08/2012

Great buy, no drip, easy refill

Was very pleased with this product. I needed a hydration bladder for my pack and didn't want the "flavored" water you get with the camel bak. This is the perfect product the big zip makes it super easy to fill and does not leak. The detachable hose which for me was a luxury at first has become a must have not needing to take the hose out with it cuts refilling time in half. No funny taste at all and no problem with mold growth either. Love the locking bite valve and love the flow of this so smooth. Easy to clean just unzip wash out and use the blue "zipper" to hold the bag open while drying. All around a great buy
YIrtakki at REI on 02/02/2010

Does the job

This is my first reservoir and I am quite happy with my purchase. Taste is clean, pouch is easy to fill and clean, and 100oz lets me fill it up for those hot, dry hikes. Sucking water out of a hose takes some getting used to. I wish there was a way to turn it "on" and have the water flow out without having to "suck". Issue should be easy to fix as next time I will take the reservoir and a small bottle for those really thirsty moments (lunchtime), when I need to rinse something or just pour some water on my head.
El Chucho at SunnySports on 07/07/2009

*Flawless*

I've been through several water reservoirs the past few years and haven't come across a decent, reliable one with the features I wanted. Finally found the Big Zip and couldn't be happier! If you're questioning the zip closure, there's no need to worry, even without the "Zipper" on, this thing will hold liquid in all directions. Works PERFECTLY using the supplied adapter of my Katadyn Hiker filter; detach the drink tube, snap the filter hose in, and pump away, no need to re-route the hose as it detaches from the bladder.
Easy to clean, easy to use, worry free... Excellent product!
Tru-Trekk at REI on 05/05/2009

Excellent hydration pack

I love my platypus! The wide mouth makes it easy to refill, easy to clean, and easy to dry. I had no problems with any of the connections, leakage, or the easy to use mouth piece. The water tasted fresh when I used it and only developed a plastic taste when I mistakenly left water in there for 3 days. I also like the little clip attached to the hose so that I could clip the hose down and not have it swinging around while hiking.
casual CA hiker at REI on 06/06/2009

Great product

I had a hard time deciding between Platypus and Camelbak. I went with Platypus because it was cheaper then a similar sized Camelbak bladder. This is a great bladder; the huge opening is easy to fill/add ice, the quick release on the tube is very handy, and the addition of a shut-off valve into the tube is wonderful.

The construction of the bladder seems to be top quality. And no plastic taste at all.
somerandom at REI on 07/07/2009

Amazing Reservoir

This hydration reservoir... it's simply amazing. It literally takes less then 5 seconds and EVERY single drop in the bladder is out. You can CLEAN and DRY this bladder in less then 2 minutes. No more nonsense with curved brushes, pricey tablets, etc. This is simply the best reservoir created. Osprey doesn't even come close with their 'revolutionary' framed and state of the art reservoir. This reservoir is amazing!!!!!
Bullets4me at SunnySports on 07/07/2011

Really good water reservoir!

I got this water bladder because it was one of the only water bladders that could fit in my REI Jet UL pack. So far, I have loved it! It doesn't leak at all, filling it is a cinch, the quick release valve on the bladder is very handy and doesn't leak, and the shut off valve on the bite valve works very well.
slackliner22 at REI on 08/08/2010

Negative Reviews:

Mediocre product

I had the BigZip 2L for two years and a half, after that the zip started leaking. The problem was at one of the zip's ends - it was too close to the margin, and the water eventually found a way to escape through the zip's channel. I'm not sure this is a clear description of what happened, as I am not a native English speaker, but to me it is clear that the manufacturer does not have good quality control, as the zip molding is badly done. Other minuses of this product are :

- the zip is very hard to close, especially in cold weather - you will loose a lot of time trying to close it
- the blue "platypus" inscription and everything else imprimated on the water bag started to fade away from the first use in a day hike, painting my pack with blue. After a few trips, the whole water bag looked like it was 100 years old
- the iron in the attaching clip started rusting after a few weeks - again looking like 100 years old
- hose is too long - you will end either with too much hose out, dangling in front of you, or with too much hose in your backpack, possibly strangulated by other objects or the convoluted positions inside the pack
- the mouthpiece does not have a cap - this is not hygienic - other companies include a cap in the standard kit
- if there is pressure on the water bag (too tight backpack), and the faucet is opened at mouthpiece, the mouth valve will give away, allowing water to pour - this is especially bad when you have it completely in your backpack fully filled
- the safety blue fastener/handle is annoyingly dangling when refilling

Fortunately, I decided to switch to another company making hydration systems, and the BigZip is only an ugly memory now.
Cromagnon at REI on 06/06/2011

Lite weight but functional

I purchased this unit to use during a 50 day pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain this summer. As you might imagine I've been training for some months. I've used the Platypus on six walks lasting 3-5 hours each. I installed the Platypus in my backpack where the water reservoir belongs. This is what I know: Properly tightened the hose unit worked loose and drained water down my backside, twice. In my opinion the hose/reservoir inion is poorly designed...just too simple, it could never work in the intended application. The bite valve is not at all user friendly. The fill opening (also where the hose attaches) is too small especially compared to other units costing only slightly more. Yes, the product is quite light in weight...it just is not functional as a portable hydration unit. If one wants to haul water around, it would be great. Remember 2 liters of water weighs 4.4 lbs. so a few more ounces for a world class product (which REI does carry) is a much better choice...good hiking!
yodaddy at REI on 05/05/2012

Does not comapre with CB Hydration Bladd

1st & foremost, if you are unfamiliar with hydration systems & this is your first one, it's fine, it'll do the job required. If you have always had Camelbak's however & thinkin of buying an alternative, this is not it! I bought this as I required a 2L instead of my 3L Camelbak to fit into a differant backpack, and they were out of stock of the 2L CB's. The "Hyperflow bite valve" was not as quick as I had become accustomed to with my Big Bite Valve on my CB. A used it a few times until the blue part of the "Hyperflow bite valve" fell out & I had to close the valve to prevent losing all my water! Just awful product. Maybe mine was just defective, but I'll stick to Camelbak's in future
Beach at REI on 11/11/2010

Plastic taste

This product has several features that I appreciate. The large opening, for one, and the quick disconnect for the hose is another; my Katadyn water filter plugs right in, making refills at the stream a breeze.
Alas, is has a nasty plastic taste that I was unable to eliminate, guess Cascade Designs needs to do a better job of screening their "new materials" :-P.
I returned this product to REI, in exchange for one of the MSR Cloudliner reservoirs.
labman at REI on 04/04/2009

Beware of the zip top

The zipper top started leaking after about two years of use. Does not appear to be fixable.
kayakerbob at REI on 10/10/2012

Neutral Reviews:

Beware of your pack before buying

I purchased this bladder first for my Osprey Stratos 24 and later to use in my Aether 60 pack. I ultimately will be returning this as it's a poor fit for either due to the way it inflates.

I say beware based on your pack because this may fit for some but I would not suggest it for Osprey packs and would instead get the Osprey/Nalgene branded one. This is only a 2L bladder and when used in the Stratos 24 pack (with its arched back to allow ventilation) the bladder literally fills much of the center of the compartment and requires me to fill my gear in the sides. I tacked that up to the Osprey design for that one.

However, my Aether 60 has a reasonably flat back and still has much of the same problem getting this bladder into place. It's near impossible to put it in without unloading the center of the pack and even then, the bladder protrudes over 4" into the pack.

So for my needs, I purchased the Osprey branded bladders that are wider and do not intrude into my pack space so much (even though it's a full liter larger). I can also easily load those into a loaded pack due to the reinforced design - yeah, a bit more weight but worth the convenience.

The Platypus also had a plasticy taste that irritated me and it was severely worse once the contents warmed up. I usually put a tiny bit of gatorade in my bladder anyway so this was not a major concern for me but the two times I was caught without any more drink mix, it was pretty gnarly.

After using the Osprey bladder, I've also decided I hate the bite valve on these. They only work at one angle (well, 2 if you 180 it) whereas the Osprey bite valve works at any angle due to its round design.

So I give this three stars because it's a generally good design and very lightweight without sacrificing much quality. I can't attribute the fit problems 100% to Platypus as I've never used this on anything but an Osprey pack and it could be partly due to their design. If the bladder was designed to be wider and not inflate so that the depth at the bottom matched the width, it would be a real winner.

My "no" recommendation stems from the fact i feel that there are better options out there.
Andrew Luke at REI on 07/07/2010

Nice Product - Weight is NOT Accurate

One of the reasons that I purchased this product was due to its advertised weight of 4 ounces - otherwise, if it were heavier, I would have simply used another brand. [After all, 4 ounces is a quarter-pound. ;)]

Even though REI lists the weight as "Average Weight," the manufacturer of this product insists on the packaging that it weighs 4 ounces. And I have good reason to believe that this isn't one of those "average weight" matters.

The bladder, hose, bite valve (indeed all the components required for proper use) should weigh 4 ounces as advertised. It actually weighs 5.55 ounces. That is significantly inaccurate. I was displeased when I weighed it and discovered it to be an ounce and a half heavier than advertised. I think that's about 28% off the mark.

[Note: The hose clip can be removed to reduce the weight by 0.2 oz. The blue-slider closure at the top must also be removed for the weight to be accurate (4 ounces) -- though this is not mentioned anywhere on the packaging (...) and would significantly deminish the product's efficiency/integrity.]

I will, however, recommend the Platypus Big Zip SL based upon its features/functionality, but not without warning (for those it may concern) regarding the inaccuracy of the weight.
Reality at REI on 08/08/2008

Got three years out of it

Okay. I got 3 years outof it which is okay I guess. The plastic is indestructable. The quick connects are very covenient but they scare me. Extra o-ring, spring and housing to get danaged and fail, although the auto-off feature is cool. I only got some minor occasional dripping out of the hose connection, but I would rather just have a compression nipple hting there. When and if they fail, you can simply cut the hose a bit and refit.

And the major problem: your zipper will fail. Even with the slider installed, it will leak. It gradually beame harder and harder to close until I was biting it to close it. Now it's in the garbage.
Mixo at REI on 04/04/2012

Good for 3 years

I liked the design overall however the zip function is a little awkward and gets harder to zip with time. I could live with that but not the leak that developed on a welded seam near the zipper. New bladder time! Sorry, Cascade.
Durangotang at REI on 03/03/2013