Platypus Platy Bottle

Bought a Platy when they first came out, many years ago. They are great products. I have had 3 - one I lost, one had a small puncture hole, and the third I still have. I have brought it on many trips over the years, and even with all the folding, stuffing, and dropping, it's still going strong. For the money, best hiking product I have ever bought. Well, except maybe for DEET...

The only drawbacks I have encountered are losing caps (Why can't they attach them somehow?), but they are easily replaced by standard soda caps. The other drawback is that it tends to hold tastes and odors. But cleaning with baking soda and/or bleach takes care of that.

These containers last a long time. I still have my first 2L from @ least ten years ago. It still works but has since been retired from backpacking trips. Two 2L containers will hold enough water for 1 1/2 days of normal use. Empty they weigh only 1oz. & fold down to nothing. The ability to stand on their own helps while filling. I have never had one leak, anytime, anywhere even in the creases caused by repeated folding, making them extremely dependable. After repeated usage, they could possibly turn an off-yellow color which is totally normal. This has no effect on the contents. Platypus has a patch repair kit available but I've never had to use it.

I just bought my second platy bottle and the new ones are made of a newer and seemingly more durable material (though I have yet to have a problem with my first one). They also have a slightly different shape with a loop near the mouth to grab on to or clip to a biner. I'm not sure if BC has mixed stock of old and new designs, but it was the 1.0L regular screw top close top.

I like to use them for extra water on long bike rides, or freeze before a camping trip to use as ice pack in the cooler and eventually for drinking water in the next day or two.

I bought platy bottles when they first came out years ago. I have bought two. One developed a small puncture hole, but the other is still going strong. Have had it for many years, and it has performed admirably on dozens of trips. One 2L bag, a Nalgene for pumping, and a filter weighs under 2 lbs and can easily supply water for 2 people on an overnight trip.

For the money, one of the best things I have ever bought for hiking.

One minor opint: they should attach the caps to the bags. But a standard cap from any soda bottle will do the trick...

Pretty close to flawless. I was told about them and bought one many years ago (I still have it). When I moved to London in 2005, I took a couple with me. I keep buying them when I am in the states and giving them as gifts. People love love love them.

They are just so versatile: water bottle, ice pack, hot water bottle; it is virtually indestructible and rolls up so you can carry it anywhere. I agree with the drawbacks listed in the 22Aug08 review (Bondcliff or Bust).

Let's just say that you will NOT be disappointed.

Even though I purchased my platy for camping/hiking, I use it everyday. Rather than purchase all of the plastic water bottles that are so convenient, I refill my bottle every morning and just take it along with me during the day. Each night I wash it thoroughly and allow it to air dry. Periodically, I use Morton's baby sanitizer in it to keep it fresh. It has more than paid for itself since I not longer buy bottled water, and I am not adding to the landfills. It is definitely a win/win!

This is my second platy bottle. First one started to leak a little after two years' use. I expect this one will last longer because I will take better care of it - not folding it up and being careful what I pack next to it in my boot bag. Great alternative to a bulky camelbak in the winter. I just keep it inside my parka in the biggest pocket and it's plenty of water for resort skiing, where you're never too far away from a refill location.

I have a 1L and a 2L. I fill up the 1L before I hit the trail and use the 2L to fill up at the last water source on the way to camp. When I'm not using the 2L, it folds up and fits anywhere in my pack. Doesn't take up the space of a nalgene and easier for multi-use (i.e. cooking) than a bladder. Also, for winter activities, there's no hose to freeze like on a bladder.

I use them everyday at work (w/ the optional insulating sleeve and sport top) and love that they can fold flat when I am done and don't make water taste like plastic. Definitely agree that they don't clean out well. The one I bought is a replacement for one I had for a year before it grew mold I couldn't get rid of. Bought a bottle brush, too, this time around so hopefully it won't happen again.