The legendary Big Zip Platypus, Get Hydrated
Written: May 29 '02 (Updated Feb 21 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cheap, durable, easy to add ice and mix drinks, lifetime warranty
Cons: Hose will freeze if you're not careful
The Bottom Line: The bag doesn't leak or pop open under stress, and is cheaper then other name brand bladders with hydration systems. Buy it and stay hydrated.
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| wvabackpacker's Full Review: Cascade Design Platypus Big Zip |
-The Big Zip Platypus, Get Hydrated-
~Introduction-
The Platypus Big Zip is cheap, durable, and better yet, comes with a lifetime warranty. I was concerned about buying a Platypus and buying one with a zipper made me even more concerned--I was afraid it would pop open and ruin all my gear.
~Comparisons-
I looked at the MSR Dromedary's a lot, I wanted one due to their construction, however, I ran out of money and bought a Platypus instead. The Platy Big Zip with hydration system cost $23 (for 3 liters, 100oz) compared to around $33 for the MSR equivalent which only holds 2-2.5 liters. So I went with the Platy for size and price. Also when comparing the Platypus the famed Camelback brand the Platy wins out tremendously in the weight department.
~Field and Home Tests-
I've dropped the bag, smashed it, crushed it and it doesn't show any wear. It is extremely durable and has never popped open or leaked, even when a log was once accidentally dropped on top of it. The zipper is really strong and filling the bag forces it to stay closed when closed due to an intelligent design. The bag also has four grommets that you can use to hang the Platypus in a tree and use it for a shower, attach it to your pack, or for use with a gravity fed filtration system. For those of you who are paranoid over the bag popping open, you could also use the grommets to help keep the "zipper" shut even though in my two years of experience with this product I have yet to see one fail. The wide mouth access offered by the zipper makes it easy to add ice or drink mix. However several Platypus models come without the zipper.
In addition to durability, the Platypus is extremely strong. I like to have a couple pillows when I sleep but I don't like carrying more then one on the trail. One night I decided to use my Platypus as a pillow and despite some slight concerns it never once popped open or leaked. Not only does it make a great pillow but it cools down your head. It cooled itself off by absorbing the cold from the ground and then moving it to my head through the water as the temperature dropped. This was great since it was hot out and I also had a nice cool water supply for the next day's hike. Also when moving around inside of the tent I accidentally put my knee in the middle of the bag when it was full and it didn't bust open...hence the reason they call it "bomb-proof." I was sure it would bust, but it didn't. A for the bag.
The bag seems to be slightly insulated. I filled it up, drove 300 miles and went backpacking. It stayed cold inside of my backpack in 80F heat. While some may argue that the pack did the insulating, I believe the triple-laminate plastic construction help keeps the heat out. It does absorb heat or cold when in direct contact with it, however, add a little shade and the Platypus will maintain its temperature all day long. The hydration tube however does not have the advantage of being inside the pack. When using it in cold weather blow the water back into the bag to avoid freezing. You can also do this in the summer to avoid taking a hot drink from the tube. Cascade Designs also sells and insulation tube to cover the hose. This helps slightly but a homemade kit works better.
What's a hydration system? I wasn't sure if I wanted a "hydration system" when I started backpacking again. I was going to keep a Platypus or Dromedary in my pack and use a Naglene bottle to drink from during the day. However, the price of the Platypus with the Hydration kit vs. a Platypus without it wasn't much different so I went ahead and got the one with the hose and mouthpiece. It's great. 40 inches of tubing allows you to place the bag with the cap side down, zipper side up in your bag and still reach your mouth with a little room to spare. Four or five more inches would be nice if you store the Platypus inside the main compartment of your pack. However, I find that the best place to store the Platypus is in the lid of your backpack which ends up giving you too much hose. The hydration kit also comes with an alligator clip to attach the bite valve close to your mouth on the front of your pack. My only concern is cleaning the hydration tube and bite valve. The Platypus is easy to dry out and clean, but it's hard to get a brush in the tube/bite valve. Just be sure to clean it before you use it and after each use. Overall I recommend a hydration system. It is much easier to use than reaching for a bottle hanging off the side of your pack and it encourages you to drink more by making the water more readily available. This is the purpose of a "hydration system."
***Update****
The best way to store your Platypus and keep it clean is to freeze it after each trip. Simply empty the water, disconnect the hose and toss them both in the freezer. When you need to use it allow it to thaw for an hour and then refill it.
One final word on the zipper. It's great! I froze the bag FULL of water and it didn't pop open and didn't leak when it thawed. I also boiled it and it didn't melt or cause any leaks. So you can heat it up and use it on sore muscles or to help kill nasties in the backcountry. However, I would recommend boiling water in your pot and then dumping it into the Platypus if that is your method of sanitizing water. Don't forget you can add ice or drink mix through the zipper and you can reach your hand in to clean the inside of the bag.
~Warranty-
Every Platypus comes with a limited lifetime warranty. If at anytime the product fails from normal use Cascade Designs will replace it. I bought mine at Galyan's and they told me they would replace it as long as I kept my receipt and they had it in stock. I own three different models and have been using them for more than two years and I've yet had one fail. Cascade Designs has excellent customer service. I own many of their products and they handle repairs and replacements in a timely manner. They can be reached by calling 1-800-531-9531. On a side note, a dedicated Cascade Designs employee hangs around several of the popular backpacking and hiking forums on the internet. If you post a complaint on one of their products often this individual will offer you any assistance you need over the internet without waiting—to me that is A service.
~Weight-
Depending on the model you buy Platypus bags typically weigh between 1 and 5 ounces with the hydration system. According to my scale the 2L is 3oz and the 3L is 4oz. Dimensions vary as well. Smaller bottles are typically square and the larger bottles are typically rectangular.
~Conclusion-
For two years now I've been using the Platypus to keep myself hydrated on the trail and it's yet to fail me. I've boiled, frozen, and even slept on mine many many times and they show very few signs of wear. Platypus wins hands down on price and weight vs. comparable products. Do yourself a favor and get a Platypus and stay hydrated.
~Outdoor Reviews by WVaBackpacker-
--Backpacks-
Gregory Shasta Backpack | Dana Design Glacier | Osprey Aether 60
--Tents-
REI Half Dome Plus 2 | Mountain Hardware Trinity | Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight CD
--Sleeping Gear-
The North Face Thunderhead 3D | The North Face Kilo Down 32F | Cascade Designs Therm-a-Rest Luxury LE Self-inflating Mattress | Down Sleeping Bag Buying Guide
--Hydration-
MSR Dromedary Bag | Platypus Big Zip | SweetWater Walkabout Microfilter | SweetWater Walkabout Replacement Filter | SweetWater SiltStopper
--Misc Gear-
Black Diamond LED Hybrid Headlamp
--Destinations-
Heart Lake, Yellowstone National Park | Keyhole State Park, Wyoming
--Books-
The Backpackers Handbook
Recommended:
Yes
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wvabackpacker
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Member: Jeremy Hays
Location: Columbus, OH, USA
Reviews written: 40
Trusted by: 46 members
About Me:
Maybe I'll write another review someday...lots of new gear...
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