Platypus Platy Water Bottle Overview

Backside Line

The Platypus Platy is an ultralight, versatile water bottle good for the weight-conscious thru-hiker or alpine climber. It’s simple to roll up and stash when not in use, and its two-liter capability will hold you hydrated for miles. In comparison with the different bladders we examined, the Platy was additionally comparatively taste-free, even proper out of the field.  

An apparent disadvantage is the Platy’s lack of a hose and chunk valve, which makes it unimaginable to sip on the go. Some hikers and climbers could want this technique, particularly when weight and packability are prime priorities. One other draw back is the Platy’s restricted lifespan. Our major tester has owned a number of of those versatile bottles up to now, and so they have all ultimately cut up on the seams after laborious use. 

With its inexpensive worth, the Platy isn’t robust to interchange – although it does create extra plastic waste. It’s the go-to hydration system for our major tester, who has used the Platy on backcountry alpine adventures, lengthy hikes, and multi-pitch climbs. 

How We Examined

Our major testing interval was in the course of the winter in Joshua Tree. We took the Platy on loads of hikes and climbing days, shoving it into our pack full of a number of climbing gear. Our main tester has additionally used the Platy extensively up to now, bringing it on in a single day backcountry journeys, multi-pitch climbs, and day hikes.

Sturdiness

Our major concern with the Platy is its sturdiness. We’ve owned a number of Platys over the previous couple of years. Although we love them, they’ve all ultimately failed on the seams. This doesn’t occur straight away, nevertheless – solely after we’ve first put them by means of the ringer, stuffing them in loaded packs and utilizing them day after day. 

Fortunately, the Platypus Platy bottle has by no means really failed us within the subject; the leaks have come on slowly, so it’s simple to note when the seams are near splitting. They’re fairly low cost to interchange after they fail – although we don’t just like the plastic waste this produces.

Style

Just like the Platypus Hoser, the Platy was just about taste-free proper out of the package deal. It is without doubt one of the solely bladders that didn’t have even a slight plastic or rubbery style after cleansing it. Even after repeated use, this versatile water bottle doesn’t choose up any unhealthy style.

Ease of Use

In comparison with the opposite hydration luggage we examined, just like the Seeker or VectoX, it was pretty simple to drink out of the Platy. The plastic is considerably stiff, so it held its form whereas we have been consuming out of it. Though, we did use two palms when it was full. The small opening additionally makes it simpler to stop spills whereas hydrating. 

For these in search of a hose system that enables hydration on the go, the Platy will not be the only option. Though it’s simple to fill from a faucet at residence, the Platy is a bit trickier to fill from a lake or stream. Utilizing a hard-sided water bottle helps. We’ve additionally had luck filling it from locations the place water is working over rocks, creating mini waterfalls in small streams.

Weight & Packability

Weighing in at simply 1.3 ounces, the Platy simply wins the prize for weight and packability. With out water, we measured its minimal packed dimension to be 7.5 by 2.25 by 0.5 inches. It’s simple to roll up and stash, so it’s a fantastic possibility for airplane journey as nicely.

Our major tester is an avid climber and information in addition to a backpacker, and the Platy is her go-to hydration system for quite a lot of actions. She loves it for multi-pitch climbing, as a consequence of its gentle weight and suppleness. It’s extra comfy in a pack than a hard-sided water bottle. She has additionally used it on multi-day journeys within the backcountry, particularly when gentle weight gear is a precedence. 

One of many ways in which the Platy sheds ounces is its lack of a hose system. This might be a draw back for a lot of hikers and backpackers who prefer to hydrate on the go. Our major tester likes to pair the Platy with a 16 ounce Nalgene bottle that she retains accessible for sipping whereas mountaineering. That approach, she has a hard-sided bottle to make use of for decent drinks alongside her light-weight hydration system.

Ease of Cleansing

The Platypus Platy is without doubt one of the solely bladders we examined that claims to be dishwasher secure. This can be a sensible design as a result of the Platy’s small opening would in any other case make it fairly troublesome to wash. Platypus does promote an extra reservoir cleansing equipment that features a lengthy brush for laborious to achieve areas. Throughout our drying take a look at, we discovered that the Platy fell in the course of the pack; it dried faster than some however not as fast because the bladders with broad openings.

Ought to You Purchase the Platypus Platy Bottle?

For alpine climbers or thru-hikers in search of minimal options and an ultralight design, the Platypus Platy water bottle is a superb possibility. But it surely’s not the only option for hikers and backpackers who prefer to drink whereas they stroll because it lacks a hose system. Paired with a 16 ounce hard-sided Nalgene bottle, the Platy is our major tester’s go-to hydration system for large days within the mountains. Now we have some issues about its sturdiness, however the Platy continues to be a good worth at a extremely inexpensive worth.

What Different Hydration Methods Ought to You Think about?

Take a look at a couple of of the opposite hydration bag techniques in our line-up of hydration bladders. 

HydraPak Seeker Water Bag Overview: The HydraPak Seeker is one other versatile water bag that’s fairly light-weight and packable. It additionally lacks a hose, so it’s extra excellent for people who prioritize light-weight gear. 

CNOC Outside VectoX Overview: The VectoX is much like the Platy, however it has a large opening that closes with a slider. This enables it to dry far more shortly, and it’s a bit simpler to fill from a lake or stream.