TreeLineBackpacker

One of the main concerns when backpacking, is staying hydrated. You can carry all the water you want, but if you spring a leak, or the containers are weighing you down, you have a problem. That’s where the Platypus water bottles come in. They’re simple, soft, flexible water bottles that cut weight and collapse to a smaller size when they’re not needed.

About the Bottles

The Platypus bottles weigh on average around one ounce. They come in various sizes ranging all the way up to 2 liters in capacity. They’re built from a rugged, but light weight Polyethylene, which doesn’t impart any taste into your water or drinks. When you’re finished with them, they can fold up and be tucked away into the nooks and crannies of your backpack. The bottles come in a variety of styles, with simple drinking spouts, and more complex caps that pull to open, or release liquid only when compressed. Bottles start at around 8 bucks.

What I like

I’ve been using Platypus bottles for several years now, and I’ve never had one bust or leak. They hold up incredibly well. They’re about as light weight as you could ever hope to get, and they take up less room due to their flexible nature, and ability to conform to the shapes of whatever they are put into. Despite being soft, the hard seams give the bottle support, and allow you to drink from them like a traditional bottle. They don’t give your water that nasty plastic taste that many bladders or hard bottles will force into your hydration supply. Since discovering the two liter size, I have ditched typical water bladders with hoses entirely also. I simply fill my bottle, slide it into my backpack, and I’m good to go. It’s easier to refill than a bladdder, easier to clean, easier to drain water from when cooking, taste better, and much more reliable. I’ll also keep a liter or two in my backpacks water bottle pockets for quick access.

What I don’t like

Very little honestly. Aside from the small chance of puncturing the bottle with a tent stake or a knife, I can’t find anything to complain about with these bottles.

Other considerations

Make sure you hold the bottle with the seam facing vertically, or you’ll end up with a face full of water. They’re designed to be held this way, and holding them horizontally compresses the bottle. This is great for a quick evening shower, but not great when you’re trying to have a drink of water.

Overall

It’s a simple concept, that does exactly what it needs to do. It’s reliable, doesn’t mess with the taste of your water, light weight, and even affordable. Switch to these bottles and you won’t regret it.

Highly Recommended

Thanks to the manufacturer for providing this product. For full disclosure, see our about me page.