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Submitted by
Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | nashbar.com | | Strengths: | fluid volume, storage capacity | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Monsoon Peak | | Bike Setup: | GT Avalanche | | Bottom Line: | A great deal for the price, plenty of storage space and fluid volume. I've never had a problem with the bladder or bite valve, and they seem to be holding up well for being used several days a week since being purchased. 5 chilis across the board. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shaman
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: December 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Anything without picnic families with toddlers and dogs | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Large capacity resevoir
Caverous storage space
Detachable waist belt straps
Easy to use Ziplock-like closure | | Weaknesses: |
Bite valve
Platypus durability
Built for short torsos | | Similar Products Used: |
Blackburn
Camelbak | | Bike Setup: |
'96 Proflex 656, Girvin/XT
'98 K2 4000, Judy/XT
'99 Schwinn S-20 Carbon, Judy/LX/XT
'00 Supergo Access HT, Judy/XT | | Bottom Line: | I bought this hydration pack due to it large storage, water capacity, and low price. I've found the cargo room to be adequate (I carry a ton of tools on my backcountry excursions), but the Platypus watersack leaves a lot to be desired. I promptly replaced the bite valve with a Blackburn one (the most durable and leak-proof I've found) as the slit was too small and dripped constantly, and have had to cover the exterior of the Platypus with duct tape. The plastic creases, becomes brittle, then leaks. Actually, I'm not surprised. Backpacker magazine recently ran a comparison of hydration packs and was concerned about the amount of creases that appeared in this model (the model Backpacker tested has the Platypus logo and is called the Big Zip). The duct tape solved the problem, but then again, I shouldn't have had to do this. The coated nylon/PVC of my Camelbak and Blackburn never creased or cracked. True, the food grade plastic leaves no aftertaste, but I would expect an item that is built to take abuse to be more durable. Kudos for the Ziplock-style closure though. I can get my whole hand in to clean it. Overall, not a bad item for the money. Take care to watch for cracks, or you'll eventually notice a wet back during a ride, as I did. One other thing. I've got a long back (I usually order clothes in tall), so it's hard to find packs with a low enough waist belt. Usually they're up around my stomach which makes for difficult breathing on strenuous climbs. The Bubba-Louie was not long enough for me, but due to the removable waist straps (Velcro attachments) I was able to rig up an acceptable system. I'd give 3 chilies for the pack, but 2 chilies for the Platypus water sack. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Little Timmy
a Weekend Warrior
from Kingsport, TN
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Large Capacity, lots of storage, pockets for tools | | Weaknesses: |
Bladder seal is sometimes difficult to get dealed | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
Fisher HKEK | | Bottom Line: | I like the product. It carries plenty of fluid and the bladder works well with the pack. My only complaint is getting the bladder sealed. I do not understand why we can't have the yellow and blue make green thing like on a ziplock bag. Oh well, after dumping a half gallon of cold water down my back I make sure it is sealed. I'll give it four flamers. | Overall Rating: |
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