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Platypus
Liquidator Hydration Pack
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Submitted by
Dave
a
from Canada
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Toronto Bike Show | | Strengths: | cheap i guess
Ziploc thingy works well
lifetime warranty | | Weaknesses: | leaks | | Bottom Line: | I have just recieved my 4th replacement bladder. They have all leaked at the same place, about 2 inches from the bottom, where the bladder creases a bit in my pack. After about 6 months they begin to leak. Nobody likes arriving at the trailhead with their pack all wet, and their gear all wet. This especially sucks in winter. The only reason i have stuck with Platypus is their lifetime warranty and they just keep sneding me more crappy replacemnt bladders. The last bladder i recieved is a little diffrerent in design, and the bite valve looks a lot nicer. Though the hose (which is claimed to be 'lined with polyurethant' looks like there is an inner layer of plastic that has delaminated...this leaves me questioning...dont really want to ingest chunks of plastic. This latest bladder no longer has 'lifetime warranty' printed on it...
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Piedmont, NC USA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Uwharrie Mtn area | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | Campmor | | Strengths: | Reliable, nice storage | | Weaknesses: | Waist belt could be improved with a padded one | | Similar Products Used: | First hydration pack | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher sugar with Mavic UST wheels and Continental Explorer UST tires | | Bottom Line: | The red color makes for good visibility, an asset where hunters may be circulating about. The working components (water bag, hose, bite valve) have worked without a hitch. It doesn't leak if you keep the valve off of the floor. The wicking effect of the back fabric works. The main storage compartments (cargo pocket, elastic mesh pockets) are utilitarian enough for a day pack. It's become my main hiking day pack; pretty impressive for its compact size. A mini pump fits nicely on the side sleeve/locking cord. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Downhiller
from Co. Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$18.00 | | Purchased At: | rei sports | | Strengths: | Strong and doesn't leave a plastic taste. Easy to clean and great for ice. The zip lock seal at the top makes a great seal. | | Weaknesses: | NONE. still using the one i bought 2 years ago. | | Similar Products Used: | Camelbak | | Bike Setup: | 6+6 freeride rig | | Bottom Line: | I highly suggest this product. Although it is a pain in the ass to get the product warrantied. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dawn
a
from Brooklyn, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | I had a problem with the zipper of the bladder not closing, so I googled "platyupus won't close" and found this set of reviews. When I saw the person who suggested vaseline, I didn't have any so I put some olive oil on my finger and rubbed it on the zipper as a last ditch effort before throwing it out, and sure enough, it worked! Just like that...the zipper suddenly closed again, and I even filled it and turned it upside down- no leaks. So I figured I would post here in case anyone else had this problem. Oil must be better to use than vaseline on a product you drink out of anyway- yuck on the vaseline! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | www.mec.ca | | Strengths: | Cheap. Holds water. Easy to put ice in. No plastic taste. | | Weaknesses: | Bite valve is hard to put back together. Should come with bite valve cover to protect from dirt (extra option $7 for a piece of neoprene) | | Similar Products Used: | Bike cage water bottle | | Bike Setup: | Norco Sasquatch, Avid 203mm disc front, XTR Vees rear, Bomber Z5 | | Bottom Line: | Great if you have a back pack with a hydration pack pocket in it. Easy to fill up with ice. Careful when you put it down that the mouthpiece doesn't fall in sand or dirt. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dump | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | MEC | | Strengths: | ????
oh ya, food grade plastic | | Weaknesses: | plastic bladder cracks with use and then leakes like a sive
poor bite valve | | Similar Products Used: | MSR Dromedary bladder and bite valve
Camelbak | | Bike Setup: | who cares | | Bottom Line: | This bladder is the weak spot literally. Get an MSR and you will be set for life. The Platypus is a defective product in my estimation. Shouldn't be on the market. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
phishin
a Cross Country Rider
from Tulsa, OK
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Turkey Mtn Area | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Decent Bag, Plenty of cargo space, price. | | Weaknesses: | Bladder is crap, mouthpiece coud have better flow. | | Similar Products Used: | Camelbak Aerobak, Calssic | | Bike Setup: | 97 Jamis Dakar w/ all the goodies | | Bottom Line: | This thing has a decent bag and I can carry a tube, pump, multitool, patchkit, chainbreaker, links, jersey, food and still have room for more.
The first thing I did with this product was replace the mouthpiece with a camelbak one so I could actually get a big gulp of water.
Just last week My bladder developed a leak. Replaced it with a 100oz camelbak bladder and life is good.
I guess the bottom line is that platypus makes a great backpack for riding but they cant make a hydration pak for $hit. In the end youll spend as much as a camelbak so you might as well go out and buy one in the first place. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Logan
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasadena,Ca. USA
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Schultz Cr. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Easy to take in or out of pack when full, easy to fill. | | Weaknesses: | Bladder won,t close. | | Similar Products Used: | Camelback | | Bike Setup: | Just fine | | Bottom Line: | I was impressed with a 70 oz. pack I had won so I bought a100 oz. pack. They are great if used infrequently but if used a lot are worthless.One leaked from a hole in bladder and both (after one replacement) are impossible to close after 6 mo. moderate use. I have gone back to the camel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cjm
a Cross Country Rider
from Glendale, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Easy to put ice in it. | | Weaknesses: | Leaks. | | Similar Products Used: | Blackburn, Gregory, Camelback | | Bike Setup: | Two wheels. | | Bottom Line: | I initially thought the Platypus bladder design was the best thing since slice bread, but the it leaked.
The first time that it leaked (inside my sportsbag) my Tumi leather wallet got wet. The second time that it leaked (inside my sportsbag) my Motorola StarTAC got wet. In one case, the leather seats of my car got wet too.
Perhaps the only safe way to transport the platypus bladder is outside the car, hanging from the bike rack.
I have a problem with the marketing folks at Platypus who claim the P.O.S. is super strong and doesn't leak. If Platypus would at least tell you proper handling procedure for their P.O.S., then inocent people would not have consequential losses. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Ling
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Breckenridge, CO | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Easy cleaning | | Weaknesses: | Leak at bite valve | | Similar Products Used: | Camelback | | Bike Setup: | Road and Mountain | | Bottom Line: | I will always use the Platypus bladder in any pack. So easy to clean. My tips:
1. To close, fill with ice first then close and fill with water from the screwcap opening. You will break a finger if you fill and then try to "ziploc it"
2. To dry bladder, open mouth and stick the bottom of a drinking glass. Stand glass upright.
3. To dry hose, take the bite valve off.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson
Date Reviewed: September 4, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
bag is well constructed, rugged and useful | | Weaknesses: |
Bladder leaks, leaks, leaks. It's hard to close. Had to replace bite valve. | | Similar Products Used: |
Blackburn | | Bike Setup: |
Mongoose NX8.1 duallie with Judy XC | | Bottom Line: | Split rating. The bag is well made and durable. The construction is great and the shoulder straps are comfy. Holds a lot of stuff. Bummers...
I had to make a sternum strap with nylon and buckles bought at a hiking store. The pack should have a sternum strap and a pump sleeve. The bite valve leaked badly, but I was able to replace it with a Blackburn model. The hard plastic bladder has gotten numerous tiny leaks which are a major source of irritation. The Ziploc type closure is so hard to work that I don't use it, instead I unscrew the cap on the bottom and fill it that way. The best way to go is buy a Platypus and then install a less frustrating bladder from another company. I hate the bladder. 3 flaming piles for the well made bag, they lose two for the awful bladder. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Barton, Kelly, Forrest Ridge | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
ZipLoc, Taste (or lack of taste) easy cleaning | | Weaknesses: |
Valve, outside diameter size is larger than most accessories. | | Similar Products Used: |
CamelBak bladder | | Bike Setup: |
I use the Hoser3 (100oz/3ltr) bladder (resevoir) in my CamelBak mule | | Bottom Line: | The valve does occasionally leak. I'm going to get a male-male plastic coupler so I can use the CamelMak big bite valve with the Hoser3 tubing. (the outside diameters of the 2 are not compatible) Haven't had any leaks yet on the bladder yet. I fill it 1/3 with spring water the night before, then add spring water the day of the ride. By the end of the ride, there is still a little water and a little chunk of ice keeping it cool. I wash with hot water/soap, and run a couple of tablespoons of baking doda in it. The difference in taste is night and day, compared to the CamelBak bladder. I still love my CamelBak Mule carrier-pack, but will keep the Platypus resevoir. Big, big difference. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cdale
a Cross-Country Rider
from Stuckton, CA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Darrington | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Easy to fill w/ water, ice, etc. You can reach in w/ a sponge and wash it out. Easier to put into the backpacks due to stiffness. No taste. Pretty clear color. | | Weaknesses: |
Hard to close ziplock top- starts to leak at folds. | | Similar Products Used: |
Camelcrak bladders. | | Bottom Line: | I've got to agree w/ most of the posts here- they leak after being used for a while. Yeah- isn't it lovely putting on a wet pack in the winter!? Top is hard to close if you are tired, or have weak hands. Two flaming horses (only being nice cuz they work great until they start leaking).PS. Keep your bladders in the fridge for mold-free drinkage! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
Taste | | Weaknesses: |
Disposable bladders. | | Bottom Line: | Of the riders in my group all have had to replace the bladder within 1 month. After 5 bladders, they have switch to camelbak bladders. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dickson
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mt Tamp-Eldridge Grade | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Big mouth-gets ice in, easy to clean. Does not add plastic strange taste to water. | | Weaknesses: |
Zip lock is difficult to close, nearly usely tube-to-strap clip. | | Similar Products Used: |
Ultimate | | Bottom Line: | I bought the system of the wide mouth. Also like the the life-time warranty. I called the tech support about the difficulty to close the zip top and they asked me to try vaseline, and offered to replace the one I have if that didn't work. Like someone on this forum, I replaced the bite valve with a Blackburn for better flow. Drinking-tube-to-shoulder-strap clip is lame. It will come off the shoulder strap with the lightest of yank. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimbeau
a Cross-Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Squaw Valley | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
VERRRRY easy to clean; no plastic taste; screw on tube | | Weaknesses: |
Valve; cleaning the tube | | Similar Products Used: |
CamelBak; Blackburn | | Bike Setup: |
Replaced both Blackburn and CamelBak bladders | | Bottom Line: | I have no leakage problems at all. As long as you ensure the zipper is closed and the tube is attached securely, you'll have no problems with leaks. It's an excellent product. It's much, much easier to clean than any other bladder I've used. Water tastes better -- zero plastic taste. It seems to handle being frozen better than other bladders (it's the first one where the maker actually says it's oky to freeze it). I hated the valve and replaced it with the best valve around -- Blackburn gulp. The design of the tube makes it impossible to run a tube cleaning device through the end that attaches to the bladder. I freeze mine, so there's little concern. This is my 4th and favorite bladder. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ottawa, ON
Date Reviewed: April 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
The big zip opening is a great idea, it makes cleaning and adding ice very easy. | | Weaknesses: |
I have only used it two months and it has already sprung a leak at a fold line. The hard plastic should not have been used. | | Bike Setup: |
I used the bladder in my regular backpack's outside pocket. | | Bottom Line: | I do not recommend this product to anyone. If it leaks it is useless. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dean
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Zip lock opening, no plastic taste | | Bottom Line: | I have had this product for over a year now and have had no problems with leakage. However, I can see where leaks may occur at the areas where the plastic folds. A friend of mine has one that sprung a leak. He patched it with a glueless patch and has had no further leakage. I would buy another of these if it started leaking just because I do not like tasting plastic when I drink. The zip lock opening allows for ease of cleaning and adding ice cubes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
koala
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lake O., OR
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Powell Butte | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | Platty has had some problems in the past. The plastic did puncture and the bite valves were pretty sad. They've upped their plastics and changed the valves (as described before). As far as I'm concerned, these are the best. I use the 1/2 Liter, the 1 liter, and the 2 liter. As far as the bag goes, I don't use them. I just stik em in my timbuk2 bag which works great. before, i'd give em 2 stars but now, definately 5. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I use various combinations of the 1L and 2L Platypus bladders in various packs for both biking and running. They are excellent. An earlier model of bite valve LEAKED annoyingly after a couple of uses, but the newer ones are leak-free and quite free flowing. The newer bite valves fit *inside* the drink tube with a ridged insert, where the old ones fitted outside the drink tube. Platypus customer service (consumer@cascadedesigns.com) were superb and sent free replacements very promptly.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a weekend warrior
from Newbury Park, CA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got the Ironman Triathlon with the Platypus 2 L inside. I love the idea and prise but I am now on my 2nd one. I had to return the first because of leaks and now the 2nd is getting the same thing. Using rigid plastic is a bad idea. Every place the darn thing folds is getting a leak.. Also the bite valve leaks. Needless to say I'm not very happy with the product.. I wrote them a letter but have not seen any response.
If anyone knows where to get replacement bags online without the tube and valve PLEASE email me!!
Thanks,
Eric
ecellis@earthlink.net | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Dingley
a weekend warrior
from Bristol, UK
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I make all my own bags, so the cheap Platypus bladder-only package was a good way for me to buy the innards of a home-made hydration system in a bum bag.The bite valve is junk (now replaced). The bladder opening is very small; a problem with ice, OK otherwise. It _was_ cheap, so I'll give it two blobs as a good way for people to find out if they like backpack-mounted drinking. It's not something I'd recommend if you already know you really want to buy a hydration system.
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Submitted by
Mike
a cross-country rider
from ND
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ok I own one of these. And the bite value seems to leak. Don't know why. It shouldn't do that. I can't understand it. So I have emailed them and we will see how they handle my reaction to there product. I hope they take care of me.
I really like this product. But why does it leak. I've only had for about two months. Good luck to you and your Platypus. I hope they can take care of me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rev. Randy Bard
a cross-country rider
from North Texas
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
While I do not have the system, I did purchase a platapus blatter, and the bite valve leaks constantly. The openig is very hard to get ice into (a must on theose 100F day rides) and the blatter itself is rather stuff. I did not purchase the one with the ziplock style opening, but the screw-on opening is VERY small. It was inexpensive, but it is also very cheap! I would not recomend buying this particular product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Davanzo
a cross-country rider
from Manchester - UK
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm using Platypus bladders in other bags, so I can't say about the rucksac. Also my bladders (2L and 2 X 1L) don't have the zip ends so I don't know about those either. What I do know is that both 1L pouchs have small leaks, after about a month. The staff at the shop I bought the platypus repair patches seemed surprised I'd punctured it, but I've heard of several such incidents. These are not strong bladders. The non-zipper versions are also a pig to clean (very small opening), and get mouldy very fast. Finally the mouthpiece drips badly when the bag is full.
On the plus side the system is cheap. I've got 3 bladders, a hose and the patch kit for less than the price of a single 2l camelbak bladder! Also the variety of different sized and shaped bags allows you to be more versatile than a camelback can. I use the 1l bags in a bumbag (1 in a small bag or both in a large one), or the 2l in a rucksac. If I'm carring several bags I have to stop to change the hose over, but that's a minor point.
Score then
Value 3
Versatility 4
Durablity -5
Overall 2 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Lentz
a weekend warrior
from New Castle, DE
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased one of these units about a month ago. I first began experiencing leaks about two weeks into ownership, mostly though the upper zip-loc closing. Now, I pretty much count on my back getting wet and the contents getting soaked. My fried just got a Trek H20 Suspension unit which has much, much more storage space, a more workable bladder, and a unique suspension system to keep the pack slightly off your back. At $59.95 I will definitely be picking one up. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a cross-country rider
from Madison, WI
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Platypus advertises that their bladders are indestructable. This is not the case. I have had one for about 2 months, and it has already sprung a leak. It also developed mold far more quickly than a previous hydration system that I had. It does NOT fit well in most hydration systems either, as advertised. basically, it is a great idea to have the open zipper thingy at the top, but for the bladder to wear out and have a hole in it after only two months of use is inexcusable. Back to the drawing board please! | | Overall Rating: |
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