Platypus Big Zip Hydration System Review

The Platypus Big Zip Hydration System is a hydration bladder with some unique and useful features. It has a quick-disconnect value to make removing the reservoir away from the pack easy, a wide mouth for ease of cleaning, and a sidelock closing mechanism.

All of this looks and sounds great on the face of it, so let’s take a closer look at the features and how it compares to other bladders on the market to help you with your decision.

Setup and Design Features

First I’ll mention that you can choose either 1.8L, 2.0L, and 3.0L sizes, this is a luxury not offered by all manufacturers and ensures there is a size to suit your needs. As far as setting up the bladder goes, there really isn’t anything to it.

The value comes away fully from the pack, this is a useful feature not included on all bladders and you may not have come across this before. This just makes it easier to clean and gives you the option to take it apart when you’re packing the bladder away.

Instead of having a round cap that unscrews like a like of bladders, you actually have a slidelock on the top to open up the bladder fully which is also a neat feature. Much like you find of ziplock bags, all you have to do is slide it to the side and you have the width of the bladder open.

So to get started, give the bladder and reservoir a clean through. Fill it through the top, make sure the reservoir is attached secure and you’re ready to go. One of the main areas of concern on less expensive models is leaks. Obviously, leaks are the last thing you want to happen when you’re out backpacking. Looking at the reviews for the Platypus and taking into account the reinforced stitching – I can’t see leaks being an issue.

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To fill the bladder just pull the slidelock to the side to open the pack up, then you can fill it under a tap or from bottled water. The benefit to having such a wide opening means it’s easy to throw some ice in there which is a lifesaver on a hot day. There is no comparison between water bottles and hydration bladders, if you haven’t made the switch yet, it’s time to. Being able to sip water as you walk, run, or ride a bike without needing to use your hand makes life a lot easier. They’re worth every penny.

Dimensions – 2.0L (6.25” x 17”, weighs 4 oz)

Comparison Information

Comparing the Platypus bladder alongside other models on the market like the Camelbak Antidote you can see a few differences. The Platypus has some unique features, such as the slidelock, and removable valve. I think these features give the Platypus the edge here. It’s a competitive market however, there are a lot of decent models available and a lot of campers go with brands they are familiar with. Platypus have a good reputation within the camping community, if you’re not familiar with them you should check out some of their gear.

Pros

• Large opening to make filling up extremely easy
• Quick and easy to clean out after each use
• Durable and strong construction, very unlikely to leak

Cons

• It’s one of the more expensive bladders on the market

Insider Tips

Some people can still taste a plastic-type of taste even after a couple of rinses after first using the Platypus. The best tip I can give you is to give this a thorough wash when you first buy it to be on the safe side.

This product is advertised as ‘taste-free’, and it’s certainly not as bad as some of the less expensive models on the market. But it’s still really annoying when you take that much-needed sip of water and it doesn’t taste fresh. So give it a try before heading out on a long trip.

Platypus Big Zip Hydration System Summary

We are almost spoiled for choice with all the bladders on the market. Budget allowing you can’t go wrong with this model. It’s reliable, durable, couldn’t be any quicker to fill and clean, and couldn’t be any easier to use. Ticks all the boxes and well-worth taking a closer look at.

Conclusion

You shouldn’t leave home without a hydration bladder if you’re camping, hiking, or doing any other outdoors activities. This Platypus Big Zip Hydration System is the perfect travel companion if you’re in the market for a bladder look no further.

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