I've been a hiker for a while now and have always used a simple Nalgene bottle, but finally gave in and purchased this 3L Platypus reservoir to go in a reservoir compatible day pack I already owned.
My first issue was that the sleeve in the day pack was too small for this enormous water bladder. Once I got it situated in my pack and routed the hose I was all set. The advantage of course is that when I want a drink I don't have to try and contort myself to reach for a side pocket and the Nalg...ene bottle, I can just pop the hose into my mouth and bite down to get a drink.
Now on to reviewing the actual reservoir.
The Hoser is a lot like all the other water bladders on the market, it has a large size bladder, is made of BPA free plastic, and does not impart a taste to the water you've stored in it. I like the larger size of the Hoser which at 3.0 L is one of the larger ones. It does make things difficult when getting it into your pack but the nice part is that I only have to fill it once, and maybe carry a single Nalgene bottle as a spare depending on the hike distance and environment.
There were only two issues that I've run into with this bladder. The first being when you fill it up. The opening for filling the bladder is a bit small (about the size of a plastic water bottle cap) which makes it difficult to completely fill the reservoir. And cleaning and drying the unit is also affected by this same issue.
Once you are done using the bladder and are ready to clean it and put it away you have to contend with the same small opening. It can take days for me to completely dry out the bladder so I can put it away. I have tried coming up with different tools to prop open the bladder but inevitably there is always a bit of moisture still inside that stubbornly doesn't want to evaporate.
Most recently I decided to try freezing the empty bladder and leaving it in the freezer until I need it next. We'll see how that works when I go on my next hike.
On the plus side of this bladder, I like the design of the bite valve. It takes getting used to as you have to bite down just right to get the water to flow, but I have never had an issue with leakage. Also, I've hiked with several friends who have competitors products and at least once a hike someone has a problem where their reservoir leaks in their pack. I have never had an issue with the screw on filler cap leaked. I have seen on some of the competitor models with the larger opening that they don't always seal as well.
This unit has a small 'loop' at the top which you can use to clip the bladder into a pack and there is a metal clip on the hose so you can position the bite valve for easy access.
There are also a variety of accessories offered by Platypus such as an insulating sleeve for the hose. I have found once or twice that if left unprotected on a cold weather hike the hose can freeze up and then the bladder is useless.
All in all this is a great product if you are planning on doing long hikes where there is a limited supply of fresh water.
I am an avid trail runner and because of that, I have tried many different hydration systems to find which works best for me. Platypus I found was the best yet, it feels thinner inside my pack and sits well against my back, I don't even know its there. You also do not have the annoying rubber taste that some hoses have, making the water taste much better.
It is also very durable in its design, during races I have to quickly open and close the bladder to refill it multiple times during the rac...e, and the wear and tear I have put on mine is quite significant, but it has held up better than any of my other bladders.
I would highly recommend this product
Platypus Hoser Hydration Bladder The Platypus Hoser Hydration Bladder is one of the most versatile product among all. This latest product features greater durability with its modular design. It also flaunts a new hang loop and also surprises you with a taste-free tube. Its Slime Guard anti-microbial treatment ensures that the water stays free from microbes and bacteria and also keeps the water fresh. It converts any existing pack into hands-free hydration system as it fits into any pack, or used on its own around camp for drinking and cooking. The Hyper Flow bite valve offers the highest flow rate in the market. It comes in 1 L, 1.8 L, 2 L and 3 L capacity and the ultra light weight makes it suitable for any traveler. The Platypus Hoser Hydration Bladder is great for clean water.
This product can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.
lux m
You state the length and width but I need to know how Thick it is when full?
BRADFORD K
When full approx 3-4 inches thick. Fits in both my packs,never leaks,great product
DIANNE H
Is this a 2L bladder? I just bought my husband a Columbia mobex backpack and I think a 3L might be too big for the space allotted. Are you happy with it? We're are "newbies" to this equipment and I want to make a good choice. Thanks for your input!
ADAM L
Yes, I am very pleased with my purchase! I have had it for a couple of years now and it has been very durable. Before this one, I owned a couple of MSR-branded bladders that all ended up getting leaks in them. As for your question, all of the Platypus bladders are true to size. If you are concerned with it fitting, you could perhaps go to an REI and see if the size of the bladder relative to your pack is acceptable.
BRANDON C
The Platypus in the link is a 1L bladder. I actually now prefer a bladder with a little more protection around the reservoir as they are more resistant to punctures. It would be worth the extra money for you in the long run. Perhaps the Platypus Insulator Hydration Pack? If the Columbia Mobex pack has a separate compartment for the bladder this may not be an issue for you, but as you pack items in you would have to be careful not to cause any holes.
REMI D
I have been using camelbac system since 1996 - the year they came out and after trying the platypus for 5 minutes I'm going back. Everything is worse, mouthpiece, hose, bladder. The worst is that if it's not in the right position you can't get all the water out. Returning mine.
EMILY R
It's actually 1.8L, which I like. The nice part about it is that the place where the hose attaches is the same size as a regular soda bottle so you can cap off the bladder really easily before you want to attach the hose. The bladder takes some time to dry, but I've found that it's better than the softer bladder that don't have as much structure to them. Hope this helps~
DIANNE H
Emily:
This was extremely helpful--especially the part about the hose attachment. Thanks so much for your quick response to my question--happy hiking! :)
MICHAEL M
they come in 1.0, 1.8, 2.0 and 3.0 liters (the 3.0 liter is on sale)
I have the 2.0 liter Hoser (and lots of other Platypus bottles)- the quality is top notch and they are lighter than most other equivalent sized bladders (or bottles). no complaints w/ mine at all
as far as the 3.0 liter fitting the Mobex, you could always call Columbia
DIANNE H
Thanks, Michael! From what I gathered about the customer reviews of the backpack, the 2-liter size is the way to go, so that's what I'll order. I really appreciate your prompt response--happy hiking! :)
Shopper
Why Did You Choose This?
THOMAS O
I have owned this item for 15 years, but had to replace it because an animal chewed on it. Great product, unless they have changed it! Simple, very little can go wrong with it. Ultralight!
LAURA M
Preparing for trip to AZ & Grand Canyon. Wanted to make sure I was prepared.
NICHOLAS F
Lightest bladder.
LILIAN R
The backpacker's drinking container of choice: lightweight (lighter than Camelbak), BPA-free (seemingly the best we can expect of plastic), durable (not easily punctured/given to leaking, can be filled to the gills and withstand pressure from other objects in the pack). Best of all: being kept inside the pack's hydration sleeve, drinking water stays cool in the Hoser.
randy n
Great brand!...I am a big...huge...ebay shopper and this was by far the cheapest I could find! Amazon does not hold a candle to this company! I have them as a favorite .....I will check here before ebay or Amazone! Outstanding!!!