Platypus Big Zip EVO 2.0L

Product Information

While water reservoirs themselves rarely cause leakages, the joints at points such as the mouthpiece/tube and tube/water reservoir are more common to leak. Therefore, hydration system’s durability greatly depends on the quality of these joints. It’s a great benefit if the hydration system has a detachable tube and mouthpiece as this allows you to change the worn-out or damaged part instead of replacing the whole product. In this review we only listed high-quality products which provide great durability and are equipped with detachable tubes. Closure Type:

This is a burly and reliable option has an awesome flow rate and convenient features, but long-term testing isn't favoring the zip closure Our Best Buy winner, the Platypus Hoser, has been hit by the recent inflation trend. While this bladder used to be a solid deal offered at a low price, recent price increases have narrowed the price range between this model and many other top options. During our next product update, we will reassess our award winners to discern whether a better value option is available. The Widepac Hydration Bladder features a glass-like liner that helps prevent bacterial growth and biofilm buildup. If you forget to empty the reservoir, water can sit in it for a few days without the bladder getting funky. Its simple design makes it one of the most durable bladders on the market.For an ostensibly simple piece of kit, the best hydration bladder can be a very good friend when you’re out on the trails – keeping you in good shape as you enjoy whatever adventure you’re experiencing. After all, one of our main hydration tips is to drink often. A hydration bladder allows you to do just this. It’s important to empty and dry your reservoir when it’s not in use. Some have handy hang loops that make drying easier. To dry out your reservoir, blow air into the mouthpiece to empty the tube of water, then hang the bladder upside down with the tube inside to prop the reservoir open. Since you can fill your bladder just partway, getting a 3 L version is a more cost-effective choice. Larger bladders are usually more versatile as well. Bladder Hole Opening Advantages of a hydration bladder are the ability to store large capacities of water, or any other runners' drink, and have it readily accessible thanks to the drinking tube. This allows you to sup a little, often, which is the best approach when hiking. Should I get a 2L or a 3L hydration bladder?

A 3-liter bladder when full will weigh 3kg, so it's a lot of additional weight to take onto the trails. A larger bladder like this is useful if you're on a wild camping expedition or you're carrying water for yourself and others, such as the kids, for example. Also, if you know there won't be many opportunities to refill, then 3L will give you a little peace of mind. Platypus’s premium reservoir has loads of features that make filling it, drinking out of it and also cleaning and drying it user-friendly. The newest Big Zip EVO has twice the flow rate of past hydration reservoirs. The plastic slide that seals the reservoir goes on from either side and doesn’t leak and a handle on the front of the reservoir provides a dry place to grip when filling. Silver ions embedded in the polyurethane reservoir kill mold and bacteria before they can grow, keeping the reservoir taste-free. Regarding filling options, the source Tactical WXP water bladder is one of the most versatile hydration bladders. It comes with a screw-top option and a flip-top opening. This model is great for both once-a-year hikers and avid outdoor enthusiasts. The bite valve is super easy to unclip. WXP hoses are easy to detach, and they are compatible with other brands. The Nathan 1.6L Insulated Hydration Bladder has a high flow bite valve (Image credit: Nathan) Factors to consider All hydration systems in this review use bite valves which offer the most hassle-free access to water – by applying pressure on the mouthpiece the valve gets opened and the water is ready for drinking. The other popular type of mouthpiece is the push/pull valve which is slightly more difficult to use as it requires that you close the valve (with hands or teeth) after drinking. As we know that bite valves are easier to use, we only listed hydration systems with bite valve mouthpieces. Accessories:

Value

The great thing about bladders is that most of them come with interchangeable components. For instance, you can swap your bladder’s mouthpiece with a different brand manufacturer’s mouthpiece. However, there are some exceptions. Bladders are really good if you're not good at stopping to take a drink as they are so convenient you take lots of short mouthfulls as you go which eliminates the risk of dehydration. They aren't so good if you want to use them around camp because they don't have a proper opening, The Playpus Hoser is the alternative, less convenient in use on the trail, but the bladder takes a standard cap so you can use it as your camp water container. The Crux Hydration Bladder comes with a one-of-a-kind screw cap closure. Unlike most screw-top openings, this one is quite wide. If you love CamelBak or Osprey hydration bladders, I have written a head-to-head comparison of Osprey vs CamelBak review. Additionally, while hiking with the HydraPak HydraSleeve in the desert, we loaded it up with ice-cold water. Throughout the day (our hike was six hours), the water stayed icy cold, and ice cubes were still inside after the hike. Temperatures were between 80 - 90F that day. Overall, the HydraPak HydraSleeve offers excellent insulation that'll keep your drinks cool in the summer. Some people strongly prefer drinking cold water, and if that's you, this model does it best. Ease of Care

If the opening is too narrow, you can use a cleaning tablet instead of the whole kit. They are simple to use, just follow the instructions on the label. The CamelBak reservoir cleaning tabs are a great choice. The feature is brilliant as it allows you to easily reach inside the reservoir when you want to clean it. Refilling is super easy, and the cap opens with just a slight turn. Its easy-to-use bite valve is like no other, and the hose has a wide diameter. This allows for higher water flow. On top of having many convenient features, the Crux is also quite durable. Thanks to the high-quality plastic polymer, the bladder can last for a long time.

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Hydration bladders have either a snap cap closure or a wide slide closure at the top. Both closure types allow easy refilling. However, the opening of the hydration bladder should be also wide enough to put your hand inside for easy and thorough cleaning. In this review we only listed hydration bladders that are equipped with relatively wide closures for easy cleaning. Mouthpiece: Empty the bladder out after each use. Make sure to properly air it out. Puff a few hearty breaths into the tube to blow the water out. If possible, flip the bladder inside out. Use warm water, a bit of mild soap, and a non-abrasive pad to scrub it gently. Funk-free: Embedded Silver-ion technology safeguards your clean water from mould and bacteria, ensuring a reliable and clean water source. If you forget to empty it and leave it like that for a few days, you don’t have to worry about any nasty germs smelling up your WXP. Still, it’s best to rinse it and dry it after each use. Even though it’s easy to clean by hand, the WXP is not dishwasher safe. A hydration bladder is very useful for hiking trips of all durations because it provides easy access to water and you have your hands free while you are drinking. Therefore, it allows you to take small sips of water throughout the hike which is recommended during strenuous activities because it ensures that the water gets absorbed efficiently and prevents any splashing sensation in the stomach.