Easy to clean and dry. Once the zip lock is closed securely, it does not leak. Ice can easily be added to the large opening.

It costs a little more than a generic hydration bladder, and adds cost if you switch out a still-functioning bladder to make the upgrade, but it's well worth it.

I previously had a 2L CamelBak that I bought primarily for mountain biking, but I had come to use it for hiking as well when I realized how much lighter water feels when the weight is distributed by a hydration pack.

I loved having the pack when I was using it, but I didn't always take it with me because I dreaded the process of cleaning and drying it, and it was rarely ready to head out the door when I was.

Cleaning and prep are no longer an issue now that I have the Big Zip. It stays fresh just as long as the CamelBak, but when it's time to switch out the contents and/or clean, the Big Zip is quick and easy-easier than a water bottle and far easier than a limited access hydration pack.

With the ziplock running across the whole top, it couldn't be easier to clean and refill.

The ziplock is very sturdy, and after an initial break-in period of 1-3 closings, it's very easy to lock and unlock.

The only minor improvement I would suggest is some type of grommet or line attached to the top of the Big Zip so that it can be secured in place in a pack. Most packs come "hydration combatable" now and provide some type of tie-downs to hold the hydration pack in place within the larger pack, but with the clean straight edge on the Big Zip, it's hard to get a grip on it to tie-in to the pack.

I would definitely recommend the Big Zip for anyone who wants to carry hydration with ease for the short or long haul.

This bladder has been great. No issues with the zipper, it actually makes it really easy to fill, clean and dry. Sometimes it takes 2 tries to get it to seal, but I have yet to have the zipper fail.

My first experience with one of these systems. The main reservoir seemed very durable and never leaked at all during its maiden trek in Glacier National Park backcountry. The bite valve did leak a little at the start of the trip, but I think it resolved itself somehow... likely user error. We had the 2 liter model and it did the job.

The mouth piece leaks a little, and the locking system is a little sticky and is hard to open and close. The bladder doesn't leak and it fits well in the top of my bag. All and all the system is light weight and works well.

The zip mouth means you don't have to take the reservoir out all the time to refill or to dry it. As to the tendency of the mouth piece to leak, it has an off position. But I find the simplist solution is simply to blow some air back into the tube after you've finished drinking. Solves the "warm" first gulp as well.

The light-weight and innovative design takes a little getting used to. The bite valve can fall out pretty easily, but the bladder is slightly amazing. More durable than you'd think, and easier than a Camelbak. But I'd only recommend it for warm weather.

While the Platypus Big Zip may not look as polished as the Camelbak products, it's superior in one big way: clean up. I regularly use Gookinaid Hydralite powder in my hydration bag and the large zip opening makes cleaning so much easier. The zip opening is very tough and much thicker than I had expected - it definitely won't leak! The bag itself is a stiffer plastic than what is used by Camelbak, but it holds up well.

I was initially skeptical of a hydration bladder that closed like a plastic baggie, but I got this based on my fondness for platypus water bottles. I'm convinced. The closure is very secure and hasn't leaked on me yet. The bite valve works well, and flow is good. The zip opening allows easy filling/drink mixing/ice cube adding and easy cleanup and drying. The 3L fits perfectly in the hydration sleeve of my Patagonia Endurance pack. This is a great hydration bladder to add to a pack.

I was worried the zip loc would leak, but it's been great and the large opening helps with cleaning and drying. the mouth piece was fine and didn't leak at all and the lock system worked perfectly

I decided to try this because I was tired of how tight the twist lids on my other reservoir would get. This does resolve that issue but I have had issues with not getting the zips to match up. I do like that I haven't had any awful taste issues.

I'm new to hydration systems so after much research, I opted to go with the Platypus 2 Liter. I was a little nervous about the ziplock top because I couldn't imagine it would stay closed with the pressure that is exerted from being inside the pack. I filled it and it immediately began to leak at the ziplock top. I figured I must not have closed it well so I laid it down and used a hard object to seal it shut. I picked it up and sure enough...same problem. Perhaps I just got a poorly molded seal? In any event, I realized that I had purchased a hydration pack many years ago and now I use that instead. It has served me well. Anyways...I'm not sure I'm a big fan of the design.

Works really well, but it tastes like plastic. We still need to flush it and see if that helps.

I got this bladder before my trip to Moab over Labor Day (where it hovered at 100 degrees). I replaced my very old Camelbak bladder with this one and was disappointed that I didn't replace it years ago! I really really liked the mouth piece on this. I am so used to biting really hard and sucking to get water. This one is a very gentle squeeze and it easily flows in your mouth. It has a clearly well made tube and construction and the best part is the zip closer on the bladder. I was scared that I wouldn't be able to close it all the way with the zip but it was super easy to open and close yet stayed closed very well. It was so easy to throw ice in and clean out at the end of the day. I also really liked the "cone" shape of the bladder, it fits in my pack much easier. When I first got it, I wasn't sure about it as the material is sort of stiff, but after a few minutes of filling it up, you realize this thing is going to last a while. Love this thing!

Overpriced bag and hose. Wal-marts sells a better bag for just $10.