These containers last a long time. I still have my first 2L from @ least ten years ago. It still works but has since been retired from backpacking trips. Two 2L containers will hold enough water for 1 1/2 days of normal use. Empty they weigh only 1oz. & fold down to nothing. The ability to stand on their own helps while filling. I have never had one leak, anytime, anywhere even in the creases caused by repeated folding, making them extremely dependable. After repeated usage, they could possibly turn an off-yellow color which is totally normal. This has no effect on the contents. Platypus has a patch repair kit available but I've never had to use it.

When I get to camp, one of the the first things I do is get water. Out comes my Platypus 2 liter which I have had for years. My MSR Sweetwater's bottle adapter screws right on. To clean it, fill it with water and drop in a couple of Efferdent tablets.

I rigged mine up with some cord threaded through holes in the extra plastic on the top and bottom so I can use it as a handheld while running/hiking long distances. I find it is easier to use this when getting water from springs instead of trying to fill my hydration pack bladder. When I'm done with it I just roll it up and stick it in the pack.

It doesn't weigh anything, it holds your water without leaking and it collapses to nothing when you're not using it! It doesn't get any better!

Great backup water supply container but hard to drink out of and the small top is easy to loose. Weighs nothin.

Bought a Platy when they first came out, many years ago. They are great products. I have had 3 - one I lost, one had a small puncture hole, and the third I still have. I have brought it on many trips over the years, and even with all the folding, stuffing, and dropping, it's still going strong. For the money, best hiking product I have ever bought. Well, except maybe for DEET...

The only drawbacks I have encountered are losing caps (Why can't they attach them somehow?), but they are easily replaced by standard soda caps. The other drawback is that it tends to hold tastes and odors. But cleaning with baking soda and/or bleach takes care of that.

My record with the Platty is 2-0. I;ve had two bottles and they have last less then six months each. The problem is that the urethane does not stand up to repeated folding. My first bottle sprung a leak at a fold. I tryed to repair it using various methods with various degrees of failure. My second Platty I took great pain to try and not fold the bottle. Other than at full the bottle sags and pinchs and eventuly springs a leak. It's light, 22 grams, verses the 141g Sigg bottle and the 175g Nalgene. But with the reduced duriablity thye are basically a one season bottle, almost disposable, but not a disposable price point. If you want a light plastic bottle recycle an old water bottle, if you want durable outdoor performace, consider a Sigg or a Nalgene.

This is my second platy bottle. First one started to leak a little after two years' use. I expect this one will last longer because I will take better care of it - not folding it up and being careful what I pack next to it in my boot bag. Great alternative to a bulky camelbak in the winter. I just keep it inside my parka in the biggest pocket and it's plenty of water for resort skiing, where you're never too far away from a refill location.

Good durable reservoir that eliminates the need for carrying a bulky heavy nalgene or other water bottles. Can be used for a variety of things from a hydration system to a shower unit and broken down to use for a splint. Great for UL fastpacking!

At 0.6oz expecting something bullet proof is unrealistic. I buy them because they are super light. I keep an extra 2.5L one rolled up in my pack as a back up or for long hauls. I'll mention again... vinegar will erase any sport drink flavors. Dry them on top of your fridge before storage - it's warm and there will be some air movement (depending on fridge location).

I bought platy bottles when they first came out years ago. I have bought two. One developed a small puncture hole, but the other is still going strong. Have had it for many years, and it has performed admirably on dozens of trips. One 2L bag, a Nalgene for pumping, and a filter weighs under 2 lbs and can easily supply water for 2 people on an overnight trip.

For the money, one of the best things I have ever bought for hiking.

One minor opint: they should attach the caps to the bags. But a standard cap from any soda bottle will do the trick...

I just bought my second platy bottle and the new ones are made of a newer and seemingly more durable material (though I have yet to have a problem with my first one). They also have a slightly different shape with a loop near the mouth to grab on to or clip to a biner. I'm not sure if BC has mixed stock of old and new designs, but it was the 1.0L regular screw top close top.

I like to use them for extra water on long bike rides, or freeze before a camping trip to use as ice pack in the cooler and eventually for drinking water in the next day or two.

This was a great addition to our last trip Carry it rolled up with out water. It takes up no room. Then when you are at camp and need to pump in some fresh water you dont have to mess with alot of individual bottles.

Even though I purchased my platy for camping/hiking, I use it everyday. Rather than purchase all of the plastic water bottles that are so convenient, I refill my bottle every morning and just take it along with me during the day. Each night I wash it thoroughly and allow it to air dry. Periodically, I use Morton's baby sanitizer in it to keep it fresh. It has more than paid for itself since I not longer buy bottled water, and I am not adding to the landfills. It is definitely a win/win!

I used this many a time until it got a leak in it from being folded so many times. They say life time warranty but for 8 bucks I just got another one it had served me well. It can all so be fitted with a squirt top from a throwaway water bottle.

I use them everyday at work (w/ the optional insulating sleeve and sport top) and love that they can fold flat when I am done and don't make water taste like plastic. Definitely agree that they don't clean out well. The one I bought is a replacement for one I had for a year before it grew mold I couldn't get rid of. Bought a bottle brush, too, this time around so hopefully it won't happen again.

I have a 1L and a 2L. I fill up the 1L before I hit the trail and use the 2L to fill up at the last water source on the way to camp. When I'm not using the 2L, it folds up and fits anywhere in my pack. Doesn't take up the space of a nalgene and easier for multi-use (i.e. cooking) than a bladder. Also, for winter activities, there's no hose to freeze like on a bladder.

I bought three of these bottles and I love them. Now, take this review in stride because I have only used them once, but they performed wonderfully on my weekend backpacking trip. They seem very durable and just have the feel of a good product. I love that they roll up/flatten out when not in use. I definitely recommend them.

I've heard great things and I've met many people who use these but can't give a first hand review until I snag one overseas.

So far it's working out for me. I wanted something that I could put in my current back pack which holds my other hiking necessities. No need to buy the overpriced water packs out there. $20 vs a new small pack at $69 and up. I fill it up and it keeps me hydrated for 3.5 hours.

fyi to the guy who kept losing the caps.. and cap from a soda / water bottle will fit the platty top- so you can convert the standard cap to a pull out cap very easily.

Good water storage containers but difficult to dry out or clean after use.

Cheap. Lightweight. Extremely packable. Using these over water bottles will definitely shed a few ounces and I love having the different sizes. I keep a 1L in my pack's side pocket and either a 2L or 3L in my pack with a hydration tube. Very easy and convenient.

Pretty close to flawless. I was told about them and bought one many years ago (I still have it). When I moved to London in 2005, I took a couple with me. I keep buying them when I am in the states and giving them as gifts. People love love love them.

They are just so versatile: water bottle, ice pack, hot water bottle; it is virtually indestructible and rolls up so you can carry it anywhere. I agree with the drawbacks listed in the 22Aug08 review (Bondcliff or Bust).

Let's just say that you will NOT be disappointed.

this is small, compact, lightweight, and just all around great. No complaints from me. I got a set up to use it like a regular bladder. Put a piece tubing inside it and connected it to the cap and the had another tube reaching me. I can also just put the regular car back on if I want to just carry it outside of my pack so its very versatile.

Why can't all things be this simple?

These water bottles are great pieces of gear. Use them as-is or attach them to a Platypus hydration tube (essentially allowing you to carry back-up hydration bladders). So far, after 6 months of use, not a problem or leak. Highly recommended -- especially if you're sick of carrying around empty lexan or aluminum bottles that take up way more space than they're worth.