Worth It - Easiest to Clean and Refill

By EmilyinBoston Ranked #579 - Water Reservoirs March 9, 2007

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.

View Details: Platypus Big Zip II Hydration System

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes