Platypus

Big Zip LP Hydration Bladder

To Much Resistance When Trying to Suck

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Would be one star, but the detachable hose, the interior baffling that keeps the bladder from overexpanding when filled and the zip top save it. The hose isn't thick enough, so it's hard to suck on when you are out of breath. There's nothing worse than getting even more out of breath when you are trying to hydrate. I bought 2 and am actually going to go to the trouble of returning the unused one. Not my first platypus, so maybe they'll fix it Edit I just read some other reviews that said the bite value will break in. It may, but that's not the problem. After about 6 seconds of drinking, before I left the house, I cut the valve open more. That didn't solve the problem, so I completely removed the bite valve and used the shut off portion only. Still has the same restrictive flow. If you have had any other brands, the hoses are slightly thicker.

If the blue tubing was change to no-taste material

Easy to use and close. Big mouth accepts ice cubes powder, etc. Horrible plastic taste (from tubing?) first mouthful or two tastes strongly of plastic. I am searching for replacement tubing. Taste is the same as old, blue Camelbak reservoirs from 20 years ago. If you can taste it you are ingesting it and is is being absorbed by the body-- no good!

Convenient & durable water bag!

This is my third Big Zip LP, and certainly won't be my last. I use the water bag in my work pack while I hike around in the Mojave Desert, and in my ski pack during the winter. The bite valve typically breaks and needs to be replaced within about 14 to 21 days of use. It would be great if the big zip came with a few replacement bite valves. Other than the valve, I can get a bag and tube setup to last for a few seasons (200 plus days of use), as long as I clean it every now and then. The large opening and easy tube detachment point are the design features that have me hooked on the Big Zip.

Platypus has terrific customer service

You can buy Platypus hydration packs with full confidence! And even if their product costs more than another, it's worth it because you essentially have a lifetime guarantee. If the bladder starts leaking, all you have to do is contact customer service and they quickly issue you a replacement product. I've had a terrific experience interacting with their staff with no hassle and had past leaky bladders replaced within a few days of contacting the company.

The Big Zip LP is the BEST!

Bought these for our Adventure Camp - Mountain Conquerors. I have been using the Big Zip for years and I LOVE IT! Easy to fill, easy to clean, and made very well! Thank you Platypus for designing wonderful gear!

Don't Buy Platypus Products

I wondered why the lower part of my day pack was consistently wet until I noticed the leak coming from the top seal of my Platypus hydration pack. This product does not seal properly which causes a continuous, slow leak. I'm really bummed that I decided to shell out more money for this hydration pack, when compared to other brands, even though it is utterly useless and nonfunctional.

Better then the competitor

Super easy to fill super easy to drink from. Best bladder I've ever owned

Functional and very easy to use.

Bought this because of simplicity of use, ease of cleaning, fit in hydration sleeve of my fishing vest, and brand reputation. Watched a few online videos as to setup and use and was out fishing the next day. In the Rocky Mt west, this will facilitate keeping a more even hydration throughout the day. Highly recommended.

The best Hydration Reservoir ever.

I love this hydration bladder. I use it with my day pack for walks with my pup, snow shoeing, hiking in the mountains and pretty much all my outdoor activities. It is so easy to fill and clean. The perfect accessory for all my outdoor adventures.

Please bring back the SL!!

After many years of durable enjoyment, my Platypus Big Zip 3L SL finally sprung a leak. I searched in vain for a replacement, but it appears that the SL model is no longer manufactured. I reluctantly purchased the Big Zip LP and am highly disappointed. To start, it does NOT fit in my pack. I purchased the SL (slim?) for a reason- its narrow shape fit exactly where I needed it to. When I backpack, it makes zero sense to bury a hydration reservoir in the designated sleeve on the inside of the pack. I would have to remove almost every item from the pack to place and remove the reservoir each time I needed to filter more water, and I would have to remove my pack and dig inside with a hand anytime I need to determine how much water I have left over. This is completely illogical. So I have always stored my bladder in one of my outside side pouches on my pack for easy access, but this LP model cannot be squeezed to fit this sort of more narrow space. Secondly, I chose the Big Zip after a lot of research because it was easy to stick my hand inside to clean and dry. With my newly received LP model, I cannot easily get my hand down to the corners to clean/ dry the pouch, and I can hang this model upside down for a week and it's still wet inside (unlike the SL). I will give this away to someone who doesn't hike often, and I am now back on the market for a brand that offers a narrow bladder that is easy to clean. I've been recommending Platypus to others for years, but cannot continue until they offer a product I can use again. Disappointed.