hi all ..

just getting started in the hill walking thing again.. and looking for a water bottle of the platipus type.. only looking for about a 1 L bottle as at the moment I don't have the strength to walk any further.
but there are so many on the market.. which is the best value for money?

as normal .. looking to buy either online or in Scotland.

thanks all

Well the Platy itself works well for me :) I've also got a Camelbak but for reasons that I've now forgotten (perhaps it was taste?) I don't use that one any more. I've not used any others, so can't comment on the rest.

Good luck :)

source also make excellent bags/bladders but can be more difficult to acquire. platypus bags are good.

Still prefer Sigg bottles myself. They're indestructible, washable, don't grow black mould if you leave them without cleaning, don't leak or puncture...

I've a camelbak myself, and use a Sigg 0.6L oval bottle too. Useful to refill the hydration pack. Means I can sup from the Sigg at water stops and then refill it. The oval bottle fits easily into the rucksack without undue bulging.

As to cost. I saw Asda selling off cheap hydration sack (and backpack) for 3 quid.

Forgive my ignorance chaps, but does a platypus (or similar) go inside the rucksack or outside? I am considering buying a Berghaus C7 Pro (as long as the squeaking problem referred to elsewhere is solved)which has a bioflex system - will that interfere with the platypus?

I've tried all three (platty,camelbak and source)all the same in my opinion although i prefer the camel bite valve too the other two.

The source bite valve was like trying to suck a golf ball through a hose pipe to get the water, the platty one is ok but doesn't have the locking valve which i like as i learned once when i put my rucksac in the boot only to get it out and find it had depressed the valve and leaked all over the boot!! :-(

The i use most ,well that would be the source one, easy to fill fold and slide to lock it i only use the camelbak one with my mule sac when mountain biking.

Wiggle sell the source bladders well thats where i got mine a few years ago.

but does a platypus (or similar) go inside the rucksack or outside?

Depends on the 'sack, Peter. No doubt someone here has a C7 and can tell you. I had a Berg' Anteus, and the fitting for it was inside the rucksack with a pass-through to the shoulder strap, where you can secure it.

My new Osprey Atmos has a fitting for the hydration system within the formed back.

Most rucksacks have fitting for hydration systems. If you can, ask them to show you how it sits when you're in the shop.

Platypus now do a blue coloured tube with a locking valve, I've had no problems with it but a mate of mine had one which ironically leaked from the valve when new so had to take it back.

I have a Trekmates Flexi flask with a Platypus hose and bite valve and a Camelback 90 degree
shutoff valve.

Works for me!!

i hat a flexi flask went mouldy in no time, now i have a camelbak uno 3ltr ...think its great!

I didnt like the source valve, it didnt have as ggod a flow and also was prone to betting bunged up. The platy has a very simple bite valve, simplicity is the key. I havnt tried camel back. I'd go for platy all the time. I'd also buy a bigger 1 than 1 litre, you can only put 1 litre in it if you think thats all you'd drink, but you'll prob find you'll drink more than that especially if yhour gonna be carryin a 70 litre ruck sack