 After about 6 years of use my platypus has started leaking so I'm looking to replace it. So I think you can guess the rest-which hydration system should I get to replace it?
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 Back in April I replaced my 2 litre Platy with a 2 litre Source Widepac because I'd bought a new daypack which required the hydration unit to be hung up - something I couldn't do with the Platy. I was attached to the Platy, but since buying the Widepac the Platy hasn't been out to play at all. I found the Source unit had a better taste, the bite valve was much better, and includes a little plastic cover so you don't have to worry about getting mud or sheep poo on it, and the drinking hose detaches so you can refill without having to pull the hose out and then rethread it. No problems with leaks thus far. It's probably easier to keep clean too. However, cleaning is where I ran into problems. I have a couple of Source 1 litre water containers too and with them and the Platy I was used to cleaning them quickly with a rinse out with just-off-the-boil water. You can't do that with the Widepac - they melt. Anyway, I bought another because I liked it so much, and Source have just sent me a replacement for the one that melted after I emailed them suggesting they might indicate on the Widepac packaging that it can't take boiling water. That suggests to me that their customer services are pretty good too, since I didn't blame them at all for the melt-down.
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 lol kate. i managed to melt my first source bladder too. you live and learn. they are good bladders.
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What about the Camelback bottles?
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Ian, I'd second Kate's recomendation for the Source kit. I've found it to be the best of the three i've used. 1. Platy leaked at the thread and had a slight taste. 2. Cameback unbottle tasted foul no matter how many times I cleaned it!! 3. Source easy to clean, doesn't taste and so far hasn't leaked!
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I will have a look at the source ones then!
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How does the one on the right fill up/seal shut?
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The top of the plastic bit folds over, then you slide the orange handle thing onto it. To fill, just slide off orange handle thing, unfold top and hold under tap. Because the whole of the top opens, it's very easy. The first time, I did shake it upside-down, and it doesn't leak!
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kate, i'm having a dim moment again. where did you get your bladder from with the detachable hose. i've been looking for one like that. the detachable hose was only on their military range which you can't seem to get in the uk.
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Oh, Parky love, I hope it's just a 'dim' moment and not a senior one  I got my first in Capel (can't remember the name of the shop - it's the one with the cafe in it), the second came from Up and Under in Cardiff. Because the first bag melted, I now have 2 bags and 3 hoses, which may be useful if anyone ever kills their hose and wants a freebie. I only bought the first back in April or so, perhaps it's a new development? Incidentally, the Up & Under website points out that the wide opening means you can stuff ice-cubes in easily.
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thanks kate. it was the non detachable hose that made me give up using a bladder as i found it a pain threading the hose in and out. (sounds like a carry on film)
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I presume the one with the big opening is easier to clean, can't think of many other benefits and to be honest I have never had any mould in my playpus!
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oooh, Matron! Obviously that's a reply to Parky, not a comment about Ian's hygienic Platy
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| Edited: 03/08/08 16:17 |
