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Imported.
Item 767105
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 15 customers
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Comments about Platypus Big Zip SL 2.0L Reservoir - 70 oz.:
One of the reasons that I purchased this product was due to its advertised weight of 4 ounces - otherwise, if it were heavier, I would have simply used another brand. [After all, 4 ounces is a quarter-pound. ;)]
Even though REI lists the weight as "Average Weight," the manufacturer of this product insists on the packaging that it weighs 4 ounces. And I have good reason to believe that this isn't one of those "average weight" matters.
The bladder, hose, bite valve (indeed all the components required for proper use) should weigh 4 ounces as advertised. It actually weighs 5.55 ounces. That is significantly inaccurate. I was displeased when I weighed it and discovered it to be an ounce and a half heavier than advertised. I think that's about 28% off the mark.
[Note: The hose clip can be removed to reduce the weight by 0.2 oz. The blue-slider closure at the top must also be removed for the weight to be accurate (4 ounces) -- though this is not mentioned anywhere on the packaging (...) and would significantly deminish the product's efficiency/integrity.]
I will, however, recommend the Platypus Big Zip SL based upon its features/functionality, but not without warning (for those it may concern) regarding the inaccuracy of the weight.
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Comments about Platypus Big Zip SL 2.0L Reservoir - 70 oz.:
I had a hard time deciding between Platypus and Camelbak. I went with Platypus because it was cheaper then a similar sized Camelbak bladder. This is a great bladder; the huge opening is easy to fill/add ice, the quick release on the tube is very handy, and the addition of a shut-off valve into the tube is wonderful.
The construction of the bladder seems to be top quality. And no plastic taste at all.
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Comments about Platypus Big Zip SL 2.0L Reservoir - 70 oz.:
I've been through several water reservoirs the past few years and haven't come across a decent, reliable one with the features I wanted. Finally found the Big Zip and couldn't be happier! If you're questioning the zip closure, there's no need to worry, even without the "Zipper" on, this thing will hold liquid in all directions. Works PERFECTLY using the supplied adapter of my Katadyn Hiker filter; detach the drink tube, snap the filter hose in, and pump away, no need to re-route the hose as it detaches from the bladder.
Easy to clean, easy to use, worry free... Excellent product!
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Comments about Platypus Big Zip SL 2.0L Reservoir - 70 oz.:
I love my platypus! The wide mouth makes it easy to refill, easy to clean, and easy to dry. I had no problems with any of the connections, leakage, or the easy to use mouth piece. The water tasted fresh when I used it and only developed a plastic taste when I mistakenly left water in there for 3 days. I also like the little clip attached to the hose so that I could clip the hose down and not have it swinging around while hiking.
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Comments about Platypus Big Zip SL 2.0L Reservoir - 70 oz.:
This product has several features that I appreciate. The large opening, for one, and the quick disconnect for the hose is another; my Katadyn water filter plugs right in, making refills at the stream a breeze.
Alas, is has a nasty plastic taste that I was unable to eliminate, guess Cascade Designs needs to do a better job of screening their "new materials" :-P.
I returned this product to REI, in exchange for one of the MSR Cloudliner reservoirs.
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Comments about Platypus Big Zip SL 2.0L Reservoir - 70 oz.:
I purchased this bladder first for my Osprey Stratos 24 and later to use in my Aether 60 pack. I ultimately will be returning this as it's a poor fit for either due to the way it inflates.
I say beware based on your pack because this may fit for some but I would not suggest it for Osprey packs and would instead get the Osprey/Nalgene branded one. This is only a 2L bladder and when used in the Stratos 24 pack (with its arched back to allow ventilation) the bladder literally fills much of the center of the compartment and requires me to fill my gear in the sides. I tacked that up to the Osprey design for that one.
However, my Aether 60 has a reasonably flat back and still has much of the same problem getting this bladder into place. It's near impossible to put it in without unloading the center of the pack and even then, the bladder protrudes over 4" into the pack.
So for my needs, I purchased the Osprey branded bladders that are wider and do not intrude into my pack space so much (even though it's a full liter larger). I can also easily load those into a loaded pack due to the reinforced design - yeah, a bit more weight but worth the convenience.
The Platypus also had a plasticy taste that irritated me and it was severely worse once the contents warmed up. I usually put a tiny bit of gatorade in my bladder anyway so this was not a major concern for me but the two times I was caught without any more drink mix, it was pretty gnarly.
After using the Osprey bladder, I've also decided I hate the bite valve on these. They only work at one angle (well, 2 if you 180 it) whereas the Osprey bite valve works at any angle due to its round design.
So I give this three stars because it's a generally good design and very lightweight without sacrificing much quality. I can't attribute the fit problems 100% to Platypus as I've never used this on anything but an Osprey pack and it could be partly due to their design. If the bladder was designed to be wider and not inflate so that the depth at the bottom matched the width, it would be a real winner.
My "no" recommendation stems from the fact i feel that there are better options out there.
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Comments about Platypus Big Zip SL 2.0L Reservoir - 70 oz.:
Was very pleased with this product. I needed a hydration bladder for my pack and didn't want the "flavored" water you get with the camel bak. This is the perfect product the big zip makes it super easy to fill and does not leak. The detachable hose which for me was a luxury at first has become a must have not needing to take the hose out with it cuts refilling time in half. No funny taste at all and no problem with mold growth either. Love the locking bite valve and love the flow of this so smooth. Easy to clean just unzip wash out and use the blue "zipper" to hold the bag open while drying. All around a great buy[...]
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Comments about Platypus Big Zip SL 2.0L Reservoir - 70 oz.:
My old hydro pack developed mold so I needed a replacement before my Mt. Whitney hike this year. I picked this bag due to its wide opening up top. The wide opening makes it easy to transfer water from my nalgene bottle into the Big Zip. The wide opening also makes it easy to clean and air dry with my wife's egg beating utensil. The only thing I didn't particularly like was having to bite the bite-valve just right to get the water to flow out. It wasn't a big deal, but when you're tired, it can be a bit annoying when you just want a drink. The on-off feature prevents drips, but requires two hands to undo so it is also another small step you must do when you're tired. The clip is a nice feature to keep the tube from swinging wildly and keeps it near your mouth for easy access. The product appears to be well-made and it looks like it will serve me well for many years to come. I would recommend it to all backpackers, but if you're cycling, I wouldn't recommend it because of the on-off switch that must be manipulated.
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Comments about Platypus Big Zip SL 2.0L Reservoir - 70 oz.:
Heads up. I emailed REI to confirm I should buy the bite cover for this item. They confirmed. So I bought one. The problem is the cover doesn't fit this model. I plan on returning it. The Big Zip is well designed.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Platypus Big Zip SL 2.0L Reservoir - 70 oz.:
Best feature of this hydration bladder is the fill opening. It's easy to fill and easy to dry out.
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