Which water bottle do you use?

[StumpJumper]

Looking for a little feedback on what everyone carries for hydration.

I used to use the camelbak's, but came to find that refilling those suckers mid-hike was a real pain in the rear - plus you still need another cup in camp for mixing evening cocktails. I used a Nalgene bottle for a long time, but I'm trying to trim those 6oz's.

So, has anyone had any experience with the platypus handheld bottles or something similar?

[Doctari]

Looking for a little feedback on what everyone carries for hydration.

I used to use the camelbak's, but came to find that refilling those suckers mid-hike was a real pain in the rear - plus you still need another cup in camp for mixing evening cocktails. I used a Nalgene bottle for a long time, but I'm trying to trim those 6oz's.

So, has anyone had any experience with the platypus handheld bottles or something similar?

Practically free, I use a small Gatorade bottle for in camp & mixes. I usually carry a full 2L Platty and the 20Oz Gatorade bottle. When I get to town on a long hike, I get a bottle of Gatorade & swap out. I think it weighs 1.2 Oz empty.

[JerryW]

I'm right there with Doctari. I carry a 2+ liter Platypus in my backpack and keep a 1 liter Gatorade bottle in the side pocket.

I have a 1 liter Platypus bottle, but I like the Gatorade bottle better because it holds it's shape and works better one handed where the Platy wants to flop around.

I tried to like bladders, but they work better for me when I'm on my bicycle.


Jerry

[Cranky Bear]

I carry a 2 liter platy, but empty until I get to camp, while hiking I use two plastic bottles either gatorade or powerade, and or a dasini water bottle or the like. I have one bottle that I drink from while hiking and the other since I use aquamira I fill that one up from a spring or any other water source that looks good and let the chem do it's thing as I hike that way I always know how much water I have and when to start looking to fill up. I used to use the bladder thing but I was always nervous as you can never know how much is left in there without unpacking everything to look, too much work I found for me!! For camp I use a gravity filter (Aquasimple from AHE)

[turnerminator]

2l Platypus hoser with inline purifier, 1 litre spring water bottle for flavoured water and extra camp water.

If I split a platypus, the water bottle is the same screw thread as the hose connection.

[beep]

I have a 2 liter Platypus "bladder" that I use while hiking. I carry a folded 2 liter Platypus "bottle" that I use around camp for cooking/drinking. I've dabbled with using 1 liter (Aquafina) bottles, but prefer the ease of on-the-go sipping from the bladder while hiking. For the life of me, I can't drink from a bottle while walking

[Harpo63]

These comments have me wondering if the platy bladders have improved lately? I started with platy bladders and found all the folding/bending caused the plastic to wear out prematurely. Ive since switched to camelbacks with absolutely no problems.

However, you're right, its sometimes hard to see how much water is left in there and have used the gatorade bottle a lot depending on the situation. I find the camelback packs work great for day hikes with their small backpacks.

[ringtail-THFKAfood]

I use a Gatorade 20oz. bottle shockcord and cordlocked to my shoulder strap. Got the idea from ULA.

The 20 oz. Gatorade bottle in a cozy is my hot beverage cup in camp.

The 20 oz. bottle is a good size for the Crystal Light single serving drink flavors.

Generally one 32 oz. Gatorade bottle in a side pocket with treated water. Tablets and AquaMira measure in quarts.

One or two 2 quart Platypus bladders in the pack for camp and extra carry capacity.

[turnerminator]

I try not to fold and bend the flexible bottles too much.

I have just thrown out a camelbak reservoir that lasted 12 years before splitting.
Now thats value.

[wisenber]

I can't seem to let my Nalgene go. I can pour my morning java or evening hot chocolate in there without burning my hands or melting the bottle. If I'm not using it to carry a beverage, I can always stuff my first aid kit or something in there to offset the bulk.
If I know I'll be having long stretches between water sources, I'll bring a bladder of some kind as well.
A good 20 oz softdrink bottle works well too. You can buy one of those biner /cord things at WalMart for under a buck that holds them without using up one of your pockets on a pack.