Platypus Platy Water Bottle Review

Bottom Line

The Platypus Platy is an ultralight, flexible water bottle perfect for the weight-conscious thru-hiker or alpine climber. It’s easy to roll up and stash when not in use, and its two-liter capacity will keep you hydrated for miles. Compared to the other bladders we tested, the Platy was also relatively taste-free, even right out of the box.  

An obvious drawback is the Platy’s lack of a hose and bite valve, which makes it impossible to sip on the go. Some hikers and climbers may prefer this system, especially when weight and packability are top priorities. Another downside is the Platy’s limited lifespan. Our main tester has owned several of these flexible bottles in the past, and they have all eventually split at the seams after hard use. 

With its affordable price, the Platy isn’t tough to replace – though it does create more plastic waste. It’s the go-to hydration system for our main tester, who has used the Platy on backcountry alpine adventures, long hikes, and multi-pitch climbs. 

How We Tested

Our main testing period was during the winter in Joshua Tree. We took the Platy on plenty of hikes and climbing days, shoving it into our pack stuffed with lots of climbing gear. Our primary tester has also used the Platy extensively in the past, bringing it on overnight backcountry trips, multi-pitch climbs, and day hikes.

Durability

Our main concern with the Platy is its durability. We’ve owned several Platys over the last few years. Though we love them, they’ve all eventually failed at the seams. This doesn’t happen right away, however – only after we’ve first put them through the ringer, stuffing them in loaded packs and using them day after day. 

Thankfully, the Platypus Platy bottle has never actually failed us in the field; the leaks have come on slowly, so it’s easy to notice when the seams are close to splitting. They’re pretty cheap to replace when they fail – though we don’t like the plastic waste this produces.

Taste

Similar to the Platypus Hoser, the Platy was virtually taste-free right out of the package. It is one of the only bladders that did not have even a slight plastic or rubbery taste after cleaning it. Even after repeated use, this flexible water bottle does not pick up any bad taste.

Ease of Use

Compared to the other hydration bags we tested, like the Seeker or VectoX, it was fairly easy to drink out of the Platy. The plastic is somewhat stiff, so it held its shape while we were drinking out of it. Although, we did use two hands when it was full. The small opening also makes it easier to prevent spills while hydrating. 

For those looking for a hose system that allows hydration on the go, the Platy is not the best choice. Although it’s easy to fill from a faucet at home, the Platy is a little trickier to fill from a lake or stream. Using a hard-sided water bottle helps. We’ve also had luck filling it from places where water is running over rocks, creating mini waterfalls in small streams.

Weight & Packability

Weighing in at just 1.3 ounces, the Platy easily wins the prize for weight and packability. Without water, we measured its minimum packed size to be 7.5 by 2.25 by 0.5 inches. It’s easy to roll up and stash, so it’s a great option for airplane travel as well.

Our main tester is an avid climber and guide as well as a backpacker, and the Platy is her go-to hydration system for a variety of activities. She loves it for multi-pitch climbing, due to its light weight and flexibility. It’s more comfortable in a pack than a hard-sided water bottle. She has also used it on multi-day trips in the backcountry, especially when light weight gear is a priority. 

One of the ways that the Platy sheds ounces is its lack of a hose system. This would be a downside for many hikers and backpackers who like to hydrate on the go. Our main tester likes to pair the Platy with a 16 ounce Nalgene bottle that she keeps accessible for sipping while hiking. That way, she has a hard-sided bottle to use for hot drinks alongside her lightweight hydration system.

Ease of Cleaning

The Platypus Platy is one of the only bladders we tested that claims to be dishwasher safe. This is a smart design because the Platy’s small opening would otherwise make it quite difficult to clean. Platypus does sell an additional reservoir cleaning kit that includes a long brush for hard to reach areas. During our drying test, we found that the Platy fell in the middle of the pack; it dried quicker than some but not as quick as the bladders with wide openings.

Should You Buy the Platypus Platy Bottle?

For alpine climbers or thru-hikers looking for minimal features and an ultralight design, the Platypus Platy water bottle is a great option. But it’s not the best choice for hikers and backpackers who like to drink while they walk since it lacks a hose system. Paired with a 16 ounce hard-sided Nalgene bottle, the Platy is our main tester’s go-to hydration system for big days in the mountains. We have some concerns about its durability, but the Platy is still a decent value at a highly affordable price.

What Other Hydration Systems Should You Consider?

Check out a few of the other hydration bag systems in our line-up of hydration bladders. 

HydraPak Seeker Water Bag Review: The HydraPak Seeker is another flexible water bag that is quite lightweight and packable. It also lacks a hose, so it’s more ideal for folks who prioritize lightweight gear. 

CNOC Outdoors VectoX Review: The VectoX is similar to the Platy, but it has a wide opening that closes with a slider. This allows it to dry much more quickly, and it’s a bit easier to fill from a lake or stream.