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Reviews > Hydration Systems > Bladders > Platy Accessories Shower Kit > Owner Review by Brian Mikels
PLATY ACCESSORIES - SHOWER KIT
TESTER INFORMATION
Backpacking Background: I started backpacking when I was 10 and picked it back up about 4 years ago. My backcountry companions are my wife & our two 8 year old twins. I'm obsessed with light gear; however I tend to err on the side of safety, being well fed, and keeping everyone reasonably comfortable. I do the bulk of my backpacking March thru November in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park doing 1-3 nighters at 6-12 miles (10-19 km) per day. PRODUCT INFORMATION
Manufacturer: Cascade Designs Inc. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The shower kit comes unassembled in a small plastic bag. The "shower head" is made of plastic and is 1" (2.5 cm) in total length (including the hose barb fitting). It is cone shaped with the maximum diameter being 9/16" (1.4 cm). Water runs down the outside of the head through 8 tapering channels to create the shower effect. MODIFICATIONS
Since I am a very weight conscious, the first thing I did was trim the hose down to the minimum which is about 4" (10 cm). FIELD USE
I hang my "shower" in a tree, usually suspended by some Triptease rope thrown over a branch, but occasionally over a broken off branch if a suitable one is available. The tubing valve works well for closing off the water flow. I always leave my shower hanging in a tree all night and it hasn't ever lost a drop. It takes both of my hands to get the water flowing; however only one to shut off the flow. The valve theoretically has 6 different positions, although I have found only 3 of them to be useful, with one of the three being "off". IMPROVEMENTS I'd like to see the hose eliminated as I believe it to be unnecessary. I also think the valve, bladder attachment, and shower head could be integrated into one unit. I envision some type of a twisting shower head/ valve cap. SUMMARY At 0.6 oz (17 g) this shower kit has turned from a "keeping my family reasonably comfortable" item into one that I'd never go backpacking without. I absolutely love it, but believe the weight could be trimmed down to just a few grams with some design improvements. THINGS I LIKE
1. Feeling like a human being everyday! THINGS I DON'T LIKE
1. I'm concerned that the tubing valve might wear out or break. Read more reviews of Platypus Hydration gear Read more gear reviews by Brian Mikels Reviews > Hydration Systems > Bladders > Platy Accessories Shower Kit > Owner Review by Brian Mikels |