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Reviews > Hydration Systems > Bladders > Platypus Hoser 3L > Owner Review by Kurt PapkePlatypus Hoser 3L Reservoir - Owner ReviewReview Date: November 15, 2007
Field Information
General InformationThe Hoser reservoir is a water carrier and dispensing system that is principally used inside a backpack, but can also be carried externally on the top or strapped to the front of the pack. It comprises:
Field Conditions/UsageI have used two different Platypus 3L reservoirs over the course of the last year on my 3-section hike of the entire SHT and prior dayhikes in Utah. I always carry the reservoir plus 1-2 20 oz (0.6 L) soft-drink bottles while backpacking. I consume 5+ L/qt per day while hiking, and with the dry conditions in Minnesota in the last couple of years I tend to err on the side of caution in assuring that I do not run out of water.I have carried the 3L reservoir in two different packs, my REI UL 60 backpack and my daypack which also has a hydration sleeve. I do not always carry the reservoir completely filled. Since the difference in weight between the 1 and 3 liter reservoir is only one ounce, and since an empty reservoir takes up almost no space in my pack, I carry the 3L as opposed to one of the smaller models. I carry only water in the reservoir, and use the drink bottles for mixing electrolyte drinks. On my first section hike I used iodine for purifying my water, which noticeably stained my first reservoir. Observations/PerformanceThe biggest concern I had with using a reservoir was that it would develop a seam leak, or that the coupling would leak as it is on the bottom of the reservoir. I never have experienced a seam leak from either of my two Platypus units, though between these two I bought a competitor's reservoir which leaked the first day I put it in my pack. I have had some leakage from the coupling on those occasions where I did not screw it in tight enough.Filling: I have filled my reservoir directly from faucets, by pouring purified water from bottles, and by direct-filling with my filter through the supply tube. I prefer the supply-tube method, but on the SHT, streams and rivers are the most common water sources and I have found that it is seldom easy to find a dry spot to set my backpack close enough to the water source that I can plumb a direct connect. The pattern I have fallen into is to fill the reservoir in camp only, and refill my soft drink bottles during the day. Outside of a pack, given the height of the 3L unit, it is nearly impossible to keep it vertical to fill without using one hand to hold it. I have tried holding it between my knees, propping it against a rock, etc. which invariably ends in much cursing as newly-filtered water spills on the ground. I have not found it necessary to "burp" the reservoir when filling to drain all the air out since the connection is from the bottom. On the flip side, drinking does not purge any air, so air left in the reservoir after filling is there until it is empty.   Drinking: I find that having the bite valve readily accessible and close to my mouth encourages me to stay fully hydrated by drinking often. The picture to the left above shows the tube/valve clipped to the strap of my backpack. Water flows readily from the reservoir, though the geometry of the bite valve took me a while to get the alignment just right. The picture to the right shows the bite valve compressed to illustrate the size of the opening. I have never observed an off-flavor when drinking from the reservoir. I have evolved into using the reservoir for water only to avoid cleaning out sugary electrolyte drink residue.  Mounting in the pack;
my first 3L Platypus eventually failed at the mounting loops - they
were simply slots that eventually tore. My 2007 unit has true
loops in the plastic that seem much more robust - see photo to the
right. The newer unit
is apparently taller than my prior version, as it tends to slip off the
hooks in my pack sleeve, though my backpack is always so tightly packed
that the reservoir cannot move. The photo to the right shows the
reservoir hook hanging as there is no tension to hold it in
place. The hanging loop is also so large that the
hook passes unhindered through the loop. It is easy to thread the
supply
hose through my pack ports by removing the bite valve, though the clip
is a little tricky to get through and not easy to remove from the tube.Cleaning: I generally allow my reservoir to dry out after a hike. Before the next hike I simply swish it out with tap water. I do not bother to use bleach or other cleaning chemicals. I have had no incidences of mold or mildew while storing over winter. ConclusionsI intend to continue to use my Platypus 3L reservoir.Pros:
Read more reviews of Platypus Hydration gear Read more gear reviews by Kurt Papke Reviews > Hydration Systems > Bladders > Platypus Hoser 3L > Owner Review by Kurt Papke | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||