Best Overall
Platypus Platy 2L
Key details
- Material
- BPA-free polyethylene
- Capacity/Weight
- 2L, 1.3 oz
The Platypus Platy drops 1.3 oz for a full 2L capacity, making it lighter than any rigid or silicone alternative at this volume. Its polyethylene construction is taste-neutral – no plastic off-flavors – and it rolls down to a palm-sized bundle when empty, freeing up pack space instantly.
The bottle screws directly onto Sawyer and Platypus gravity filters, turning it into a clean-water reservoir or dirty-water bag without adapters. The material handles repeated folding and rough packing across seasons, with no reported splits or punctures under normal backpacking use.
This is for ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers who prioritize weight and pack efficiency above all else. The tradeoff: the cap threads may develop leaks after several weeks of use, and the flexible body won't stand upright on uneven ground – acceptable for those who hang or lay the bottle flat. Not for anyone needing a rigid, self-standing bottle with a built-in strap.
Pros
- Folds compactly when empty, slipping into a pocket or stuff sack.
- Build quality holds up to repeated trips without failure.
- Lightweight at 1.3 oz
- Compatible with Sawyer and Platypus gravity filters for inline systems.
Cons
No notable drawbacks to flag.
For thru-hikers and gram-counters, the Platy is the reference point – unmatched weight and taste performance, with the caveat that the cap seal may degrade over time.