Decided this spring to try a different hydration option for shorter outings. Normally my hydration pack is carried behind my seat with the tube running under my sprayskirt, attached to my PFD shoulder strap. Not a fan of round water bottles because when carried on the forward deck, they create windage.
This spring I picked up a Platypus soft water bottle that stores flat when empty, has a dual locking lid and a nifty wire gate clip which doubles as a carrying handle. When filled, it easily fits into my forward day hatch because the bottle is pliable, leaving room for snacks, camera, etc. When out of the hatch, the clip secures it to a bungee and the shape stays pretty much flat.
Having used it regularly this season, am very pleased with the bottle. On warm summer days, additional water is carried in my rear day hatch: a 1.5 L round bottle about 3/4 full, then frozen overnight. If I need to refill my Platypus, that backup supply is just about completely thawed.
The Platyupus is a USA product, leaves no taste and is BPA, bps, and Phthalate free. Has a wide opening for easy fill-up.
