Patching a Platypus bag

“As most people know, the Platypus bags are famous for developing tiny leaks where the material creases on the bag.
A few weeks ago I patched one and it's been holding up great so far and I've been using it about 4 times per week on mountain bike rides.
I cut a small piece of a Gregory hydrocell bladder that I had saved because it too blew out. I used the tough foil part of it. I then used automotive windshield sealer on both surfaces and let them dry, just as you would use contact cement. I put the patch on and let it cure a few days. So far it's worked better than anything I've tried. You can probably glue on any piece of flexible plastic. I just used a piece from the old Gregory bladder because I still had it. I just wondered if anyone else had success patching these bladders.”

“I used a bicycle tire patch to fix my camelbac bladder. It worked great.”

“Bazooka Joe.”

“If you send your platypus back they replace them for free.”

“Good luck on trying to get the patch to stay...for any duration!

I gave up on collapsable water bottles, and went back to the round nalgene bottles I had before I purchased platypus'. Try an MSR dramadary bag if you want to get your money's worth and purchase something that will last!”

“i carry a few platypi, so i never even worry about it.

i can't even stand nalgenes, anymore, except as a hot-water bottle in winter.”

“I just bought my first platypus. I love it. It makes hiking in the heat somewhat bearable. If is starts leaking I will send it in for a replacement.”

“Buddur, I agree about the MSR bladder. So far, it's holding up better than any of the others I tried.”

“I'm with Budder on the MSR Dromendary bags and Nalgene bottles. I'd just as soon carry water in a zip-lock bag as a platypus.”

“Has anyone tried the Nalgene Cantenes?”

“I only take platys for backup (just in case I feel I need to carry more water)'cause they are so light and compact I use Gatorade bottles most of the time. I get new ones full of gatorade every trip.”

“This was a timely thread for me. I've been using empty soda bottles when I backpack... ultra cheap, lighter than Nalgene and no leaks or problems ever.

I've been thinking about the hydration packs. People rave about not having to stop to get out a bottle and they make nice little slack packs. I was going to start a thread asking for recommendations for a lightweight reliable system... any recommendations? Or should I just stay with what I've got?”

“I also use empty soda bottles and have had minimal problems with them leaking - forgot to tighten the top once and some stuff got wet. Only disadvantage I know of is that you can't pour boiling water in the soda bottles whereas you can into the nalgene - only an issue if one purifies water by boiling. As for ease of access I have heard of people tying on a minibiner and just hooking the "working" bottle on ones belt or other easily reachable attachment point.

HOI”

“After putting dozens of patches on two platypus bladders I have also switched to MSR. The platypus was great for it's weight and it's no odor/taste type of plastic but it's just not durable enough.”

“I switched to the blatters after I started using trekking poles. I just couldn't find a graceful way to drink from a Nalgene, while on the move, with the pole straps around my wrist. Personally I don't want to stop every time I want a sip of water.

RichB; is the windshield sealer safe to ingest? I think I'd be worried about chemicals leaching into my water.”

“I use to make fun of hydration systems...till I hiked with someone who used one. I'd have to stop just to get out the water bottle, drink and put it back, while he still hiked on while drinking. Went out and got one soon afterwards. I drink more water while hiking now than I ever did.

Bottom line: Once a bladder in yer pack...you'll never go back!”

“I've had the tire patch on my Camelbac for a buncha trips now and it's never leaked.”

“I drink A LOT more water while hiking with a hydration system. I can actually feel the difference staying hydrated makes. There is the time factor too, although that's not really a big deal for me. Being able to carry more water is also a plus.”

“Walkincrow, I did consider the chemical issue when I put the patch on. I don't think it will leach into the bag because it's over a pin hole and the patch is small as is the amount of glue. I haven't smelled or tasted anything since I gave it plenty of time to cure. I will say that I wouldn't get carried away with patches. One small patch is enough because I wouldn't want the entire bag smeared with dried glue. Also, I wouldn't patch a tear where dried glue would contact your water supply. For the amount of time the patch will stay put it's probably OK.”

“Aren't they like $4? You could find that much change in the sofa.”

“True Le Sublil, but some water bladders are a little more expensive to replace. My Camelbac or an MSR would be worth a patch.”

“You're right; and I'm sure I'd try too. Fortunately, my 6 yr old platy is still intact. I'm amazed at it's durability.”

“I imagine a thermarest repair kit would work. I always carry a spare 1L. platy with me, it weighs a couple ounces. 1L soda bottles are great too.”

“Did I mention these bags

SUCK

.

I've had two that I got for Buddur for when we're hiking in areas without much water...so he could cary his own water. Although MY bags that got holes in them were truely from wear and tear, Buddur's bag that leaked this weekend was only used, I'd say, less that a half-dozen times at the most...and it still sprang a leak. Ugh!

What a great idea...if the longevity were there.”

“The patch I put on only lasted a few weeks with heavy use before it leaked again. The MSR bladder is better, even my Gregory Mirage lasted longer than the Platy. When the last few Platys I have wear out, I'm done with them.”