How do I clean my Platypus reservoir?
Use hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly with hot water. For tough cleaning jobs, add 1/4 cup of baking soda to 3/4 cup of water per liter volume of your reservoir and shake for 30 seconds. Add 1/4 cup lemon juice, shake 10 seconds, and vent by loosening cap away from face. Repeat shaking and venting three times. Expel as much air as possible, close reservoir, and allow to soak 20 minutes. Rinse three times with hot water. Caution: When adding lemon juice to baking soda, effervescence occurs and will cause pressure to build in a capped Platypus product.
How do I dry my Platypus Big Zip reservoir?
Drying Big Zip reservoirs is easy, with a dishtowel through the large opening. Then prop them open with the SlideLock slider and let them air dry. Another great way to dry all reservoirs and bottles is with a plastic bag dryer.
Can I put other beverages in my Platypus reservoir?
Yes. You can put a variety of beverages in your Platypus reservoir. Just make sure you clean it thoroughly after each use to prevent bacteria from growing in the reservoir and/or tube.
How do I disinfect my Platypus reservoir?
To disinfect, fill the reservoir with solution of unscented household bleach and water at a concentration of 1 oz. of bleach per liter of water. Close and mix for 10 seconds. Fill hoses and bite valves by squeezing bite valve, being careful to keep valve over sink. Leave filled overnight. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. For a more planet-friendly alternative, use a chlorine-free, hydrogen peroxide-based bleach alternative like Free and Clear available from Seventh Generation.
Is it ok to freeze my Platy reservoir?
Yes. A frozen Platy reservoir makes a great ice pack and, during the dog days of summer, delivers a steady source of cold, refreshing hydration. Lay it half-full on its side in freezer with all air purged. Do not over-fill. Water expands as it freezes and this can burst your reservoir.
Is there a way to filter into my reservoir without removing it from my pack?
Yes. Simply remove your bite valve and connect the end of your hose directly to your filtration system’s outflow port. This method is compatible with nearly any filter. Using a GravityWorks filter system, your reservoir can take the place of the supplied Clean reservoir, creating what is arguably the lightest, most compact and efficient way possible to get water.
How do I prevent the water in my hydration system from freezing in cold weather?
Your best bet is to get a Platy Insulator. It insulates everything from reservoir to bite valve and comes complete with a new Big Zip SL Reservoir. If you would rather work with what you have, start off the day with warm or hot water in your reservoir and pack your extra clothing layers around it. Inside a pack, this will generally not freeze during a day trip in all but the most extreme cold. For drink tubes and bite valves, sip often to maintain flow and do not leave residual water in the drink tube between drinks. Blow into your bite valve to force water back into the reservoir. Also, keep as much of the drinking tube covered as possible, inside a pack or jacket.
Can I squeeze the reservoir to push the water out of the valve? I want to be able to water my dog.
The best way to water your dog is to lift the reservoir over your head and squeeze the bite valve. This will give it enough pressure to spray out and water the dog. You can also put pressure on the reservoir itself by squeezing it, but this could cause a possible rupture if squeezed too hard. By simply lifting it above your head, you will be able to accomplish what you need.
