SoftBottle Collapsible Backpacking Water Bottle with Closure Cap

This is a great bottle for hiking & backpacking. Love that it's collapsible which makes it very convenient and functional. No smells or taste in water. Quality is excellent; did not burst when dropped on hard ground. Screw-on lid is nice and does not leak. Only recommendation would be to have the lid attached so that it could not be lost, but that is a very small matter, especially since everything else about it is great. Highly recommend.

Purchased these for a concert. Didn't want to spend $$$ on bottled water or hydration drinks. I checked and there will be water filling stations. It'll roll up and fits in a tiny space. I also purchased a bottle hanger/holder so when it's filled I can hang it on my bag or belt loop.

[Price] Currently $13/per 1L bag. The 1L water bottle in the photos was $5 from the airport (overpriced), which I have used many times after my trip and could continue using (presumably less off-gassing/plastic leaching the more you use). In the future, I would also look at some Smartwater 1L "tall" bottles for $1/ea. However, the price differences are probably negligible given the frequency of use and product lifetime. [Space-efficiency] The bag is not particularly space-efficient, as you can see in the photos. Although I can appreciate the design on the bottom which allows the bag to stand upright, it wastes a lot of space. Given how large the bag appears relative to the bottle, I assumed it actually held more than the stated 1L, but was surprised to find it doesn't when emptying its contents into the bottle shown. It seems the designer(s) primarily prioritized "empty-state flatness", but I think they should have compromised on the empty state geometry a bit and optimized more for the "full-state", even if it meant the empty-state was not 100% flat. [Packability] While I appreciate that the bag has a rounded perimeter, the edges still catch on (and potentially would wear over time) the water bottle pockets and nearby seams of my backpacks. I have never had this issue with a water bottle, as it's always just smoothly slid straight in. I also took a photo of both types of water bottles in the side pockets of one of my backpacks (canvas/non-stretchy pockets), but can't tell which one encroaches more on the interior space. The bag may actually be superior here, given that it has a more flattened as opposed to circular top-down profile, and so doesn't waste space in a bottle pocket like a typical water bottle does. [Durability] Of the two bags I bought, each inflated with slightly different creases/pinch points on the bottom fold (where other reviewers said it eventually leaked from). It does seem to catch a bit on each bags unique pinch points when filling/emptying, and doesn't inspire confidence in terms of longevity. There's a bit of that on the top and sides as well, but I'm less concerned about it there. Again, something I have never worried about with a typical water bottle. I think they need to rework the design to avoid these sharp catch points, and ensure things expand/compress smoothly. [Conclusion] Quite expensive (at current price of $13) for what it is, given space-efficiency and packability issues (and especially durability issues). I feel just reusing a typical plastic water bottle may be preferable and less of a hassle. If they could rework the design and how the bag inflates/deflates (avoiding pinches, and providing a more rounded form when fully inflated), it could go from questionable/annoying to being a clear winner. I may update this review after traveling with 2 of them for 3 months. ---- Edit after traveling with them for 3 months in Japan with 28L backpack + small suitcase (updating from 3->4 stars): + Really nice that they can pack down to be flat when empty, such that it reduces volume in a day pack, or allows you to pack a backpack to the gills during transit (like when you bought too many things). Use cases include starting the day with them empty, and then filling/storing once depleting other pack contents (e.g. food); or the inverse of starting the day with them full in a packed daypack, and being able to store a jacket/clothing/souvenirs/etc in the daypack (or maybe just not pack your things as space-efficiently) as you deplete them. + They hold their shape surprisingly well such that you can one-handedly drink from them, and they can support themselves standing upright on plane/train tray tables. + It's nice that they are somewhat deformable when filled (even more so when, e.g., 75-80% full), such that they can accomodate being shoved with other things into a small daypack. - Still concerned about longevity. Some wearing at certain pinch points, and even some de-lamination of an outer plastic layer (though I don't think that in itself is a leak risk). - Still annoying trying to slide down into backpack pockets with the sharp edges, especially when in a hurry or when the backpack is already full. - A bit cumbersome to fill up at water fountains/bottle re-fillers. Easiest just to fill up under a bathtub faucet. - A bit difficult to dry compared to a rigid plastic bottle, but it helps to expand the bottom and let them stand upright. Ultimately, not too concerned about things growing inside, as I just occasionally rinsed some dish detergent around inside. So while I "came around" to the slightly space-inefficient design of the bottom that allows it to stand up on its own, I am still conflicted about trading off durability and quickness of slipping into bottle pockets for occasional space-saving when these are emptied/flattened. I think these are something I would use if I am traveling really compact, but otherwise would prefer to just stick with a plastic water bottle (like Smart Water 1L) for its simplicity. If they made these with a smooth/rounded bottom (giving up ability to stand upright on its own), I may feel differently.

This upgraded my travel experience more than items I’ve spent 5X as much on. Unlike a structured water bottle, this travels compact and flat, and takes up almost zero luggage space. This is so much better than metal in your luggage or a bottle on a carabiner. TSA also has zero interest in a flat plastic bladder, so it’s not at all something you need to keep in mind at security. Once you’re at your destination, it fills up easily because the neck can bend. There are faucets that would have been impossible to use with other containers that were no problem for my Platypus. Also, the bottle seals completely and weighs barely more than the water within, so it can do things like fit sideways on top of cans in a mini-bar (especially useful for hotel rooms where a stocked mini-bar is the only fridge). It travels well, fills and holds water well (including standing upright when expanded), and is economically priced. I drink enough water that I bought a second Platypus so one can cool while I drink the other. Highly recommended!

I have carpal tunnel and joint problems so I try to seek out ergonomic products. What's the healthiest vessel to drink water out of was also a concern of mine because I drink about a gallon (3.75 L) of water per day. The answer to that is glass, and I was in the market for a glass water bottle initially, but came to the conclusion that glass is just inconvenient. Mason jar styles with handles are fairly durable, but they're damn heavy, and you also look like an obnoxious hipster carrying one around. Then there's the glass water bottles with neoprene sleeves, but they still break very easily, and are still too heavy and too small. I wanted a bottle that's close to 32 oz or 1L, and I'm so glad I stumbled across Platypus products! This review is getting long so I'll just list the pros and cons: PROS: -Most lightweight reusable water bottle EVER! Doesn't make my hand tired from drinking or carrying it. -BPA free, but still plastic, that's good enough for me because I'm not a paranoid little snowflake about everything (I mean come on people, "lighten up" (ha) a little) It's just the most practical, honestly. -Anti microbial lining!!!! I didn't eve realize this until later, but had been noticing the water never got that nasty stale water bottle taste, even if forgotten for a few days. -Perfect for airports. Chug all your water before security, tuck it neatly in your bag, fill it up after security. -Easy to clean. -Seems quite durable as long as you don't puncture it with something sharp or something. You can fill it with water and throw it in a backpack and it never leaks. CONS: -Small mouth opening makes it annoying to fill up with a Brita pitcher; you have to be patient. -I'm scared I'm going to lose the cap and then I'll be screwed as far as portability goes -Sometimes slightly awkward to drink out of, might look a little funny. That's it! The pros far outweigh the cons! Get this bottle now!

Recently purchased these for our trip to Europe for my sons and me. These were perfect! They folded up to fit into your pocket or backpack and were easy to fill. Holds 32 oz, which was great for the hot weather and long walks. They did not leak and were easy to fill, wash, and use. So glad I purchased these. People asked us about them when they saw how much water they held and how compact the bottles are. Great product

I've been through four of these bottles (0.5 or 1L size) - two for me, two for my partner - and I'm very torn about whether to get another one. Pros: 1) Flexible! - it can squeeze down to take up less space as you drink more, fit flat in a pocket or backpack, fold for smaller pockets... the convenience is unbelievable. 2) Reusable - I can't stand generating plastic trash for landfill or even recycling, so any reusable waterbottle is great. 3) Versatile - because of the flexible design, you can even use the larger ones as a head-cushion or as padding when full! 4) Cool - the design I most recently had (mountains) looks really good and often elicits questions about the bottle, which is a good chance to evangelise about the importance of reusable water-bottles. Not-Cons: 1) NOT hard to drink from - despite what other reviews say - you just need to know how. The trick is simple. Just grasp it about the middle (where the 'waist' is), holding it PERPENDICULAR to your face (i.e. flat sides facing left and right, not front/back or up/down) as you raise it to your mouth to drink. Easy - no flopping, no spilling, perfect control for one-handed drinking! 2) NOT hard to stand - just keep the right amount of air in the bottle and it stands up just fine whether with little or lots of water inside. 3) NOT hard to clean - maybe it's because I use it while eating all the time, but the mouth/cap do get a bit grimy pretty quick. It's a little tricky to clean the cap, takes some effort with a bottle-brush. But cleaning the inside of the bottle just requires shaking/rinsing with a bit of detergent. I've loved using the bottle, so with all these great advantages, why am I hesitating about getting yet another one? Con: 1) Durability - just one big problem here. Not the seams, those have held up fine - but the plastic itself, where it folds most frequently, has eventually cracked within 1-2 years each time, causing leaks. In two cases it was near the top, where the spout inserts into the bottle; for the other two it was the bottom surface, which folds and creases every time you flatten/refill the bottle. You'll see the stress points appear after some use, and eventually, they always give way. This hasn't been unusually heavy use, mind you - I rarely actually fold or roll up the bottle, just fill/empty/refill, flattening and reopening it each time. This durability problem is a really major issue - it's happened to all four that I've had. The point of reusable bottles is to NOT need to throw them away, and lasting 1-2 years just isn't quite long enough to justify one (compared to a longer-lasting bottle). So much as I love using my Platypus bottles, I'm not sure I'll get another.

It is compact and carries lots of water. The only concern I have is that it’s not easy to wash and throughly dry. But it was helpful in my trip.

山小屋泊で1リットル用を2つ持っていきました。いろはすのペットボトルでもいいかなと思いましたが、全然違う！バックの中での収納がしやすい、使い終わったらたためるのが便利！アウトドアにも大活躍！ほんとっお気に入りです☆

I got this specifically for skiing. I ski without a backpack/rucksack so wanted something I could keep in a jacket pocket. If you sort of half fill this, you get something slim enough to keep in a chest pocket on a jacket without overly distorting the shape of the jacket. Seems to be good quality and hasn't leaked yet.

１リットル。オオカミの吠える絵が欲しかったのでコレにしました。水が漏れることがなく評判通り良いと思います。丈夫なので転倒しても大丈夫でした。冬に凍っても破裂しませんでした。 口はアルコールスプレーしたりしますが、保存時に内部でカビないように口を開けて下にして完全に乾かします。 他にクエン酸水を入れて置いたりしています。

These bottles are great. Not much to say it's as advertised a 500ml bottle that collapses down quite small. Doesn't leak and holds up well even to accidental freezing. I use it for snowboarding, golfing, or any other time you don't want to carry a clumsy empty water bottle after you drink it.

Légère, pas de goût de plastique, en y faisant attention dure 3 ou 4 ans d'utilisation intensive avant de finir par fuir.