I really like the idea of a Platypus bottle; they're easy to handle, tough, and light. I even like the push-pull top, usually (though it could be a problem to keep clean on long trips, what with all those surfaces to grow stuff on.)
BUT...
After a trip, they're a real pain to dry out for storage. A wide-mouth bottle will dry in a day or so; even a Dromlite reservoir won't take more than two. But Platys seem to take forever; after 5 days, they're OK to store, but there's still the occasional droplet inside. I've tried standing them with th opening up, with the opening down (on those paper towel stands with the narrow center pole), and even sideways on an old swing-arm towel rack we have. It's annoying to have things cluttered up for so long.
Anybody have a slick trick for getting the inside to dry out after you've rinsed or cleaned them?
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Using a clothespin and a hanger, I hang mine upside down from the guest bathroom towel rack, which is right over the forced-air heating vent. This of course doesn't work as well in summer when the heat isn't on. Works for over-the-winter storage, though.
I've read that some use an aquarium pump with plastic tube to dry out bladders, platys, etc. Never tried it, but sounds logical.
Edited by OregonMouse (02/14/1504:04 PM)
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Putting them in the sun, opened up with the top uncapped seems to drive the moisture out in a day. We have warm, dry (not humid) summers so it might not work as well elsewhere.
We put them in front of a box fan and shake out the water a few times while they are drying. A dish drainer props them up a little and keeps them from blowing away. I don't think it's ever taken more than 24 hours for them to dry that way. I don't like the newer ones in dark colors that make it harder to tell if there is any water inside.
I don't bother. I've used them for years and when back from a trip, I simply leave the cap off (or open, pull tops). Water is the only thing I ever use them for and simply rinsing them out before next use is all I ever do. Never had one go bad or grow critters inside. Water is inert...it's whats in the water that mattered. Just rinse them out before re-filling and you'll be fine.
I just leave mine overnight on a wine bottle and then roll it up throw it in the freezer. Even if it's not completely dry, nothing's gonna be able to grow on them in there.
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