Bottom Line
Among those that we tested, the Platypus Hoser is the lightest of all of the hydration bladders that come with hoses. This low weight is achieved mainly through minimalist design, which will be worth it for some hikers but not for others.
The Hoser lacks usability features that are common in other models we tested. There is no shutoff switch on the bite valve, no handle for easy filling, no sternum strap magnet, and no structural support on either the interior or exterior. Hikers looking for specific features should consider other bladders, while those who appreciate minimalist design will like the Hoser.
Platypus also claims the Hoser to be “taste-free,” and we actually agree. This simple bladder offers better taste right out of the package than most of the more featured and expensive options. The Hoser is a worthwhile purchase for hikers seeking the lightest possible hydration system and willing to sacrifice features to achieve that. If you’re an ultralight backpacker or trail runner, consider exploring some of the other options on our list.
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How We Tested
We hiked with the Hoser on the Nature Trail and Warren Peak Trail in the Black Rock area of Joshua Tree National Park. We also took it on shorter walks around our neighborhood. Most testing occurred during the winter in the Southern California desert, with daytime temperatures ranging from 40 to 70 degrees.
Quick Specs
Platypus Hoser
Best water taste
CleverHiker Rating: 4.3
Price: $37
Weight: 3.8 oz.
Dimensions: 16.5″ x 7″
Capacities Available: 1L, 1.8L, 2L, 3L
Pros
- Ultralight and packable
- Taste free
- Good flow rate
- Affordable price
Cons
- Minimal features
- Lack of bite valve shutoff switch caused some leaking
- Difficult to clean without special kit
Weight & Packability
The Platypus Hoser’s minimalist design makes it the lightest and most packable of all the bladders we tested that include a hose system. Weighing just 3.6 ounces, it’s nearly as light as the VectoX, which doesn’t have a hose or bite valve. It also rolls up and packs down to a compact size of 9 by 3.5 by 1.5 inches, including the hose.
It achieves its light weight through a simplified design. The twist cap opening measures less than an inch wide, whereas those on the Camelbak Crux or Cherainti Bladder can be up to 4 inches in diameter. Its features are limited to the water bag, hose, and bite valve.
Ease of Use
To achieve its light weight, the Hoser sacrifices many features. The one that impacted our testing the most was its lack of a shutoff switch on the bite valve to prevent leaks. While driving to a trailhead, we packed the hose and bite valve inside our backpack, ensuring that the uncovered mouthpiece wouldn’t touch the dirty floor of our car. Sure enough, the bite valve leaked onto a down jacket in our backpack, soaking the insulation. This shouldn’t pose a major issue while hiking, as long as nothing presses on the valve.
The hoser also omits features like a handle for easy filling, interior baffles, or a rigid backer to maintain its structure in a backpack. However, it does include a small loop cut into the reservoir, allowing it to be suspended in a backpack. During our testing, these other features seemed less important than the bite valve shutoff switch.
Ease of Cleaning
The Hoser proved to be the hardest to clean of all the models we tested. It can’t be turned inside out, and the opening isn’t quite big enough to fit a hand inside for scrubbing. Fortunately, Platypus does sell a special reservoir cleaning kit, which includes a long brush for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas.
With its small, twist-cap opening, the Hoser dried slowly. It took over seven hours to become moisture-free when hung up outside in the desert. It cannot be turned inside out like some bladders that dry more quickly.
Taste
Besides its lightweight, our favorite aspect of the Platypus Hoser is its fresh taste. Platypus claims the Hoser to be “taste-free,” and we believe they achieve this better than most of the other bladders we tested.
The Hoser tasted fresh right out of the package, in contrast to the Gregory 3D Hydro and the Osprey Hydraulics, which both have a distinct iodine flavor even after cleaning.
Durability
Although we experienced some leaking from the bite valve, we didn’t observe any splitting along the seams or leaking from the twist cap threads. Over six weeks of testing, the Hoser has demonstrated durability so far.
Should You Buy the Platypus Hoser?
The Hoser’s lightweight design and affordable price will attract minimalist hikers and backpackers who aren’t particular about features. We also believe it tastes better than some of the pricier, feature-rich models like the Gregory 3D Hydro and the Osprey Hydraulics. While it is slightly more prone to leaking due to the absence of an on-off switch on the bite valve, most leaks can be avoided with proper care.
What Other Hydration Bladders Should You Consider?
If the Platypus Hoser doesn’t quite fit your needs, check out the rest of our favorite hydration bladders from this season.
Hydrapak Contour Review: The Contour keeps its weight low while incorporating several additional features. For one, its bite valve includes a shutoff switch that minimizes leaking. It is also significantly easier to clean and dry, thanks to its sliding closure and ability to turn inside out. Runners may appreciate the interior baffles, which help prevent water from sloshing around. The Contour achieves all these features while adding only two ounces to the Hoser’s weight.
Platypus Platy Review: If you appreciate the minimalist design of the Hoser, you might also enjoy the even simpler Platypus Platy. Designed without a hose, the Platy is our lightest option at just 1.2 ounces. We particularly favor this choice for multi-pitch rock climbing or overnight alpine climbs, where lightweight gear is crucial. Its main drawback is the absence of a hose, but some may prefer that setup. It also offers the same fresh taste as the Hoser.
