Bonking — not to be confused with boinking — is not on my itinerary. Neither is running dry.
There I was. On top of the Sawtooth Mountains on the North Shore. Hot. Humid. A typical Minnesota summer day on the trail. Three miles from the trailhead. Out of water.
That was the last time that happened.
Bonking — not to be confused with boinking — is that brutal moment when your body runs out of fuel or fluid on the trail. It’s disorienting, exhausting, and absolutely no fun. I’ve also bonked big-time on the Border Route Trail. I’ve been on plenty of hikes where water is extremely scarce, and I’ve learned the hard way that running out is not a situation you want to find yourself in. Ever. That’s why I like to carry the Platypus Big Zip EVO 3 Liter hydration bladder with me.
Since 2017 the Platypus Big Zip EVO 3 Liter hydration bladder has been on my back for every backpacking trip. I didn’t even wait for the old one to wear out before I replaced it — I was heading to the East Collegiate Loop Trail, part of the Colorado Trail, and I bought a new one before the trip. That’s how much I trust this bladder.
Why the 3 Liter?
The Platypus Big Zip EVO comes in 1.5, 2, and 3 liter sizes. I prefer the 3 liter every single time. They say — whoever “they” are — that you pack what you fear. I’m afraid of running out of water because it’s happened to me. I don’t mind carrying the extra weight for the extra peace of mind. Not even a little bit.
You also need to know your body. I’m a sweater. I know this about myself and because of it I need the extra hydration that a 3 liter provides. Don’t underestimate how much water your body actually needs on the trail — especially on hot, humid Minnesota summers. Know yourself. Pack accordingly.
On many trails in Northern Minnesota — especially on the North Shore and in the BWCA — water sources can be scarce or far apart. Three liters is the right answer. Full stop.
What I Love About It
- The slim design. It fits perfectly against my back. No bulky awkward shape throwing off my balance on the trail. Just a slim, flat profile that disappears into my pack.
- The double seal closure. There’s a heavy duty zip-lock style closure AND a blue sliding seal. Double protection means zero leaks. In all my years of use I have never had a leak. Not once.
- No cap to lose. I know myself. I would absolutely lose the cap and be completely screwed for the rest of the trip. The zip seal means there’s no cap to lose. This is more important than it sounds. Imagine your cap being flung off the side of a mountain or getting swept down river. No fun Daniel-Son!
- Works perfectly with my Katadyn Hiker Pro. The wide mouth opening is perfect for filling directly from my Hiker Pro filter. Fast, efficient, and no fumbling around on the trail.
- The electrolyte option. On super hot and humid days I’ll drop in a Liquid IV or Nuun tablet to keep from bonking on the trail. And if the water source is looking a little sketchy yellow — an electrolyte tablet does a great job of masking the look and taste of questionable water. Not ideal, but it works in a pinch!
Keeping It Honest — A Few Things to Know
I’m not here to sell you something I don’t genuinely love, and part of genuinely loving something is being honest about its quirks:
- The double seal takes a bit more effort to open and close. That’s the trade-off for zero leaks. Worth it every time.
- It doesn’t stand up on its own. You have to hold it or prop it up when you’re filling it to keep the hose from flopping all over the place. A minor inconvenience but worth mentioning.
- I actually bonked big-time on the Border Route Trail. So glamorous is not really a word I associate with hydration bladders. Function over fashion every single time.
Would I Repurchase?
I didn’t even wait for the old one to wear out. I was heading to the East Collegiate Loop Trail — part of the Colorado Trail — and bought a new one before the trip because I trust this bladder that much. When you find gear that works this well, you don’t mess around.
The Bottom Line
If you hike, backpack, or paddle the beautiful waterways and trails of Northern Minnesota — or any trail — the Platypus Big Zip EVO 3 Liter is the hydration bladder I trust with my safety. Slim, reliable, leak-proof, and capacious enough to keep you going on even the longest, hottest days. Know your body. Pack what you fear. And for the love of everything holy, don’t bonk.
Because bonking sucks. Bring the Platypus. 💧
Shop This Post
- Platypus Big Zip EVO 3 Liter Hydration Bladder
- Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter
- Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier
- Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets
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