Platypus for GG Vapor Trail, Water questions, Pack Cover Recommendations

I own both the Vapor Trail and Alpine Vapor. I find that the best fitting bladder for the Vapor packs is the Source Widepak. I use the 3 liter @ 6 o.z. but never fill it all the way so it has a lower profile and fits nicely in the outer sleeve(behind the backpad). I also own a number of platy's, but for the Vapor packs, they seem too narrow, and end up bulging the backpad – especially when I take out the bladder, fill it and then put it back in the sleeve during the hike. I also like the Widepak for it's ease of filling – you can scoop the water up instead of "glugging" it in.
I use a bladder for it's ease of use. I always found that I was trying too hard to reach for my bottle and it was interupting my hiking – even to the point where I would not drink as much.
Of course, just my opinion – others love the platy and some love the bottles.
Around camp I use a foldable platy with a squirt top in winter time I always bring a bottle (usually a Gatorade Bottle) in case/when my bladder freezes.

As for filtration, I have always used the pristine water purification, and haven't had any problems. If the water is really gritty, filter it through some cloth – then treat it.

Packcover – my poncho covers it. If my pack needs covering, then so do I. Sea to Summit Silponcho.

Regarding the amount of water I carry, I generally carry about 2 liters or so. I find this is usually good for my day. If there is plenty of supply, I may carry less, and I've also carried upwards of 6 liters when traveling high with no snow to melt. Really depends on your situation.

Hope that gets you started.
Steve

Eric,
You might try this system; three water containers- one for storage and ready to use, one for water being treated, and one drinking bottle on the outside of the pack.

At a lunch stop for example, cook and refil your drinking bottle from the stored water, re-fill it from a stream etc.. and drop in a Micropur tablet. Don't use it for an hour or more. (some say 4 hours)
Move the bottle you previously treated to the sleeve inside your pack, the 'ready' position for your next meal.

I tend to carry too much water, because another hiker is dependent on me; about 2 1/2 liters. After three pouch failures I always carry one hard container, either a Nalgene or a PET bottle.

I've owned two Granite Gear packs, and never used a pack cover in the rain. The silnylon is good enough. Everything in my pack is bagged anyway. Consider using a pack liner instead of an outside cover. Turkey basting bags, trash compactor bags, or actual pack liners.

Eric,

I love the Vapor Trail pack. I frequently use a 2L Platypus but it isn't often full. When it is totally full, it doesn't bother me. If you are concerned about the thickness when full, you could use a 3L and it will weigh less than the option offered above.

Nalgenes are very heavy. If you are hiking where there isn't a lot of water, I suggest taking at least TWO 1L Platypus with caps. These can be used for water treatment. They can also assure you that if a leak develops in the main bag, you have a backup. I backpack mainly in the desert so this backup method is essential for safety. A Nalgene is heavy and takes up volume.

My favorite water treatment is still Aquamira repackaged in small dropper bottles. The smallest dropper bottles are always in my pack (I think they are micro size). They hold enough to treat about 6L. If I'm backpacking with Aquamira as my water treatment, I have it repackaged in the mini size bottles – which would last a very long time.

Only If I'm backpacking where water is likely to be rather nasty in appearance (decayed vegetation, moths or silt, etc.) do I take a filter. My preference is still the First Need Purifier rather than another filter. The lighter weight options I've tried don't do the same quality of purifying the water.

I've never used a pack cover. I keep the down bag and any other items I want to guarantee to stay dry in a lightweight dry bag. Sea to Summit and Outdoor Research both make good choices.

Craig Shelley

Eric,
I use the the Granite Gear ultralight lid with my GG Nimbus Ozone. A 1.8 L Platypus Reservoir with hose fits in the lid and is easy to access. This allows mw to change bags without opening the pack. I carry a second 1.8L for water treatment and storage. Also if one bag springs a leak I have a backup and can keep my hydration system going. The 1.8L Platypus Reservoir (not the Big Zip) is the only one that will fit in the lid without folding. Repeated folding will cause them to leak.
Hope this helps, Don

I use the 1 liter Platy Bottles-one in each side pocket. I use the Micro-Pur tablets. I have never been comfortable with a bladder inside my pack on an overnight trip.