I have 4 of the 96oz Nalgene Canteens and in one year of reasonable (but not heavy) use I have had 2 failures — both of the same variety.
The failure point is where the flexible plastic joins the solid block at the mouth. Just pinholes and seems to be a fatigue failure from folding them up in my pack.
I loved them — they were light and *seemed* more durable than some of the alternatives, but unless I can figure out how to stow them in a better manner and make them last as such I'm going to have to give up on them.
As I read through this thread, I thought about using a recycled gallon PETE drinking water jug for camp use only (clean end). They are so light that you could stash it on the outside of a pack to avoid crushing it to fit inside. We used a couple for car camping trips this summer and they are as long lived as the smaller ones.
I don't think there is a lighter or cheaper way to manage a gallon of water:
My local Seattle Goodwill stores have been selling these 2.8 liter bags for $1.79. They should work fine for the dirty end. Take a paper punch and make a couple holes in the bottom flange to hang them with (or a Platy). BTW, I think they are a little shy of 2.8 liters.
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