What's wrong with Platypus or Camelback type containers? I have several Platypus 1-liter colapsable bottles that have performed well so far. They have large sizes too, such as the Platypus 3 Liter Reservoir at REI fo $10. Or the larger Platypus Water Tank - 6 Liters , which also has a carrying handle. I'm considering getting a Platypus Big-Zip Hoser 3-Liter Reservoir for my trip to Philmont later this summer. I've never used a hydration system before, so I'm a little leary. But many folks swear by them these days. I'll also get the water filter adaptor so we can use it as the source reservoir to gravity feed our water through the filter. (note: only the 3-liter size has the grommets to hang the bag.) Both this and the 6-liter mentioned above use their "big zip" top, which sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. But I've read several reviews where experience backpackers have used the product over an extended period of time and purposely tried to abuse it (step on it, drop it from 6 ft., etc.), and it held up. One mentioned that he now uses it as a pillow. I like that idea! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />