In reply to Jenny C:
> I wondered as I typed my post above how likely that is to actually happen - but clearly I'm not the only one that has been unlucky.
Happened to me too, MSR dromedary, ripped off going through a narrow path between bushes. The problem is that the siphon effect very quickly empties the bladder on those.
> Do love my platypus and never had just issues with a plasticy taste, but there is a lot to be said for splitting your water into two independent bottles (of any design) to prevent disasters in the event of failure.
Yep, never trust a single vessel.
> Main thing I dislike about hosers is that you have little idea of if you're over/under drinking, so run the risk of running out or being unnecessary dehydrated.
^^this. One of my scouts drank all his drinking and making food water on expedition because of this - sipping all day and not knowing how much he was getting through.
The other good reason I don't use them is that if they leak, they leak in your bag.