About the benefits of one-and-a-half-liter bottles

The world has gone a little crazy about the harm of plastic bottles, and I want to say a few words in their defense.

One-and-a-half-liter plastic bottles, or “one-and-a-half liters,” are my trusty friends both on hikes and during rock climbing.

When it comes to water on a hike, many prefer hydration packs. These are plastic bags with a tube that can be drawn out of the backpack to drink while on the go without taking off the backpack.

But I still remain loyal to the classic one-and-a-half liters.

Why?
First, water in hydration packs, especially new ones, often has an unpleasant plastic aftertaste.
Second, with a hydration pack, you can’t see how much water you have left until you take off your backpack and pull it out. This can lead to subconsciously saving water and not drinking enough!
And the worst part, in my opinion, is that drinking on the go, as you do with a hydration pack, means fewer stops—and consequently, less rest.

With bottles, it’s simpler: it’s easy to keep track of your water supply, and it always tastes as it should. Plus, every time you drink, you have a reason to stop and catch your breath.

Also, it’s the lightest and most durable container for water, taking up no extra space in your backpack: take a sip, crush the bottle, and so on.

And cleaning a plastic bottle and reusing it is no problem at all. So I’m “for” one-and-a-half liters—unless it’s a race up the mountains for speed.