High Sierra Topix

Currrenty use a 1.5 G Platypus for backpacking and do not care for it, zipper on it is
not working and is very unbalanced when not full. The 96 fl.oz. Nalgene Wide-Mouth
that was used prior to the Platypus sprung a leak after its third trip even though it was
delicately used.
So what do those of you who use campsites that may be a longer distance from
water sources frequently, like up on a ridge, or when hiking in a desert climate use
for carrying/storing water? Has to be collapsible, carry at least 1.5 G, be leak proof,
and lightweight.

if it's full, with water, it doesn't have to be collapsible. Could be milk jugs at that point hanging on a strap on the back of your pack. That costs nothing until you fill it up and suspend it off the back of your pack.

I carry a 2L camelback pack insert which i only use going uphill or in camp. It helps me uphill as i insert electrolyte tabs in it prior to filling it up, and with the "suck tube", i can do hills without dismounting my pack.

Still, i'd do milk jugs if I had to for a ridge trip.

Trail Designs sells these:
http://www.traildesigns.com/accessories/water-carriers" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I used the MSR 4 liter Dromedary on my last trip at Joshua Tree and they are very well constructed, but heavy, but so is water and in the desert, I didn't want to worry about leaks.

I usually just buy a new 2liter platypus bag every year or so for the Sierra trips.

I use the 2 liter platypus bottles most of the time. That's only half a gallon but they weigh little and take up minimal space so we usually carry several of them even when camped close to water. They have no handles and are floppy and annoying to pour though.

I've used two liter soda bottles in the desert and for big wall climbing where the lack of collapsibility matters less. In a pinch I've used gallon zip lock bags. You have to be kind of careful with those.

I suppose you could empty out the bear canister and fill that with water.

Osprey Hydraulics 3 liter. Available from REI, replacement tubing and bite valve also available. I rarely use the total capacity but its nice to have. I get uncomfortable with the thought of running out of water. Good idea on the electrolyte tabs.

Rumrunner flasks. They come in various sizes. Light. The largest capacity is 32oz also have 8 and 16 oz. Drawback is the mouths are small. Roll up when empty and stand when they have liquid in them. Also double duty as they are great for smuggling booze on cruise ships.

Thank you for everybody's input so far.

MSR Dromlite - lighter than the dromedary, but still seems plenty tough. Handles freezing and stays flexible. Has a nice cap that is nalgene liter size wide mouth but also with small spout and tiny spout, so it's pretty easy to pour out of in a controlled manner or hang up and dispense. I have the 4-liter, I think.

We each carry a 3 liter MSR bag. I have been using them for several years. We set up camp mostly away from water and use the bags a mile or two before setting up camp. We like to have enough water to get use through the evening and to get going in the morning until we come across the next stream. I rinse them out at the end of each trip with a light bleach solution followed by tap water rinse and let them dry out before storing.

Mav, I always stay at water so I don't know if this helps for your purpose, but I usually fill a waterproof sea to summit 8-10 liter stuff sack full of water. I fill it up, fold it down and use the folded clip part as the handle. I then hang 4-5 liters from a branch and scoop water out as needed or I attach a hose to the bottom and drain out what I need.