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Why do people think they need to spend $15 on heavy nalgenes when they can just re-use an old 1 L gatorade or mineral water bottle you would probably have drunk anyway? It's lighter, it has the same capacity, it's strong enough, and it's cheaper.
I can understand if you like to use a metal canteen, since those can double as survival cookware (for boiling water), but the only redeeming value of a nalgene bottle is the wide mouth, and that's not even required.
I do bring a few platypus bladders (at least two, in case one develops a leak) for trips when I might have to haul more than 2 liters for any one section of trail - or perhaps for camp water. Platypus bladders - unlike Camelbak and MSR dromedary bags - weigh like an ounce a piece. I consider them essential gear unless you routinely need to carry large amounts of water for hiking, in which case I'd go with a more durable option.
