Walking Equipment and Accessories

Platypus QuickDraw Water Filter | Review

An innovative water filtration system from American brand Platypus

Why we chose them: Innovative, simple to use, highly compatible

Platypus have long been the top-of-mind brand for hikers and adventurers when it comes to hydration storage. Now, with the QuickDraw, they’ve used their expertise to create an innovative water filtration system that is easy to use, durable and is an effortless addition to your backpack. In conjunction with a QuickDraw reservoir, you’ve got the ideal solution to your backcountry water needs.

Who is The Platypus QuickDraw For?

Wild campers, bikepackers, packrafters, thru-hikers, expedition members and peak-baggers will all benefit from the many qualities of the QuickDraw. The realities of any long adventure in the outdoors mean that, sooner or later, you’re going to need to turn to a tumbling stream for hydration. The alternative is dehydration, which leads to errors in judgement, grumpiness and dangerous situations that are best avoided.

“Its 0.2 micron hollow fibre cartridge removes 99.9999% of bacteria”

With the QuickDraw, the worry of nasty, contaminated water is removed, as its 0.2 micron hollow fibre cartridge removes 99.9999% of bacteria, as well as 99.9% of protozoa from backcountry water. It’s also supremely durable, while its lightweight construction means that it’s a welcome addition to any backpack.

Materials and Construction

Simplicity is the key here. The QuickDraw comprises three component parts: the cartridge, the dirty side cover and the attached clean side cap. The outer cartridge is made from a thermoplastic elastomer, which is grippy even when wet and doesn’t accumulate grime. The dirty side cap creates a reliable seal, which is essential for ensuring there’s no contamination or seepage into your backpack. Meanwhile, the clean side features the same flip-to-open cap as Platypus’ DuoLock bottle, which closes securely, preventing leaks and stopping dirt from getting on the spout.

Compatibility

The spout is not just designed to be drunk from directly but to also fit into the top of standard bottles, meaning you can share your newly-filtered water with your wider group – making it an attractive proposition to mountain leaders and guides. The system works with a flow rate of up to 3L per minute, meaning you can quickly refill a whole expedition team’s supply in no time.

“The system works with a flow rate of up to 3L per minute”

The filter is often sold as a system with a 1-litre QuickDraw reservoir for the collection of dirty water. As is usual with Platypus, it boasts a taste-free, durable tri-layer film. As well as the specifically designed QuickDraw reservoir, the cartridge is also compatible with Platy SoftBottles, the Platy 2L, the Platy Water Tanks and Platy Hosers. Due to the popularity of Smart Water bottles on American thru-hikes, the cartridge has also been designed to fit securely with these.

So why go for the Quick Draw reservoir at all? Filling reservoirs at a rushing stream can often result in water getting everywhere, which is why the mouth of the QuickDraw reservoir is extra-large and features a convenient handle so that you can keep your hands out of the water. Once ready for docking, the dual thread design enables the QuickDraw cartridge to be screwed into the reservoir securely.

The filter is a cinch to clean too. All you have to do is quarter fill a compatible reservoir with clean water, attach it to the cartridge and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. The result is a clean filter with a good-as-new flow rate.

Tester’s Verdict

Sarah Baynham, South Wales-based outdoor photographer

“ I like that you can just roll up this thing up with the Reservoir and Cartridge together so it takes up very little space in your bag.

“In use, I found it so easy to use. The handle made collecting water easy and meant that I didn’t have to get my hands wet! Filtering was easy too, the cartridge twists onto the reservoir and then you just hold it upside down and let the water drain through the cartridge into your water bottle. The process is quick and easy and I was able to have all of our water bottles filled with safe filtered water in a few minutes.

“I would highly recommend this product for its ease of use and compact design. I have used filter water bottles before and find them difficult to drink from as you have to suck quite hard for the water to come through the filter and you are also restricted to only being able to drink from one bottle. With Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System you can filter the water into multiple bottles so great for when your hiking with a group of people too.”