Platypus QuickDraw MicroFilter System Evaluation

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Squeeze filters have rapidly develop into some of the widespread filtration strategies amongst hikers and ultralight backpackers. It isn’t any marvel why; they’re small, light-weight, and tremendous handy for fast water grabs on journeys with plentiful water sources alongside the way in which.

The Platypus QuickDraw MicroFilter System is much like different widespread squeeze filters available on the market however stands out for its quick circulation charge, sturdy construct, and simple upkeep.

Fast Specs

MSRP: $50

WEIGHT: 3.6 oz. (together with 1 L reservoir)

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Professionals

ULTRALIGHT – The QuickDraw system is extremely light-weight in comparison with conventional pumps and filters. The dry microfilter weighs a mere 2.3 oz. (or 3.6 together with the 1 L reservoir), so it’s excellent for anybody trying to decrease pack weight. That’s a tad lighter than the Sawyer Squeeze (2.5 oz. with out reservoir) and a bit heavier than the Katadyn BeFree (1.2 oz. with out reservoir), however the distinction is fairly negligible.

On our scale, the saturated QuickDraw cartridge with each caps weighed 3.1 ounces. In the event you preserve your filter connected to the squeeze reservoir like we do on the path, you might select to not carry the extra caps, which can shave off about 0.4 oz. from the overall weight.

COMPACT – The QuickDraw filter cartridge suits simply in a hip belt pocket or fanny pack, and the reservoir folds fully flat when not in use. We love how small and space-saving this technique is. In truth, it’s so minimal, we regularly deliver it in a pocket on path runs so we don’t have to hold a water bottle.

FAST & CONVENIENT – There’s no wait time when utilizing the QuickDraw like there’s with chemical or UV remedies. Merely scoop water from a pure supply, squeeze it by means of the filter right into a bottle, and it’s instantly secure to drink. We will simply filter a number of liters in a minute or two, which helps preserve breaks brief. Typically, we don’t even hassle stopping. In the event you preserve the QuickDraw accessible, and there are frequent water sources alongside the route, it’s simple to seize a liter on the fly. We regularly filter whereas strolling or just drink straight from the cartridge.

EXCELLENT FLOW RATE – Tons of of tiny, hole fibers permit the QuickDraw to filter water quickly. Platypus claims that it could filter as much as 3 L per minute with regular squeeze stress. We don’t typically backpack with a 3 L reservoir, so we haven’t examined that principle, however 3 L per minute looks like a stretch to us. That mentioned, we’re very happy with the QuickDraws capability to course of 1 L of water in lower than a minute (about 40 seconds).

In a water filter race we just lately performed (see video under), we discovered the circulation charges of widespread squeeze filters to be fairly comparable. That mentioned, the QuickDraw proved to be barely sooner than the Katadyn BeFree and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze in a number of trials. We’ve but to hurry trial the QuickDraw towards a recent Sawyer Squeeze, however we count on the 2 to carry out equally.

Platypus QuickDraw, LifeStraw Peak Squeeze & Katadyn BeFree – Video Credit score: Heather Eldridge (Cleverhiker.com)

REMOVES BACTERIA, PROTOZOA & DIRT – Consuming unhealthy water can rapidly spoil a visit and wreak havoc in your physique for weeks or months following. For sure, it’s finest to filter all water within the backcountry to keep away from the opportunity of contracting a gnarly abdomen parasite. The QuickDraws hollow-fiber filter cartridge removes 99.9999% of micro organism and 99.9% of protozoa. It’s efficient towards giardia, salmonella, and cryptosporidium – the most typical belongings you’ll encounter on the paths in North America. It additionally does an amazing job of clarifying water by eradicating small particles particles.

QUALITY RESERVOIR – We’ve been utilizing Platy Bottles on backpacking journeys for ages, and we belief them to be sturdy and taste-free. We’ve had good experiences utilizing the 1 L QuickDraw reservoir that’s included with the filter, and much desire it over the baggage that include the Sawyer Squeeze. The QuickDraw reservoir has a large mouth that makes it simple to fill at water sources. And it has an amazing little deal with that makes it simple to hold in your hand in the event you’re ingesting proper out of the bottle on the go. It’s additionally good to have the ability to scoop water from a chilly supply with out having to submerge our fingers on chilly journeys.

EXTERNAL FILTER CARTRIDGE – We like that the QuickDraws microfilter attaches to the surface of bottles and reservoirs. Some filter designs, just like the Katadyn BeFree and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze, nest the cartridge contained in the reservoir, which makes it a) troublesome to squeeze each final drop, and b) unimaginable to slot in an entire liter of water. It’s useful to have the ability to retailer a full liter within the ‘soiled’ reservoir and know that you just’re filtering precisely 1 L of water into an empty water bottle of your selection.

COMPATIBLE WITH VARIOUS BOTTLES & RESERVOIRS – The QuickDraw filter cartridge has twin inside and out of doors threads, so it may be connected to a wide range of bottles and reservoirs. We nearly at all times use the 1 L reservoir that comes with the filter, however we admire that it’s appropriate with smartwater bottles and a wide range of different beverage containers. Versatility is at all times good, and if the reservoir had a blowout, we’d have a backup. 

DURABLE HOUSING – One of many greatest upsides of QuickDraw is how sturdy it’s. The flip-open sports activities cap is far stouter than these on the BeFree and Sawyer, and received’t threaten to interrupt off after repeated opening and shutting. The entire filter cartridge feels stable in your hand. And even the caps are made with a thick materials. The QuickDraw might be probably the most sturdy squeeze filter available on the market, so it’s nice for thru-hiking or anybody who’s robust on gear.

EASY TO BACKFLUSH – All water filters decelerate over time as they’re uncovered to particulates in water, and backflushing will help restore their circulation charge. Some filters require a syringe to power water again by means of them, however you’ll be able to flush the QuickDraw with nothing greater than a clear water bottle. A vigorous shake can even work nicely to take care of the circulation charge within the area in our expertise. However, if the QuickDraw wants a extra thorough flushing, you’ll be able to merely invert a bottle full of fresh water over the drink spout and squeeze water again by means of the cartridge.

INTEGRITY CHECK – If a squeeze filter is dropped or frozen, the hole fibers within the cartridge might be compromised. There’s no technique to inform for positive if this has occurred on many squeeze filters, so that you’d must discard them in the event you had been nervous. Fortunately, there is a technique to examine the integrity of the QuickDraw. Comply with the directions offered by the producer to find out whether or not your filter is secure to make use of.

GOOD VALUE – The QuickDraw has an MSRP of $50, which is barely greater than the comparable Sawyer Squeeze (at present $41). That mentioned, it’s nonetheless a wonderful worth, and we don’t thoughts paying a couple of {dollars} extra to get the high-quality reservoir that comes with it. For reference, the Katadyn BeFree additionally prices $50.

Platypus claims it is best to be capable of filter 1,000 L of water with a QuickDraw cartridge, which pencils out to about $0.05 per liter. Evaluate that to the price per liter of treating with chlorine dioxide drops and tablets; Katadyn Micropur Water Tabs price about $0.50 per liter, and Aquamira Drops roughly $0.13 per 1 L.

Within the grand scheme, this technique is sort of inexpensive, particularly in comparison with a heavy-duty air purifier, just like the MSR Guardian. In the event you’re keen to correctly preserve the QuickDraw to get many journeys out of it, the worth is nicely price it.

Cons

HEAVIER & BULKIER THAN SOME – As talked about above, the QuickDraw (2.3 oz. with out reservoir) is a bit heavier than the Katadyn BeFree (1.2 oz. with out reservoir). The burden distinction is pretty miniscule although, and the QuickDraw’s streamlined and sturdy housing could also be definitely worth the slight improve in weight for some. The Sawyer Squeeze is barely heavier than the QuickDraw (2.5 oz. with out reservoir).

The QuickDraw is, nevertheless, considerably heavier and bulkier than a chemical therapy like Katadyn Micropur Water Tabs (1.2 oz. for 30 tabs). In the event you’re on the lookout for probably the most ultralight and minimal possibility, a therapy like this may be a greater match for you.

SLOWS DOWN OVER TIME – The QuickDraw is admittedly quick when it’s new, with the power to filter 1-2 L per minute. Sadly, as is the case with all squeeze filters, the hole fibers that make up the membrane can get clogged and the circulation charge will finally decelerate over time. We suggest selecting water sources rigorously and, if you need to, pre-filtering water that’s tremendous silty or filled with particles to extend the lifespan of your filter and preserve a great circulation charge.

If you recognize the realm the place you’re climbing has silty or highly-contaminated water sources, the QuickDraw (or any squeeze filter) may not be your best option. These varieties of circumstances will gradual your filter down and treating water may develop into fairly a chore by the top of your journey.

TEDIOUS FOR OVER 2 L – Squeeze filters, just like the QuickDraw, are typically finest for journeys which have frequent, clear water sources alongside the route. Squeezing 1 or 2 L with the QuickDraw in a session is a snap, however squeezing can develop into tedious in the event you often have to ‘camel up’ with various liters at a time for lengthy carries or dry tenting. In that case (or in the event you’re touring with a bunch), you may need to contemplate one thing that requires much less bodily effort, just like the Platypus GravityWorks.

NEEDS PROTECTION FROM FREEZING – If temperatures dip under freezing, you’ll have to preserve the QuickDraw near your physique whereas climbing, and in your sleeping bag at evening. If water freezes contained in the filter, the pores will completely enlarge, and the filter shall be unreliable towards protozoa and micro organism. At house, don’t retailer squeeze filters in a storage, basement, or shed that’s topic to sub-freezing temperatures.

DOESN’T KILL VIRUSES – The QuickDraw Filter does a wonderful job of eradicating the most typical micro organism and protozoans you’ll encounter whereas backpacking within the US, nevertheless it doesn’t kill viruses. In the event you’re climbing in an space the place water-borne viruses are a priority, you might need to pair it with a chemical therapy, like Katadyn Micropur Tablets, or contemplate a air purifier just like the Katadyn Steripen or MSR Guardian.

CAPS TO KEEP TRACK OF – As we talked about earlier than, we often preserve the QuickDraw filter connected to the squeeze reservoir always, solely taking it off to refill. In the event you desire to hold the elements individually for higher packability, you’ll want to hold a few extra caps (included) – one for the soiled aspect of the filter cartridge, and one other for the reservoir.

It’s a small gripe, however it may be a little bit of a chore to maintain monitor of those unfastened caps (each on the path and within the drying rack/gear storage field at house). It might be useful if Platypus designed the caps with some holes and tethers to maintain them connected for the individuals who select to make use of them. Till then, we suggest preserving the caps in a Ziploc when not in use. Keep in mind, they’re contaminated, so don’t allow them to come into contact with clear bottles or water.

Backside Line

The Platypus QuickDraw MicroFilter System is a particularly simple and handy technique to make water from pure sources secure to drink. The construct high quality is among the many better of any squeeze filter available on the market, and we love how simple it’s to backflush and examine its integrity.

The jury remains to be out on which filter is the very best between Platypus, Sawyer, and Katadyn. The reality is, they’re all nice and really comparable. We suggest the QuickDraw for many who are keen to pay a couple of bucks extra for wonderful sturdiness and a high-quality reservoir. Total, we expect the QuickDraw is a good filtration possibility.

In the event you’re concerned with studying extra about how the Platypus QuickDraw compares to different water filters available on the market, head over to our Greatest Water Filters Gear Information.

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MORE INFORMATION

We hope this assessment helps you identify if the Platypus QuickDraw MicroFilter System is best for you. As at all times, please go away a remark under when you’ve got any suggestions, questions, or solutions or go to our Fb web page and Instagram to hitch the group dialog. In the event you discovered this assessment useful, please share on social media and click on the little coronary heart button under to present us a digital excessive 5!

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