Platypus QuickDraw Ultralight 3 Liter Backpacking Gravity Water Filter System

I have been using Platypus water storage containers on backpack trips for decades and been pleased with their performance and durability. So when it came time to replace my Sawyer water filter for a multi day kayak trip, I decided to splurge and purchase this $90 platypus gravity feed filtration system (see picture). On its very first use, we filled the the platypus water container unit, attached the platypus water filter to the container, hung the platypus water container to a tree by running a sleeping bags strap from a limb through the blue handle of the platypus water container, and then threaded the tubing from the platypus “dirty” water container to another platypus water bottle to receive filtered water. We watched to make sure the water was running through the filter into our clean water bottle. As we are watching, the blue strap detaches from the platypus water bottle and the unit crashes to the ground. The component that is glued or welded to the platypus water container had detached from the water container: see picture. This attachment arrangement is seems remarkably insecure and cheaply done for a $90 system. I’ve used other gravity fed filtration systems and they have the handle attachment go through a reinforced area of the container. This system does not. I would not trust it to last. The rest of the trip we had to hold the 3 liter filtration container by hand during the filtration process. Needless to say, we are returning this unit.

We were looking for a larger filter system for a couple of backpacking trips. I had purchased another popular brand and was not impressed on my last trip. After 4 bags of water the bag separated from the bottom plastic part making it unusable. I contacted the manufacturer about it and they never got back to me (I bought it 3 months ago in preparation for the trip so I was past the return window). So I’m trying a new brand. So far I like how adaptable it is. The cap at the end of the fill tube screws right onto my Nalgene bottle. You can take it off and fill directly into my camel pack. Or just let it run into whatever container you have. I’m using this on a 3 night 40 mile backpacking trip next week so I’ll update then

Filters water perfectly. Handle is poorly constructed.

They didn't make the 3L strap supports strong enough to let you hold the weight of the water without popping off. They used chap glued on little knobs that on my first use on the AT, it came off. I had to hike the remaining 6 weeks without a way to utilize the gravity feature other than just holing my arm at. On a good note, my shoulders were stronger by the end of the hike.

Keep in mind, I only used this bag for one singular trip. Quality: Platypus and I made about two or three trips (a couple hundred feet) from my hammock to the river before the strap snapped. Thankfully, it was just the glue and the bag didn’t rip at all. At least its lightweight and packs down fairly small. Leakage: The seams and threads didn’t leak at all, plus everything was simple to set up. Plug and play really. Performance: The river I was at has a very high iron content so the water has a distinct reddish/orange tint. The filter did good considering. Water came out with a yellowy tint but tasted great and I didn’t get sick, so a win for platypus there. TLDR: It works, but not like a $100 filter set up should. Get a Lifestraw Pro and bring an empty bottle to connect it to. If the bag setup is what you’re tickles your fancy and not the filter itself, buy from a different brand.

Fast filter, fits a lot of different bottles. Easy to use. All around winner.

I bought this product despite the poor reviews about handle breakage. While waiting I went to a local REI and inspected their units, all of which had at least one handle connection point in the process of peeling away from the bag. When my unit arrived both handle connection points appeared firmly connected to the bag so I was relieved; still, the handle broke on first use. While this does not prevent the unit from filtering water, it undermines the whole point of the product which is unattended water filtration. Certainly Platypus is aware of this issue but is continuing to sell this product and letting customers fix their sloppy work. This might be okay for fidget spinners, but not for products that people rely upon in the backcountry.

I didn't read the reviews on Amazon until after ordering. As many have reported for well over a year, the handle comes unglued on first use. Upon receiving, I filled with water and hung up; sure enough, it was on my floor by the next morning. Hard to believe they haven't addressed this obvious defect in well over a year. Moreover, they offer no phone support . . . Beware of companies that won't speak to their customers.