Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System - 4 Liter
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Keep a supply of drinking water right in your campsite. The Platypus GravityWorks™ water filter delivers 4 liters of potable water in just 2.5 minutes without requiring a single pump stroke.
Shop newer version- GravityWorks filter combines the speed and utility of the original Platypus CleanStream™ gravity filter with less weight and improved durability
- System includes two 4-liter reservoirs, 1 for unfiltered water and 1 for clean water; reservoirs have hang loops for easy in-camp use
- To use, simply fill the unfiltered-water reservoir with water and hang it above the clean-water reservoir to let gravity carry water through the filter
- Hollow-fiber filter technology offers a high flow rate of 1.75 liters per minute—that's 4 liters in 2.5 minutes!
- Filter physically removes particles, protozoa and bacteria down to 0.2 microns in size, including giardia, salmonella, cryptosporidia and more
- Unfiltered-water reservoir features a quick-disconnect valve that automatically shuts off the flow of water when the hose is disconnected
- Shutoff hose clamp on the clean water hose allows on-demand water control for filling bottles; clamp also shuts off the system when not in use
- Clean the system by simply holding the clean reservoir above the unfiltered reservoir to backflush the filter
- Reservoirs feature SlimeGuard™ antimicrobial treatment for taste-free performance
- Platypus GravityWorks™ water filter system is compatible with Platypus Bottles, Water Tanks™ and Big Zip SL™ reservoirs, all sold separately
- Microfilter lifetime of up to 1,500 liters
Made in USA.
View the Platypus GravityWorks Product LineView all Platypus Gravity Water Filters| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Filter Type | Gravity |
| Filter Medium | Hollow fiber |
| Removes/Destroys | Protozoa And Bacteria |
| Output | 1.75 liters per minute |
| Housing Material | Polyethylene |
| BPA Free | Yes |
| Field Cleanable | Yes |
| Dimensions | (Filter) 2 x 8.5 / (reservoir) 17.7 x 9.1 inches |
| Weight | 11.5 ounces |
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Seriously Worth Every Cent
Great product - it really is as fast as it claims to be. We backwash the filter after each use to keep the water flowing quickly and get more use out of each filter. We loaned ours to my mother, who said her entire group was so excited about it that they watched it do its work. It's great to be able to fill up the dirty bag and walk away while gravity does the work that we used to do with a pump. We bring an MSR dromedary bag to easily dispense the filtered water. It makes it so we can run a few bags through when we get to camp and can just relax for the next day.
Frugal Tip: also get the $7 HyFLO Bite Valve
Just tested and confirmed that the Platypus HyFLO Bite Valve DOES fit on the 1/4" tubing from this Gravity Works system. Use the buckled Hang Loop on the Clean Reservoir to hang the reservoir inside your pack, run the tube out over the top, weave it into one of your shoulder straps, and put this Bite Valve on the end where the filter would normally attach. Boom - filter system converted into a hydration pack with drinking tube for $7. (Bite valve cover is another $8 - optional but recommended IMO). Don't waste money buying a separate hydration pack just so you can have a drinking tube. Get this filter system and a bite valve for the best of both worlds at a much more reasonable price.
Very easy to use
Lightweight, large 4L capacity means fewer trips to the water source, usually only one. Gravity feed is fast and easy. Great innovation! However, take care not to lose the screw-on caps. They are not attached to the bags, and are absolutely essential to the system. The tubing appears to be surgical quality, and is very flexible. All fittings are water tight. Throw a couple of small carabiners into the tote bag for convenience in hanging. Dry everything thoroughly before you pack it away for the off-season. One cautionary tale: we left our "dirty" reservoir bag hanging overnight once, and a large visiting bear couldn't resist biting and puncturing it (see photo) despite the bag's obvious durability, so take'em down at night in the wilderness.
Platypus - as unique as its namesake!
I bought this filter after seeing one work during a backpack trip with a friend. I can't sing enough praise for the unit! Works flawlessly, filtering four liters in less than four minutes. It weighs slight less than my old hand-pump filter and takes up about the same back space. And in camp, the clean reservoir serves as a convenient storage and dispensing canteen. I kept the dirty reservoir filled and ready overnight, making mornings a lot easier. Two concerns: water source can't be silty or slimy otherwise the filter might clog, and you can't let the filter freeze so late fall and winter use would be limited.
Filter issues
The first few times of use I loved this system for its ease and fast filtration. On the 5th or 6th time of use the water filter basically stopped functioning taking nearly 3 hours to filter 3 liters. I’m still not sure why this happened since the filter had only been used to produce less than 100 liters. A few of the small cords inside of the filter are broken, but great care was taken to clean and dry the system after each use. It seemed too soon to replace the water filter (which is pricey) but I can’t determine what else to do to fix the problem.
Standard for water
Love these gravity filters. I've used this for the last 6 years backpacking the Sierras and other western locations. Every time I bring this, others bring their pumps, but we all end up using the gravity filter because it's so easy. After 6 years, I'm going to replace the filter because it's starting to slow down. I've used it on small water sources where I filled the big bag with a cup. I've used it in shallow streams. I've used it in stagnant lakes. It's always provided good water, though the stagnant stuff tasted a bit "off." The bag is tough and fitting easy to use. Notes on my use: I bought one of these before they fixed the clip on top. Thank God for that, the old "ziploc" top didn't work. The new ones do. My habit is to not bother bringing the clean bag. In cases where the water was remote from camp, I just bring the dirty bag to camp and fill bottles directly from that. If the new clean bag works better, then I might bring it as a primary water source bottle.
Simple, light, effective - just about perfect
This is a great, great system. Works as advertised - fast flow rate, gets marginal water sparkling clean (and safe) fast. Would be a good idea to use a cup to fill the dirty bladder when you are working with a shallow source, trickling stream, etc., as the bag itself is almost impossible to fill without some depth or a strong flow. And mind the little cap that secures the hose to the clean bag (it can come off) as well as the shutoff clamp, and don't drop the filter cartridge. With a little careful handling, this is just a far superior system to pump filters - both easier and faster.
Huge step forward in modern science
The creation of this system should be celebrated by all outdoors people. It takes the place of pumping water (essentially the worst part of backpacking) and replaces it with lounging next to a quiet stream. I have dreamed about this. It is worth every penny. My only fear, is that one day I will be way up somewhere with a group of friends backpacking, and at this point all my friends rely solely on me to bring this filtration system. We stop for a drink, fill the bag, and the filter doesn't work. Because, at that point.....there will be a straight up mutiny. ...... It will be a wild scene. But until that day comes. I will keep using this system and loaning it out to all my friends who refuse to pay for it.
This filter changed my life!
We took this on our daughter's first backpacking trip. It couldn't have been any easier. The tiny twigs and other debris settled to the bottom of the dirty bag, below the level of the tube leading to the clean bag, so they didn't go into the filter. We had brought some coffee filters to pre-filter the water if it was high in sediment (it wasn't, so we didn't use them). I can't emphasize how easy this is. Gone are my days of hunching over a water source, trying to position my water bottle so it won't tip over, getting hand cramps. We had trouble filling the bag completely, but by using a scooping motion, we were able to collect 3 liters at a time.
The best system for water purification available
I have been hiking/backpacking for over 45 years, and I have not found a better system to reduce weight and supply all of my water needs while on the trail. The cost is worth the convenience and simplicity, and the replacement cartridges, while expensive, are worth having a couple extra to use. I have used this to supply multiple gallons of water to multiple trekkers. Everyone marveled at the simplicity and the weight savings. If you hike, you need this. this will be your most valuable accessory you will have. only nothing weighs nothing, but it beats carrying water weight (10-20#?), when there is no need to.