Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System Review

Pros and Cons

The Specs

The following information reflects the 6L version of the Platypus GravityWorks. If you would like to see specifics on the 4L version, you can find them here. If you’re interested in the 2L version, that’s here.

• Weight: 12.3 oz / 350 g
• Bag Length: 19.5 in / 50 cm
• Filters: Bacteria, particulate, and protozoa
• Filter pore size (microns): 0.2
• Flow (L/min): 1.75 liters per min
• Cartridge life: 1,500 liters
• Bag Material: Polyethylene
• Country of Origin: Assembled in the USA with domestic and imported materials
• Sizes: 2L, 4L, 6L
• Color: Transparent plastic
• MSRP: $134.95

The Features

• No pumping – fill the dirty reservoir, hang it
• Filters up to 1.75 liters per minute with a microfilter lifetime of up to 1,500 liters of water
• Every microfilter is tested to ensure it meets EPA & NSF guidelines for the removal of 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa (including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Salmonella, and Cholera).
• Stows smaller than most 1L bottles.
• 12-liter (6L filtered + 6L unfiltered) total capacity or groups.
• Microfilter can be backflushed in four seconds
• Hundreds of tiny, hollow fibers enable the microfilter to filter water faster
• Includes: Clean reservoir (6L), dirty reservoir (6L), hollow fiber microfilter, hoses, shutoff clamp, and storage sack

The Good

The Water Quality

The Platypus GravityWorks does an excellent job of filtering water. The only potential drawback to the filtered water is that it’s not guaranteed free from viruses, chemicals, or pollutants. That said, having any of these present in your water source is generally the exception to the rule, and you (should) know ahead of time if you must contend with any of them. As far as bacteria, protozoa, and particulates are concerned, GravityWorks has you covered.

The Ease of Use

The Platypus GravityWorks is a bit more complicated to set up than other water filters (more on this below), but once you have it ready to go, filtering water is incredibly simple. You literally leave it alone and wait for gravity to do the work. The water moves from the dirty bag through the filter and then fills the clean bag with ready-to-drink water – much easier than squeezing water out of a water bottle a little bit at a time.

The Storage

One of the nice things about the GravityWorks system (particularly the 6L version) is that you now have a large storage capacity – up to 12L with the 6L version. This is great for groups or for when water sources are inconveniently located and/or away from camp. It’s also great to be able to filter 6L of water at a time.

The Okay

The Set-Up

The Platypus GravityWorks can be a bit tricky to set up. It’s five individual pieces – two bags, two tubes, and one filter – and you’ll need to elevate one of the bags to get the flow moving once you’re ready to filter. Certainly more complicated than screwing a filter onto a bottle and squeezing. It’s not bad once you figure out the setup, but it can be intimidating at first.

The Compactness

A drawback of the Platypus GravityWorks compared to other water filters (although not necessarily others of the gravity variety) is the bulk of the system. It does back down nicely, but it’s not something you’ll quickly lose in your pack.

The Price

One thing that you’ll notice immediately when investigating the GravityWorks is the price. While not absurdly expensive, it’s still one of the more expensive options available. The 6L version runs $135 (as of this article’s publication), the 4L goes for $120, and the 2L is $110.

The Bad

The Pieces

Probably my least favorite thing about the Platypus GravityWorks is the fact that it requires five individual pieces to function. The two reservoirs, the filter, and the two (different/unique) hoses connect the filter to the bags. Once, I was missing a piece of tubing, and instead of effortlessly being able to filter from one bag to another, I had to manually fill bottles one at a time. It’s my fault, but it would not happen with a less complex filter. If you misplace yours, Platypus even sells replacement reservoirs, filters, and hoses.

The Freezing

As with all hollow fiber filters, the GravityWorks is susceptible to freezing. You cannot let the filter freeze, or residual water in it can expand and damage it, rendering it ineffective. If you’ll be out for cold nights, this means sleeping with the filter portion of your GravityWorks in your sleeping bag (or otherwise insulating it during the night). And if you’re out in below-freezing temperatures during the day, you may need to look for a different water filter.

Couples: The Platypus GravityWorks can be a great option for couples – especially if water isn’t going to be readily available and you expect to be carrying 3+ liters at a time. Just make sure you’re not planning on getting separated if this will be the only water filter you choose to carry between the two of you.

Groups: In its 6L version, the Platypus GravityWorks is an excellent group choice. I would say it does a great job filtering for three – maybe four – people, but you would want a second one if you’re going to be in a group of 5+. At that point, you would probably want (at least) one backup filter anyway. GravityWorks for groups (see what I did there?)

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