• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Halfway Anywhere

Halfway Anywhere

  • About
  • Blog
  • PCT
  • CDT
  • Hikes
    • Arizona
      • Arizona Trail
      • Buckskin Gulch/Paria Canyon
      • Royal Arch Loop
    • Australia
      • Outback Bicycle Tour
      • New South Wales
        • The Coast Track
      • Tasmania
        • Federation Peak
        • Frenchmans Cap
        • Mount Anne Circuit
        • Overland Track
        • Western Arthurs Traverse
    • California
      • Cactus to Clouds
      • Kings Canyon High Basin Route
      • Southern Sierra High Route
      • Trans-Catalina Trail
    • Brazil
    • Japan
      • Alps Traverse
      • Fuji Area
      • Hokkaido
      • Hokuriku
      • Kansai
      • Kita Alps
      • Kyushu
    • Nepal
      • Everest Base Camp
      • Three Passes Trek
    • New Zealand
      • Ball Pass Route
    • Oregon
      • Timberline Trail
    • Washington
      • Wonderland Trail
  • Gear
    • Current Gear List
    • Gear Reviews
    • Gear Lists
    • PCT Gear
    • Best Backpacking Quilts
    • Best Satellite Messengers
    • Best Sun Hoodies
    • Best Thru-Hiking Shoes
    • Best Thru-Hiking Socks
    • Deals & Discounts
  • Surveys
    • PCT Survey
      • PCT Survey Results
      • PCT Gear Guide
      • PCT Resupply Guide
      • Women’s Gear Guide
      • Couples’ Gear Guide
      • Demographic Breakdown
      • PCT Horror Stories
      • PCT Hiker Advice
      • PCT Social Issues
      • All PCT Survey Articles
      • PCT Survey Sign-Up
    • CDT Survey
      • CDT Survey Results
      • CDT Gear Guide
      • CDT Resupply Guide
      • CDT Horror Stories
      • CDT Hiker Advice
      • All CDT Survey Articles
      • CDT Survey Sign-Up
    • JMT Survey
      • JMT Survey Results
      • JMT Gear Guide
      • All JMT Survey Articles
      • JMT Survey Sign-Up
  • Contact
    • Say Hello!
    • Support

Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter Review

By Mac 10 Comments

The Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter is a 2.2 oz / 62 g hollow-fiber membrane water filter that removes bacteria and protozoa from water sources. It’s designed with simplicity and ultralight backpacking in mind – certainly something you’ll find hikers using on trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. However, it’s also a great choice for shorter backpacking trips or as something to have in your pack “just in case”.

It can be purchased as a system (includes the filter and a 1-liter Platypus bag) or as a standalone filter. The filter can be attached to a variety of water containers, including Smartwater/LIFEWTR bottles, most Platypus bottles, and other common 28mm PET soda/water bottles. Because it uses a hollow-fiber membrane filter, it is susceptible to freezing and/or impact damage, but unlike many other hollow-fiber membrane filters, the QuickDraw can be field-tested for integrity.

Table of Contents
1 Testing Conditions
1.1 The Specs
1.2 The Features
2 The Good
3 The Okay
4 The Bad
5 Who is it for?
6 Popular Alternatives
7 Conclusion
  • Weight
    (4.25)
  • Treatment Time
    (3.25)
  • Water Quality
    (4.5)
  • Durability
    (2.5)
  • Ease of Use
    (4.5)
Overall
3.8

Testing Conditions

I used the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter on the 800 mi / 1,287 km Arizona Trail (AZT). There were a lot of questionable water sources along the Arizona Trail – from smelly cow ponds to scummy green wildlife tanks. Needless to say, I definitely put the Platypus Quickdraw to the test out on the AZT.

The Specs

  • Color: Blue
  • Weight: 2.2 oz / 62 g
  • Filter Medium: Hollow-fiber membrane
  • Housing Material: ABS plastic
  • Dimensions: 5 x 1.8 in / 12.7 x 4.6 cm
  • Cartridge life: 1,000 liters
  • Country of Origin: USA
  • MSRP: $29.95

The Features

  • Packs small for easy access anywhere on or in your packing system
  • I/O dual-thread design allows filter cartridge to attach to the QuickDraw Reservoir, SmartWater bottles, the Platy Hoser, most Platy bottles, and certain common 28mm PET soda/water bottles.
  • Hollow fiber cartridge filters up to 3 liters per minute (according to Platypus)
  • Shake-to-clean or tool-free backflush methods
  • The attached clean side cap opens and creates a seal when closed.
  • Individually tested to meet all EPA & NSF guidelines for the removal of 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa.
Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter
Top (clean) side cap
Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter
Top (clean) side opened
Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter
Top (clean) cap hinge

The Good

THE WEIGHT: The Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter weighs in at 2.2 oz / 62 g – nearly 1 oz / 28 g lighter than the Sawyer Squeeze. It’s certainly a competitor in the ultralight backpacking world in terms of weight. Unless you’re looking to treat with bleach or you’re out somewhere that doesn’t require you to filter, you will be hard-pressed to find a lighter, better-performing filter.

THE COMPATIBILITY: The QuickDraw can be purchased as a system or as a standalone filter if you don’t want/need a dirty bag. You can attach the Platypus QuickDraw directly to a variety of water containers. This includes Smartwater/LIFEWTR bottles (a popular choice among thru-hikers), most Platypus bottles (as you would expect from a Platypus product), and other common 28mm PET soda/water bottles. The fact that you do not need a specific bottle/bladder to use the QuickDraw makes it an attractive choice as a water filter.

THE CAPS: The QuickDraw comes with a cap on both the clean and the dirty end of the filter. The clean end has a hinged cap that appears to be quite durable and shows no signs of breaking off (this was a concern of mine when I first got the QuickDraw). The dirty side has a screw-on cap that fits tightly enough for me to not worry about water leaking out while the filter is stored. Since this is a hollow-fiber membrane filter, it is recommended that you keep it warm in near-freezing temperatures. I choose to sleep with the filter in my sleeping bag and the two caps never leaked during the night.

THE EASE OF USE: Using the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter is simple – screw it onto your water reservoir and squeeze. You can squeeze the water into a clean reservoir or directly into your mouth. The one complication? If you’re using a rigid container (like a Smartwater bottle), you’ll have to let some air into your bottle while filtering (let it reinflate) to successfully (or at least without maximum frustration) empty the dirty water through the filter into your clean receptacle.

THE TESTING: Yes, the QuickDraw can be rendered ineffective if it freezes or is dropped. However, the QuickDraw is also the first hollow-fiber membrane filter (I’ve encountered) that can be field-tested to check whether it has been compromised. According to the instructions, you fill your reservoir with 1 liter of water, attach it to the filter, filter half, flip the reservoir upside down so the bottom of the filter is in contact with air inside the empty reservoir, squeeze firmly to push air through the filter, and then you look for a steady stream of bubbles. If you see bubbles, your filter is compromised and is no longer filtering your water.

THE PACKAGING: Something that might easily be overlooked, but that I certainly see as a benefit to the QuickDraw is the fact that when you buy the filter by itself (not the system which includes a Platypus bag), it comes with just the filter, nothing else. A lot of other filters include a bunch of junk that most people (myself included) won’t even use and that ends up just becoming trash. The QuickDraw is not burdened by this problem; everything you get with the filter (i.e. the filter itself), is all you need to use the filter (with the exception of a reservoir for your water).

Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter
Bottom (dirty) cap attached
Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter
Bottom (dirty) cap
Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter
Bottom (dirty) without cap

The Okay

THE FLOW RATE: The Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter has a decent flow rate out of the box. Platypus promises 3 liters per minute, but this number has to come from “ideal testing conditions” and with a new filter. After repeated use (and backflushing), you can expect considerably less. I completed the Arizona Trail alongside someone using a Sawyer Squeeze, and I found our flow rates to be about the same overall.

THE BACKFLUSHING: Backflushing is the process by which you run water backward through the QuickDraw to remove all the gunk that has been caught inside while filtering. The bad news? You have to backflush (if you want to keep your filter performing with a reasonable flow rate). The good news? You don’t need any special tools or accessories to backflush your QuickDraw. Simply take the clean side, press it up against a water bottle (with the cap removed) to create a seal, and squeeze your water bottle. Alternatively, you can shake the filter while it’s attached to a bottle to clean it out, but this doesn’t work as well as backflushing.

Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter
Filtering from a dirty bottle into a clean bottle
Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter
Looking at the filter fibers from the bottom (dirty side)
Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter
The filter attached to a Smartwater bottle

The Bad

THE FREEZING: One of the major drawbacks to the Platypus QuickDraw, as with all hollow-fiber membrane filters, is the fact that it can freeze. Typically, this won’t be an issue for most three-season backpacking. The solution is to keep your filter in your sleeping bag with you at night (made easier by the two caps on the QuickDraw). However, if you’re traveling in below-freezing temperatures during the day as well, you may want to look elsewhere for a filter that isn’t as susceptible to the cold. That said, you can at least test the QuickDraw to see if it has been compromised.

THE VIRUSES: The other drawback, which I pointed out earlier, to the QuickDraw is that it does not treat for viruses. That said, viruses are not an issue in many parts of the world, and there is certainly no reason to have to treat for viruses if you are going to be filtering water in an area where bacteria and protozoa are your only concerns (the case for most of the United States). However, I still feel it is worth pointing out that the QuickDraw will not remove viruses from your water sources (like your hotel’s tap water in Mexico).

Who is it for?

BEGINNER BACKPACKERS | If you’re new to the idea of backpacking, there’s nothing wrong with a Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter. It’s actually one of the easiest filters to use and is one of the few items of gear that both veterans and newcomers can appreciate at the same time.

WEEKEND WARRIORS | The Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter will serve you well as a weekend warrior so long as you’re not going to be out primarily in below-freezing conditions or need to treat for viruses (the QuickDraw does not remove viruses).

THRU-HIKERS | The Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter is new to the scene, but I imagine that it will be making a splash in the thru-hiking community. It’s been a while since we’ve seen any innovation on the current ultralight filter offerings, and I think the QuickDraw definitely is worth considering for your next thru-hike.

A NOTE FOR COUPLES | If you are traveling as a couple and plan to be filtering a lot of water, I would suggest that you each have your own Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter. Using only one to filter large amounts of water for two people could quickly become frustrating and could cut significantly into your day. I would also suggest considering something more convenient (but heavier), like the Platypus GravityWorks.

Popular Alternatives

Water TreatmentPriceWeightTypeDimensionsMediumRemoves
Platypus QuickDraw$302.2 oz / 62 gSqueeze/Straw5 x 1.8 in / 12.7 x 4.6 cmHollow fiberProtozoa and bacteria
Sawyer Squeeze$373 oz / 85 gSqueeze/Straw2 x 5 in / 5 x 13 cmHollow fiberProtozoa and bacteria
Sawyer Micro$292.5 oz / 71 gSqueeze/Straw1 x 6 in / 2.5 x 15 cmHollow fiberProtozoa and bacteria
Sawyer MINI$202 oz / 57 gSqueeze/Straw1 x 5 in / 2.5 x 13 cmHollow fiberProtozoa and bacteria
Katadyn BeFree$252.3 oz / 65 gBottle11.3 x 3.5 x 2.8 in / 29 x 9 x 7 cmHollow fiberProtozoa and bacteria
Aquamira$153 oz / 85 gDropsN/AChlorine dioxideProtozoa, bacteria, viruses
Platypus GravityWorks$10010.9 oz / 309 gGravity3 x 7.4 in / 7.6 x 18.8 cmHollow fiberProtozoa and bacteria

Conclusion

The Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter is certainly worth taking a look at if you’re wanting a simple, lightweight, three-season solution for water filtration. It’s similar to other offerings on the market but has enough new features (and is lightweight enough) that I’m sure we’ll be seeing it widely adopted in the coming years.

Whether you’re a beginner backpacker or a seasoned thru-hiker (or other enjoyer of the outdoors), the QuickDraw will do everything you need it to at an individual level (for groups, it’s probably not the best choice).

Check out the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter here.

This page contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I may receive small commissions for purchases made via these links. This helps to pay the bills and keep the site up and running. Thank you for your support!

You'll Like These Too:

Pinterest - Platypus QuickDraw

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on WhatsApp Share on Email

Continental Divide Trail,  Pacific Crest Trail,  Review CDT Gear,  PCT Gear,  Platypus,  Water Filters

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
guest
10 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Primary Sidebar

Most Recent Posts

  • Women’s Gear Guide for the Pacific Crest Trail (2022 Survey)
  • ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500 Review
  • The Best Thru-Hiking Shelters for Couples (2022 PCT Survey)
  • Hayduke Trail Gear List: Everything You Need to Hike Across Utah
  • Continental Divide Trail Hiking Advice for 2023 (& Beyond)
Backpacking Gear Pacific Crest Trail Continental Divide Trail Mac's Backpack

Footer

STAY IN TOUCH

You've made it this far, you're either into this site or you're still looking for something. Either way, best to sign up for my newsletter, yeah?

NAVIGATION

  • Recent Posts
  • Backpacking Gear
  • Continental Divide Trail
  • Pacific Crest Trail
  • Brazil Trekking
  • Japan Trekking
  • Nepal Trekking
  • New Zealand Trekking
  • Tasmania Trekking

LEGALESE

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Copyright © 2023 · Halfway Anywhere