Compact, Easy to Use – Platypus QuickDraw Portable Water Filter Review

A Light, Portable Water Filter for Bikepacking and Adventure Riding

Water is a necessity on any ride. Whether you’re on a multi-day bikepacking trip or an epic one-day ride, carrying a small water filter means you are always ready to fill your bottles when there is water nearby.

Lightweight, portable water filters are lighter and simpler than ever. This year, I’ve been using a Platypus QuickDraw portable water filter. It’s an easy-to-use, pocket-size filter that’s small enough to stuff in a jersey pocket on a long day ride.

How it Works – Hollow Fiber Filters

Hollow fiber filters are common in small, portable water filters. They use a closed-loop system of hollow tubes that filter out bacteria, protozoa, cysts, mud, dirt, sand, etc, with pores that are open towards the “incoming” side of the filter. They are simple, durable and effective filters, but require cleaning to maintain optimal flow rates and can be compromised if frozen.

Pros of the Platypus Quickdraw Microfilter

Several things set the Platypus QuickDraw apart from similar microfilters like the Sawyer Mini or Sawyer Squeeze water filters.

1. The flow rate is excellent. With a bit of squeezing, you can filter a liter of water in less than 30 seconds, considerably faster than the Sawyer Mini shown in the photos below.
2. The water bladder is purpose-built for the filter. Its soft pliable material feels bomber and is easy to squeeze and roll up. It’s also relatively easy to fill thanks to a wider opening than other bladders I have used.
3. Durable construction. The Quickdraw feels indestructible. 
4. It’s easy to clean using a basic back flush method and can be cleaned in the field using a shake method. Watch a video on how to clean the QuickDraw.
5. The filter offers a simple integrity check to confirm it’s functioning correctly and is safe to use.
6. Compatible with multiple bags and bottles. While it’s designed to be used with the included Platypus bladder, the Quickdraw micro filter is also compatible with most standard water bottles and other water bladders. 

Cons of the Platypus Quickdraw Microfilter

Given how effective, portable and durable the Platypus filter is, there are no significant cons to its design.

If you’re a dedicated minimalist, the Sawyer Mini is a little more compact. But the trade-off is slower filtering and not as nice of a water bladder.

As mentioned above, and as with any hollow fiber filter, freezing will compromise the Quickdraw. So be careful if traveling or camping in below-freezing conditions. If you suspect it has frozen, follow the Platypus Quickdraw integrity check directions.

Filtering Water Doesn’t Get Any Simpler

If you’ve used other microfilters, you’ll find the Quickdraw equally as simple to use. Just fill the water bladder from your water source, screw in the filter, uncap the output and squeeze.

You don’t need to squeeze very hard, at least when it’s new and clean. The water flows right through. Of course, squeezing does expedite the process. It takes about 30 seconds to run a liter of water through the filter when applying pressure to the bag.

Like similar microfilters, the QuickDraw must be cleaned to maintain optimal flow. How often depends on the water sources you filter. With a few weeks of occasional use and clean water sources, I’ve seen no reduction in flow. The backflow cleaning is as easy as running clean water backward through the filter. Or, if you are in the field, Platypus recommends a shaking method to dislodge particles and has a video showing how it’s done. 

Platypus Quickdraw Portable Water Filter $50