Platypus Gravity Works Water Filtration System

Platypus Gravity Works Water Filtration system.

Platypus Gravity Works Water Filtration System, USE TEST REVIEW

Editor: Cory McLaughlin

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Just the Facts:

High-capacity, pump-free water filtration for groups and basecamps.

My Story:
Water. Arguably the most important substance on Earth, without it, nothing can live, posing a very large problem for humans. No water means no food. Ironically, the lack of water will kill you before the lack of food. Water is literally the element of life; without it, we are dust. So, while water is vital, it can also be detrimental to survival. The issue isn’t the water itself, but the bacteria and protozoa that thrive in it. When thirst consumes us, these are the last things on our minds, unfortunately causing our immune systems serious trouble. So, what do we do with all the lakes, ponds, creeks, and rivers teasing us with that cool, clear, delicious nectar? Well, to that, I say… Drink up, my friends!

No, I’m not trying to make you sick. I do not delight in the torment and discomfort of others. I say drink because I have the knowledge. Knowledge, as you know, is power. I have the power to drink from the life’s blood of the earth without fear of the bugs that may live suspended within. I have a filter that uses the two most powerful forces on earth. What are they? Why, water and gravity, what else?

I had a backpacking trip in the works and was searching the web for a water filtration device. I came across the Platypus Gravity Works Water Filtration Kit. I arranged to have a product sent to me for testing and review. When the box arrived on my doorstep, I had only a few days before my trip, and thus my journey begins.

The Gravity Works Water Filter is incredibly simple to use. The kit includes two large, clear containers: a dirty water bag with a drain and zip-top closure, and a Platy Bottle. There are two sections of clear tubing, one shorter than the other, and both are equipped with a quick-connect fitting. The kit also includes one Gravity Works Filter and two different bottle attachments for both larger Nalgene-type bottles and Platy Bottles. All of this comes in a convenient, two-sided zippered case that weighs a surprisingly light 11.5 ounces.

I was taking my wife to a local hiking trail we hadn’t yet explored. The 5-mile round trip was relatively short, but our late start meant we could only make it that far in the available daylight. It was a scorching Friday, with the bank sign reading 110°F as we passed. What a day to plan an overnight backpacking trip! Water was essential, and luckily, the trail followed the Southern fork of the Walla Walla River. Finding water wouldn’t be a problem.

We hit the trail at a good pace, aiming to reach camp before dark. The heat was oppressive, sapping our energy. Soon, we needed to refill our water bottles. I pulled out the Gravity Works Water Filter kit and found easy river access. Having used many water filters before, this wasn’t my first time with a gravity filter. I have to say, Platypus has excelled with this dirty water bag; it’s fantastic! Not only does it fill quickly, but it does so effortlessly. The wide opening allows the bag to take in a large amount of water, while the plastic material is stiff enough to hold its shape and not collapse as it enters the water. This is truly a great aspect of this system. Now that I had a bag full of cool river water, it was time to make it safe to drink.

I found a convenient tree to hang the bag from. The clear tubing is soft and easily connects to the filter. The quick-connect fitting snapped into the dirty bag, and the flow began. I used the large bottle adapter, which was the best choice for filling our containers. The filter performed slightly slower than advertised, filtering the first 1.5 liters in about 1 minute and 12 seconds, but it was still quite good. Once our first refill was complete, we packed up and continued our journey. I have to say that, in the intense heat, I was very happy not to be on my knees pumping water from the river. Gravity doesn’t feel the heat, making it a much better choice for water filtration.

We stopped and filled our water once more before camp. Once at camp, we dumped our water out in the river and refilled with new, cold water. I was really impressed with how well the dirty water bag worked and how easy it was to fill. I also really like the water bottle attachment because it minimizes the chance of spilled water.

This was my third cycle without a backflush, and although I didn’t notice a significant decrease in flow, I decided to backflush the filter anyway. The recommended backflushing every 2-4 liters is the only aspect of this system that I find a little concerning, although the procedure is simple. It involves lifting the clean water bag above the dirty water bag and allowing clean water to run back through the filter, dislodging any debris that may be slowing the flow. I was also a bit concerned about the filter’s lifespan of only 1,500 liters. While that is a large amount of water, it’s a slight drawback for a system that has otherwise performed so well.

The filter itself is rated to 0.02 microns, which means that all nasty little bugs, bacteria, and protozoa, including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Salmonella, and Cholera, are caught within and will not make it into your clean bottle. This filter is not rated for chemicals, so if your water source is contaminated, you will need to find another source. The filter is also not rated for viruses. Although the risk of viruses in North America is low, you should research the area and take necessary precautions.

This Gravity Works Water Filter system does do its job. What more can you ask for? It takes water that is dangerous and makes it safe. It requires no real physical exertion to use and is faster than many of the other pump filters. It is a great hands free alternative to those pesky pumps and is extremely lightweight. If you are in the market for a water filtration kit The Platypus Gravity Works Water Filter should definitely be on your radar. It is a great system with a filter that will provide you with nearly 400 gallons of clean drinking water.

Updated 2026

Platypus has done it again! If you ready the above review you would have noticed that I am awfully fond of this great water filter. The only thing I ever wanted out of this was a bit more water. Well, thank goodness that Platypus now makes a 4 and 6L version of this great system!

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind before heading out into the field. If possible, allow your water to settle before running the system. This will minimize the amount of sediment entering the filter. I typically stop the filtration process about an inch from the bottom and discard the remaining water to extend the filter’s lifespan. I also recommend back flushing after each use. To do this, simply lift the clean water bag above the dirty bag and apply a bit of pressure until water flows out of the filter in the opposite direction. This will help keep the filter clean and performing optimally.

Finally, make sure to “burp” the clean water bag. As the bag fills with water, the trapped air will compress and potentially stop the flow. To burp the bag, simply unscrew the clean water end to release the air. You won’t need to do this every time, but it will be clear when it’s necessary.

I was thrilled to use this filter for the first time on a backcountry shed hunting trip with my brother. We had hiked a long way and were out of water. I loved that this system could replenish our supply with just one fill-up. There’s something to be said for a simple design that saves time and works flawlessly.

The next testing area was out on a great backpacking trip to Hells Canyon. The weather was hot and the water was going fast. There were 4 of us on this trip and the extra 2L that this system offered were very useful as we were able to get out bottles and bladders full quickly and then get back on the trail.

The final test, which confirmed its status as a fantastic filter, occurred during a hiking trip with my daughters in Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness. We experienced great success and had fun as my girls enjoyed using the filter and kept finding reasons to get more water. This trip provided the final seal of approval, and the Platypus Gravity Works 4 or 6L has become my go-to filter for all my wild adventures!

Find it Here

GravityWorks™ Water Filter System

What can be done better?
This system is fantastic! There is not much room for improvement here. I will say that I would like to see the filter last a little longer. There are similar products in the same price range that advertise much longer filter life. Aside from that this is just a great system. You will not regret this purchase.