Comprehensive Evaluation of the GravityWorks Water Filter by Platypus
Article Rewrite:
Backcountry water treatment can be a real hassle, but it's an essential part of any outdoor adventure. The Platypus GravityWorks filter takes a unique approach to this chore, leveraging gravity to clean water on the go. Just hang your dirty water bag above the clean one, and let the system do its magic. We put the GravityWorks 4-liter filter to the test in various backcountry locations, including the parched lands of Utah's canyon country, and were truly impressed. It's easy to use, filtrates quickly, and saves you a boatload of energy and time. The larger packed size and weight might not sit well with minimalists, but for those who need to process a lot of water, there isn't a better option than the Platypus GravityWorks. For a comprehensive comparison, check out our article on the best water filters and purifiers.
Operation and Performance
Setting up the Platypus Gravityworks system is a breeze thanks to an intelligent color-coding system (grey = dirty water, blue = clean) and user-friendly instructions. All components, including tubes, filters, and reservoirs, fit snugly into a transport pouch. While the pouch is handy for storage, we prefer our dirty items to be somewhat separate to avoid contamination.
Using the filter is a snap. Simply skim the water along the surface to fill up the reservoir. Connect the hose to the filter, suspend the dirty bag from a branch (or alternatively, hold it or place it on a rock), open the plastic clamp to start the flow, and watch the system do its thing. We were mighty impressed with the flow rate, which meets the claimed 2.5-minute mark for a full bag, although maintaining this rate demands consistent backflushing.
The benefits extend beyond its speedy performance; the convenience of not having to pump, squeeze, or manipulate the water through the filter is a game-changer. In large groups or when you need to filter a lot of water all at once, there isn't a better system on the market. A memorable example occurred in Utah where we came upon a spring on our way to our overnight campsite. With only a day's supply of water available, we needed to filter a significant amount. The ease of filtering 12 liters was as simple as loading up 3 bag fulls. Manual filters for that much water would've either left us with Popeye-like arms or risking heat stroke. We're leaning towards the latter.
Should you need to lug additional water to camp, it's as easy as leaving the 4-liter dirty bag water-filled, stowing it in your pack's hydration sleeve, and reconnecting the system when you arrive. The ability to carry 8 liters of water efficiently is quite the boon in areas where water is scarce. A word of caution: ensure the dirty bag is properly sealed before slinging it into your pack, otherwise you risk a watery mess.
Storage and Maintenance
The GravityWorks system's size and weight are reasonable given its larger capacity and output. The tubes coil neatly around the filter, and it's easy to roll the water reservoirs around the filter to fit everything into the included storage bag. At just over 11 ounces, it weighs more than some ultralight water filters, like the popular 2-ounce Sawyer Mini, but its performance outpaces the squeeze system. Traditional pump filters, on the other hand, offer a similar size and weight but are not as efficient.
We suggest being meticulous about backflushing the system, especially in areas where water sources can be a bit questionable. In Utah, where water can be fairly sediment-laden, backflushing the system was necessary to ensure a strong flow. Backflushing can be done anywhere and doesn't require any additional equipment (unlike some non-gravity systems).
What We Lack
Our biggest gripe with the Platypus filter is inherent to any system that uses bags to collect water: retrieving water from non-flowing sources. In those situations, the old-school pump filter still reigns supreme. That said, pulling water from shallow pools isn't much of an issue, but, as with all filters that require 'motorboating' across the water surface, finding moving water or something more than a few inches deep always helps.
The entire setup is also (somewhat) heavy and bulky. This isn't the filter for hardcore minimalists who are trying to shave weight everywhere—even the 2-liter GravityWorks, which weighs about 7 ounces, isn't the best option for them. However, for weekend backpackers who travel with a group and aren't obsessed with cutting every last gram, the 11.5-ounce weight isn't too burdensome. We also didn't have difficulties finding a suitable place to store the filter and its storage bag.
The Competition
Water filter design and performance vary widely, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all type on the market. Classical pump filters still have their place in small creeks or still water, and lightweight systems, like the ultralight squeeze bag filters, are super compact. Both alternatives are also more affordable than the $120 GravityWorks system. In this group, however, we feel the GravityWorks stands out for its high performance relative to its weight. The Platypus filter is more reliable, easier to maintain in the field, and can process significantly more water with less effort. Convenience, fast performance, and reliability—a trio we can't argue with, Platypus.
- After a long day of backpacking and outdoor-living, unwind at your home-and-garden by engaging in some leisure sports, such as gardening or cycling, to maintain an active lifestyle.
- For those who prefer minimalist travel and outdoor-living, consider lightweight options for water filters, like the Sawyer Mini, allowing for quick setups and maximum portability for your backpacking adventures.
- Once you've returned from your outdoor adventure, invest in sports equipment and gear to enhance your home experience, like a gardening hose for your home-and-garden or a stationary bike for indoor sports, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
