Review: Platypus QuickDraw Filter

The Platypus QuickDraw stands out for its fast flow, smart design details, and added safety features — all in a compact, easy-to-use filter that’s ideal for both hiking and backpacking.

I recently switched to the Platypus QuickDraw Filter and have been impressed by how fast and easy it is to use. With the updated ConnectCap introduced in 2024, the QuickDraw can attach directly to a wide range of water containers with standard 28mm threads — including water bottles, CNOC Vecto bags, and soft reservoirs. Thanks to its speed and versatility, the QuickDraw has become part of my preferred gravity filter setup for both hiking and backpacking trips.

Specs

• weight: 2.9 oz
• size: 5 x 1.8 in
• filter media: hollow fiber
• filter pore size: 0.2 microns
• flow rate: 3 liters per minute
• cartridge life: 1,000 liters
• field cleanable: yes
• water bottle adapter: yes
• price: $39.95

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QuickDraw Features

The QuickDraw uses a 0.2-micron hollow fiber cartridge that removes 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium. It doesn’t remove viruses, so if you’re traveling internationally or to areas with questionable water sources, you’ll want a separate purifier.

The lifespan of the filter is rated for 1,000 liters. While this is less than similar filters like the Sawyer Squeeze, it’s still more than enough for most backpackers, lasting many seasons of regular use.

In 2024, the QuickDraw was updated to include both the DrinkCap and a ConnectCap. The DrinkCap allows you to sip directly from the filter, while the ConnectCap lets you attach it to bottles or reservoirs. I prefer using the ConnectCap, since I typically filter into a container rather than drink straight from the filter.

A standout feature is the built-in integrity check, which lets you verify in the field that the filter hasn’t been compromised by freezing or dropping. This simple test provides added peace of mind when you’re relying on it for safe drinking water in the backcountry.

The durable build feels solid in hand, with clearly marked “dirty” and “clean” ends, and caps for both sides to prevent leaks and cross-contamination. The filter is also field-cleanable with multiple ways to backflush it on trips.

My Experience with the QuickDraw Filter

In use, the QuickDraw is impressively fast. Rather than squeezing to filter, I prefer to use it in a gravity setup. On a test, I filtered two liters of water in about five minutes using a CNOC 2L Vecto bag, the Platypus QuickDraw, and a Platypus 2L soft water bottle. The flow rate makes it one of the most efficient filters I’ve used, and it requires very little effort. I have the bright pink version of the filter — a small detail I appreciate since it’s easy to spot among other gear or in low light conditions.

My preferred setup at camp

At camp, I connect the clean end of the QuickDraw to a water reservoir with a 28mm opening, fill my CNOC bag with dirty water, and hang both to let gravity do the work — no squeezing required. This setup keeps things simple and lets me multitask while water filters on its own.

For filtering on the trail

When I need to refill my water bottle when hiking, I attach a 1-liter water bottle to the ConnectCap, fill my CNOC bag with the same amount of water, and hang it briefly to filter. It’s a quick, efficient system that keeps water stops short and hassle-free. Unlike other filters, the ConnectCap’s vents eliminate the need to burp the bottle to remove trapped air — another small but well-thought-out design improvement that makes the QuickDraw one of the easiest filters to use in the field.

How to do an integrity check

If you drop the QuickDraw or suspect it froze with water inside, the hollow fibers can rupture and the filter may no longer be safe. Use this quick field test to check the filter before you rely on it based on the instructions provided with the filter:

• Fill your dirty water reservoir with about 1 liter of water and attach it to the dirty end of the QuickDraw.
• Let gravity pull about half the water through so the hollow fibers are fully wet — the fibers must be wetted for the test to work well.
• Turn the dirty bag upside-down so the filter is above the bag and the bottom (dirty) side is exposed to air inside the bag.
• Take off the ConnectCap or DrinkCap from the clean end so you can observe the hollow fiber face.
• Squeeze the bag firmly for about 20 seconds to force air up through the filter.
• If you see a steady stream of bubbles coming from the hollow fibers on the clean side during those 20 seconds, the fibers are compromised — do not use the filter.
• If you don’t see a steady stream of bubbles, the fibers appear intact and the filter is likely safe to keep using.

A few notes: It’s important that the hollow fibers are fully wetted before the check. This test detects ruptured fibers caused by freezing or impact; it won’t measure gradual clogging or reduced flow.

Backflushing the Filter

To backflush the filter, I reverse the flow of my gravity setup, hanging or setting the clean water bag above the dirty water bag so that water goes through the filter in the opposite direction. You can also connect a water bottle to the filter on the clean end, adding the backflush washer to prevent leaking, then squeeze to push water through the filter and loosen any debris inside.

Disclosure: this item was donated for the purpose of a review.