FRUSTRATED! Platypus Quickdraw Filter FAILED ME!

Testing new gear on the market is one of my favorite things to do. Sharing my experience of that testing is important as well. Here is my experience with the Platypus Quickdraw water filter and why I am going back to the Sawyer Squeeze water filter.
- Platypus Quickdraw: bit.ly/3FxAvzt
- Sawyer Squeeze: bit.ly/3LUjthf
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I AM AN AMBASSADOR FOR:
- PEAK REFUEL PREMIUM FREEZE DRIED MEALS: bit.ly/3WzAJyL
- ZOLEO SATELLITE COMMUNICATION: bit.ly/2O4jwP0
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SLEEPING PAD: bit.ly/3lo9eYn
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CHAIR: bit.ly/37kLThG
SHELTER:
WATER FILTER: bit.ly/3xewCty
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As an Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@WasatchWill]

I was just going to say it makes sense that the Sawyer would prove to be the 'old faithful' since it is supposed to put through a meticulous QC process and has the absolute .1 micron that catches all microplastics. The platypus gets the edge on speed because it's filtration pores are twice the size at .2 microns so it will let a bit more stuff pass through, but still small enough to meet the EPA/NSF standards to catch 99.9999% of bacteria and protozoa. But then I see all the other comments from others having Sawyer issues. Guess I'm lucky in that I've not had issues with either other than user error on the Sawyers such as filtering hard tap water through it back when i was ignorant of the mineralization that can dry up on those fibers and clog it up real good. Never had mold issues though and I haven't been diligent with prepping them for long term storage.

[@SafetyTrainingGuy]

Hhmm. I am not sure if the logic holds up given that the Katadyn Befree also has .1 micron filtration as the Sawyer, but has similar or faster flow rates than the Platypus. Now the Swayers claims on durability might be the winning argument of it being a faithful back up. That it simply has been trail tested the most of the options.

[@WasatchWill]

@@SafetyTrainingGuy The BeFree also has much more surface area exposed for its fibers. I think the angles the water is able to hit those fibers as opposed to the enclosed fibers of the Sawyer and Platypus also plays a role in speed. I'm going to hypothesize that physics come into play and that the angles and pressure the water is able to hit the enclosed fibers is different from that if the BeFree.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah, as you know from being out on the trail so much together, I've tried them all, and keep going back to my Sawyer. I used the Micro for a long time and through a lot of desert water, and it never gave me real troubles, but others have huge problems with the Micro.

[@WasatchWill]

@@BackcountryExposure For sure. For me the filters have been fine, it's the bags I've had problems with, though not to the degree that others have had with Sawyer bags when I still used them before switching over to the CNOC. Those are definitely cheap though and expected to develop leaks and what not after so much use. The Platypus bag is what really surprised me when mine sprung a leak after only a week. And yes, that warranty process with Sierra Designs is sooooo sloooow.

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

for long term storage you're not supposed to let it "dry out", you're supposed to put in saline to inhibit bacteria and mold growth. user error

[@Ryan-1337]

Crazy how people can have widely different experiences. I love the quick draw. It's been going strong for a year and a half at this point. Also, you can unscrew the top mouthpiece to get a better look while doing the integrity check. But yeah, if you store wet you have to follow the cleaning instructions. Never had an issue with mold after doing that. Also I leave the caps off and let it dry out over time after cleaning but you dont have too.

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

So glad I held off for the time while it was new, Sawyer and Katadyn are the ways to go! Thanks for sharing!!😁✌️💚

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Interesting! Seems like everyone is raving about the Quickdraw. Thanks for checking it out!

[@happyfuntimereviews5600]

I’ve been using the Miniworks filter for a couple of years now. Very similar to the Hyroblu. I like it for a couple of reasons: First, it’s just a tiny bit bigger than the Sawyer Mini, but has flow rates similar to the Squeeze. Second, it is female threaded on both ends. This fits my filtering style to a tee. I usually hang my Cnoc bag from a branch and go directly from the filter into a water bottle with no hoses, letting gravity do the work while I dink around doing other stuff. You can do this with the Squeeze too, but you have to add on the little blue adapter. Finally, the output end has a little silicone cap that allows you to stop the flow when your clean water bottle is full. Something you can’t do with the Sawyer without a bunch of fidgeting, fussing and replacing caps mid-flow... Sawyer Squeeze is my backup, but I’ll probably end up sticking with the Minworks for the foreseeable future.

[@markfletcher8084]

Good, fair analysis.

[@Defunct91379]

Thanks for sharing. Went back to my sawyer as well this year. I’ve always found it better to call the company directly for warranty claims and such. Dealing with someone that way seems to get things done much faster. Happy Trails- EDC

[@tomlovesdiy]

I have used the HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter several times per year. No issues.

[@ms7fam433]

As stated by others, all these filters will have issues. The BeFree has been the most disappointing for me. I know it could have been a rare lemon filter, but it failed quickly. I am going to continue using the Sawyer and give the Platypus a try. Thanks for the update!

[@SalmondOutdoors]

I’ve seen a lot of people trying out the platypus, I’m glad I’ve stuck to my squeeze, the only thing I dislike about my squeeze is the new cap like you’ve got, it just tends to leak water even while closed. But that’s a pretty cheap fix, I just haven’t done it yet 😅

[@DMSAdventures]

Yes definitely keep the companies accountable! Especially on gear like that!! Filtering water is an inherent risk already, no reason to unnecessarily increase that risk!

[@Squirrel200]

I have that filter and live in Florida so anything in a airtight package will mold / grow things. A easy fix is make a bag out of Muslim cloth and store it in that with the caps off also you use the bag as a pre filter for the water. Even the very expensive ceramic filters with silver grow Mold / fungus with any locked in Humidity so store them open and all is good. Your mileage may vary. Another tip save a old dirty side cap and pit holes on it to let the filter breath and protect the fibers at the same time. Hugs yes I am a 60+ old Explorer so I find ways to make do with what's available. Have fun and enjoy the great out doors. You would never Store a sleeping bag and a waterproof sack It goes in a breathable bag.😊

[@kirkhepburnmiddleagedwhiteguy]

12 week backlog of claims etc. says a lot about Platypus QC. Thanks for sharing. You have saved me the hassle of purchasing the Platypus device. Looking forward to positive resolution. Be well.

[@TheMccluref]

The first quick draw was a failure. I was given a replacement and it seems to work well

[@SouthernHike]

This is one area of the market where everyone has different experiences & opinions. Great info Devin.

[@BackcountryExposure]

For sure!

[@jackditty1338]

@@BackcountryExposure THIS IS ONE AREA OF THE MARKET WHERE PEOPLE ARE BIAS DUE TO FINANCIAL COMPENSATION

[@thathikingguy]

It’s so interesting all the issues you had with the platypus I have had with every single sawyer I’ve ever used. Haha you just never know what you’re gonna get when you order something

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah, I've "lucked out" I guess with Sawyer. My Mini wasn't awesome, but that's kind of a given with that filter. Never had any real issues with the Micro, but other seem to hate that thing, and the squeeze just keeps working for me. I am hoping Cascade Designs gets back to me soon. Their warranty page said 8 weeks to get back to me, and it's since updated to 12 weeks. We will see. :) Thanks man!

[@JonathanThrift]

I love the platypus but the squeeze bag got a leak on the first trip I used it on. I wasn't squeezing hard either.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I've heard of the bag having issues as well. A friend had the same thing happen. I believe Platypus sent him a new bag though through warranty. I am hoping Cascade Designs (Platypus) gets back to me soon and helps me out.

[@jamicrawford6729]

Been using the platypus QuickDraw since it came out. You can also store at wet if it has been cleaned properly

[@Sunsetspanish]

I had a befree filter clog what felt prematurely so I tried another one. The replacement failed after less than 10 liters. I got a platypus for Christmas and hoping for better results

[@PikaSquish]

So I've had the Sawyer squeeze for over a year and it works fine. I think I'm going to buy the ultralite platypus camel back because it has threads like a normal smartwater bottle. That way I can fill my Sawyer water bag and then squeeze it directly into my camel back. (Yes I know smartwater bottles are the best but my backpack doesnt have pocket on the outside, just straps)

[@jeffortl4495]

What do you do to PREP FILTER for use in the field? Love to hear what you're doing!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Pre soak the filter before going out. Basically fill a bowl of other water and place the filter in it to soak the fibers.

[@ondrej_kraus]

I was just going to buy this filter 🙂 I give it a try anyway

[@SignalOutdoors]

Hey Devin, I have an issue with the Quickdraw I purchased as well. Mine passed integrity checks but has a crazy slow flow rate (7min per liter vs the advertised 20 sec). Did your original filter that developed the mold issue ever speed up? Looked like that one may have had flow issues as well.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I do know that there was a recall on an early batch of the Quickdraw and Platypus had sent out info about that. The recall was around slow flow, so your filter could have been part of that batch. My first filter before the mold issue did not have flow rate issues. It was fine. Which makes this whole thing even more annoying. Had I made sure the filter was completely dry, this video may never have been a thing.

[@joeykerr5517]

You are handled this very well. I wonder how many other have problems. Maybe it was just bad batch. I hope they get back to you, customer service says a lot.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah, I will share an update when I hear back from Cascade Designs on what they choose to do for Warranty. Thanks!

[@jays7318]

How does the Sawyer Squeeze compare to the Hydroblu Versa Flow?

[@hawkins5560]

My first squeeze was amazing, but failed after I left it in my truck over winter (my fault). I ordered a micro, and the water that came out was visibly dirty and made me feel ill after drinking. I then went to platypus because Sawyer bags are just awful. I scratched one of the filter strands because I'm dumb and couldn't resist touching it and now it fails the integrity check. Oops. So the strands are super fragile. Thankfully even after failing the integrity check I had to use it to filter a mud puddle swarming with bugs and mosquito eggs. I was expecting small streams but everything had dried up, and I was dangerously low on water. The water ran clear with no taste and I didn't get sick. Obviously not ideal and still risky but I'm glad that it still worked when I needed it to.

[@zachtanner3461]

Just bought one and I got a adapter to run inline

[@quenar]

so sawyer has no integrity test to see if it's ok right?

[@chuckychuck]

I follow sawyer method, soaked it in straight vinegar for 1 hour and used a smart water bottle to back flush it, and the filter came back to life and the water flow out way more faster

[@chipkormas2840]

What an honest review, thanks so much sir. The squeeze has been a staple product for years and years.

[@chud2070]

Why wouldn't you just exchange it through Amazon the moment you saw the broken strands on the platypus?

[@CascadeBackcountry]

I bought a Quickdraw. Water barely trickled out. Took it back n got a new one. same problem. walked back into the store and got a new Sawyer haha

[@icebalm]

So, the question I have is: how can you trust the Sawyer when it doesn't have an integrity check? Is it possible that both filters have the same failure rate but that because the Quickdraw has an integrity check it is blamed more and the Sawyers just go unnoticed?

[@BackcountryExposure]

This is a really good question. I've actually reached out to Sawyer directly to get some info on this, cause I don't think your line of thinking is off base at all. I have performed the same integrity test on the Squeeze that you would do with the BeFree. The way all of these filters are finished at the outlet side seems to be the same, so assuming there was no freezing event, air should not pass through in reverse, blowing into the outlet. Once I hear back from Sawyer I can update my comment. :)

[@SawyerProducts]

@@BackcountryExposure apologies if we missed an email from you. According to our lead engineer, there is no actually field safe integrity test for any current filters on the market.

[@icebalm]

@@SawyerProducts Any current filters on the market? Even non-Sawyer ones?

[@mikelovesbacon]

@@SawyerProducts So are you saying companies like Platypus and MSR are lying?

[@fisherfmen]

I took it on a 23-mile backpacking trip in Colorado and the stupid filter had a water flow issue. Sucks

[@natehoover5266]

I just got my Sawyer squeeze out from storage and it doesn't work at all.

[@BackcountryExposure]

It’s very normal for a filter to get clogged with mineral build up when it sits in storage and dries. There’s a lot of videos out there on how to refresh your filter. But a warm vinegar soak and then back flush with distilled water will bring it back.

[@natehoover5266]

@@BackcountryExposure hey thanks buddy. I'll try to revive it. When I got home from the CT last year I back flushed it and rinsed it with bleach and let it dry before I put it away. And I tried back flushing it in the field and at home to no avail. But I did just get a Platypus so we'll see I guess.

[@Kristofik000]

Can you do the same integrity test with sawyer squeeze as in your video at 03:40? I took 4 new filters: sawyer mini, sawyer squeeze, miniwell L630 and Forklaz Trek500 from Decathlon (same type as katadyn BF), moistened them and made an integrity test. Sawyer mini, squeeze and miniwell let the air through a little and it sounded like water was boiling inside the filter. Only the Decathlon filter did not allow air to pass through. Please do an integrity test of your sawyer squeeze and write the result. Thanks!

[@davegibson2810]

Stick with the squeeze!!

[@ok2x]

which "hillpeoplegear" chest pack model is that you have on ?

[@BackcountryExposure]

It’s the Runners Snubby bag.

[@ok2x]

@@BackcountryExposure Epic thx - gotta get one of these today. :)

[@gravel_slope]

no joke mine also came compromised, in exacly the same way. Happily I watched this video so I knew about this problem and shot away an email about it. edit: got a new one sent within 12 hours

[@junkbox7588]

The sawyer has failed me new out of the box couldn’t get a single drop of water to go through it…also my fault didn’t check it before I started my hike

[@williamwchuang]

You need to presoak new filters. I back flush the filter before each trip and run a liter through to test.

[@26parma]

Squeeze filters in general are too delicate and fail too often for me. I'm back to my trusty Katadyn pump filter for good.

[@MeetMeOutside]

Just tried my new Quick Draw, not impressed at all, disappointing flow rate. Back to the Sawyer ! Cheers

[@BackcountryExposure]

I had the same initial issue on my very first use. I couldn't get any water through it. Then after some proper prep of the filter it was awesome and really enjoyed it. Then the mold issue and then the dud. Thanks!

[@tenza7545]

With the QuickDraw you’re supposed to take the mouth piece off and it should do a fizzing of bubbles. Also why I like sawyer better they test every single filter they make to ensure you don’t get a bad one

[@jadenm]

Dan Becker sent me here. I like the content so far! I have used sawyer for my backpacking trips and they work fairly well based on my experience. I’ve only had one instance where my sawyer did not work on a day hike. I could not filter any water through it (as if it was clogged up). I had back-flushed it prior to use. When i got home from the hike, i tried it on regular tap water and it worked just fine. Otherwise, i like the sawyer a lot for personal water filtration.

[@azclaimjumper]

The Sawyer Squeeze filters down to .1 micron particle size. The Platypus Quickdraw filters down to .2 micron particle size. Sawyer Squeeze is advertised to filter 1 millions gallons of water. The Quickdraw is advertised to filter 1,000 gallons. The Sawyer Squeeze has passed the RELIABILITY test of time with most hikers for decades Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada.

[@chuckychuck]

Keep waiting, I been waiting two years for my replacement filter, they're thieves.

[@philiptrump8472]

I'll save you a lot of time. Get a Sawyer Squeeze and a Cnoc Bag. I also carry a sawyer mini and a smart 1L bottle as a back up.

[@amaninawhale8061]

Cnoc bag added to the list. Thank you for the find, I appreciate it.

[@deKampeerwijzer]

I bought TWO Sawyer filters, the Mini and the Squeeze. Both don’t work at all/have never worked. I wouldn’t call that reliable at all.

[@figsaregood]

How come no one uses lifestraw?

[@BackcountryExposure]

The products are not well adapted to what has become the norm for bottles in the backpacking/hiking community. Being able to screw a filter onto a 28mm thread pattern is essentially standard now and Lifestraw has been slow to release filter options that compete against big players like Sawyer, Platypus and Katadyn.

[@ssos4540]

The original Lifestraw has no way of connecting to a bottle or bladder, so you can only filter water while drinking it. It does not provide a way to filter for cooking. The Lifestraw other products I’ve used are significantly slower than other products.

[@ssos4540]

Thanks for your detailed explanation. I noticed some black mold on the bottom of my Platypus as well after storing. It was just as well, because I decide I preferred HydroBlu Versa due to the threaded clean end for attaching to and filtering into a clean bottle/bladder.

[@Strychninex]

I will use any filter other than a Sawyer - nothing but issues. My Platypus has been fine so far and I can't go past the BeFree for weight and ease of use.

[@andreameigs1261]

Just let them dry out for a week and then store it in a bag with some dessicant baggies.

[@douglasmoriearty1358]

At least the quickdraw allows you to check the integrity of the filter. No way to do this with a Sawyer.

[@chuckychuck]

👀👀👀👀quick draw is a failure.

[@hermesoutdoors]

@@chuckychuck Sawyer is a failure.

[@thisguy7201]

True, but I'd also argue that having the fibers exposed is probably not good for the life of the filter

[@Easily_Forgotten]

1) Try getting warranty support from Sawyer. Sawyer up front tells you they have never issued a warranty replacement because every issue is a “user at fault” problem. 2) don’t use the bag from platypus, use the CNOC bag like you do with the Sawyer. The threads inside the inlet side of Platypus fit the CNOC. 3) I’ve used the same Platypus for 2 years without issue. I used to get a new Sawyer every season because I couldn’t do an integrity check. 4) Both filters are reliable if used properly.

[@minemetsa]

Bleach gets rid of the mold. Tried and works.

[@shadow6pt533]

Sawyer failed me.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Which filter?

[@BellePrinssen]

Me too. Bought the mini and the squeeze, could 'prep' it all what I wanted with drinking water. Just drops. Never had to use it outside. Both where failures..

[@Soulja4ChristWeAreAtWar]

I would rather store or in a freezer ziplock bag filled with water, so it stays wet and won't mold that way. Also, to be devils advocate, you never would have known you had a filter issue if they didn't have the ability to do a filter integrity check, which isn't available on the Sawyer, yet, if ever. But, like another commenter said, Sawyer is .1 micron and the Platypus is .2. I would rather have the. 1 micron filtration for the same price, while wishing for the integrity check to be added some day.

[@blackfin10]

I hate Sawyer filters, nothing but problems. Katadyn BeFree system is far better

[@jackditty1338]

BIAS REVIIEW AKA AFFILIATE ALERT** Hence the "As an Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases." When are people going to realize that this is an advertisement and bias review. Only way this review is unbiased is to be an affiliate to platypus as well or none at all. Third party advertising folks. TPA.

[@richardjohnson4052]

Are you telling us that Sawyer paid Backcountry Exposure to deliberately lie about the Platypus?

[@Y2J3469]

Sawyer is a subpar filter and the Quick Draw is far superior and I have used the QuickDraw for over a year and in the case of the Sawyer multiple years. One bad filter that would have been replaced by warranty is unfair and misleading. CaseCade Designs said this filter had issues year one but hasn’t in 2022 production models. This is a user error case and you probably let it freeze overnight. Sawyer has a terrible flow rate after used even when cleaned.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Did you even watch the video and listen to what I said?

[@chuckychuck]

Sounds like a user error to me, I never had any flow error with Sawyer or any issue with their products.

[@Y2J3469]

@@chuckychuck User error, eh? In addition to having backpacked since I was 14 years old (I am now 39), I have completed , inter alia, the PCT and the Great Divide Trails. Therefore, it is rather conspicuous that I have extensive experience using a myriad of different water filters out in the back country during thru-hikes. Moreover, it simply cannot constitute as "user error" when the new Sawyer filter clogs on the second day of use after it filtered less than six (6) liters of water. Additionally, the hollow fibers that Sawyer uses are cheaper and flimsier than the ones that Platyous, MSR and Katadyn use. Of course, yet another problematic issue with the Sawyer is that you cannot do a proper field integrity test. Oh and did I mention, it clogs like crazy?! Indeed, it is trite to say that the Sawyer clogs much faster than any current water filter made by Platyous, MSR and Katadyn. #FACTS

[@uhuhh7683]

@@Y2J3469 didn’t ask bro

[@mikelovesbacon]

I was about to buy a Platypus Quickdraw and you had to go and point out they're part of Cascade Designs who have the worst products and worst customer service I've ever experienced :(