Platypus QuickDraw 1L Filter System

What it removes from water, and how well that is proved. 8: Clearly better than most.

0.2 µm hollow-fibre membrane. Platypus says every filter is individually tested to EPA and NSF guidelines for 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa: a named standard for bacteria and protozoa, so 4. Its spec table says 'Effective Against Viruses: No'.

How fast clean water comes through when it is new. Real flow drops as it clogs: see Ease of use. 10: The best you can buy for this.

Platypus gives 3 L/min with normal squeeze pressure, for a new filter. The method bands the brand's figure (2.5 L/min or more), so this is 5, but testers measured less in use. Better Trail squeezed a litre in about 20 seconds with a new filter (about 3 L/min) but saw flow fall to about 2 L/min after a few days; The Trek found flow dropped sharply by the third week with little backflushing; GearJunkie timed 1 min 26 s a litre by gravity in murky creek water (about 0.7 L/min). UKC, GearJunkie and The Trek used the 1 L reservoir; Better Trail tested the filter with a standard Platypus reservoir.

How much it adds to your pack. 8: Clearly better than most.

95 g for the whole system (filter and 1 L reservoir), the figure in Platypus's spec table. 90 to 149 g. Ultralight Outdoor Gear lists 113 g without the bag, a different measure, so we band Platypus's figure.

Filling, squeezing or pumping effort, how fast it clogs in peaty or silty water, and how easy it is to clean. 7: Better than most.

UKC (Dan Bailey), GearJunkie and Better Trail found the filter simple and quick to use (4 each). The Trek found it easy at first but flow fell sharply by the third week of lazy maintenance (3). Average 3.8 out of 5, so 7 out of 10. UKC, GearJunkie and The Trek used the 1 L reservoir; Better Trail tested the filter.