Platypus GravityWorks Water Filters: Lightweight, Fast & Oh-So Easy

The Platypus GravityWorks water filtration system works so fast you’ll initially have to double-check you’re using it properly. It’s so easy, it seems too good to be true. All you do is fill it up with non-potable water, hang it from a tree, rock, tent or the top of your backpack, and relax or get some camp chores done while it does the work for you. No. Pumping. Necessary.

But how?

Water succumbs to gravity and moves down a tube from the “dirty” bag, through the hollow fiber filter, and into the “clean” bag. That’s all it takes! Think of all the things you can do in those few minutes: clean dishes, brush your teeth, take down your tent, apply sunscreen, or stretch out your hammies. When you’re done, you’ll have 99.9999% bacteria and protozoa -free water! When it’s time to move out, roll up the reservoirs and tuck them into your pack or a cargo-pocket.

Pretty cool, huh? Perhaps this kind of effortless efficiency is why it was awarded Editor’s Choice by Outside Magazine.

So, after all this, why do pump-style filtration systems dominate the field of water treatment? Well, they’re a bit more compact. At least, they were until Platypus said, “Here you go. Meet the GravityWorks 2.0 that fits in your pocket. BAM!” All of the parts needed to get the job done roll up to a size no larger than a standard pump filter.

This video highlights the GravityWorks 2.0 Water Filtration System, the smaller version that’s ideal for two person backpacking trips or solo adventures:

There’s a 2-liter version and a 4-liter version. Hmm…which is best for me?

GravityWorks 4.0 – best for groups (families, scout troops, outdoor leadership courses, etc.)
Dimensions: 9.5″ x 3.25″
Weight: 11.5 oz.
Flow: 1.75 liters/minute
Cartridge Life: 1500 liters (depends on water quality)
Includes: Two 4-liter reservoirs, fast flow hollow fiber filter cartridge, hoses and all fittings

GravityWorks 2.0 – best for one or two people (or larger groups that can rotate reservoirs)
Dimensions: 9″ x 3″
Weight: 11.5 oz.
Flow: 1.5 liters/minute
Cartridge Life: 1500 liters (depends on water quality)
Includes: Platypus Push/Pull Cap adapter and 2-liter Platypus Soft Bottle, fast flow hollow fiber filter cartridge, hoses and all fittings for use as a complete system with 4-liter carrying capacity

Once you have safe drinking water, either plug a drink tube in and slip it into your pack, or detach it all and take your Platypus reservoir practically anywhere…like up Mt. Shasta for a sunrise and some fun spring skiing. The reservoir makes for a great soft water bottle, but you can also connect the adapter (included) to another Platypus soft bottle. Either method is easy to transport and incredibly compact, especially after you suck it dry.