Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter vs. Sawyer Squeeze Filter Review

This summer, I felt like I was filtering water more than I was drinking out of the tap. With 4 backpacking trips, I spent plenty of time filtering and testing.

Coming into this season, I was using the Sawyer Squeeze water filter. It has always performed well and I didn’t really have any complaints. Until I tested out the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter, which I came to prefer.

Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter and Sawyer Squeeze Commonalities

• Lightweight and compact squeeze filters
• Both are compatible with smartwater, Platypus and Sawyer bladders.

First impressions on the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter

• The design is super sleek, which automatically makes me like it
• The clean cap is a flip top, so it stays on. One less thing for me to drop.

Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter vs Sawyer Squeeze Flow Rate

• In a side-by-side test, the flow rate seemed to be about equal. This wasn’t a scientific study!

Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter vs Sawyer Squeeze Ease of Use

Win for the Platypus

• The flip-top clean cap design for the Platypus made for one fewer cap to misplace or drop (likely in a creek). Of course there is still the dirty cap and the bladder cap to keep track of. But now it’s 2 items instead of 3.

Win for the Sawyer

• The bladder attaches to the Sawyer filter seamlessly. There were never any leaks. For the Platypus, I learned that if you don’t screw it on enough, it will leak (test before filtering) or if you tighten it too far, the gasket will pop out or get stuck in the mouth of the bladder. After many uses, I found the sweet spot, but I felt like I needed to test it out every time before dumping dirty water into my clean bladder.

Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter vs Sawyer Squeeze Bladders

• Both bladders worked great. Slight win for the Sawyer, which has instructions right on the bladder in case you forget how to filter or backwash.

And the Winner is…

The Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter!

While the Sawyer Squeeze is a decent and functional filter, the flip-top lid and the sleek design of the Platypus sold me on it.

With both of these filters being compatible with several bottles and reservoirs you can create a system that will fit your needs best.