Long-Term Review: Platypus QuickDraw vs Sawyer Squeeze Water Filters

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Paul and I have long relied on the Sawyer Squeeze while thru-hiking. The filter is lightweight (3oz), not too expensive ($50), and easy to find. Plus, it does a decent job keeping a reasonable flow rate over the course of a long hike. We’ve tried some lighter filters, but usually the extra weight of the Sawyer proves worth it because the performance is so much better. So, when I try out new filters, I am naturally comparing them to the Sawyer Squeeze. Is it lighter? Does it work as effectively? I’ve got to get to yes on both of those questions in order to consider ousting the Squeeze as my backcountry filter of choice. 

Enter the Platypus QuickDraw Micro Filter. Having been around for a few years now, this is not a brand-new product, but I wanted to get some heavy use out of this filter to see how it performs over the long-term before writing a review. Paul and I have been using this filter for the past two years. We’ve put it under some serious strain, filtering some of the worst water we’ve had the displeasure of drinking. From silty ponds, to the turbid waters of the Colorado River, to muddy cow pools, we have truly put this filter to the limits of its reasonable use. But does it work better than the Sawyer Squeeze?

Let’s dig into the specifications of the Platypus QuickDraw compared to the Sawyer Squeeze.

	Platypus QuickDraw	Sawyer Squeeze
Pore Size	0.2 microns	0.1 microns
Flow Rate (Advertised)	3 Liters/minute	1.7 Liters/minute
Weight	2.2 oz	3 oz
Cost	$40	$40

Both of these filters use hollow fiber membranes – this is standard for this type of filter. However, the QuickDraw pore size is 0.2 microns, while the Squeeze is 0.1 microns. What do these pore sizes actually mean?

• One micron is equal to one thousandth of a millimeter, or one millionth of a meter.
• A 1 micron water filter removes most sediment and many harmful bacteria such as E. Coli, Salmonella, and Shigella.
• A 0.5 micron filter will remove virtually all sediment and most cost contaminants including Giardia and Crypto. Some clogging can be expected with this pore size.
• A filter with less than 0.5 microns will remove chemical contaminants such as chlorine and lead.
• Bacteria can be as small as 0.3 microns, so both a 0.1 and a 0.2 micron filter should remove virtually all bacteria, though the 0.1 should do marginally better.
• Viruses can be as small as 0.005 microns, so neither the QuickDraw or the Squeeze can claim to filter viruses.

In short, there is not much difference between 0.1 or 0.2 microns in terms of what types of contaminants they filter out, and the difference in flow rate should also be marginal. Functionally, they are the same.

WINS FOR THE QUICKDRAW

Flow Rate

While I acknowledge it would be ideal to conduct an experiment comparing these filters side by side in the exact same conditions, I didn’t do that. I’ve just used them both a lot and drawn my own highly unscientific conclusions.

First, let’s look at the advertised flow rate. Sawyer claims 1.7 liters per minute. Maybe. Platypus claims 3 liters per minute. No way. Claims on the box aside, all filters will flow best right from the box and immediately begin to slow down. By nature, they get clogged up the flow decreases with use. I won’t make a claim for either of these, but I will say confidently that you will not get the advertised flow rate in the field with either. 

Now, let’s look at how robust these filters are under use. Recently, Paul and I brought the QuickDraw along on a bikepacking trip in New Mexico, where we found ourselves filtering some nasty cow pond water. While the filter slowed down quite a bit during the course of the trip, it was still able to filter using gravity alone (no squeezing), even on the last day of the trip. Typically, the Sawyer slows to a drip when relying on gravity after some tough water sources, and needs pretty vigorous squeezing. Despite having been through worse water sources, the Platypus QuickDraw has maintained a better flow. Ultimately, I think this is because it is easier to clean, which I’ll get into more later.

Covers for both ends

Though a minor detail, having a cap for both the top and the bottom of the filter makes a big difference in the field. After use, water drips out from the bottom of the filter. Maybe it’s no big deal most of the time, but if you are storing the filter in a spot where you would prefer it doesn’t drip all over everything, you’ve got to store it in a ziplock bag. And when it is freezing at night and you have to sleep with your filter to protect it, you definitely want to put it in a ziplock so it doesn’t drip water in your sleeping bag. But the bottom cap solves this issue. Nothing drips because the filter is sealed on both ends. This is also very helpful for cleaning the filter in the field. It allows you to put some clean water inside the filter, cap both ends, and give it a good shake to loosen any debris inside the filter, then reopen, drain, and repeat. This method is remarkably effective. 

Backflushing

It is so much easier to clean the QuickDraw than the Sawyer and it requires no special tools. With the Sawyer, the syringe to backflush is the most effective method for cleaning, although a Smart Water bottle can work in the field to slightly less effect. The problem is, it takes a lot of backflushing to get noticeable results, which makes it more difficult to backflush in the field. With the Platypus, simply shaking the filter vigorously with some clean water in the bag is both easy and effective. Paul and I have also managed to backflush in the same method as the Squeeze, but because the cap is not fitted it requires two people to keep it stable and make it work. Either way, the backflushing seems more effective with the QuickDraw and it maintains a better flow rate because of it. 

WINS FOR THE SQUEEZE

Consistency

I have only tried the one QuickDraw, though I’ve had a handful of Sawyer Squeezes. Some QuickDraw user reviews note a poor flow rate out of the box with the QuickDraw filters, which is not normal. While I did not have this problem and I find the flow rate fantastic, it is worth noting there may be issues with consistency. While Cascade Designs has a very robust warranty and return policy, it doesn’t change the fact that getting a defective filter is a major inconvenience and the potential for this outcome is the biggest drawback to opting for this filter. Again, ours flows great and for those who have one that works they seem to share my opinion that this is an awesome filter. 

Availability

When it comes to a thru-hike, it is not uncommon to have to replace a filter about halfway through due to excessive clogging or damage/freezing. In such an event, the Sawyer Squeeze is more widely available in large part because it is stocked at Wal-Mart. It is also usually a few dollars cheaper there than anywhere else as well. 

VERDICT

Through silt, mud, algae, and even cow shit, the QuickDraw filter has performed remarkably well in some very dirty water. And while some clogging and slowing was expected given these dirty water sources, we also found it relatively easy to backflush at least a little bit in the field to get improved performance, and after further cleaning at home have seen even greater restoration of the flow rate. Because it has proven to have a more durable flow rate, better features, and is lighter, the Platypus QuickDraw filter has unseated the Sawyer Squeeze as our filter of choice for backcountry trips. 

That being said, the Squeeze is more widely available and for that reason will probably still find its way into our packs from time to time. 

Tips and Tricks (for all squeeze-type filters)

Pre-filter

When the water is especially debris- or algae-filled, it makes a huge difference to “pre-filter” the water before running it through the filter. Use a bandana or a buff to strain the large particles out of the water, then filter. This will preserve your flow rate and lengthen the life of your filter when using especially dirty water sources. 

Backflush Often

After each use, it helps to give your filter a little backflush and a shake. Backflushing is more effective when you shake vigorously. When returning home, always clean your filter before putting it into storage. 

Protect from Freezing and Dropping

Freezing damages the integrity of your filter, and you must protect it from freezing temperatures. On cold nights, sleep with your filter inside your sleeping bag to protect it from the cold. If your filter has been frozen you should discard it. Similarly, a hard fall can damage the internal fibers and render the filter useless, so don’t be careless with your filter.

Have Reasonable Expectations

Both of these filters are ultralight filters, so there are tradeoffs involved. A squeeze filter is not going to filter as fast as a pump filter, and it will be more challenging to gather water from stagnant sources or very shallow sources. Sometimes I have to gather water with our cookpot and pour it into our bag for filtering. We deal with these tradeoffs because the filters are so lightweight and small and we want ours to be as light as reasonably possible. 

Storing

Silly as it may seem, these little filters are not designed for long term storage once they have been used. Oftentimes, after they have dried completely out, it can be difficult to get them to flow well again. It helps to give them a long soak, fully submerged in water, before running a few clean liters through. It is also important to clean the filter as well as you can before putting it into storage. I always gihttps://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=e295c418-295a-447c-b265-734e25f82503&website_id=d7c519da-d736-4889-af3b-f75d72378f6a&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F232552%2Fplatypus-quickdraw-filter-system-1-literve mine a test before taking them out in the field to make sure they still flow.

We recently picked up the Lifestraw Peak Series Solo filter. It’s lighter, smaller, and cheaper than both the Squeeze and the QuickDraw. I’m excited to see how it performs in the field, and I’ll put up a review after we’ve gotten heavy use out of it. Also check out my earlier review of the Katadyn Be free filter, which we used on our Tahoe Rim Trail thru-hike.