The process of water treatment is often frustrating and often time-consuming procedure yet it remains an vital element of any backpacking trip. In the hope of providing the convenience without sacrificing anything The Platypus GravityWorks filter makes use of like the name implies gravity as a method to cleanse water. Place, hold, or hang the water bag that is dirty on top of the clean one and then lie back and relax. The GravityWorks 4-liter filter through an extensive testing across a variety of backcountry areas which included the deserted and remote deserts of Utah’s canyons and were amazed. It is simple to use, quickly filters and is a true efficient and quick-to-clean. The bigger dimensions and weight will not win over minimalists however, for those who require the ability to filter a significant amount of water, there’s an alternative to Platypus GravityWorks. Platypus GravityWorks. To compare it against the competition, check out our guide about the top water filtering or purifier
Configuration and Performance
The set-up for Platypus Gravityworks is extremely simple. Platypus Gravityworks process is very simple thanks to a simple color-coding system (grey means filthy water and blue is clean) and clear instructions. All the reservoirs, tubes, and filters are able to fit in a small pouch with some maneuvering to ensure security in transporting them in a backpack. The storage bag is an area of minor issue because we’d like more separation of dirtiest items to prevent contamination.
The process of using it is easy as skimming across on the bottom of water in order to replenish it with the “dirty” reservoir. Connect the tube to the filter and put the dirt bag up on an erect tree (or alternatively, hang it or set it on rocks) then release the clamp with the plastic material that clamps the tube, allowing it to start the flow, and then watch it take effect. We were awestruck by the rate of flow, and it’s in line with the 2.5-minute claim for the entire bag, though keeping it running at this speed requires a steady backflushing (we go over maintenance in the next section).
The benefits don’t stop there with the speed of performance, but also the convenience of not needing to squeeze, pump, or manipulate the water that flows through the filter in any manner. It’s so simple. If you have a large group or you require the ability to filter lots of water at once there’s no better option available. One of the most effective examples was in Utah when we discovered the spring on the way to our camping site for the night. Knowing that we would not have access to an dependable source of water for the next day or so and a half, we had to remove a significant amount of water. For people from the Pacific Northwest who have a habit of getting water fairly easily the vulnerability was extremely strong. The process of filtering 12 liters water was as easy as filling up three bag fulls. Utilizing a pump filter to filter this amount of water could have ended in either: Popeye levels of arm strength or heat stroke. It’s my opinion that it’s the second.
If you’re required to carry extra water for camping (such like in our instance) it’s as simple as taking the 4 liter dirty bag filled with water, placing it into the hydration sleeves of your pack, then reconnecting the system once you return to camp. Being able to carry an entire 8 liters of water in an efficient way to go about it is an enormous benefit in places where water isn’t easy to find. A word of caution be sure that you’re aware of how you secure the bag with dirt prior to placing it in your bag (flip upside down to check). The bag shuts like a huge poly sandwich bags, and achieving an appropriate seal once it’s full of water is sometimes a problem.
storage and maintenance
The size and weight of storage is reasonable considering the large capacity and output. The tubes are neatly wrapped around the filter, and it’s simple to wrap the reservoirs of water around filter and fit it all into the bag that comes with it. With just over 11 ounces, it’s heavier than many of the ultralight water filters, such as the well-known 2-ounce Sawyer Mini, but the squeeze system’s performance is not as good in comparison to GravityWorks. The other main competitor is the traditional pump filters. They are similar in size and weight, however they don’t perform similarly.
We recommend following the directions very closely regarding backflushing frequently. In Utah where water sources could be somewhat shaky and packed with debris, it was required to backflush the system in order to ensure a consistent flow. Backflushing is a simple process that can be done anyplace and doesn’t require any additional equipment (as it can be for gravity systems that aren’t gravity-based) We were delighted to discover how simple it was to restore the filter to its optimal performance.
What We Don’t Like About
Our main concern is with Platypus filter is the same as any system that makes use of bags to store water: removing water from sources that aren’t flowing. This is where the pump filter is still the best. It’s true that removing water of smaller pools isn’t very difficult, but just like any filter that requires “motorboating” on the waters surface, it’s important to find water that is moving or something at least a couple of inches deep.
The entire setup is (relatively) large and heavy. This isn’t a option for ultralight backpackers who would like to trim weight wherever it is, even the 2 liter GravityWorks which weighs approximately 7 ounces, won’t be enough for them. For those who backpack on weekends with a group , and doesn’t bother changing their toothbrush’s handle and shave their teeth, the 11.5 pounds. weight isn’t too bad. Also, we had no trouble getting a bag that would be able to accommodate the filter and the storage bags.
The Contest
The design and performance of water filters differs widely as there’s no universally-fitting type available on the market. Classic pump filters are a viable option for when you have to remove water from tiny cricks , or standing water, while squeeze bags (and various ultralight models) are extremely light and easy to pack. They are both less expensive in comparison to GravityWorks’ $80 GravityWorks device ($110 to purchase the two-liter kit). However, in this category we think that GravityWorks distinguishes itself due to its superior performance in relation in weight. Its Platypus is more stable, is easier to keep in the field, and can get through a lot more water using less effort. It is convenient, quick and has durability – not a bad combination, Platypus.
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