Frequently Asked Questions

Bottles & Storage  |  Hydration Reservoirs  |  Filtration  |  Hydration Packs  |  Accessories  |  Prop 65  |  DayCap  |  QuickDraw

Bottles & Storage

Do any of your products contain BPA, BPS, phthalates, or use polycarbonate?

No. All Platypus hydration products are 100% BPA-, BPS- and phthalate-free, and do not use polycarbonate.

How do I clean my Platypus bottle?

Platypus bottles are dishwasher safe. When placing Platypus bottles in a dishwasher, make sure they are fully expanded for optimal cleaning. Note: not all bottles may fit in a dishwasher, especially sizes 2L and greater.

You can also hand wash our bottles using warm or hot soapy water. Using our Reservoir Cleaning Kit helps access tough to reach places.

For deeper cleaning:

  1. Per liter volume of your bottle, add ¼ Cup of baking soda to ¾ Cup of water and shake for 30 seconds (e.g., for a 2L bottle use ½ Cup of baking soda with 1 ½ Cup water).
  2. Add ¼ Cup lemon juice per liter, close and shake 10 seconds, and vent by loosening cap away from face.
  3. Re-seal bottle and repeat shaking and venting three times. Expel as much air as possible, cap bottle, and soak for 20 minutes.
  4. Dump solution and rinse bottle three times with hot water.

Caution: When adding lemon juice to baking soda, effervescence occurs and will cause pressure to build in a capped Platypus product.

How do I dry my Platypus bottle?

Platypus bottles can be dried by blowing a little air into them to inflate, then letting them stand upright and uncapped until the water evaporates.

Can I put beverages other than water in my Platypus bottle, reservoir, or storage product?

You can put a variety of beverages in your Platypus bottle, reservoir, or storage product. Just make sure you clean it thoroughly after each use to prevent bacteria from growing in it (including any hydration tubes or bite valves). Carbonated beverages are not recommended.

How do I disinfect my Platypus bottle?

To disinfect your Platypus bottle, fill it with a solution of unscented household bleach and water, using a concentration of 2-5 drops per liter of water. Close and swirl for 10 seconds. Leave filled overnight. Dump solution and rinse bottle three times with hot water, then air dry. For a more planet-friendly alternative, use a chlorine-free, hydrogen peroxide-based bleach alternative like Free and Clear™ available from Seventh Generation®.

Can I freeze my Platypus bottle?

Yes. Lay it half-full on its side in freezer with all air purged. Do not over-fill. Water expands as it freezes and this can burst your bottle

The zipper tracks on my water tank are hard to close. Can I make it easier?

Yes. Periodically adding a little Vaseline to the tracks will keep them supple and easy to close. Wipe away any excess Vaseline. In the field, a little lip balm or water can do the trick. When closing the zipper, make sure to firmly pinch along its full length to properly seal it.

How do I ensure my Water Tank’s Big Zip™ closure is properly sealed?

From one end of the Big Zip™ zippered closure to the other, firmly pinch together both sides of the zipper along its full length. You should feel positive tactile feedback as the zipper connects and seals. Once sealed, invert the Water Tank to test the seal—a properly sealed Water Tank will not open in this test.

Hydration Reservoirs

Do any of your products contain BPA, BPS, phthalates, or use polycarbonate?

No. All Platypus hydration products are 100% BPA-, BPS- and phthalate-free, and do not use polycarbonate.

How do I clean my hydration system?

Hand wash your hydration system using warm or hot soapy water. Using our Cleaning Kit helps access tough to reach places.

For deeper cleaning:

  1. Per liter volume of your hydration system, add ¼ Cup of baking soda to ¾ Cup of water and shake for 30 seconds (e.g., for a 2L hydration system use ½ Cup of baking soda with 1 ½ Cup water).
  2. Add ¼ Cup lemon juice per liter, close and shake 10 seconds, then vent by opening hydration system away from face.
  3. Re-seal hydration system and repeat shaking and venting three times. Expel as much air as possible, close hydration system, and soak for 20 minutes.
  4. Dump solution and rinse hydration system three times with hot water.

Caution: When adding lemon juice to baking soda, effervescence occurs and will cause pressure to build in a closed Platypus product.

How do I dry my hydration reservoir?

In general, it is optimal to prop or hang hydration system reservoirs upright to dry—this allows moisture to evaporate and escape upward.

Drying Big Zip™ reservoirs is easy. First, wipe interior with a dry towel (made easy thanks to the large opening!). Then prop the reservoir open with the SlideLock™ slider and let it all air dry.

Another great way to dry a hydration system is with a plastic bag dryer, widely available at kitchen supply stores and numerous online retailers.

Is it okay to freeze my hydration reservoir with water in it?

Yes. To do this, add water to your reservoir, being careful to not over-fill (fill no more than ¾ full—water expands as it freezes; it can burst your reservoir if you over-fill it). Purge all air and then lay your reservoir flat in the freezer overnight. Remove and enjoy a steady source of cold, refreshing hydration as the water melts!

Also, did you know that you can occasionally skip cleaning your reservoir by storing it in the freezer? It’s as simple as rinsing the whole system with fresh water, then placing it in the freezer until the next use.

How do I disinfect my Platypus hydration reservoir?

To disinfect your Platypus hydration system, fill it with a solution of unscented household bleach and water, using a concentration of 2-5 drops per liter of water. Close and swirl for 10 seconds. Squeeze the bite valve to flush the hose and valve, being careful to keep the valve opening over the sink. Leave filled overnight. Dump solution and rinse hydration system (including hose and bite valve) three times with hot water, then air dry.

Note: for an eco-friendlier option, use a chlorine-free, hydrogen peroxide-based bleach alternative.

My new bite valve doesn’t seem to be working. How do I get the water to flow?

Does your hydration system have a shutoff valve? If so, it may be closed. Open it by twisting the bite valve 90 degrees (Clockwise closes it, Counter-clockwise opens it).

If that doesn’t work, you may be biting the valve too hard. The Platy HyperFlow Bite Valve is designed so that you don’t need to bite very hard. If you bite too hard the flow will be completely cut off. With your teeth, compress the valve lightly (only 30% to 50%) and water should flow.

My bite valve comes off easily. What should I do?

If your bite valve is coming off easily, we recommend re-fitting it by following these steps:

  1. Remove the bite valve from the drink tube.
  2. Cut a small section off the end of the drink tube.
  3. Clean the bite valve and hose with rubbing alcohol.
  4. Wet the end of the drinking tube with water or saliva and slide the bite valve back onto the end of the drink tube.
  5. Let it all dry (at least overnight).

This should result in an excellent connection between the bite valve and drink tube, and the bite valve should stay in place.

How do I prevent the water in my hydration reservoir from freezing in cold weather?

To help keep drink tubes and bite valves from freezing up, sip often to maintain flow, then blow any residual water back into the reservoir after you’ve finished drinking. It helps to squeeze the bite valve momentarily to remove any last drops. Using our Bite Valve & Drink Tube Insulator deters freezing, too.

Also, even if you are using the Bite Valve & Drink Tube Insulator, it still helps to keep as much of the drinking tube covered as possible, such as routing it inside a pack, strap, or jacket. You can also start off the day with warm or hot water in the reservoir, packing any extra clothing layers around it.

Is there a way to filter water directly into my reservoir without removing it from my pack?

Yes. Simply remove the bite valve on your hydration system and connect the end of the hose directly to your filtration system’s outflow port.

Our GravityWorks™ filters are available with direct-to-reservoir and direct-to-bottle adapters for optimum versatility. Connecting a GravityWorks filter to your reservoir creates what is arguably the lightest, most compact and efficient way to get filtered water.

The zipper tracks on my Big Zip™ reservoir are hard to close. Can I make it easier?

Yes. Periodically adding a little Vaseline to the tracks will keep them supple and easy to close. Wipe away any excess Vaseline. In the field, a little lip balm or water can do the trick.

My water sloshes around in my reservoir. Can I make it stop?

Absolutely. After filling your reservoir, simply turn it upside down and simultaneously squeeze both the reservoir and the bite valve until all excess air is purged. You can also invert the reservoir and suck out the excess air, if you prefer. Either way—bye, bye sloshing!

Can I get small replacement parts for my hydration reservoir?

Many replacement parts can be purchased directly from us online on our Accessories page or from one our retailers. If you cannot find what you’re looking for, our friendly customer service team can assist you:

For customers outside North America, please consult our International Distributor listings.

Filtration

How often should I backflush my GravityWorks filter cartridge?

Depending on the water clarity/quality, backflush a ¼ liter of water for every 6 liters filtered.

Do any of your products contain BPA, BPS, phthalates, or use polycarbonate?

No. All Platypus hydration products are 100% BPA-, BPS- and phthalate-free, and do not use polycarbonate.

Why is backflushing so important with the GravityWorks™ filter?

Backflushing regularly maintains optimal performance of the filter cartridge. This is especially true when filtering murky or very silty water. Backflushing rinses out particulate that collects on the outside of the Hollow Fiber filter media. Infrequent backflushing makes it more difficult to restore the filter’s flow rate. Based on results from our in-house water lab, we recommend backflushing a ¼ liter of water for every 6L filtered; this largely depends on the water clarify/quality. Our lab has found that with frequent backflushing, you can expect better maintenance of flow performance and longer life from your filter cartridge.

Is it okay to filter tea-colored water?

Tea-colored water typically has a high concentration of decaying vegetation adjacent to, or in, a water source, resulting in a variety of organic acids. These acids, and the accompanying water conditions, are very hard on ALL types of water filters. Get your water elsewhere if you can.

However, if no alternatives exist, we recommend backflushing/cleaning your filter more frequently, even after each use. This will help minimize the clogging of the filter.

Will the GravityWorks™ or Meta™ Bottle water filter remove unpleasant tastes?

No. Hollow Fiber filter media does not remove tastes from water.

However, the use or addition of an additional filter with carbon activated technology will absorb most of the unwanted tastes you may find in filtered backcountry water. For our GravityWorks systems, our Carbon Element accessory is available for those that prefer cleaner-tasting filtered water.

How do I disinfect my Platypus filtration system?

To disinfect your Platypus filtration system, fill it with a solution of unscented household bleach and water, using a concentration of 2-5 drops per liter of water. Close and swirl for 10 seconds. Leave filled overnight.

Filter solution through any filters and/or hoses, then rinse system (including filters and hoses) three times with hot water. Let air dry.

Note: for an eco-friendlier option, use a chlorine-free, hydrogen peroxide-based bleach alternative.

Can I get small replacement parts for the Quick Disconnect fittings on my GravityWorks™ Dirty Reservoir?

E-mail: Cascade Designs Service Center
Tel: 1-800-531-953

For customers outside North America, please consult our International Distributor listings.

Why is “shake-to-clean” so important with the Meta™ Bottle filter?

Cleaning regularly maintains optimal performance of the filter cartridge. This is especially true when filtering murky or very silty water. Cleaning dislodges particulate that collects on the outside of the Hollow Fiber filter media. Infrequent cleaning makes it more difficult to restore the filter’s flow rate.

Based on results from our in-house water lab, we recommend cleaning anywhere from every 6 liters to as often as after each use, but this can vary depending on water quality. Our lab has found that with frequent cleaning of your filter, you can expect more consistent flow performance and a longer life from your filter.

Are there any issues with using a GravityWorks™ or Meta™ Bottle filter in freezing conditions?

A used GravityWorks™ or Meta™ Bottle filter will have wet Hollow Fiber filter media, which can freeze and break the fibers of the filter media (permanently damaging the filter). Therefore, it is important to prevent Hollow Fiber filters from freezing.

If you are traveling in areas where you are expecting freezing or near-freezing temperatures, we recommend carrying or stowing the filter cartridge near your body (e.g., in a chest pocket) and bringing the filter cartridge with you into your tent, or even your sleeping bag. (Be sure to put the filter cartridge in a watertight bag to prevent leaks.)

If you think your filter may have been damaged by freezing, perform a filter integrity test before the next use (see instructions for your filter product). We recommend carrying a replacement filter as a backup in case of a failed integrity test.

Do I need to do anything if my filter takes a hard drop?

Hollow Fiber filters can be sensitive to hard drops. Any drops from heights over 5 feet (1.5 m) and direct drops onto cement or rocks should be avoided with GravityWorks™ and Meta™ Bottle filters.

If you think your filter may have been damaged from a drop, perform a filter integrity test before the next use (see instructions for your filter product). We recommend carrying a replacement filter as a backup in case of a failed integrity test.

Note: do not remove the protective bumpers on the GravityWorks filters.

Is there a way to filter water directly into my reservoir without removing it from my pack?

Yes there is! The Big Zip™ EVO Filter Connector Kit is a nifty accessory that allows you to filter directly from your GravityWorks™ into your Big Zip EVO without ever having to remove your reservoir from your pack.

To do so, you first need to remove your drink tube from your reservoir via the quick-disconnect. Then, plug the connection point on the connector kit's hose directly into quick-disconnect point (you will hear a click). Next, attach the connector kit's hose to the base of your GravityWorks filter cartridge. Let gravity do the rest, as you're now on your way to clean, taste-free hydration.

Watch this video for a step-by-step video instructing you how to use this product.

The zipper tracks on my reservoir are hard to close. Can I make it easier?

Yes. Periodically adding a little Vaseline to the tracks will keep them supple and easy to close. Wipe away any excess Vaseline. In the field, a little lip balm or water can do the trick.

Can I get small replacement parts for my filter products?

Many replacement parts can be purchased directly from us online on our Accessories page or from one our retailers. If you cannot find what you’re looking for, our friendly customer service team can assist you:

For customers outside North America, please consult our International Distributor listings.

Hydration Packs

Do any of your packs come with a rain fly?

Yes, our A.M. packs all come equipped with a protective rain fly that is stowed away in the bottom of the pack.

The rain fly can be found in its own zippered pocket at the base of the A.M. packs. It can also be detached for easy post-ride cleaning and drying. We strongly suggest removing the rain fly and allowing it to dry separately when wet. To re-attach, simply clip the fly back in and zip the pocket up.

Do any of your products contain BPA, BPS, phthalates, or use polycarbonate?

No. All Platypus hydration products are 100% BPA-, BPS- and phthalate-free, and do not use polycarbonate.

My hydration pack got really muddy. How do I clean it?

Congrats on your mud-packed adventure! To clean your pack, hand wash with mild soap. For simpler cleaning, rinse off your pack with a hose.

For the best care, use a technical garment soap. Hang or lay flat to dry, avoiding direct sunlight.

Tip: Use the rainfly on your ride to reduce the need for deep cleaning (Included in all of our A.M. packs).

My hydration pack’s drink tube is too long—can I shorten it?

Yes, you can shorten the length of your drink tube. Depending on the model of your hydration reservoir, you simply trim the tube down to the desired length.

If you have a Big Zip™ EVO or Hoser™, trim the tube from the end with the bite valve. For the Big Zip EVO, simply remove the shut-off valve, trim to the desired length, and re-insert the shut-off valve. For the Hoser, remove the bite valve, trim to the desired length, and re-insert the bite valve.

If you have a Big Zip™ LP, trim the end of the tube that mates with the quick disconnect at the base of your reservoir. You can trim from either end, but trimming from this end is much easier!

Detailed instructions on how to do this are provided in your pack’s user manual, which can be found on your pack's online product page.

Can I remove the waist belt on my hydration pack?

No, the waist belts on our hydration packs are not removable. However, you can wrap the waist belt straps around the back of the pack, securing the straps through the light loop. This will keep the straps stowed when you don’t need them and accessible when you do.

How do I disinfect my Platypus filtration system?

To disinfect your Platypus filtration system, fill it with a solution of unscented household bleach and water, using a concentration of 2-5 drops per liter of water. Close and swirl for 10 seconds. Leave filled overnight.

Filter solution through any filters and/or hoses, then rinse system (including filters and hoses) three times with hot water. Let air dry.

Note: for an eco-friendlier option, use a chlorine-free, hydrogen peroxide-based bleach alternative.

The zipper tracks on my reservoir are hard to close. Can I make it easier?

Yes. Periodically adding a little Vaseline to the tracks will keep them supple and easy to close. Wipe away any excess Vaseline. In the field, a little lip balm or water can do the trick.

Can I get small replacement parts for my pack?

Many replacement parts can be purchased directly from us online on our Accessories page or from one our retailers. If you cannot find what you’re looking for, our friendly customer service team can assist you:

For customers outside North America, please consult our International Distributor listings.

Accessories

How do I use my Reservoir Cleaning Kit to clean my reservoir?

Our Reservoir Cleaning Kit comes with two brushes: one long, thin brush and one shorter, wider brush. These are used to scrub different parts of your hydration reservoir.

The long, skinny brush is made to clean your drink tube. Keeping a finger in the hoop at the end of the brush, you can use the brush on the opposite end to scrub the inside of your drink tube. Note: When detaching your drink tube to clean, it's easiest to access the interior of your drink tube through the end with the bite valve.

The shorter, wider brush is used for scrubbing the interior of your reservoir. Simply hold on to the obvious handle, and use the bristled end to scrub at any visible dirt or residue inside your reservoir.

How do I install my Bite Valve Cover?

First, remove your HyFLO™ Bite Valve from your shutoff valve. Next, insert the base of the Bite Valve Cover over the tube, and push it all the way down. Open the top of the Bite Valve Cover, and re-insert your HyFLO Bite Valve onto the shutoff valve with the base of the Bite Valve Cover between the bite valve and the shutoff valve. Last, close the top of the Bite Valve Cover. Voila!

How do I use my Big Zip™ EVO Filter Connector Kit?

The Big Zip™ EVO Connector Kit is a nifty accessory that allows you to filter directly from your GravityWorks™ into your Big Zip EVO without ever having to remove your reservoir from your pack.

To do so, you first need to remove your drink tube from your reservoir via the quick-disconnect. Then, plug the connection point on the connector kit's hose directly into the quick-disconnect point (you will hear a click). Next, attach the connector kit's hose to the base of your GravityWorks filter cartridge. Let gravity do the rest, as you're now on your way to clean, taste-free hydration.

Watch this video for step-by-step instructions on how to use this product, CLICK HERE

How do I install my Drink Tube Insulator with my Platypus pack?

To install your Drink Tube Insulator with the Big Zip™ EVO in your pack, follow these steps:

  1. Unzip and open the zippered portion of the Drink Tube Insulator.
  2. Inside your pack, disconnect the drink tube from the reservoir via the quick-disconnect attachment. Remove the disconnected drink tube from the pack.
  3. Feed the quick-disconnect end of the drink tube through the zippered portion of the insulator sleeve until the bite valve is centered in the covered, zippered area.
  4. Thread the quick-disconnect end of the drink tube and the non-zippered end of the insulator sleeve through the hydration access point at the top of the pack, positioning the bite valve within the zippered end in the desired location along pack shoulder strap.
  5. Reconnect the drink tube to the reservoir via the quick-disconnect attachment point.
  6. Secure the Drink Tube Insulator to the pack shoulder strap using the hook and loop fastener.

Prop 65

What is California Proposition 65?

Proposition 65 is the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act passed by voters in the State of California in 1986. The act was created to inform people about possible exposure to chemicals known by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and/or other reproductive harm.

What are the requirements of Proposition 65?

Proposition 65 requires that the Governor of California maintain and publish a list of harmful chemicals. The list is updated annually and includes chemicals that can be found in solvents, drugs, dyes, food additives, by-products of certain processes, pesticides, and tobacco products.

A chemical is listed if it has been classified as a reproductive toxicant or carcinogen by an "authoritative" organization on the subject. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the National Toxicology Program, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer are considered authoritative for carcinogens. For reproductive toxicants, the authorities are the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and International Agency for Research on Cancer. Chemicals will also be listed if they are required to be labeled or identified as a carcinogen or as a reproductive toxicant by an agency of the state or federal government.

Why has Platypus placed a Proposition 65 label on its products?

Any company with ten or more employees operating or selling products within the State of California must comply with the requirements of Proposition 65. To comply, businesses are: (1) prohibited from knowingly discharging listed chemicals into sources of drinking water; and (2) required to provide a "clear and reasonable" warning before knowingly and intentionally exposing anyone to a listed chemical.

A Proposition 65 warning means that the business has evaluated the exposure and has concluded that it exceeds the "no significant risk level,” or that the business is providing a warning based on the presence of a “listed” chemical without actually evaluating the exposure.

Platypus is providing a warning based on our knowledge about the presence of one or more listed chemicals without attempting to evaluate the level of exposure. While using a Platypus product, the exposure to a “listed” chemical may be well within the “no significant risk” range, but out of caution, we have placed the Proposition 65 warning labels on our products.

Are consumers using a Platypus product with a Proposition 65 warning at risk?

The California government states: “The fact that a product bears a Proposition 65 warning does not mean by itself that the product is unsafe.” The government also explained, “You could think of Proposition 65 more as a ‘right to know’ law than a pure product safety law.”

A Proposition 65 warning means that the product contains one or more listed chemicals. By law, a warning is required unless the business proves that the exposure to the chemical poses "no significant risk." The "no significant risk" level for carcinogens is defined as the level which is calculated to result in not more than one excess case of cancer in 100,000 individuals exposed over a 70-year lifetime. Therefore, if you are exposed to the chemical in question at this level every day for 70 years, theoretically, it will increase your chances of getting cancer by no more than 1 case in 100,000 individuals so exposed.

The "no significant risk" level for reproductive toxicants is defined as the level of exposure which, even if multiplied by 1,000, will not produce birth defects or other reproductive harm. Therefore, the level of exposure is below the "no observable effect level," divided by 1,000. (The "no observable effect level" is the highest dose level which has not been associated with observable reproductive harm in humans or test animals.)

For further information about California’s Proposition 65, please visit http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/background/p65plain.html

DayCap

With which bottles is my DayCap compatible?

The DayCap is compatible with the following wide-mouth water bottles: Nalgene® Wide Mouth, Hydro Flask® Wide Mouth, Yeti® Yonder™, CamelBak® Wide Mouth.

How often should I clean my DayCap?

That often depends on the clarity/quality of water being filtered. However proactive cleaning will keep your filter flowing faster for longer. Use your best judgement but consider quickly shaking it clean each time you fill your bottle with dirty water.

Do any of your products contain BPA, BPS, phthalates, or use polycarbonate?

No. All Platypus hydration products are 100% BPA-, BPS- and phthalate-free, and do not use polycarbonate.

Will the DayCap filter remove unpleasant tastes?

No. Hollow fiber filter media does not remove tastes from water.

How do I disinfect my DayCap filter?

To disinfect your DayCap Filter and water bottle, make a bleach solution in the bottle by combining 3mL (or approx. 1/4 tsp) of bleach with 1L of clean/clear water. Then perform a shake-to-clean procedure (see instructions). Then, allow the bottle to sit on its side for 30 minutes, then roll the bottle to the opposite side and allow the bottle to sit for another 30 minutes.

Is the DayCap in-bottle filter dishwasher safe?

The cap component of the DayCap is dishwasher safe. The filter component IS NOT dishwasher safe. A dishwasher cycle will permanently damage filter cartridge and make it unsafe to use.

Is it okay to filter tea-colored water?

Tea-colored water typically has a high concentration of decaying vegetation adjacent to, or in, a water source, resulting in a variety of organic acids. These acids, and the accompanying water conditions, are very hard on ALL types of water filters. Get your water elsewhere if you can.

However, if no alternatives exist, we recommend backflushing/cleaning your filter more frequently, even after each use. This will help minimize the clogging of the filter.

Are there any issues with using the DayCap in-bottle filter in freezing conditions?

A DayCap that has been recently used to filter water will have wet hollow fibers, which can freeze and break the fibers. Broken fibers no longer filter water. It is important to prevent hollow fiber filters from freezing.

If you are expecting freezing or near-freezing temperatures, we recommend carrying or stowing the filter cartridge near your body (e.g., in a chest pocket) and bringing the filter into your sleeping bag overnight. (Place it in a plastic bag to prevent it from leaking).

If you think your filter may have been damaged by freezing, perform a filter integrity check before the next use to determine if it is still safely filtering water (see instructions for your filter product). Consider carrying a replacement filter as a backup in case of a failed integrity test.

What if my DayCap takes a hard drop?

Hollow fibers can break due to impact. Once broken, they will no longer safely filter water. Often your DayCap Filter will be protected from impact by being inside your bottle, but in the event of it directly hitting the ground, perform an integrity check before the next use to determine if it is still safely filtering water (see instructions for your filter product). Consider carrying a replacement filter as a backup in case of a failed integrity test.

Can I get a replacement filter for my DayCap?

Replacement filter cartridges can be purchased here.

QuickDraw

With which bottles and reservoirs is my QuickDraw compatible?

Dirty Side: The dirty side of the QuickDraw features inside/outside (I/O) threads. The outside set of threads is only compatible with QuickDraw reservoirs.™ The inside set of threads is compatible with all common 28mm-thread plastic water bottles (like smartwater®), and narrow-mouth Platy bottles including the SoftBottle™, the Platy® 2L, PlatyPreserve™ and the Platy® Water Tank.

Clean Side: The QuickDraw’s ConnectCap threads directly to all common 28mm-thread plastic water bottles (like smartwater®), and narrow-mouth Platy bottles including the SoftBottle™, the Platy® 2L, PlatyPreserve™, the Platy® Water Tank, and the Hoser™ Reservoir.

The QuickDraw 2L and 3L Gravity models have a hose with a quick connector fitted on the end that clicks into any hydration reservoir with a quick disconnect, like the Big Zip™ Evo. Hydration reservoirs without a quick disconnect pair with the ConnectCap by removing the reservoir’s bite valve and pushing its hose onto the ConnectCap’s hose attachment point.

The QuickDraw 3L Gravity’s Bottle Adapter threads directly to common wide-mouth bottles like Nalgene®, Hydro Flask® and Yeti®. It also press-fits to narrow-mouth bottles like all common 28mm-thread plastic water bottles (such as smartwater®), and narrow-mouth Platy bottles including the SoftBottle™, the Platy® 2L, PlatyPreserve™, the Platy® Water Tank, and the Hoser™ Reservoir.

What is the difference between the shake-to-clean and backflush cleaning methods?

While both cleaning methods clean your filter and can easily be performed in the field or at home, they are intended to complement each other and allow you to keep your QuickDraw free of debris and flowing fast.

Shake-to-Clean: Is the quicker cleaning method and can be easily done every time you filter. It works by agitating and dislodging particulates attached to the hollow fibers, particularly at the opening on the dirty side of the filter.

Backflush: Backflushing is more time consuming and the more thorough way to clean your QuickDraw. It works by passing clean water through the length of your QuickDraw—in the clean side and out the dirty side—thereby rinsing and removing particulates stuck to the hollow fibers along the length of the bundle.

How often should I shake-to-clean or backflush my QuickDraw?

That often depends on the clarity/quality of water being filtered. However proactive cleaning will keep your filter flowing faster for longer. Consider the following proactive cleaning routine:

  • Quickly perform a shake-to-clean before you filter each time you fill up.
  • Backflush the filter after every 10L of water you filter through it.

Use your best judgement and adjust the routine as needed depending on frequency of use and quality of water.

Do any of your products contain BPA, BPS, phthalates, or use polycarbonate?

No. All Platypus hydration products are 100% BPA-, BPS- and phthalate-free, and do not use polycarbonate.

Will the QuickDraw filter remove unpleasant tastes?

No. Hollow fiber filter media does not remove tastes from water.

How do I disinfect my QuickDraw filter system?

In the dirty your reservoir or bottle, mix 3mL (1/4 tsp) of bleach with 1L of tap water. Filter the solution through the filter (and hose if one was used). When the reservoir is empty, leave the closure cap off and allow it to dry. You can leave the clean and dirty side closures of the filter off and allow it to dry, but it is not necessary. When the reservoir is dry, store your entire QuickDraw system away from direct sunlight.

(Important: If you do store your QuickDraw wet, do not allow it to freeze.)

Is it okay to filter tea-colored water?

Tea-colored water typically has a high concentration of decaying vegetation adjacent to, or in, a water source, resulting in a variety of organic acids. These acids, and the accompanying water conditions, are very hard on ALL types of water filters. Get your water elsewhere if you can.

However, if no alternatives exist, we recommend backflushing/cleaning your filter more frequently, even after each use. This will help minimize the clogging of the filter.

Are there any issues with using a QuickDraw filter in freezing conditions?

A QuickDraw that has been recently used to filter water will have wet hollow fibers, which can freeze and break the fibers. Broken fibers no longer filter water. It is important to prevent hollow fiber filters from freezing.

If you are expecting freezing or near-freezing temperatures, we recommend carrying or stowing the filter cartridge near your body (e.g., in a chest pocket) and bringing the filter into your sleeping bag overnight.

If you think your filter may have been damaged by freezing, perform a filter integrity check before the next use to determine if it is still safely filtering water (see instructions for your filter product). Consider carrying a replacement filter as a backup in case of a failed integrity test.

What if my QuickDraw takes a hard drop?

Hollow fibers can break due to impact. Once broken, they will no longer safely filter water. Do your best avoid dropping or impacting your QuickDraw, particularly from heights over 5 feet (1.5 m).

If you think your filter may have been damaged from a drop, perform an integrity check before the next use to determine if it is still safely filtering water (see instructions for your filter product). Consider carrying a replacement filter as a backup in case of a failed integrity test.

Can I get small replacement parts for my QuickDraw?

Many replacement parts can be purchased directly from us online on our Accessories page or from one our retailers. If you cannot find what you’re looking for, our friendly customer service team can assist you.