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

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

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.

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.

No. Hollow fiber filter media does not remove tastes from water. However, you can improve taste by using an additional carbon filter, such as the GravityWorks™ Carbon Element, which helps absorb many of the unwanted flavors commonly found in backcountry water.

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.

A used GravityWorks™ 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.

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™ 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.

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 the quick-disconnect port (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—you’re now on your way to clean, taste-free hydration.

Watch this video for a step-by-step guide on how to use this product.

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.

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

• Submit a request through our Customer Support Portal.

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