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Platypus GravityWorks 4L
#3 — Best Group / Camp Filter

Platypus GravityWorks 4L Review (2026)

Hands-free gravity filtration, 1.75L/min, 4L capacity — hang it and do something else while it filters

★★★★★
8.8/10
Reviewed by William • Updated May 2026 $80

The Platypus GravityWorks solves the squeeze filter tedium: instead of standing at a water source squeezing a filter for five minutes, you fill the dirty bag, hang it from a branch, and come back to filtered water. At 1.75 liters per minute flow rate with zero effort, the GravityWorks is the right filter for base camping, family camping, and any situation where you filter large volumes regularly. At 6.5oz for the complete 4L system, it is also light enough to backpack.

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$80 retail
TrailCraft Score

What I Liked

  • Hands-free — hang dirty bag and walk away while it filters
  • 1.75L/min flow rate with no squeezing effort
  • 4L capacity — right for 2-4 person groups
  • Complete system: dirty bag + clean bag + filter + hose
  • 6.5oz complete — packable for backpacking
  • Backflush via cleaning syringe for long-term maintenance

Limitations

  • Requires two suitable hang points or a tree
  • Slower than squeeze filtering for single-liter amounts
  • 6.5oz complete — heavier than solo squeeze filter setups
  • Hollow fiber filter — does not remove viruses

At a Glance

Capacity4L dirty bag + 4L clean bag
Weight6.5oz / 184g complete
Flow Rate1.75L/min (gravity-fed)
Filter0.2 micron hollow fiber
RemovesBacteria, protozoa — not viruses
MaintenanceBackflush syringe included
SetupHang dirty bag above clean bag
Price$80

Score Breakdown

Hands-Free Convenience
10.0
Flow Rate for Effort
9.8
Group Capacity
9.4
Weight for Solo
7.4
Value for Money
8.6

Field Notes

Used on a 3-person AT section in Shenandoah where filtering for three people with a squeeze filter was becoming a chore. Hung the GravityWorks bag from a shelter ridgepole, went to set up camp, returned to 4L of filtered water. This is the filter's specific strength: zero attention required during filtration. For solo ultralight hikers, the Sawyer Squeeze is simpler and lighter. For groups and base camping: GravityWorks.

Hang it and walk away — the gravity filter for group camping and hands-free water treatment

Who This Is For

The Platypus GravityWorks is right for: 2-4 person group camping where filtering volume is high, base camping where hands-free filtering is more convenient, and families who want to filter large batches without constant squeezing.

Note: Prices are current as of May 2026. Some links are affiliate links.

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Common Questions

Is the Platypus GravityWorks better than the Sawyer Squeeze?
For solo backpacking: Sawyer Squeeze wins (simpler, lighter at 3oz vs 6.5oz complete). For group camping and base camps: GravityWorks wins — hands-free 4L filtration at 1.75L/min with no squeezing effort is the right tool for volume use.
Can the Platypus GravityWorks filter viruses?
No — 0.2 micron hollow fiber removes bacteria and protozoa but not viruses. For international travel where viral contamination is a concern: add chemical treatment (Aquamira, Katadyn Micropur). In North American backcountry water: GravityWorks protection is adequate.