Best Gravity Water Filters (2024 Value Guide)

The Platypus GravityWorks 4 Liter continues to be the best group camping gravity water filter for 2024. This filter system wins because it’s reliable, quick to filter and versatile. It filters 4 liters or 1.05 gallons of water via a 0.2 microns hollow fiber filter. It removes 99% of contaminants or bacteria like E. coli, salmonella, cholera. Plus 99% of harmful pathogens called protozoa which includes Giardia, known as “beaver fever.” 

Expect it to clean 1500 liters of drinking water before you need to replace the cartridge. Weighing in at 11.5 ounces (42.52 g) it’s heavy but a good option for base camps. In total, you get a 4-liter dirty water bag, 4-liter clean bag and hollow-fiber filter. Plus the hoses, a shutoff clamp, and storage sack.

Using The Filter

One thing that I love about the GravityWorks 4, is that the entire top of the bag opens to fill. No ridiculous small filler openings that are frustrating to deal with. Although one caveat with this type is, that you might have trouble in shallow water. This is because shallow water tends to have more debris can clog the filter. 

After scooping up a desired amount of water to filter, the dirty bag gets sealed via a Ziplock closure. Next you can “snap” the hose to the bottom of the bag and hang the dirty bag. Another bonus is the output tube from the actual filter has a threaded screw top. Which is compatible, with on-the-go Platypus hydration reservoirs. 

Filter Speed or “flow rate” for the GravityWorks filter is 1.75 liters per minute. In the real world this equates to 4 liters in about 2.5 minutes! You will need to back-flush the filter to clean it but this is normal for all water filters.

Versatility

The biggest advantage of the Platypus Gravityworks is the benefit of the two reservoir bags. Providing two 4 liter bags means your backcountry camp actually has 8 liters of water. 4 Liters filtered in the clean bag plus 4 liters unfiltered in the dirty bag. For group camping using it means you don’t have to pack extra water bladders. Another great use for this gravity water filter is as a camp faucet.

One tip: flow can stop if there are air pockets in the clean bag. To fix, open the clean bag to release the air and continue filtering.

Any Disadvantages?

For downsides, I have some personal nuisances but these don’t effect the Platypus Gravityworks performance. It’s a bit heavy and I wish it cost less although in total it’s reasonable for outdoor gear. The Ziplock closure can get gunk in the teeth that needs cleaning, which is a pain.

Next the filter cartridge is prone to freezing, which will render it useless. Store it in the tent with you while you sleep to prevent this. The last problem I have is it doesn’t use activated carbon in the filter. This material filters out chemicals like pesticides and heavy metal out of the water. They do sell a separate device to add but I wish it came standard.

Verdict:

If you love group camping with more than four people, you will love the Platypus GravityWorks filter system. It’s simple to use, reliable and delivers 8 liters of clean water which is amazing.

Every explorer of the outdoors will recognize this water filter brand. LifeStraw is famous for it’s straw water filter of the same name. For 2024, it’s the best gravity filter for camping in small groups. This is because while it’s adaptable and easy to use, although the system is slow to filter.

The actual system consists of one LifeStraw Peak Series filter, a 0.79 gallon (3 liters) TPU Gravity Bag, and a hose. For cleaning the filter, LifeStraw includes a back washing syringe. Although the syringe is weak and for some users has broke while out camping.

Hollow Core Membrane

Now with a re-engineered membrane and custom backwash accessory this model has better performance against sand and silt. Plus, it removes microscopic contaminants like bacteria and parasites (cysts, E-coli, cryptosporidium). Removing these provide a clear appearance and tasty filtered water.

The main filter lasts for 7,570 liters (2000 gallons). While the reservoir bag is tough be careful how you store it as folding it can lead to tears.

Disadvantages

A nuisance is this system needs a lot of cleaning. You have to back-flush it often. You use a syringe to flush the filter which is hard to get right the first couple of times. If I’m out in the middle of the wilderness, the last thing I want to do is extra hard maintenance.

Verdict

Get the LifeStraw Peak Series if you camp close to civilization in small groups. It does on good job for 2 to 3 people, but it need more maintenance than other offerings. All in all you will get tasty water but you have to be patient for it to clean the water.

For budget minded buyers, the Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter is ultra affordable. This is a newer brand from China, but is very popular because it’s cheap to buy and performs okay. Be aware that it only filters bacteria and solids in the water source. I’m only including it because of the number of positive reviews and the low cost.

5-stage filtration

Inside the cartridge filter is premium-quality coconut shell activated carbon. With a filter pore size of 0.1 microns. The brand claims is reduces the following harmful substances. Chlorine, particulates, sediment, bad taste &odor in water.

1. Dirty water passes through pre-filter fabric
2. Moving on through hollow membrane
3. Next through Non-woven fabric
4. Flows through activated carbon
5. Exits through post-filter fabric

The filter comes in combination with a 1.5 gallon gravity-fed water bag. Which is about 11 bottles of 500 ml bottled purified water, and can meet the all-day demand.

Set Up & Flow Rate

Set up is not the best, the hook for the gravity bag is not as robust as I like and the hose connection is finicky. You have to be very careful connecting the hose, it’s easy to overtighten leading to leaks.

If you can succeed in setting it up, it does operate fairly well. The flow rate of 700ml per minute is okay. For filter life, expectancy is lower than my top pick at 1400 Liters. To clean you need to back-flush tit, follow my cleaning guide later in this article.

Downsides of the Water Drop Gravity Filter?

The big issue with this system is the brands lack of safety. By this I mean they claim it cleans out only bacteria and solids?! You need to be very knowledgeable about the water sources around you to trust this product.

Next the construction could improve but I imagine this is how they are cutting the costs.

Verdict

If you know exactly what type of contaminants you are going to encounter, this is a cheap option. You need to expect lower build quality but at this price it does clean water. If that water contains protozoa or other viruses this isn’t the best gravity water filter for you.

Are you a car camper looking for a water filtering solution? Try the Sawyer 1-gallon gravity bag with dual-threaded “Mini” filter. Sawyer is a popular brand for campers and hikers in 2024 because it’s good price and it performs well.

In this package you also get a cleaning plunger, coupling, and gravity hose with adapters. In this price point that’s a great kit that cleans out bacteria contaminants and other harmful pathogens.

Lightweight, Flexible & Easy To Clean

Most distance campers will like that the Mini filter of the Sawyer system weighs 2 ounces (56.69 g). It fits in the palm of your hand, and has a 0.1 micron hollow fiber filter. Performance wise, it removes 99.9% of bacteria contaminants and protozoa like cryptosporidium. Plus it removes 100% of micro-plastic particles. While the 1 gallon (3.79 l) bladder weighs 4.5-6.8 ounces (127.57-192.77 g), dependent on including the hose. The complete system comes in at 8.8 ounces (249.47 g) which is great for trekking long distances to a camp site.

The dual threaded mini filter can detach and users can use it like the Lifestraw Flex filter to drink from a water source. You can screw it onto most disposable water bottles or attach it inline to a hydration pack and bite valve. Made of hollow fiber material it’s encased in a protective case.

Like all filters, the big problem you experience over time is the filter media clogging. The Sawyer comes with a plunger that’s simple to use which restores up to 98% of its function and original flow rate. But bear in mind, the Mini is prone to clogging. Due to it having a size of 0.1 microns, tiny silts found in water can clog the filter. While cleaning with the included plunger is simple, doing it often becomes annoying. If you choose to camp near shallower water sources this might not be the water filter for you.

100,000 Gallons Filter Life?

Sawyer claims that the mini filter has a 100,000 gallons (378,541 L) life expectancy, sounds great right? Well, unfortunately this is a hard claim for me to trust. In 2015 Sawyer had to change a previous claim that their filter lasted 1 Million Gallons. While the system works, I find it hard to trust a company after these types of claims and corrections happen. You might not though, it’s a personal choice.

Faults of the Sawyer Gravity Bag & Mini Filter

Beyond the cartridge life claims, there are a few issues that Sawyer could improve. First the flow rate is slower than others at 3.7 liters at about 7 minutes. What’s worse is that Sawyer doesn’t give you hanging straps, do you want to hold the bag the entire time? Next, the fill opening is too small, unless you are scooping up water from a deep source it’s finicky to fill. I also don’t like that the plastic adapters will split if over tightened, making the hoses useless.

Verdict

Since 1984, Sawyer has manufactured everything from first aid kits to water filters. Which is why many backcountry backpackers and campers trust Sawyer products. If you want a mid range gravity water filter that may last forever, this is decent. Keep in mind though if you camp in area with silty water this isn’t the system for you.

This is the fourth generation of the BeFree Series from Swiss-based Katadyn. In 2024, it’s my runner-up pick after the Platypus Gravityworks. This model filters 3.0 liters or 0.79 gallons of drinking water via a 0.1 microns hollow fiber filter.

It provides clean water for 1000 liters of use before replacing the cartridge. Weighing in at 6.8 ounces (192.77 g) it’s the lightest weight model reviewed. This is great for small groups trekking to camps deep in the backcountry. You get a 3 liter reservoir with filter, hanging strap, quick connect hose with On/Off clamp, and a carrying bag.

Like all the others it removes bacterial contaminants and harmful pathogens to deliver clean drinking water. Unlike the other filters though, this one is super fast to clean water.

Rapid Flow Rate

The biggest advantage of the Katadyn BeFree is its ultra-fast flow rate. It’s simple to fill up, due to the HydraPak 3.0L reservoir having an integrated “Bail and Carry” handle. You hold the small bail arm and scoop up water into the reservoir bag. Next, keep hold of the bail with one hand and screw on the filter hose to the bag. Now you can flip it right side up and attach the reservoir hanging straps if you hadn’t already. Ensure the on/off clamp on the hose is in the closed position to stop any flow of water.

After you hang the reservoir bag, open the clamp. As filtering begins you will see the swift flow rate, it filters 2 liters per minute! As a result, campers who need instant hydration can rely on this gravity water filter.

Cleaning Katadyn Water Filters

If the BeFree water filter clogs or the water flows slow it means the filter needs cleaning. Unlike other brands which use back flushing to clean filters, Katadyn uses unique method. Called “shake-to-clean” you shake or swish the filter underwater to dislodge debris.

Downsides Of The Katadyn BeFree

While the flow rate is great and the operation is simple, there are a couple downsides to this water filter. First the plastic carabiners that attach the straps to the reservoir are flimsy. Overtime other users complain about them snapping. Second, the fill opening is small which does make filling in shallow stagnant water hard. Third and last, you have to clean and dry the system 100%, if you don’t the hoses fail. Which is a nuisance if you are out camping with a couple thirsty people.

Verdict

If you are camping with a small group that wants clean drinking water fast, the Katadyn BeFree is the best choice. It’s simple to use and clean but time will tell if it’s tough enough for you.

Many outdoor enthusiasts swear by MSR products for their outdoor gear and I like most of their stuff too. The brand is under the global envelope of Cascade Designs which also owns Platypus Gravityworks. As a buyer, I expect the quality of the MSR Trail Base to match the Platypus Gravityworks 2L. Yet it falls a bit short in performance based on its hefty price.

3-In-1 Use

What is good about the MSR Trail Base is its 3-in-1 use. The package is basically the MSR trail shot filter with a couple 2 liter bags and a hose. Use it as a gravity system at camp, a pocket-sized filter on the trail, or an on-the-go bladder with drinking cap.

Like all the others the filter is a hollow fiber material rated at 0.2 microns. As a result it removes 99.9% of contaminants like bacteria, protozoa and debris in the water. But don’t expect it to fight viruses like Hepatitis A or Norovirus.

The actual set up of each use is quick and easy. It has a good flow rate of 1 liter per minute with a filter life expectancy that matches the Gravityworks (1500 L). To clean users need to back-flush the trail shot filter, you can follow my cleaning guide to do the bags and hose.

2 Person Capacity

Where the MSR filter system falls short is the capacity of 2 liters per bag for a total capacity of 4 liters. This smaller amount of water is capable of hydrating at best 2 backcountry campers. This isn’t a fault of the system, for my review I had the 2 liter version. For the extra price you should get their 4 liter model.

For this model though, it’s a decent option for small groups but not as great as the Katadyn BeFree. This is due to cost, plus the Befree holds more, even if it lacks a clean reservoir. Buying extra reservoir bags aren’t that expensive.

Downsides of the MSR Trail Base

The worst thing about the Trail Base is the price and its weight. It’s far more expensive than all the others except for the Platypus Gravityworks. The reason for this is beyond me but MSR does make premium products in other outdoor spaces. Next it’s the heaviest system tipping the scales at 16 ounces or 1 pound. For the person carrying an extra pound in their pack it becomes noticeable quick.

Other issues other users found are the bags and hoses are hard to dry, which leads to future failures. Plus some people complain of a weird plastic taste, I didn’t in mine, but who wants terrible tasting water?

Verdict

If you’re hiking, or base camping with two people, only trust MSR products and the price is fine for you, buy this filter. It has flexible use but you have to pay a premium and carry a heavy system. For me I prefer to pay less and carry less weight in the backcountry.