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Hazards associated with backcountry travel and water filter use, increasing risk of gastrointestinal illness.
Read and understand the entire manual before assembly or use to prevent illness and warranty voiding.
Do not drop or freeze the QuickDraw Filter. A damaged filter cannot prevent exposure to harmful microorganisms.
Disinfect the spout if contaminated with dirty water before filtering or drinking.
Fully wet out the filter before use by filtering at least 1L of clean water for optimal performance.
Fill the QuickDraw reservoir or a compatible dirty vessel, keeping clean parts away from contamination.
Guidance on assembling the filter with DrinkCap or ConnectCap for various bottle types.
Method to check for compromised hollow fibers after dropping or freezing the filter.
Properly managing air prevents clogged filters and slow filtration rates, including wetting out the filter.
Proactively cleaning prolongs filter life. Methods include shake-to-clean and backflushing.
Effective cleaning by reversing flow with clean water. Includes methods for DrinkCap and ConnectCap.
Disinfect filter and reservoir before storage to prevent microorganism growth; store away from sunlight and freezing.
Cascade warrants the product against defects in materials and workmanship for life.
Contact details for product service, information, and warranty claims.
The Platypus QuickDraw Filter System is a portable water filtration device designed for backcountry travel and outdoor use, providing a safe and convenient way to filter water from various sources. The system includes a QuickDraw filter, a 1L dirty reservoir, a dirty-side filter cap, a DrinkCap, a ConnectCap, a backflush washer, a ConnectCap cover, and a dirty reservoir cap.
The QuickDraw Filter System is designed to remove harmful microorganisms from water, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal illness. It utilizes hollow fiber filtration technology to filter out particles larger than 0.2 microns. The system is multi-compatible, allowing it to be easily adapted to various bottles and reservoirs. It does not remove all viruses, chemicals, radioactive materials, or particles smaller than 0.2 microns. It is crucial to understand that the QuickDraw is not suitable for filtering seawater or chemically contaminated water from sources like mining tailing ponds or large agricultural operations.
Before initial use, it is recommended to fully wet out the filter by filtering at least 1L of clean water through it for optimal performance. This process purges air from the hollow fibers and replaces it with water, which is essential for efficient flow rates.
To collect water, fill the QuickDraw reservoir or a compatible dirty vessel of your choice. Always aim to collect water from the cleanest, clearest source available, with moving water generally being preferable to still water. Filtering silty, cloudy, muddy, glacial, or tea-colored water can accelerate filter clogging. Care should be taken to prevent cross-contamination by keeping the clean side of the filter, its caps, and any clean bottles or reservoirs away from unfiltered water.
For initial setup, attach the dirty side of the filter to the dirty reservoir. The system offers two cap options for dispensing filtered water: the DrinkCap and the ConnectCap. With the DrinkCap, you can drink directly from the spout or filter into a clean vessel. If filtering into an attached narrow-mouth bottle, the DrinkCap spout should be held firmly to create a seal, which will need to be periodically broken to allow air to escape and relieve back pressure. The ConnectCap is designed with built-in vents to allow air to escape, making it the more efficient choice for filtering into attached hard-sided bottles. The ConnectCap's threads are compatible with all Platypus bottles and common 28mm plastic bottles like smartwater®.
To filter, invert the dirty reservoir or bottle over the filter and squeeze with consistent pressure to push water through. For soft-sided reservoirs, slowly rolling the reservoir down from the top is an effective method.
An integrity check is crucial if the filter has been dropped or if water has frozen inside it, as this can rupture the hollow fibers and compromise filtration safety. To perform an integrity check, fill the dirty reservoir with 1L of water, filter approximately half, then flip the reservoir upside-down so the filter's dirty side is in contact with the air inside. Remove the ConnectCap or DrinkCap and firmly squeeze the bag for 20 seconds. A steady stream of bubbles emerging from the clean side indicates compromised hollow fibers, meaning the filter is not safe to use. It's important that the hollow fibers are fully wetted out for the integrity check to be accurate.
Regular cleaning is essential to prolong the filter's life and maintain fast flow rates. The frequency of cleaning depends on water quality.
The "shake-to-clean" method is a quick way to dislodge particulates from the hollow fibers, particularly at the dirty side entrance. To perform this, fill the dirty bottle or reservoir with 1/2L of water. Hold the filter and reservoir horizontally, shaking vigorously for 15 seconds, then hold them vertically and shake vigorously for another 15 seconds. Afterward, unscrew the filter, empty the dirty reservoir, and refill to resume filtering. It is recommended to perform a quick shake-to-clean before each fill-up.
Backflushing is the most effective cleaning method, reversing the flow of clean water through the filter to purge clogged particulates. Backflush with at least 1/2L of clean water or until water runs clear from the dirty side. It is critical to only backflush with a dedicated clean bottle or reservoir to prevent cross-contamination.
To backflush with the DrinkCap, press its spout into a clean narrow-mouth bottle filled with at least 1/2L of clean water to create a seal, then squeeze the bottle to backflush.
To backflush with the ConnectCap, remove the ConnectCap cover and press the backflush washer into the ConnectCap to block the vents. Screw on a clean narrow-mouth bottle filled with at least 1/2L of clean water, then squeeze the bottle to backflush. Remember to remove the washer afterward. It is recommended to backflush after approximately every 10L filtered.
For long-term storage, disinfecting the filter and reservoir prevents microbial growth. Mix 2.5mL (1/2 tsp) of bleach with 1L of clean water in the dirty reservoir, attach the filter, and squeeze the bleach solution through. Detach the filter once the reservoir is empty, leaving the reservoir cap off until fully dried. Drain any excess water from the filter and replace the dirty-side cap. Dry other components and replace the reservoir cap when dry. Store the system away from direct sunlight, freezing temperatures, or potential drops. It is acceptable to store the filter with wet hollow fibers if sterilized with bleach solution, as this prevents microbial growth. A fully dry filter also protects against freezing.
Never store the QuickDraw filter cartridge in temperatures below 32°F/0°C, as freezing will permanently damage the hollow fibers. Also, never use a dishwasher to disinfect or clean the filter, as high heat can melt or damage the hollow fibers.
General| Filter Type | Hollow Fiber |
|---|---|
| Filter Pore Size | 0.2 microns |
| Weight | 3.3 oz (95 g) |
| Flow Rate | 3 liters per minute |
| Cartridge Life | 1, 000 liters |
| Effective against | Bacteria, Protozoa |
| Compatibility | Standard water bottles and hydration reservoirs |
