Platypus GravityWorks 4L Water Filter System vs Sawyer Complete 4L Gravity Water Filter System
Platypus GravityWorks 4L Water Filter System vs Sawyer Complete 4L Gravity Water Filter System compared spec-by-spec. Filtration performance, flow rate, pricing, pros, cons, and our verdict on which water filter to buy.
| Specification | A — platypus Platypus GravityWorks 4L Water Filter System 8.6/10 $120 Check Price on Amazon $130
Save $10 | B — sawyer Sawyer Complete 4L Gravity Water Filter System 8.4/10 $50 Check Price on Amazon $55
Save $5 |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Type | hollow fiber membrane gravity | hollow fiber membrane gravity |
| Weight Oz | 11.7 | 17 |
| Capacity Liters | 4 | 4 |
| Total Storage Liters | 8 | 8 |
| Flow Rate | 1.75 L/min | 1.7 L/min |
| Filter Life Gallons | 396 | 26,417 |
| Filter Life Liters | 1,500 | 100,000 |
| Pore Size | 0.2 micron | 0.1 micron absolute |
| Contaminants Removed | bacteria, protozoa, microplastics | bacteria, protozoa, microplastics, sediment |
| Requires Power | No | No |
| Virus Removal | No | No |
| Bpa Free | Yes | Yes |
| Backflush Capable | Yes | Yes |
| Serves People | 1-6 | — |
| Includes Bags | Yes | Yes |
| Dirty Bag Liters | 4 | 4 |
| Clean Bag Liters | 4 | 4 |
| Operating Temp | above freezing | above freezing |
| Includes Filter | — | Sawyer Mini |
Buy the Platypus GravityWorks 4L Water Filter System
Best prices · Updated hourly
Buy the Sawyer Complete 4L Gravity Water Filter System
Best prices · Updated hourly
Who Should Buy the Platypus GravityWorks 4L Water Filter System?
The Platypus GravityWorks 4L Water Filter System is designed for camping hiking, gravity fed cabin. As a hollow fiber membrane gravity, it handles bacteria and protozoa — appropriate for most backcountry and domestic use cases.
Key advantages include: hands-free gravity operation — hang it and walk away; 4l dirty + 4l clean bags provide 8l total water storage for groups; 1.75 l/min flow rate is excellent for a gravity system. At 11.7 oz, it's light enough for backpacking.
Priced at $120, the Platypus GravityWorks 4L Water Filter System scores 8.6/10 in our testing — an excellent performer across our key metrics.
Who Should Buy the Sawyer Complete 4L Gravity Water Filter System?
The Sawyer Complete 4L Gravity Water Filter System is designed for camping hiking, gravity fed cabin, under 100. As a hollow fiber membrane gravity, it handles bacteria and protozoa — appropriate for most backcountry and domestic use cases.
Key advantages include: 100,000-gallon filter life with the included sawyer mini is virtually unlimited; hands-free gravity operation — hang it and collect filtered water passively; dual 4l bags provide 8l total capacity for group or basecamp use. At 17 oz, it's better suited for basecamp or vehicle-based use.
Priced at $50, the Sawyer Complete 4L Gravity Water Filter System scores 8.4/10 in our testing — an excellent performer across our key metrics.
How Do the Specs Compare?
Filter type: The Platypus GravityWorks 4L Water Filter System is a hollow fiber membrane gravity while the Sawyer Complete 4L Gravity Water Filter System is a hollow fiber membrane gravity. Both use the same filtration method, so performance differences come down to build quality, flow rate, and longevity.
Filtration performance: The Platypus GravityWorks 4L Water Filter System scores higher on filtration at 8.5/10 versus 8.5/10 for the Sawyer Complete 4L Gravity Water Filter System. Both provide reliable protection for their intended use cases.
Filter life: The Sawyer Complete 4L Gravity Water Filter System lasts longer at 26,417 gallons versus 396 gallons. Factor in replacement cartridge costs when comparing long-term value.
Portability: The Platypus GravityWorks 4L Water Filter System is lighter at 11.7 oz versus 17 oz for the Sawyer Complete 4L Gravity Water Filter System. For backpacking and wilderness travel, every ounce counts — but for car camping or emergency preparedness, weight is less critical than capacity and ease of use.
Price: The Sawyer Complete 4L Gravity Water Filter System costs $50 versus $120 for the Platypus GravityWorks 4L Water Filter System — a $70 difference. At this price parity, the decision comes down to filtration scope and use case fit.
🏆 Our Verdict
Choose the Platypus GravityWorks 4L Water Filter System if you need top-tier filtration performance and premium build quality and features.
Choose the Sawyer Complete 4L Gravity Water Filter System if you prioritize value (typically $70 less) .
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