They are simple, reliable, and the customer service at Sawyer can’t be beat.Īlternatives to the Original include the Sawyer Mini ($25) and the Sawyer Micro ($29). This is the filter I’ve used the most, and I have some that have lasted thousands of miles. You do need to clean (backflush) these filters, because as they get used, the pressure needed to push the water through will increase as it feels “clogged.” The filter action is simple-screw the filter onto the pouch or water bottle, squeeze the unfiltered water through the filter, and clean water comes out on the other side. Unfiltered water is pushed into the core of the filter through tiny “micro pores.” These pores are tiny enough that bacteria can’t fit through… forget dirt or silt. Sawyer filters use a hollow fiber membrane similar to others on this list. The Sawyer line can be used in taps, for backpacking, and inline. It would also be great for trail runners or bike packers who don’t want to take the time to filter water, instead filling up several liters of a reservoir at once and then drinking on the go.īest For: The Original Sawyer Squeeze is most often used by weight-conscious backpackers and thru-hikers, screwed into water bottles or used with a soft-sided bladder/ pouch This filter is advertised as inline, so I’d recommend it for hikers who primarily use bladders in their packs. ![]() Like the Sawyer Mini with the dual threading, it is compatible with standard threading on water bottles and water pouches. It’s lightweight and compact, and it fits easily into the hose on my bladder for extended rides on my gravel bike. It reminds me of the Sawyer, but I haven’t used it long enough to compare flow rates and durability. I found this filter easy to use with a fast flow rate, and it weighs just a few ounces. This is a dual-threaded filter with a variety of uses-it can be used inline (which includes cutting your reservoir hose in two pieces), as a squeeze filter, or as a straw filter. It also features hollow fiber technology. The HydroBlu Versa Flow looks similar to the Sawyer, and has the ability to use the same “squeeze” filtering technique. Here are the water filters tested for this article, with info on how they work and who they might be best for.īest For: Backpackers who like a variety of uses for a small filter, or who typically use a hydration bladder in their pack Hikers can also use purifying treatments like Aquamira drops, iodine, or even bleach (repackaged into an eye dropper). We’d like to note that the Katadyn BeFree is a popular alternative to the ubiquitous Sawyer Squeeze, with a fast flow rate, low weight, and super flexible bag. We are aware these filters are out there and have used them, but they are not included here because we didn’t test them. We reached out to several brands that did not respond to our inquiries, including MSR, LifeStraw, Steripen and Katadyn. It can also sometimes be a good idea to treat water while traveling, or even in the course of daily life at home.īefore the comments section implodes, we’d like to include the caveat that this article covers the filters we were sent to test. ![]() Heck, even a long day of hiking can require a filter, if you don't want to carry liters of water. ![]() ![]() For most people, water treatment is a must-have on backpacking trips.
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