In an age of aggressive marketing and hard-selling, product choices can sometimes be overwhelming.
While we may be unable to ease all of these purchase journeys for you, we do assure you that this Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter Review will give you all the information you need on this camping water filtration system.
If you are in a hurry, here is a quick summary on the product.
Sawyer Squeeze Overview
For the uninitiated, the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter is a backpacking water filter system by the US-based Sawyer Products.
Sawyer, established in 1984, is a renowned manufacturer of solutions for protection against insects, sun, and water-borne contaminants.
This squeeze water filter, marketed as an ‘all-in-one’ water filtration system, is ideal for outdoor adventure and leisure seekers looking for a lightweight, versatile, and easy-to-use personal water filter.
Its design allows it to fit into the tiniest of spaces in your backpack. Besides, its flow rate can effortlessly support the water needs of up to two persons at any given time.
Apart from a lifetime warranty, the Sawyer 0.1 Mircon boasts of a 3-in-1 design that includes a hollow fiber filter with a pore size of 0.1 micron, a 32-ounce reusable squeeze Bag, and a cleaning syringe.
Compared to its peers, it is one of the most cost-effective personal water filters for the outdoors. Its little brother, Sawyer Mini, follows close but it’s not without a compromise. Though, it is as effective as Sawyer Squeeze in its filtering prowess, the flow rate is much lower.
Key Features
That being said, there are still plenty of benefits that this tiny squeeze water filter system offers without drilling a hole in your pocket. Take a look…
Compact Size
Imagine the convenience of getting clear, drinking water, anytime, anywhere, at an additional backpack weight of just 3 ounces. Isn’t that a great bargain?
Yes, at just 3 ounces, the squeeze filter literally squeezes into your backpack without adding much extra weight. You can simply roll the squeeze bag around the filter and fit it into any corner of your backpack.
Now, that’s what we call a convenience for a backpacker who wants to carry the world (not literally!) with him on his trips.
Reliability
As the manufacturer puts it, the Sawyer Squeeze rated to 0.1-micron absolute filtration, removes 99.99999% of all bacteria and protozoa.
This makes it effective against microbes like salmonella, E.coli, cholera, leptospirosis, cryptosporidium, and Giardia that pervade the water sources of the backcountry in developed nations.
What more, it also filters out sediments to afford that crystal clear drink of freshwater on your trips into the wilderness.
Versatility
Now, this is one feature the filter scores very high on.
Though it comes with a squeeze pouch of its own, it is equally compatible with a hydration bladder (using adapters) and soda bottles and can be used to fill cans or containers of your own.
This ensures that you do not stop frequently to quench your thirst and can sip as you hike or trek.
Adaptability is truly an asset to this filter.
Low-Maintenance
Additionally, the Sawyer Squeeze Filter is remarkably easy to clean and maintain. All it needs is an occasional back-flushing to maintain optimal flow rate.
Sawyer recommends a black-flush every time you see a dip in the flow rate, preferably before the filter is stored. This restores 98.5% of its flow rate.
The back-flushing is enabled by a syringe that comes with the kit, and all it needs is some clean water to flush through it.
Durability
Apart from its sensitivity to freezing temperatures, there are few things that this membrane filter cannot hold up to.
The bag is also equally sturdy. We initially doubted the strength of the squeeze bag but now realize it was for no reason.
Sawyer claims that these Mylar foil bags are sturdy enough to last hundreds of uses. They do not easily afford a leak.
Even for the most skeptical mind, this can mean quite a few camping trips if not a hundred before it needs to be replaced.
Long-Lasting
If cared for and maintained well, the filter will last you a lifetime and will keep the nasty sediments and bothersome microbes out of your water, almost forever.
Ease of Use
Overall, the features listed in this Sawyer Squeeze Review make this filter one of the easiest to use and set up.
All you need is a water source to fill up the squeeze bag, and the filter will ensure that you have plentiful to drink no matter where you are.
Consideration Factors
While the Sawyer Squeeze Filter scores high on many fronts, there are some shortcomings, nevertheless. Though not discouraging, they deserve a consideration before making the purchase decision.
- This is a basic, personal water filter that is ideal for backpackers. It filters unwanted sediments, bacteria, and protozoa but is ineffective against viruses.
- Hence, you may want to look for other options to keep you safe while traveling to tropical countries.
- Also, it is ineffective in filtering chemicals or heavy metals.
- Secondly, as a personal water system, it effortlessly serves the drinking water needs of one or two persons at a time. However, sourcing filtered water for a large group is not a selling point of this filter. Though it is capable, the time consumed is a hassle best avoided.
- This can be attributed to the flow rate. Though decent, it stands at 1 liter/minute. Wondering what happened to the advertised 1.7 liter/min flow rate? Well, that’s achievable for the first time when filtering from a clear source of water but, tests have proved that flow rate decreases as the sediment load and altitude increase.
- Further, the hollow fiber membrane filter is conducive to freezing under sub-zero temperatures. The micro-tubes rupture thus, compromising the filter and leaving you with replacement as the only option.
Pros and Cons
While we put in a lot of effort to put forward a detailed and impartial review, some online opinions from users of the Sawyer Squeeze filter will give you a 360-degree review of the product.
While most of the users just can’t seem to write enough about this low-cost, high-efficiency backpacking water filter, there are some seemingly innocuous cons as well.
+ Durable. Some reviewers claimed to have used the filter for close to two years.
+ Easy on pocket.
+ Water flows instantly without having to wait for too long.
– The gasket can break if the filter is tightened too intensely on the squeeze pouch
Technical Specs
And now finally a bit of technicality about this value-for-money Sawyer squeeze water filter.
- Weight: 3 ounces (85 g)
- Filter Material: Hollow Fiber
- Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.4 x 19 cm
- Built-in and removable push/pull cap
- 16 ounce Collapsible Pouch
- Backwashing Plunger (Syringe)
- Inline Adapters
- Drinking Straw or Gravity Tube
- Mesh Carrying Pouch (can also be used to create a gravity water filtration system)
- BPA free
- Filters: Sediments, bacteria, protozoa
Our Verdict: Recommended
Fishing, camping, hiking, trekking, or traveling, Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter comes in handy at all locations and camps in the wilderness.
Easy on budget and space, the Sawyer Squeeze is the quintessential portable and cost-effective water filtration system that keeps every hinterland explorer hydrated on the go.