The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter uses a .1-micron filter to treat water. With a flow rate of 1.7L per minute, the Sawyer Squeeze efficiently filters water and reliably removes bacteria and protozoa. Weighing just 3oz., in addition to 1oz. water pouches, this filter system is an ultralight dream. In sum, the Sawyer Squeeze performs well as a personal filter that happens to be backed by a lifetime warranty.
PRODUCT REVIEW
Weight
The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter weighs 3.0oz. and the water pouches weigh about 1.0oz. each, which makes its total weight far less than most pump filters. For instance, the MSR MiniWorks weighs 14.6oz. and the Katadyn Hiker Pro weighs 11oz. There are some lighter options besides pump filters, such as the Mini Squeeze (2.0oz.), the Micro Squeeze (2.5oz.), or the LifeStraw (2.0oz.); however, the small weight savings do not make much difference, in our opinion.
Packability
The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter system is easily packable in comparison to typical pump water filters. The filter takes up little space and the water pouches roll-up flat when unfilled. However, when the pouches are filled, portability can sometimes be tricky. For instance, depending upon the size of your backpack’s exterior pockets, filled pouches may not fit. Because of this, we suggest purchasing various water pouch sizes. Of course, you can avoid these issues by installing the filter as an inline water reservoir system.
Durability
The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter is rugged and durable, backed by a lifetime warranty. After prolonged use you may see a slight flow rate reduction, so proper care is essential. Aside from the filter itself, the Sawyer Squeeze water pouches are a bit disappointing. Each pouch has a screw cap that does not have an attachment, making them easy to lose. In addition, the pouches seem fragile and you should be careful to avoid punctures. Plan to buy replacement pouches every so often or consider Evernew pouches, which are slightly more durable.
Ease of Use
The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter system is simple to use. Just find a water source, fill up the water pouch, screw on the filter, and squeeze. The Sawyer Squeeze has amazing efficiency because you can collect water and filter on demand. However, its cleaning requirements negatively impacts its Ease of Use score. Before you store the filter for a long period of time, an involved cleaning process is required to avoid a bad aftertaste post storage.
Trail Performance
We use the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter on most of our backpacking trips in the Rockies. Typically, we hike with two 64oz. water pouches in our backpack’s side pockets and keep the filter easily accessible. Over the course of a season, our filter did not have any clogs and the water pouches were puncture free. At times, a better flow rate would have been nice, but the water output was not slow enough to be a problem.
One gripe we have is the process of filling up the Sawyer water pouches. The easiest way to fill the pouches is to dip them in fast moving water. However, it takes some practice to easily fill up a pouch and keep your hands warm.
Value
The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter system retails for less than $40.00, which we think is an excellent deal. The filter is reliable, lightweight, and durable enough to be backed by a lifetime guarantee. Plan to invest in more water pouches over time, which are fairly inexpensive. To save money, you can attach the filter to a compatible soft drink bottle or install as an inline hydration filter.
As for alternatives, the Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Water Bottle Filter retails at a similar price, but does not last as long. There are also smaller versions of the Sawyer Squeeze (i.e., the Mini Squeeze and the Micro Squeeze) that cost less. Yet, these alternative Sawyer filters do not differ enough to make downsizing worthwhile.
Product Comparisons
Sawyer Mini Squeeze
Product Description: Looking for an even lighter filter than the standard Sawyer Squeeze? The Sawyer Mini Squeeze filter weighs 2.0oz. as compared to the 3.0oz. standard Sawyer Squeeze filter. The Mini Squeeze uses the same filter and treats water at the same level. However, the Mini Squeeze is less efficient and has a slower flow rate.
Verdict: The Sawyer Mini Squeeze is about half the cost of the standard Sawyer Squeeze system. However, for only 1oz. more, we prefer the better flow rate of the standard Sawyer Squeeze.
Sawyer Micro Squeeze
Product Description: The Sawyer Micro Squeeze weighs 2.5oz. compared to the 3.0oz. standard Sawyer Squeeze. The Micro Squeeze also uses the same filter and treats water at the same level. Further, the Micro Squeeze’s flow rate is close to the standard Sawyer Squeeze’s, which makes it an appealing alternative.
Verdict: The Sawyer Micro Squeeze is less expensive than the standard Sawyer Squeeze, but more expensive than the Mini Squeeze. We prefer the standard Sawyer Squeeze over the Micro Squeeze for its superior performance, but it’s a close call. Choose the Micro Squeeze if you want a lighter filter without sacrificing flow rate.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
Product Description: Katadyn makes high quality water filtration products. Their BeFree Collapsible Water Bottle Filter has similarities to the Sawyer Squeeze systems, like its 2oz. design and 2L per minute flow rate. Unlike the Sawyer filters, the BeFree is not compatible with soft drink bottles. You can purchase other Katadyn bottles or HydraPak containers, but those are not cheap. Most importantly, the BeFree filters up to 1,000L of water, but Sawyer has a lifetime guarantee.
Verdict: The 20oz. volume Katadyn BeFree system retails around the same price as the standard Sawyer Squeeze system. Katadyn also makes other size containers sold with the filter, depending upon your needs. We feel that the Sawyer Squeeze options perform better than the BeFree and would choose one of those filters instead.
Overall Recommendation
Recommended
The standard Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter is easily our go-to filter for most backpacking trips. A lightweight filter design and collapsible water pouches make this filter an ultralight essential. If you favor efficient and lightweight water filtration, the Sawyer Squeeze is the right choice for you. In a market saturated with plenty of filtration options, we love the Sawyer Squeeze for its simplicity and overall value.
For more equipment reviews for your next adventure, be sure to check out our other articles on our Gear Page.
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