The price of a filter is very close to the price of a new system. Sawyer Mini Vs Sawyer Squeeze Comparison & Guide [2021] - CharlieTrotters I use two 64 ounce Gatorade bottles for desert trips when water is scarce and they are less likely to get punctured by thorns than a platy. Though the form is different, the TrailShot is basically a pump filter. How Do Sleeping Pad R-Values Affect Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings? The GravityWorks has a 0.2-micron filter, which means youre safe from the major microscopic concerns in the US and Canada. We were pleasantly surprised with the TrailShot's performance and think it is very versatile. For Cuba we threw caution to the wind. In hind site, I probably would have included a rechargeable Steripen in the kit to take up some of the tap water duties. Apparently the cap is about the same size, but different threads. I use a lot of MSRs gear and have found their products in general to be very trustworthy. If you do have issues, though, aBackcountryreviewer reports that MSRs customer service is on point and ready to help. I am not worried about the Hydropak made water bottle to fail. Upon first use it was clear that this product is a winner for such exploits. The Katadyn BeFree water filter used with a Cnoc water container. All that extra junk is probably going to clog your filter, making it less efficient at best, or less effective at worse. The soaking takes longer than youd want to wait at a stream, so its best to soak it before you leave home or else attach to a filled bag as you start hiking. Your email address will not be published. If you are looking for a traditional pump that you can use more elbow grease with check out the MSR Sweetwater Microfilter. Offering Full review. Make sure youre doing your business at least 200 feet from water (and camps and trails, for that matter), and do your washing away from water for good measure, too. Its also dependent on its battery, so if that goes, so does your ability to purify your water. Well talk more in-depth about these chemical treatment methods in another review. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. The Squeeze fits a standard water bottle thread while the Mini and Micro do not. This is on the heavy side for a product marketed for trail running and we find it a bit bulky for just tossing in a pocket. Best Portable Water Filters & Water Purifiers for Backpacking MSR TrailShot good flow rate, easiest for shallow sources, less fragile than BeFree due to simpler backwash procedure and fully self-contained nature. This is easier to use than some of our pump filters like the MSR Trailshot. I just bought the BeFree and in my kitchen, I am blown away with how fast the rate of flow is with CLEAN water. Backpacker says it produced the best-tasting water in their review, and while Clever Hiker didnt like it for more extended backpacking trips, they called it a good choice for city travel and quick backpacking trips (see Sources). Likewise, you might not want to carry the weight of a gravity filter system if its just you by your lonesome. Ease of Use. Photo by Sirena Dufault. For groups, a larger-capacity water filtration system like the Platypus GravityWorks will make life easier. (If chemicals or heavy metals are an issue, there are better products most filters do not handle those.) If youre a hiker, theres always a trade-off between the convenience of carrying water and resupplying more frequently. So, if you want to do the drip thing, just fill the Hydrapak, attach the filter, screw on the TornadoTube, screw on your Platypus, and hang. Remember pump filters? TheSawyer Squeezeis a tried and tested filter that has an excellent speed-to-weight ratio. I have both of these and will say the MSR Trail shot only got used once and has been sitting in my garage since. The Best Water Filter Accessories for 2023 ), Liz Thomas using the Sawyer Mini in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Sawyer Squeeze vs Sawyer Mini vs Sawyer Micro Squeeze - RunBryanRun The Sawyer Squeeze filtration system offers amazing versatility for all sorts of adventures. Thanks in advance for spreading the word! While our personal experiences are mostly backpacking experiences, were confident that these filters will suit your needs, whether youre backpacking, day hiking, trail running, fishing, or taking in the sights in another country. An REI reviewer reminded us that as a battery-powered device, its less apt to work correctly in the cold, and the cold will sap the battery power more rapidly. Weight. But the birth of Hydroblu's Versa Flow Filter has me intrigued. Sawyer Squeeze vs. Lifestraw Size/Weight Edge: None The LifeStraw weighs just 2 ounces while the Sawyer Squeeze is 3 ounces. Many filters have a way to check on whether or not theyre working correctly, and checking them before you leave home will help you stay happy and healthy on your adventures. Then, cut your hose, and attach the cut ends to either side of your filter, with the Clean side facing towards your bite valve. A syringe is included to wash . Insert the filter to connect the two pieces. The 5.2 oz. If youre using this to treat tap water while traveling internationally, the carbon filter will help eliminate bad tastes without the need for drink mixes or electrolytes to mask odors. I currentley have the MSR MiniWorks although I need to buy a new ceramic filter replacement for the inside before my next trip to the High Sierra Trail to Mt Whitney in June. How can we improve GearLab? ), so I bought a bunch. 10 Best Bug Shelters for Ultralight Backpacking of 2023, 10 Best Mens Hiking Shoes and Trail Runners of 2023, Outdoor Research Ferrosi Convertible Pants Review, Nitecore 10000 mAh USB Power Bank (5.9 oz), Feathered Friends Flicker 40 Quilt Sleeping Bag, A special squeeze bulb with a drinking spout that contains the filter element, A pre-filter to remove particulates before they reach the filter element. I personally have hiked over 3500 miles, including thru-hikes of the Pacific Crest Trail and Colorado Trail and a LASH (long-*ahem* section hike) of the Grand Enchantment Trail. When it has some water left on it, it weighs around 1.8 oz. Or are people carrying a dirty bottle/bag and then squeezing water into a clean bottle to drink from? However, it removes 99.99999% of all bacteria and 99.9999% of all protozoa. For example, to filter out giardia and cryptosporidium, illness-causing microbes that can be found in some US water sources, you need a filter with an absolute rating of 1 micron; all the filters we reviewed have openings that are 0.2 microns or smaller, unless they purify through UV light. Does not need dirty bag/bottle, which reduces total pack weight and eliminates one item. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Cant be used in gravity mode from what I see. Photo by Mike Unger. The TrailShot' is also very easy to backflush but it is hard to tell how effective it actually is since you're just forcing the water back out the hose hole and not forcing it through the filter's fibers. Havent used the Squeeze yet, but have used the Mini a few times. OUTDOOR-RESEARCH.COM: 15% Off Your Entire Cart including full price and sale items. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. You can use the TrailShot to fill your group's water bottles, but it takes a little more time and hand strength than other methods. I bought it with high expectations for backpacking, but first time on the trail with it on a 4 night high mileage trip that was hotter then hell, that trail shot turned into a nightmare. If the filter could screw onto a large Gatorade bottle, I would buy one today. The Sawyer Squeeze weighs 3oz while the Sawyer Mini and Micro Squeeze both weigh 2oz. Carying syringe is a pain, squeezing bags isnt fun. Pay close attention to your needs while youre looking at weight, to make sure you have the right tool for your adventure. Even though it is heavier, I appreciated that my hands stayed dry (no more numb hands!) Sawyer Squeeze seems like a tested and trusted filter, although the flow rate and convenience factors are low. Ive had it for over a year (along with my BeFree filter). Youve got to choose the best filter for your adventure in your budget, and weve tried to link you to the best deals. So how does it fare when pitted against longer bikepacking trips? I've become a big fan of the gravity filters for small groups if I can stand to wait a little bit for it to work. In camp, you can pop off the bite valve and turn the system into a gravity filter. It seems to be the most effective of the 3 and perhaps this strength contributes to low flow rate and pressure required to filter water. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. On relatively similar trips in Africa we brought both the Sawyer Squeeze filter as well as a rechargeable Steripen the idea was to filter particulates and bacteria, then zap viruses and other microscopic organisms that the 0.2 micron Sawyer filter couldnt remove. I purchased a Sawyer Squeeze when they first came out and only used it twice. You might need to drink with the hole up to minimize spill which should be minimal if not turning bottle upside down. (Watch your gasket, though this o-shaped ring makes a seal with the bladder or bottle, and is prone to falling out of the filter if youre not careful. The Sawyer Squeezes absolute 0.1-micron hollow fibers remove protozoa, bacteria, and cysts from the water it filters. Still, different water filters have different wait times the length of time you have to wait to turn that dirty water into clean water. One of the biggest sources of contamination? For shorter overnight trips, we recommend going with the Katadyn BeFree. MSR TrailShot. We like that the TrailShot's hose allows you to access shallow water or get water from sources with high banks or awkward to reach places. So it was no surprise that the MSR TrailShot is also ideal for weekend and overnight backcountry bikepacking trips. Make sure you remember which bottles or bags are dirty and which are clean. MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized water filter lets you refill your reservoir or drink directly from the source without lying in the dirt. Simply tip the bottom of the hose in your water source, fill up the water chamber with a few pumps and you're off! Looking at MSRs site it seems that unlike their other filters TrailShot does not remove or reduce tastes, odors, some chemicals, pesticides or herbicides since there is no carbon. Hopefully it will serve me well and not get me sick. Suffers from lack of compatible containers and adapters. We like the Platypus GravityWorks, which can filter four liters in four minutes with minimal fuss. The strong flow rate of the Katadyn BeFree filter. If youre more of an on-the-go water drinker, you can use the Sawyer as an inline filter and drink straight through a hydration hose with minimal alteration to your hose and filter. When you suck on the tube, dirty water travels through the tube, into the filter, and comes clean out the bite valve. Its best used by highly mobile athletes who are in a big hurry and *maybe* carry very small water bottles in vests. MSR TrailShot vs MSR Thru-Link: Water Filter Comparison I was going to upgrade from an oh-so-slow Sawyer Mini to a Squeeze but ended up purchasing a TrailShot instead. We think that stems from high expectations, given the high promises and high price. Still, if youre in the market for a portable water filter and dont want to wrestle with hydration bladders when filtering out of small, shallow puddles, check out the MSR TrailShot. The bag looks nothing like a Platypus (and the mouth is different) which means I am way less likely to space out and take a drink from the dirty container. Photo by Liz Thomas. While taller and skinnier than a Nalgene and relatively heavy at 10.9 ounces, this filter wins for subtlety, as it looks much like a coffee cup (in fact, it fits in most cup holders). This draws water up the hose to a comfortable height and pumps it through the filter. The Grayl Ultralight Compact Purifier Bottle works by pressing down slowly. While it could potentially be used as a primary filter for one or two people, it really isnt very efficient that way, and I would hate to do all the squeezing it would take to pump out several liters of water. At $50 or more per water filter, youre not going to want to buy a new one every time you get a new adventuring idea. Take the sports top off the Sawyer and attach the inline pieces to both sides. Also, if you dont screw on the threads of the filter tight enough, obviously untreated water may leak out and down into your mouth as you invert it to drink. I dont believe this product is really designed for hikers or for people who need to filter 2-3 liters at a time. The advantage? Each of these water filters is a delicate piece of equipment, and care needs to be taken to make sure they continue to work. For a rigid bottle, drill a small hole, cover with duct tape and put a slit in the tape. Considering that most hand pumps cost in the $90-$350 range, the TrailShot is a screaming deal at $50! What Are The Best Backpacking Water Filters In 2023? You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Outdoor Gear Lab notes that the GravityWorks system is fast, great for large groups, light for what you get, and requires little to no maintenance (see Sources). For international travel, a purifier is almost always recommended. This pocked-sized water filter is very compact and light, weighing just 5 ounces. Both Water Filter Systems are among the favourite for hikers and wild campers alike. Drops and freezing temperatures are not your friends. I am mostly concerned to see how field cleanable the BeFree is, since it CANNOT be back flushed like the Sawyer. 1-3 minutes the EPA says it takes to purify, thru-hiking, backpacking, hiking, running, camping-related, fitness, water sports-related, snow-related, bicycle-related, apparel, outdoor apparel, outdoor clothing, bike-related, detergent, laundry, care and maintenance, kate hoch, men's, women's, men's apparel, women's apparel, popular, bike touring, best touring bike, trek 520, surly long haul trucker, surly disc trucker, salsa bikes, fuji bikes, main, bicycle, mike unger, Best Baby and Toddler Carriers for Hiking of 2023. Many users across Amazon and REI reported the distinctive taste of plastic initially, and many recommended running lime or lemon water through the system to help clear up that taste. Weve noticed as have both Switchback Travel and other user reviews that because they have a small opening, theyre hard to use when collecting water from lakes and other still water sources. I will say though that the trailshot definitely has a place, for shorter trips, trail running, or if you only have to filter water for yourself i think that its a good choice. Later I learned that backflushing the TrailShot involves giving it a few hearty shakes. After a few days in the Sierra Maestra the flow rate started to slow considerably. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. We prefer to attach the Squeeze to a SmartWater bottle or CNOC hydration bladder to eliminate these problems altogether. We dont talk about backups in our review, but theyre a good idea. I can . It is strong, flexible, has a big mouth and is unlikely to be confused with a Platypus. Now thru 6/14. I was pretty impressed with the one liter set up. It's great if you're just drinking from the source and need a few sips of water at a time. This makes it perfect for trail running and fast and light hiking when you want to carry as little gear as possible. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. MSRP: $20 Best For: Backpackers who like a variety of uses for a small filter, or who typically use a hydration bladder in their pack The HydroBlu Versa Flow looks similar to the Sawyer, and has the ability to use the same "squeeze" filtering technique. Travel enough and you'll recoup your money by avoiding the expense of bottled water (and save the environment too!). GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Ultralight (5 ounces) and compact (6x2.4 inches), it fits in a stash pocket for trail runners . If youre using the plastic collection bags that come with the Sawyer Squeeze, or hydration bladders like the Platypus or CNOC, youll need a technique to collect from lakes and other still water sources. Then, skim your bag across the surface of the water until it gets enough weight in it to sink, which should let you collect more easily. 2023 Gear Guide to Lightweight Hiking @ REI. (It takes time, but skimming a bag across the surface until it has enough water in it to sink does the trick.) Where 0.2-micron filters like the Platypus GravityWorksare big enough for viruses to pass through, the MSR Guardians 0.02-micron, military-grade pump water filter catches everything. The Trailshot is now a backup kept in the truck box. Our tester on the Pacific Crest Trail found that initially, the water flow rate is considerably faster than the Sawyer Squeeze, but within two weeks, the flow rate was no better than the Sawyer. Get a purifier. Sawyer Micro Squeeze vs. Original Sawyer Squeeze [Video] MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized Water Filter | REI Co-op When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent. Going to take it out on a 4 day trip at the end of the month, but I AM taking my Sawyer mini with me as a backup. If so, does the swishing the BeFree filter in the bottle or in a stream really help to restore the flow rate? Well, N. $14.95-Micro (REI/Amazon) / ~75 grams / Treats up to 100,000 gallons. What do you think is the best option these days? Outdoor Gear Lab and Backpacker also reported leaks, and while those leaks were easy to fix, this makes us nervous about its use for longer trips. The third time using this filter in my mountain trip, the filter slipped out of the body. Consider adding some sort of flavoring. Ive used the Sawyer, and it is a great filter, but I just find the BeFree system to be easier and better. Your email address will not be published. To show off the best backpacking water filters for your backpacking adventures, we dove into reviews from a wide range of websites (see Sources). If youre traveling in countries where the waters known to make visitors sick, youll need a usually-more-expensive solution in the form of a purifier, like the MSR Guardian, Grayl Ultralight Purifier Bottle or SteriPen Ultra, to make sure you get all the bad stuff out. I also have experienced an apparent plateau effect. #backpacking #travel #backpackinggear #watertreatment #adventure. If the water is suspect, I like to dry the outside of the bottle on my shirt before drinking. The Sawyer Squeeze can easily be screwed on to the top of a plastic water bottle to filter water as you drink. BeFree vs Saywer vs MSR TrailShot - effectiveness, reliability and Given its size, weight, and price, the TrailShot seems like the perfect system for jaunts where there are plenty of water sources to dip into. Gear Comparison Video: MSR TrailShot vs Katadyn BeFree vs Sawyer Mini and I didnt have to bother with a flat plastic squeeze bottle-bags (not easy to fill, especially from shallow springs) or a backflushing syringe. This is a pretty amazing product and I am pleased to have it. Viruses are smaller, so that requires a little more oomph, whether thats in the form of a smaller filter size, electro adsorption (read: bitty electrical charge in water kills bad stuff) tech, or UV light. The customers using Sawyer Mini has called it a lifesaver. Its also worth noting that Ive heard equally good reports when using the Trailshot on pre-strained turbid desert water. Though you can filter from the dirty bags the Squeeze comes with into a clean filtered water bottle if you like, we prefer to drink straight through the sports top, getting our fix instantly.