I have had really good luck so far with my Sawyer Micro. I mostly have used it for long weekend backpacking and day hikes. I usually have it on top of a Smartwater bottle. Have also used if at camp for agravity feed system with two CNOC 2 liter bags. It has worked well for me (so far).
I have been using one for two seasons now and it has worked great. I usually back flush it when I'm done or any time I do multiple gallons with it before it dries. No issues and I've put probably 1000 gallons through one that stays at an off grid cabin.
My prediction is it will work quite well! It will be slower flowing than other filters but that doesn't mean it's not working! As long as you're willing to deal with the slowness of the water flow there's nothing wrong with it.
I have a micro, but I switched to the full size squeeze after the micro slowed to a crawl after a handful of trips. The full size has a really nice flow rate.
Mine failed before I left my house. I tested it with tap water, tested a back flush and it was clogged. I have tried flushing it both directions and it is still clogged. Probably user error but it should not be that easy to damage if that is the case.
Hi mate.. quick question .. does this micro squeeze filter water in both directions .. want to connect a bladder hose to the nipple and filter into a bladder connecting a sawyer bag to the normal drinking end..
I bought a Sawyer Mini about 7-8 years ago. I was camping at 7000 feet elevation and at -9 Fahrenheit it froze so i had to replace my Mini. I wanted about the same weight and z better gravity filter option than the Mini so i bought the micro squeeze. Simply love it!
Sawyer attributes slow flow rates mostly to improper back flushing. I haven't put this to the test myself so it would be interesting to see the difference proper back flushing would make, if any. Sawyer says to use the syringe and "Don't be gentle. Be forceful." They say the filter can handle up to 40 psi and back flushing only generates under 10 psi and that force is needed to dislodge particles. For this reason it seems that using a bottle to back flush would be insufficient. Of course, where the water comes from makes a difference also.
@@rgmALC I may be mistaken, but I thought Sawyer said in one of their videos that the syringe produces 20 psi. I'll try to find out something more definitive.
@@rgmALC I just found this very interesting article that describes the best method of backflushing Sawyer water filters: atlasguides.com/should-i-carry-the-sawyer-syringe/
@@azclaimjumper Interesting. I don’t know how you can get the “force” of water that’s achieved with a smart bottle over a syringe. I k ow Sawyer said it’s all about the velocity of water getting back flushed. Good read though, thanks.
I needed a new filter in the spring, right when Corona virus Lockdown started. All the preppers scooped up the Squeeze, so I was stuck having to get the micro. I don't get all the hate over the micro. It works as designed. I did find it works better if I backflush it at camp every night. I'm just wondering if all the hate is from people who don't clean it often.
I love the Sawyer micro, I have used it all of last season and a little as the one before. And I love it. I don't really get why there is so much hate for it . Haha
@@BackcountryExposure it starts out great! It just gets slow over time and you're already starting at a slower flow rate vs the squeeze. I'll be interested to hear if it levels off after a certain point or if it keeps getting slower. I popped two of the bags from squeezing so hard due to the flow rate. 😆
I bought the micro shortly after it came out and was pretty impressed when compared to the mini. Bit more versatility. I think everyone hated on it after darwin on the trail had a fail with it. The question is why did it fail? Guess well find out during this year. Mines still going strong just prefer the versa flow
I saw Darwin's "fail", if I correctly remember, he dropped it & the exterior cracked. I bought the Sawyer Micro & 2 Vectro 2L bags & used it several times. I went back to & have been using my MSR Trailshot exclusively because there is no possibility of cross contaminating clean & dirty water + it is easier to get to, use, put away than the Micro & the bags. P.S. When the Trailshot is properly used there is no need to squeeze the bulb to prime the inlet tube & bulb, simply suck on the Traishot's outlet nozzle until filtered water gets to your mouth then put the filter on your knee & push down on the bulb (instead of using forearm muscles to repeatedly squeeze the bulb. I push the Trailshot outlet nozzle onto the bite valve (pull off the part that you bite down on) that is attached to my Hydrapak 3L bladder; filter water goes directly into the bladder. I've NEVER been attracted to the BeFree water filter.
@@azclaimjumper i was gonna ask you how fun is the pumping on the trail shot but i see youve found a easier way. If a filter fails after i drop a break it thsts on me not the filter i wonder if some other large channel had issues. Ive got the be free but not impressed for the price
@@titanpreparedness I have replace the 1.5' filler tube of my Trailshot by adding a 7.5' filler tube. I also wrap a coffee filter around the inlet filter that came with the Trailshot & secure it in place with a rubber band. This has eliminated the MSR pre-filter clogging up problem.
"...Guess well..." is incorrect, it should be we will or we'll. Also, it is not mines (mines is where workers work), still, it should be mine's or mine is. Yes, it does matter as it is all grammar school English.
Used the micro for day hikes and overnights up in New Hampshire for a year and it held up pretty well. The flow rate definitely lessened but it was still working reasonably. I bought a new one in 2019. Used it once on small weekend trip and then took it out to the Colorado trail and it was almost useless within 10 days. Flow rate died almost completely. I still remember buying the squeeze while in town and being elated with how much water was coming through it haha. Squeeze for me every time now
I've got 2 years on my micro. Mine has been working pretty good for me. I had some really rusty water at kettle moraine and it was still working good after that. I also backflush fairly often as well. I do notice that when I don't use the filter for a while the first couple times filtering the flow is slow but then it works fine.
Senior hiker 77 had a good tip the other day ... replace the white cap with a flip top from a smart water bottle... it s easier to open and stops the problem of that original cap leaking ... I made a gravity filter out of an Evernew bag and a piece of plastic tube pushed on the end of the sawyer filter ( you have to take the whitecap off) . The Evernew bag has a couple of places marked where you can punch holes without compromising the bag ... piece of paracord tied in a loop a handy tree and voila .... simply let gravity and atmospheric pressure do the rest!! 👍👍
I've had great success with my Micro. That said, I backflush it everyday with the syringe. And, if the water is very turbid, I run it through a bandana to remove the large particulate before I filter. Yes, I carry two CNOC water bags. In July, I picked up a full size squeeze to see if there was much difference as I too saw many sowing doom and gloom and figured it was just a matter of time. The full size squeeze does have a higher flowrate and appears to handle more sediment before it clogs up. I am definitely curious as to how your experience turns out.
I carry a couple coffee filters in my first aid kit in case I come across muddy water. My friends thought it was silly until the one time we all needed to use them.
As a weekend backpacker, I've used the micro for two seasons. Admittedly I haven't used it with really nasty water but it has been fine. I regularly run 8-10 liters through it every trip and it doesn't slow down. It's not super fast but I can run my 2 liter cnoc through it in about 2 and a half minutes. Ultimately I switched to the B-free but only because it flows a good bit faster. I still carry my micro as a backup and really have no complaints about it.
Can't wait to see the results from the Micro! I love my befree and the flow rate, but we have had a couple stop flowing on the same trip before, luckily we had a squeeze for the last couple days of that trip.
I got my first Micro in February 2019 and have used it on about 27 backpack trips without a problem. On my most recent trip it gravity-filtered as fast as my friend’s Hydroblu Versaflow. It was a trip-saver earlier this year when my same friend’s full size Sawyer Squeeze quit working. It’s not like turning on a fire hose, but i’m not in any FKT hurry
I'll be interested to see how it works for you. I just use the squeeze for now and it works great. I do have the mini also as a backup. I carry both on all my trips. I like to Pack a lot. lol. Take care.
Where is the follow up video? I couldn't see it in the uploads. I've only had mine for a couple of weeks but it seems to work fine albeit slow compared to other types. In my opinion, from the videos I've watched, it appears to often be operating errors and I think it comes down to the name Squeeze. Here are my observations based on Sawyers user directions. 1. Don't squeeze the bag or force the water through the filter. This causes the bag seems to fail and causes the fibres to clog. I wonder if people think the name "squeeze" implies they need to force the water through. This appears to be a common problem with people saying the bag fails etc. 2. Regular flushing which unfortunately pretty much equates to flushing after each couple of uses and in dirty water, every use. 3. Be sensible on the water source. If the water is in a silt or clay pit and filled with debris then of course the filter is going to clog quickly. 4. Comparing this small filter to a larger options is apples and oranges, it is what it is, a light weight small filter which I would only carry on a short trip. In my opinion I would not consider taking this on a through hike. I'm interested in seeing how it goes long term under proper operating conditions.
I used the micro a couple times this past year, and did not enjoy my experience with it. Flow was way to slow, and the amount of effort it took to get that flow was not worth it after a day of hiking. My last trip I just ended up borrowing my brothers swayer squeeze which I will be purchasing for this next year.
I like to see what’s in my water bag and clean it regularly. Not so easy with the Sawyers.Also I popped a bunch of those but never squeezed them too hard. . Guess the Beefree bag isn’t perfect either
Im using the sawyer sp128 that comes with the sawyer 1 gallon Gravity filter im using the coupler that came with it and just got my new cnoc 3 liter filter bags so that is my new gravity feed system which also allows me to squeeze
@@BackcountryExposure thanks yeah with using the coupler i can backflush it with a smart water bottle or the cnoc bladders both which i carry anyway couse the plunger that came with it to backflush it doesnt work that well
We used a micro side by side with the squeeze this past September. The micro is a lot slower and we only used it once. They was our experience, but as others have said, the micro filters fine, just slow compared to the squeeze. Peace and positivity to you and yours Devin.
I have the Micro, and very happy with it. Sure, I have only taken it on a few trips and nothing with really bad water sources, so not fully tested yet but so far, so good.
Also people compare flow rates like this one is 10 seconds faster than another seriously?!?! It’s not like your filling up while getting chased by a bear u have lots of time when out in the woods etc waiting a few more seconds is nothing
I do flow rate test because for some reason people enjoy seeing the results. Ive had a few filters that are extremely close but ive see some that are 10m per liter which is a bit ridiculous. I dont wanna wait 30 mins for some water.
@@titanpreparedness fully get that but let’s say from a survival situation all you had was your filter no way of boiling water if your filter took two hours to filter a litre of water it would still be a life saver to have it with u but I agree in a hiking situation where your out for leisure water on the go in a good time is what’s required
Its really not that bad for short trips. It just clogs quickly but it won't totally fail the stream will just slow down. It needs frequent back flushing and some more tlc than say the full sized squeeze.
@@BackcountryExposure I especially like the .01 micron particle filter that Sawyer guarantees in all their filters. That is as small a particle filter as any water filters on the market at this time & that .01 particle filter size is guarnateed.
I use the Mini with great success I use it with the Cnoc 3 liter bag as a gravity bag I have a set from Source for converting 1 1/2 liter regular water/soda bottles (like smart bottles) into a bladder like system. I cut the hose and inserted a Mini to be an inline filter I also screw the Mini into a Smart Water bottle So I have three ways to use the Mini.
I'm definitely pro Sawyer Squeeze for all the reasons you mentioned. I also love that there is not a proprietary bottle thread needed like on the BeFree which comes in handy when you want to swap out a nasty bottle. Interesting to hear what your findings are.
I’m going to make the simple guess that with more care and maintenance than other filters, back flushing more frequently, the thing will function. This thing probably takes more diligence than other filters which is why it’s unpopular. In longer hikes it probably is a problem, but with your constant stressing the term weekend warrior, that’s were this may work. The weekend trip uses the device less and provides frequent opportunity for maintenance
@@BackcountryExposure ha! As I’m looking at your reply I’m watching CampFires and Coffee and this guy mentioned you lent him the hot tent set up! That’s nice , I can’t wait for snow in the north east. 😊❤️🇺🇸❄️☃️🛷🔥⛺️🌄
To be fair, there’s been plenty of objective reviews (with data), that shows how bad the Micro is compared to other filters. Sawyer really goofed with this filter.
The micro is great until the third or fourth time you filter dirty water. I tried to love it but I ended up going right back to the squeeze. The micro gets clogged too fast and for the weight it's a no brainer for me to stick to what has worked for me for years.
People are often dissing those Sawyer bags. In my opinion, if you are manipulating and squeezing them you are doing it wrong. Just hang it up, and let gravity do the work. If you are in a hurry, some gentle squeezing and rolling is okay to speed things up. Most of the time, however, gravity can do its work while you do other things. Finally, at the price of these filters, the Sawyer bags are a "gimme." Use them properly and they will last you a long time. Finally, they do not impart an unpleasant taste to the water as do the CNOC bags, which otherwise are great.
I used the micro on my trips during 2019. The flow rate on that filter was horrendous after day 2, and I back-flushed it often. The size and exterior is why I bought it, the flow rate is why I didn't use it at all in 2020.
Question, do you first filter the water through a bandana or the like. Before using the Sawyer, or other filter, using a bandana or other cloth will remove particulate matter, this technique will greatly improve the flow rate.
I had to buy one of those sawyers on the way to my hike because I forgot my other filter and my friend decided to get a new one at the same place.... they both failed right out of the package out on the trail ... so that put us in a bind without filtered water. I Will never trust them again . When I contacted them they said that it was my fault for not back flushing it... they were new out of the package . Bad customer service to boot . Good luck with it and take a back up filter .
Glad you're doing this i can't believe it to be that bad, even at a "slower" rate its still gotta be nice to have the lightness and compactness of the mini!!(=✌💚
NOPE! Failed on me at the first water source on the CDT in NM. Dump it! It may work fine with our wonderful clear mountain springs in Utah, but put it in a cattle trough and you'll long for the Squeeze.
I'm eagerly awaiting your 1-year long term use of the Micro. I predict it will be just fine as long as you consistently use the Syringe to backflush AFTER each use. It will leak inside your pocket/backpack unless you put a green 5/16" Screw Protector to plug the nipple so it won't leak. Available @ Home Depot, sku #756475 for 87¢, you'll have to buy a pack containing two. I bought & used the Sawyer Micro + two 2L Vectro bags earlier this year & decided to go back to my MSR Trailshot. I've NEVER been interested in the BeFree Water Filter.
@@BackcountryExposure I just came across this article which describes a method of backflushing the Sawyer filters that is better than when using the Sawyer syringe: atlasguides.com/should-i-carry-the-sawyer-syringe/
@@azclaimjumper #35 top bib gasket, a little (usually black) rubber o-ring that's way more robust than Sawyer's flimsy plastcky ring that falls out of place if you sneeze ten feet away. (I feel like quality control on their rings has suffered in last two years, last long hike I had trouble threading onto SW bottles without leaking after 3 days). This will not leak. Available at ACE franchises, prolly most anywhere in plumbing parts aisle under the same name as it's not a brand but a spare part type. Costs about 99 cents. Fits perfectly, amazingly snugly in both my trad Squeeze and micro Squeeze. I'd imagine it fits in mini, too, but I've never tried because, well: who cares about mini sawyer
@@corruptedhiker Thank you. I'm going to visit Ace Hardware tomorrow & buy a couple of #35 Bib Gaskets. Now it's my turn -- Consider Screw Protector 5/16" (Green) to keep the nipple from leaking when in your pocket/backpack. Available @ Home Depot, sku #756475; < $2.00 for a pack of 2.
@@corruptedhiker Dude! Although I prefer AZClaimjumper, I'm a nefarious ner do well obnoxious pain where a pill won't reach. Carry the spare with you to give to someone when out on the trail. You'll be her hero.
"Hate" is going too far. It is okay in a pinch, but for something as important as water, why bother taking the risk for a few grams? I'll stick to my Be Free (and spare) even though it is not perfect.
We threw ours away after one use. Flushed it pre trip and looked great, got in the field and it was a struggle pressing stream water. Be nice too see if it’s a manf lot issue and not a design issue. Thanks for Guinea piggin for the community brother. 🤛🏻
Just the fact it requires more maintenance ( back flushing to clean membranes ) than the the model from Switzerland and the lower flow rate makes it my 2. choice
I'm just here for the comments 🍿
ha! Get your popcorn!
🍿
I have had really good luck so far with my Sawyer Micro. I mostly have used it for long weekend backpacking and day hikes. I usually have it on top of a Smartwater bottle. Have also used if at camp for agravity feed system with two CNOC 2 liter bags. It has worked well for me (so far).
I have been using one for two seasons now and it has worked great. I usually back flush it when I'm done or any time I do multiple gallons with it before it dries. No issues and I've put probably 1000 gallons through one that stays at an off grid cabin.
Right on! Thanks for sharing
My prediction is it will work quite well! It will be slower flowing than other filters but that doesn't mean it's not working! As long as you're willing to deal with the slowness of the water flow there's nothing wrong with it.
I have a micro, but I switched to the full size squeeze after the micro slowed to a crawl after a handful of trips. The full size has a really nice flow rate.
What process did you use to flush and maintain it?
@@BackcountryExposure 🤣 no response hahaha
Mine failed before I left my house. I tested it with tap water, tested a back flush and it was clogged. I have tried flushing it both directions and it is still clogged. Probably user error but it should not be that easy to damage if that is the case.
Hi mate.. quick question .. does this micro squeeze filter water in both directions .. want to connect a bladder hose to the nipple and filter into a bladder connecting a sawyer bag to the normal drinking end..
I bought a Sawyer Mini about 7-8 years ago. I was camping at 7000 feet elevation and at -9 Fahrenheit it froze so i had to replace my Mini. I wanted about the same weight and z better gravity filter option than the Mini so i bought the micro squeeze. Simply love it!
Sawyer attributes slow flow rates mostly to improper back flushing. I haven't put this to the test myself so it would be interesting to see the difference proper back flushing would make, if any. Sawyer says to use the syringe and "Don't be gentle. Be forceful." They say the filter can handle up to 40 psi and back flushing only generates under 10 psi and that force is needed to dislodge particles. For this reason it seems that using a bottle to back flush would be insufficient. Of course, where the water comes from makes a difference also.
I AGREE with you 100%. People who complain/bad mouth the Sawyer Micro are most likely people who didn't use the syringe to properly backflush.
@@azclaimjumper how can they backflush properly if the included syringe only produces “10 psi”?
@@rgmALC I may be mistaken, but I thought Sawyer said in one of their videos that the syringe produces 20 psi. I'll try to find out something more definitive.
@@rgmALC I just found this very interesting article that describes the best method of backflushing Sawyer water filters:
atlasguides.com/should-i-carry-the-sawyer-syringe/
@@azclaimjumper Interesting. I don’t know how you can get the “force” of water that’s achieved with a smart bottle over a syringe. I k ow Sawyer said it’s all about the velocity of water getting back flushed. Good read though, thanks.
I needed a new filter in the spring, right when Corona virus Lockdown started. All the preppers scooped up the Squeeze, so I was stuck having to get the micro. I don't get all the hate over the micro. It works as designed. I did find it works better if I backflush it at camp every night. I'm just wondering if all the hate is from people who don't clean it often.
Not available really? I can get the squeeze delivered from Amazon prime by December 4th! And they have it in Walmart near me.
@@walk-tall-hikes you must have missed the part where I said in the spring. As in MONTHS ago
That would be my best guess - infrequent/improper backflushing.
I love the Sawyer micro, I have used it all of last season and a little as the one before. And I love it. I don't really get why there is so much hate for it . Haha
Cool man! For what I've used it for so far in my trips, it's been just fine. So hoping for the best!
@@BackcountryExposure it starts out great! It just gets slow over time and you're already starting at a slower flow rate vs the squeeze. I'll be interested to hear if it levels off after a certain point or if it keeps getting slower. I popped two of the bags from squeezing so hard due to the flow rate. 😆
What are you taking as a back up?
Aquamira drops, which is my standard backup regardless of filter being used.
@@BackcountryExposure better take extra, jus' saying. 😁
@@BackcountryExposure Good Question. Good Answer.
Did you ever do the follow up to this video?
Yeah, but not in a single video. I shared my experience throughout the year in a bunch of videos.
So what is your backup water treatment?
Dose it get bacteria virus and chemicals out? Dose it clog up and do you have to back flush it? How is the flow rate ?
I bought the micro shortly after it came out and was pretty impressed when compared to the mini. Bit more versatility. I think everyone hated on it after darwin on the trail had a fail with it. The question is why did it fail? Guess well find out during this year. Mines still going strong just prefer the versa flow
I saw Darwin's "fail", if I correctly remember, he dropped it & the exterior cracked. I bought the Sawyer Micro & 2 Vectro 2L bags & used it several times. I went back to & have been using my MSR Trailshot exclusively because there is no possibility of cross contaminating clean & dirty water + it is easier to get to, use, put away than the Micro & the bags. P.S. When the Trailshot is properly used there is no need to squeeze the bulb to prime the inlet tube & bulb, simply suck on the Traishot's outlet nozzle until filtered water gets to your mouth then put the filter on your knee & push down on the bulb (instead of using forearm muscles to repeatedly squeeze the bulb. I push the Trailshot outlet nozzle onto the bite valve (pull off the part that you bite down on) that is attached to my Hydrapak 3L bladder; filter water goes directly into the bladder.
I've NEVER been attracted to the BeFree water filter.
@@azclaimjumper i was gonna ask you how fun is the pumping on the trail shot but i see youve found a easier way. If a filter fails after i drop a break it thsts on me not the filter i wonder if some other large channel had issues. Ive got the be free but not impressed for the price
@@titanpreparedness I have replace the 1.5' filler tube of my Trailshot by adding a 7.5' filler tube. I also wrap a coffee filter around the inlet filter that came with the Trailshot & secure it in place with a rubber band. This has eliminated the MSR pre-filter clogging up problem.
"...Guess well..." is incorrect, it should be we will or we'll. Also, it is not mines (mines is where workers work), still, it should be mine's or mine is. Yes, it does matter as it is all grammar school English.
Used the micro for day hikes and overnights up in New Hampshire for a year and it held up pretty well. The flow rate definitely lessened but it was still working reasonably. I bought a new one in 2019. Used it once on small weekend trip and then took it out to the Colorado trail and it was almost useless within 10 days. Flow rate died almost completely.
I still remember buying the squeeze while in town and being elated with how much water was coming through it haha. Squeeze for me every time now
thanks for sharing Chris!
I've got 2 years on my micro. Mine has been working pretty good for me. I had some really rusty water at kettle moraine and it was still working good after that. I also backflush fairly often as well. I do notice that when I don't use the filter for a while the first couple times filtering the flow is slow but then it works fine.
Do you ever soak the filter before leaving on a trip?
@@BackcountryExposure I haven't done that before. Maybe that would be good practice for me to start doing.
Update?
Senior hiker 77 had a good tip the other day ... replace the white cap with a flip top from a smart water bottle... it s easier to open and stops the problem of that original cap leaking ... I made a gravity filter out of an Evernew bag and a piece of plastic tube pushed on the end of the sawyer filter ( you have to take the whitecap off) . The Evernew bag has a couple of places marked where you can punch holes without compromising the bag ... piece of paracord tied in a loop a handy tree and voila .... simply let gravity and atmospheric pressure do the rest!! 👍👍
I'm using this same filter this season.!
test time
I've been using the Hydroblu Versaflo for all of 2020 with no real issues. I recently picked up the sawyer squeeze just to have ss a backup!
The Versaflow is great!
I've had great success with my Micro. That said, I backflush it everyday with the syringe. And, if the water is very turbid, I run it through a bandana to remove the large particulate before I filter. Yes, I carry two CNOC water bags. In July, I picked up a full size squeeze to see if there was much difference as I too saw many sowing doom and gloom and figured it was just a matter of time. The full size squeeze does have a higher flowrate and appears to handle more sediment before it clogs up. I am definitely curious as to how your experience turns out.
I carry a couple coffee filters in my first aid kit in case I come across muddy water. My friends thought it was silly until the one time we all needed to use them.
Right on, Scott. Looking forward to putting it through the wringer.
As a weekend backpacker, I've used the micro for two seasons. Admittedly I haven't used it with really nasty water but it has been fine. I regularly run 8-10 liters through it every trip and it doesn't slow down. It's not super fast but I can run my 2 liter cnoc through it in about 2 and a half minutes. Ultimately I switched to the B-free but only because it flows a good bit faster. I still carry my micro as a backup and really have no complaints about it.
Can't wait to see the results from the Micro! I love my befree and the flow rate, but we have had a couple stop flowing on the same trip before, luckily we had a squeeze for the last couple days of that trip.
Excited to put it to the test!
I got my first Micro in February 2019 and have used it on about 27 backpack trips without a problem. On my most recent trip it gravity-filtered as fast as my friend’s Hydroblu Versaflow. It was a trip-saver earlier this year when my same friend’s full size Sawyer Squeeze quit working. It’s not like turning on a fire hose, but i’m not in any FKT hurry
You are a brave man! I haven't heard much good about it. I'm looking forward to the results.
All for science!
I'll be interested to see how it works for you. I just use the squeeze for now and it works great. I do have the mini also as a backup. I carry both on all my trips. I like to Pack a lot. lol. Take care.
Where is the follow up video? I couldn't see it in the uploads. I've only had mine for a couple of weeks but it seems to work fine albeit slow compared to other types. In my opinion, from the videos I've watched, it appears to often be operating errors and I think it comes down to the name Squeeze. Here are my observations based on Sawyers user directions. 1. Don't squeeze the bag or force the water through the filter. This causes the bag seems to fail and causes the fibres to clog. I wonder if people think the name "squeeze" implies they need to force the water through. This appears to be a common problem with people saying the bag fails etc. 2. Regular flushing which unfortunately pretty much equates to flushing after each couple of uses and in dirty water, every use. 3. Be sensible on the water source. If the water is in a silt or clay pit and filled with debris then of course the filter is going to clog quickly. 4. Comparing this small filter to a larger options is apples and oranges, it is what it is, a light weight small filter which I would only carry on a short trip. In my opinion I would not consider taking this on a through hike. I'm interested in seeing how it goes long term under proper operating conditions.
I used the micro a couple times this past year, and did not enjoy my experience with it. Flow was way to slow, and the amount of effort it took to get that flow was not worth it after a day of hiking. My last trip I just ended up borrowing my brothers swayer squeeze which I will be purchasing for this next year.
I like to see what’s in my water bag and clean it regularly. Not so easy with the Sawyers.Also I popped a bunch of those but never squeezed them too hard. . Guess the Beefree bag isn’t perfect either
Im using the sawyer sp128 that comes with the sawyer 1 gallon Gravity filter im using the coupler that came with it and just got my new cnoc 3 liter filter bags so that is my new gravity feed system which also allows me to squeeze
Right on! I like that gravity system!
@@BackcountryExposure thanks yeah with using the coupler i can backflush it with a smart water bottle or the cnoc bladders both which i carry anyway couse the plunger that came with it to backflush it doesnt work that well
Love my Sawyer. But I'm not typically picky or fancy when it comes to some gear. I can't wait to see what your thoughts are after a good amount of use
We used a micro side by side with the squeeze this past September. The micro is a lot slower and we only used it once. They was our experience, but as others have said, the micro filters fine, just slow compared to the squeeze.
Peace and positivity to you and yours Devin.
Works great for me with the CNOC bags
I love my Micro, with the 2L Vecto. Don't use it as much as you, maybe 10 weekend trips a year, but literally zero complaints about it
Right on!
I have the Micro, and very happy with it. Sure, I have only taken it on a few trips and nothing with really bad water sources, so not fully tested yet but so far, so good.
Also people compare flow rates like this one is 10 seconds faster than another seriously?!?! It’s not like your filling up while getting chased by a bear u have lots of time when out in the woods etc waiting a few more seconds is nothing
I do flow rate test because for some reason people enjoy seeing the results. Ive had a few filters that are extremely close but ive see some that are 10m per liter which is a bit ridiculous. I dont wanna wait 30 mins for some water.
@@titanpreparedness fully get that but let’s say from a survival situation all you had was your filter no way of boiling water if your filter took two hours to filter a litre of water it would still be a life saver to have it with u but I agree in a hiking situation where your out for leisure water on the go in a good time is what’s required
I have the sawyer squeeze and love it. I am also just a weekend or yearly warrior due to workload at work.
👍🏻
Sawyer micro needed to be backwashed after maybe 6 bags. The original squeeze requires a lot less maintenance
I used the Micro on my 13 day SHT hike last year and it was awful after about 4 days.
What was the failure?
@@BackcountryExposure The flow rate got real bad after day 4. Around day 8 it was so hard to filter water my Evernew water bag broke.
Looking forward to your end results. Might be a 1-2 day option, however until I see long term results I'll stick with the Sawyer squeeze.
Its really not that bad for short trips. It just clogs quickly but it won't totally fail the stream will just slow down. It needs frequent back flushing and some more tlc than say the full sized squeeze.
Yeah that’s been my experience so far in the time I’ve used it.
@@BackcountryExposure I especially like the .01 micron particle filter that Sawyer guarantees in all their filters. That is as small a particle filter as any water filters on the market at this time & that .01 particle filter size is guarnateed.
I will just continue to use the Sawyer squeeze in already have. I just do not need another filter.
I use the Mini with great success
I use it with the Cnoc 3 liter bag as a gravity bag
I have a set from Source for converting 1 1/2 liter regular water/soda bottles (like smart bottles) into a bladder like system. I cut the hose and inserted a Mini to be an inline filter
I also screw the Mini into a Smart Water bottle
So I have three ways to use the Mini.
I'm definitely pro Sawyer Squeeze for all the reasons you mentioned. I also love that there is not a proprietary bottle thread needed like on the BeFree which comes in handy when you want to swap out a nasty bottle. Interesting to hear what your findings are.
Science!!!
I’m going to make the simple guess that with more care and maintenance than other filters, back flushing more frequently, the thing will function. This thing probably takes more diligence than other filters which is why it’s unpopular. In longer hikes it probably is a problem, but with your constant stressing the term weekend warrior, that’s were this may work. The weekend trip uses the device less and provides frequent opportunity for maintenance
Great comment!
@@BackcountryExposure ha! As I’m looking at your reply I’m watching CampFires and Coffee and this guy mentioned you lent him the hot tent set up! That’s nice , I can’t wait for snow in the north east.
😊❤️🇺🇸❄️☃️🛷🔥⛺️🌄
Excellent thought.
finally, an objective review
To be fair, there’s been plenty of objective reviews (with data), that shows how bad the Micro is compared to other filters. Sawyer really goofed with this filter.
The micro is great until the third or fourth time you filter dirty water. I tried to love it but I ended up going right back to the squeeze. The micro gets clogged too fast and for the weight it's a no brainer for me to stick to what has worked for me for years.
I fear that will be the case for me too, but giving it an honest effort to prove it wrong. Ha ha. Thanks man!
People are often dissing those Sawyer bags. In my opinion, if you are manipulating and squeezing them you are doing it wrong. Just hang it up, and let gravity do the work. If you are in a hurry, some gentle squeezing and rolling is okay to speed things up. Most of the time, however, gravity can do its work while you do other things. Finally, at the price of these filters, the Sawyer bags are a "gimme." Use them properly and they will last you a long time. Finally, they do not impart an unpleasant taste to the water as do the CNOC bags, which otherwise are great.
I used the micro on my trips during 2019. The flow rate on that filter was horrendous after day 2, and I back-flushed it often. The size and exterior is why I bought it, the flow rate is why I didn't use it at all in 2020.
Question, do you first filter the water through a bandana or the like. Before using the Sawyer, or other filter, using a bandana or other cloth will remove particulate matter, this technique will greatly improve the flow rate.
@@ricdonato4328 No, that's way too much extra work. I now use a Katadyn BeFree filter and it works amazingly well!
Probably not using mucky water. The BeFree didn't even work for me where I live. I had to go with the Squeeze.
I put the Sawyer Squeeze to the test and it failed miserably. I'm a Hydroblu fan. Thanks for the vid, Dev!
It's gonna be a fun ride! If it fails, then it's gonna be fun to report on it. Thanks man!
@@BackcountryExposure Dustin's and mine failed at the same time on the same trip in the desert, no less....
Oh that's right! And both of you went to the versa flow. I remember that now.
I'd recommend a back up filter/purification method on your trips.
Always do! Typically carry Aquamira drops as a back up.
@@BackcountryExposure Maybe we'll get an unintended Aquamira review next year? :)
I had to buy one of those sawyers on the way to my hike because I forgot my other filter and my friend decided to get a new one at the same place.... they both failed right out of the package out on the trail ... so that put us in a bind without filtered water. I Will never trust them again . When I contacted them they said that it was my fault for not back flushing it... they were new out of the package . Bad customer service to boot . Good luck with it and take a back up filter .
What was the failure?
Glad you're doing this i can't believe it to be that bad, even at a "slower" rate its still gotta be nice to have the lightness and compactness of the mini!!(=✌💚
NOPE! Failed on me at the first water source on the CDT in NM. Dump it! It may work fine with our wonderful clear mountain springs in Utah, but put it in a cattle trough and you'll long for the Squeeze.
I'm eagerly awaiting your 1-year long term use of the Micro. I predict it will be just fine as long as you consistently use the Syringe to backflush AFTER each use.
It will leak inside your pocket/backpack unless you put a green 5/16" Screw Protector to plug the nipple so it won't leak. Available @ Home Depot, sku #756475 for 87¢, you'll have to buy a pack containing two.
I bought & used the Sawyer Micro + two 2L Vectro bags earlier this year & decided to go back to my MSR Trailshot.
I've NEVER been interested in the BeFree Water Filter.
👍🏻
@@BackcountryExposure I added a couple of paragraphs AFTER you replied.
I don’t typically carry my filter inside my pack and after use, I shake excess water out anyway.
@@BackcountryExposure I just came across this article which describes a method of backflushing the Sawyer filters that is better than when using the Sawyer syringe: atlasguides.com/should-i-carry-the-sawyer-syringe/
using the micro for 1 year of weekend warrior, so the backflush/maintenance is done at home not on field, flowrate has not changed.
Right on!
lol.......its horrendous as a gravity filter
Filter as much water as you can before Dec 31
Challenge accepted!
Replace garbage Sawyer o-ring with a bib gasket and it's totally fine
Plzzz, may I have a link to the product you're talking about?
@@azclaimjumper #35 top bib gasket, a little (usually black) rubber o-ring that's way more robust than Sawyer's flimsy plastcky ring that falls out of place if you sneeze ten feet away. (I feel like quality control on their rings has suffered in last two years, last long hike I had trouble threading onto SW bottles without leaking after 3 days). This will not leak. Available at ACE franchises, prolly most anywhere in plumbing parts aisle under the same name as it's not a brand but a spare part type. Costs about 99 cents. Fits perfectly, amazingly snugly in both my trad Squeeze and micro Squeeze. I'd imagine it fits in mini, too, but I've never tried because, well: who cares about mini sawyer
@@corruptedhiker Thank you. I'm going to visit Ace Hardware tomorrow & buy a couple of #35 Bib Gaskets.
Now it's my turn -- Consider Screw Protector 5/16" (Green) to keep the nipple from leaking when in your pocket/backpack. Available @ Home Depot, sku #756475; < $2.00 for a pack of 2.
@@azclaimjumper my dude/gal/any name or pronoun whatsoever: that is ingenious
@@corruptedhiker Dude! Although I prefer AZClaimjumper, I'm a nefarious ner do well obnoxious pain where a pill won't reach.
Carry the spare with you to give to someone when out on the trail. You'll be her hero.
"Hate" is going too far. It is okay in a pinch, but for something as important as water, why bother taking the risk for a few grams? I'll stick to my Be Free (and spare) even though it is not perfect.
May the odds be ever in your favor.
We threw ours away after one use. Flushed it pre trip and looked great, got in the field and it was a struggle pressing stream water. Be nice too see if it’s a manf lot issue and not a design issue. Thanks for Guinea piggin for the community brother. 🤛🏻
Dang! Hope that’s not the case for me.
I'm sure people who use the micro and didn't get on with it go out and spend dollars on another product just for shits and giggles. 🤦🏻♂️🤷♂️
Just the fact it requires more maintenance ( back flushing to clean membranes ) than the the model from Switzerland and the lower flow rate makes it my 2. choice
Worst filter in the world is your hands. Change my mind 🤪
That's my hope! ha ha. We will see what happens.