Hey Bigfoot, love your videos, but I wanted to bring some clarity and information that I am not seeing when people do reviews of the Sawyer filters. And to be clear, I do not work for Sawyer nor am I invested in Sawyer. I do work for an NGO that provides clean water to people in Liberia West Africa, and we use Sawyer filter in small villages. We have installed over 60,000 Sawyer squeeze filters there and they are an awesome generational solution for these people who are in desperate need of clean water. We use the squeeze as part of a 2-bucket system. Now for the clarity. Sawyer filter must be back-flushed to maintain flow rate. You can use the syringe provided or use the coupler with a bottle, but it must be done. Also, and most important is the technology of the Sawyer. While the Katodyne and the life straw and other hollow-fiber membrane use the same basic technology, the Sawyer is ABSOLUTE .1 micron while all others are just AVERAGE .1 micron. This is a HUGE difference and can make the difference between health and sickness. The final point is the quality control Sawyer uses. They test all filters before shipping. We at The Last Well, along with other NGOs, use the Sawyer around the globe to save lives with clean water. I know some that are still using the Sawyer for 10 years and it works as well as it did on day 1 and it is used every day. When my health is on the line I will use NOTHING but Sawyer.
Randy LeTourneau hi Randy I think travel at Latin American country with my backpack, still the mini Sawyer the best water filter so far or you can recommend me I have heard the grayl bottle, which is the best water filtration technology currently, greetings from pr🇵🇷
Bacterial free: 0,2 micron is the size used in microbiology. Smaller is also ok. Sawyer is ok because you clean with the backwash. I also have a ceramic katadyn mini. Cleaning by scraping off the Outer layer. But a friend of mine used the katadyn pocket for 20 years, (from 1990 on) at that time...not much choice.... But most economical....Sawyer is!
I work at REI and the engineer who created the sawyer came in to store I work at and I had some good Q&A with him and the CEO of Sawyer. The sawyer will last indefinitely as long as you back flush it regularly. That being said you definitely can’t beat the price point. I’ve had same squeeze for 3 years now, no problems yet
How can it get all continents out? How? It worry me.. Espe ially water from streams and lakes... Make me nervous drinking it. Am I swalling virus, bacteria or micro animals that will make me ill?
I totally agree with this comment. Sawyer's product is much more reliable. And, sorry, but clean water is priceless. Even if I lose a minute or two, I'm sticking with reliable over convenient.
@mike spence. So the basis of your comment is: “The engineer who created the sawyer came in to the store I work at and I had some good Q&A with him and the CEO of Sawyer”? Fast forward: “The sayer will last indefinetely as long as you back flush it regularly”. Seriously? (I own a Sawyer Squeeze, but seriously?). .. do you yourself actually find your line of argumentation and amount of context credible..?
I've used the Sawyer with Smart Water bottle system for my AT and PCT hikes. If your Sawyer bags breaks, you can use you Smart Water bottle. If your Katadyn bag breaks, you are screwed. Too bad they didn't make it so that you could screw it on a Gatorade bottle. I'd be willing to try it if it had a bottle back up.
Exactly, their threading choice doesnt really make sense, its bigger yes, but it should be able to match a particular bottle mouth already used in the markets, alas the Gatorade bottles.
Susan Hornbuckle You're right. Also you can use the Sawyer with most Softbottels Like Platypus. Or as a in Line Filter (The Sawyer mini definatly, i never tried with the Sqeeze). The Sawyer Models Seen to be more flexible for me. Also i already own them...no need for a new, just a Bit faster system. I don't like this throw away mentality. I'm sorry for my english...I'm Not in Training anymore. Have a nice day.
I have a sawyer, and like it, but the be free filter fits onto the Hydrapak seeker, collapsible bladder, so both work well for me. I've found that amazon does carry adapter kits, but never tried any of them.
The hydrapak soft flasks with 42mm opening are getting more popular. They've become standard on ultramarathon vests like Ultimate Direction. I just tested my BeFree filter and it fits on the bottles that came with my running vest. When hiking in groups, I like my Sawyer with a gravity feed setup. Also, the BeFree uses the exact same tops as Smart Water bottles. With an in-line coupler or tornado tube, you can use a Smart Water bottle or soda bottle to back flush the BeFree. Ultimately, it's the exact same hollow glass tube technology in both filters, so it shouldn't damage the BeFree, and it gives a more thorough cleaning.
I use the regular size Sawyer Squeeze with Smartwater bottles. It's so easy & reliable. I've been section hiking the PCT, just bumped up to overnight trips vs day hikes, & it has been invaluable.
With the BeFree I pre-filter the water threw a bandana when filling the bag. If anythiing it helps to keep the filter cleaner. If you want to use something larger then the 1 liter bag Katadyn furnishes. Check out the Hydrapak Seeker Hydration Storage they make a 2 and 3 liter bag for it.
I used the squeeze for a season and decided it wasn't convenient/fast enough for me, so I started using aquamira which isn't any faster than sitting there squeezing water, but at least requires less effort. I recently picked up a BeFree and I'm taking it out this weekend for the first time. Hoping it works out well. The wide mouth was the kicker for me.
I used my BeFree 1/2 liter bag on our kayak trip. I loved the larger opening in that as we were paddling, I could open the bag, do a very quick fill from the lake, close it up, and be on our way without breaking stride. The bag itself felt very sturdy for squeezing out the water. Super convenient and fast.
I guess I do my sawyer wrong. It came with an adapter in the kit that screws to the bottle so the hole connecting it to the smart water bottle is larger, less restriction. Second thing is that I don't "squeeze" my sawyer bags. I cut the ends out of them and fill them from the cut end and hang them from the cut end to drain into the bottles or what ever. I have a lot better flow rate than 20 seconds for a liter doing it this way. I also don't screw the bottle tight against the filter so that there is an air escape path so it fills faster. Maybe I have a defective filter?
Ha, ha. I used a Sawyer Squeeze for about two years. Last year, I saw the newly released 0.6L BeFree at REI and picked one up thinking it would be a nice supplement to the Sawyer. It would allow me to grab water on the go. I would utilize the Sawyer when it was time to replenish my water bottles (which was more of an effort, requiring me to remove the backpack). Out on the trail, I soon discovered that not only was the BeFree great for grabbing a quick 1/2 liter of water, it was also a super great, easy way to replenish my empty 1-L plastic Evian bottles. Way easier and much more convenient than the Sawyer. Now, I leave the Sawyer at home and exclusively use the BeFree. I refill my bottles and I fill it for an extra 0.6L carry along. I love it. Having said all this, I would love to see a more scientific test as to how they compare with filtering out actual particles.
+rudy pospisil I feel the same as you Rudy. It would be very interesting about a deeper test on the ability of filtering the particles and how it compares to others
I cut the top off of a smart water bottle to make a funnel for the Sawyer bags. Sawyer sells a coupling that allows it to screw onto the bag. Makes filling them easier.
7:00 I don't know anybody who uses the Sawyer with it's own bag. CNOC makes a super durable 2L bag that has a compatible opening for Sawyer at one end and opens completely at the other end, so you can fill it from pretty much any source. The big problem with the Katadyn opening is that you are stuck with the Katadyn bag, which is not all that durable, or one other brand, which isn't much better. That wider opening is actually a problem in my book, because it really limits how you can use the Katadyn.
Another trick if your bag is hard to fill: cut the bottom off a Smartwater bottle. This will give you a cup you can use to catch water from pretty much any source and pour into your bottle. Weighs about .2 ounces and works like a charm. It even collapses on itself without cracking so it takes almost zero space. Admittedly, you'll be catching about 4-6 ounces at a time, depending on how high you cut the bottle.
With the sawyer you can also use it as a gravity filter. Connect it with one of the new one gallon bags and you have a great group hike solution. As for the bags on the sawyer for individual use, get the evernew bags instead.
+Ed Fenton Thanks for mentioning the gravity filter, I forgot about it after I got done with the production of this video. I knew there was a bag that worked with these but couldn't remember what brand it was, thank you for that. I'll put those in the description box so people can find that stuff. Thanks Ed!
some specific suggestions from me: www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP108-One-Gallon-Reservoir/dp/B06Y2RSTHD/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503067392&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=sawyer+squeeze+one+gallon and www.amazon.com/Evernew-Water-Carry-2000-ml/dp/B001ASLWSK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503067355&sr=8-1&keywords=evernew+water+bladder
I enjoyed your video and shared the same pros/cons of the Sawyer Squeeze. I'll never buy another SS and will likely buy the Be Free. I used the SS 10 - 15 times and then it quit working entirely. I only used very clear running water in it so doubt it was clogged and back flushing proved useless. Other than having to turn my backpack trip around, the worst part was the lack of response from Sawyer Squeeze. Giving my business to company's with ZERO customer service isn't going to happen.
I think the Sawyer Squeeze seems like the best option for backpacking, but for bikepacking (and other applications where weight is not so much an issue), i prefer the Katadyn "Pocket" filter. Really like the design, which gives that nice feeling of using a really good quality item. It is also reassuring to know that it will probably last the rest of my life. It doesnt filter water as fast as the "Squeeze" and "BeFree", but it is more than fast enough for me.
I wish I had seen this before I bought my Sawyer MINI a few years back. Because of a few years if knees issues (yes, both), I was only able to day hike amor car camp and never needed to filter. I used it for the first time this February 17 in the AT at the CT-MA border. I already knew about freezing the filter, so I kept it in a waist coat oicket or my sleeping bag. I knew about the bag failures, so I brought my Platypus bag. After running low the water I brought, I filtered 1.5L of water on 20° weather. I swear it took at least 25 minutes. I wish I had timed it. That is possibly 25 minutes sitting still, squeezing a cold bag of water in 20° weather. I will get the Sawyer Squeeze, thanks to this video.
I have a Sawyer Mini and a AquaPura filter that is like the LiveStraw, I'll be doing a comparison of those when I get to my campsite at the end of the month, neither have been used yet
Check out the evernew bags. I used a 900 ml bag on the AT for over 1300 miles before it started leaking and I replaced it The threads match up perfectly with the sawyer squeeze.
I've been totally sold on the CNOC Vectos replacing the Sawyer bags from the first time I was introduced to them. The through hiker that first showed me one said while he was breaking it out "Sawyer means well, but sometimes they miss the mark."
My personal favorite is my lifestraw go 2 stage water filtration bottle. It's more simpler than the name sounds. It's convenient but it's only good for water. I can use the attached carabineer to clip it to my shoulder strap and when I get to a water source I can take it off, unscrew the top, scoop up water, put the top back on and be on my merry hiking way. It's heavier than a Sawyer system but it's literally a convenience item and considering I mostly drink water on trail it comes in handy. Plus the carbon filter makes the mountain water taste even more clean! Great vid, Bigfoot!
Chasing the Echo I have a similar sawyer bottle that I also like. One difference with the Sawyer is that it is softer plastic, so you can squeeze it and have the flow rate be much higher than just sucking. Also, sawyer filters last much longer.
Chasing the Echo a the only thing about the bottles I don't like is that you have to have a constant supply of water around because it would be hard to fill multiple containers from the filter bottle.
My evernew bag fits the sawyer, which is an option you don't have on the befree. I think many have completed a thru-hike without an evernew bag failure. The sawyer bags I just don't trust. I do see the advantages you mentioned of the befree wider mouth. I'll get one someday when they are on sale.
Great comparison... perhaps you’ve done an update on your BeFree? I just did a flow rate test.. my BeFree 1L did the same volume as you in 2min 20seconds... bogus. I don’t even have 100liters thru it. My Sawyer Squeeze was just delivered... I’m switching because I’ve tried to clean my BeFree to no avail. :/
I have the 2L cnoc bags also one for dirty one for clean they work great. If the bags break I can always use the 2 smart bottles I also carry as a backup. Love the Sawyer squeeze !!
Yeah. Ten folds of cotton takes out a lot of stuff down to bacteria and cyst size. Reviewers I've watched ( dozens) aren't thinking about the questions I have. Why not just keep the fibres clean by always doing prefiltering? Why isn't the maker recommending to clean it more often? I'm looking to buy and my thinking is that if it's getting clogged that means it's doing its job. Also, is higher flow rate due to having more fibres available? Seems like the same KIND of fibres. And can you not reverse flush the Katadyne? Why not? On and on. Reviewers are lacking investigative thinking. None of them seem to correspond with makers to get to the answers or even formulate the questions.
Thanks for the review! I like the thoughts you shared. I had a mini squeeze and I took it on one trip with crystal clear water in Colorado and wanted to throw it at a tree on about day three. It has horrible flow rate and is incredibly frustrating. Never used a standard squeeze because of that experience. I'm going to give the befree a try as a filler for my side bottles. I like that it's compatible with the entire line of 42mm seeker bottles from hydrapak. Great for dry desert trips where carry volume is king. They go up to 4L and that's very convenient. Cheers.
I would ballpark that on a thru hike, I need about 5 liters per day, which means this would last about 200 days, which is just over 6 months meaning it would be good for one entire long distance thru hike. Does that sound about right?
9:20 You hit on the other big weakness with the Katadyn. It's only rated for 250 gallons **(depending on water quality)** so they probably won't back it if you filter 250 gallons of trail water. So when you say that the 100 liter old Katadyn has really only been used a little bit, you're right, but it's already significantly through it's service life.
Never mind those ridiculous Sawyer bags, just use the Smart Water bottle. I carry two: one gets filled only with clean water to drink and use to back-flush the filter. Very informative video. Thanks.
Ditto here. Rigid bottles are easier to fill from sources. The filter stays on my dirty water bottle and I can drink through the filter. Put a flip top on the filter and swap it onto the clean water bottle and the nozzle fits the clean side of the filter for easy back flushing. When the bottles get old and wrinkled, toss them and pick up replacements anywhere. Cheers.
I’m happy to see a side by side review of these two popular products. I do have a concern about the points used for comparison. The primary factors for a filters evaluation need to be resultant water quality. The filter must be able to achieve the min/max safe contaminant level in post-treat. Secondary factors are weight, size, durability, manufacturer’s design flow rate, total processing capacity and ease of use. These are balanced based on individual objectives and your budget. Having a high flow rate at the beginning of a filters life may not necessarily predict the quality of the post-treat. Process fluids time- in- contact with filter media often has an impact on the resultant post-treat quality. Most filters have an optimum min-max flow rating.
CNOC bags and Sawyer Micro work perfectly for my needs. Tip: If you remove the pull cap from the filter it actually improves the flow rate when filling your bottles!
On a section hike of the NCT I filtered lake water through my Sayer Mini. You can imagine the stuff swirling around in the water. I flushed every time and it held up, though it may have slowed up too. So I will be straining. I was hoping you might mention the vacuum you get from the Sayer/bottle combo.
Another great 411 video, THANKS ! How much did flow rate of the Be Free improve after cleaning/flushing ?? Just purchased a BeFree and looking forward to field trials.
I'm looking forward to trying the BeFree on my section of the AT in September to save some weight. However on long distance hikes I would suggest changing out your sawyer bags for an evernew bag. They thread perfectly and are very very durable compared to the platypus bags or anything similar really.
Great video! My BeFree is pretty new, maybe 20-30L thru it. The flow rate is basically a fast drip, even when squeezing. I always prefilter, so I'm very disappointed. It's practically unusable now. I wanted to love it, so maybe I'll give it another try with a new filter.
I have used the BeFree about 400 miles so far . One I used on the SHT for 180ish miles and I used a brand new one in the JMT for he entire 212 miles. I brought a new one of the JMT to see how the flow rate was with mountain water compared to the iron water in Northern Mn. I have great flow rates on both, of course it’s not as fast as it was out of the box. I am really surprised to hear that have 20-30L. If I were you I would call Katadyn and tell them about this, perhaps they will exchange it for you. That shouldn’t happen as long as you are following the instructions on flushing it regularly.
I used the Sawyer on a backpacking trip and was not impressed with the squeeze bag for it. I had a hard time filling it up so I could purify my water. The bag kept collapsing everytime I tried to fill it. Someone here had the idea to use a small cup or bottle to assist in filling the Sawyer bag.. This is something I will do next time I use it. Other than the trouble with the bag the Sawyer did what it was supposed to do.
The Katadyns are $70 here. How often do you need to replace the filter? Sawyer is $58 here. My question is how often do you need to replace your sawyer squeeze itself? Would it survive a full 6 month hike?
+Antonia Baker it would definitely survive a 6 month hike. Click on the links in my description box. The Katadyn filter is 39.99 and the Sawyer with 1 bag is under 30 bucks.
You can buy other soft flasks from various other manufacturers. I don't know if they are standard size openings but if so you could use one of them instead of the Sawyer bags. You would still have the problem with the small opening, but probably the soft flasks wouldn't break as often.
Pre filtering water with a piece of cloth or a bandana, rubber banded to the opening of the bottle youre filling really makes using either filter much more pleasant. It takes a little longer to fill (maybe a minute) but makes filter maintenance MUCH less effort.
I have both water filters, what you failed to mention that the c noc does the same thing but has a larger opening. Yes it’s not part of the Sawyer squeeze but 85% of the people I know with a Sawyer squeeze use the c noc to gather water for the Sawyer squeeze.
You could use a Cnoc vecto 2l Walter container easy to fill and Sawyer filter will fit on thisThe Only the problem is I can be expensive to buy but it is better quality so you can have it longer.
Flow rate is not as important as dependability. What bothered me about the Katadyn is that when your flask is 1/2 full, it doesn't want to stay in the holster. Why is this not being mentioned? Katadyn used to have a hard sided flask which worked fine.
I hated the Sawyer, and went back to Katadyn pump. I now have the BeFree and the 3 liter Katadyn bag for trips with my wife. The BeFree is great for a quick filter at a stream crossing, but once arriving at camp, it is nice to hang a 3 liter bag and have enough water for dinner and breakfast without any pumping or squeezing.
I understand how you may prefer the larger opening on the BeFree bag, but I wish the BeFree filter would fit on a smartwater bottle. If the BeFree bag fails, your screwed.
+Christopher Stevenson That's what you give up for having a large opening. Now, if I was doing a long distance thru hike I would be bringing two bags. Same problem happens to the Sawyer and i usually carried 2 bags or sometimes 3 if I had to buy a three pack on the trail and didn't split it.
With the sawyer, I think the simplest solution is to just collect dirty water in the smartwater bottle, screw the sawyer to the water bottle and drink directly from the sawyer. This system would probably not work for you, if you are mixing gatorade in your bottle.
Great review, nice to hear what one thinks after some real use. I have been using the sawyer for years and never had any real issue with it, but always looking to see what is new and maybe improved. I do like to gravity feed with the sawyer at the end of the day, only needing a small light weight joiner, not sure if the be free can also? Also, just a small benefit, if your dirty water bag splits, the sawyer can use any standard thread bottle like a smart water bottle as the dirty water bottle.
I'm assuming that this is much slower, as I have encountered few people who also do this, but if you don't like the bags, just bring a soda bottle with the bottom cut off, and pour water into the (I use 2L soda bottle), I assume you could also figure some way to scoop with the soda bottle itself, but whatever. From there I think gravity feed is nicer. I suppose bags increase water capacity for long dry stretches, but to be honest, I don't think that I have ever seen anyone store water in a bag, so I doubt that this is really a factor. Also, I am pretty sure that weight difference is minimal between the two different kinds of plastic.
The Katadyne befree broke on me the very first trip I brought it on. Bag split right at the harder plastic collar. Go with Sawyer for consistent reliability
I have a Sawyer. I like the simplicity and light weight, and it's good for 100,000 liters; however, even new, it has never flowed as fast as in your vid. Unless I can find a little rock funnel in a river to fill it, I need to use my cup to pour water into the bags. Filter clogs pretty quickly, and even after reverse flowing, it's never very fast. I'm always that last one to finish filtering, although when out backpacking, I'm in no hurry. Mine froze last trip, but I'm going to get another one and also take some filtration tablets for in camp.
I find the cleaning of the Katadyne a bit weird... you shake it and then you have all the stuff that should be filtered out floating around in your filtered water? In addition, don't you contaminate the inside of the water bag doing that?
+Chris Mays I just saw that, great deal on their clearance. I just picked up another UL sleeping pad because it was so much off that I'm going to take on the JMT
not enough upgrade to change from the Sawyer Squeeze gravity system I have. 4 liter Platypus bag with Sawyer in the middle. Stop being in such a hurry...smell the roses. I like the befree soft bag though.
Excellent side by side review. I've also used both and the BeFree has fast become my go to filter for all of the reasons that you mentioned. That is a little concerning that the BeFree is clogging so quickly though... just curious, how clear was the water that you were filtering? The bag looked a bit stained...was the water that you were filtering just heavy with tannins or was it murky due to sediment? Also, I wonder if soaking the older filter in vinegar would help unclog it... might be an interesting experiment seeing as you have a replacement already. Good job on the review :) Hope you can get out on the trail soon man!
Nice review. Thanks. I was hoping, that you include something like, how many stuff comes thru both filters when they are new compare to when they are used. I mean somehow in a scientific way.
Great review Bigfoot. I follow ER and he premixes Aqua Mira and adds the 7 drops to his 1L bottle on the go. This seems to be quick and effective. Have you tried that? Thanks
For those who are not calculation minded 100 000 gallons in years is: @ 10 liters per day (2.64 gal - one filter for 2-3 hikers?), you're good for 103 years. @ 10 gallons (37,9 liters ) per day; 27 years @ 100 liters per day (26.4 gal), you're down to only 10 years @ 100 gallons per day (379 liters) that's now 2.7 years. Lotsa people and/or many showers per day to get to these numbers, though...
I just revisited this video after watching your Scotland trip and my desire to pick up a new filtering system. I have been tossed between continuing to use my Sawyer Squeeze couple with a new CNOC Vecto or going with the 1 L BeFree. My main dilemma is that I generally gravity feed 2 L when I get to camp. Any thoughts on the CNOC/Sawyer as opposed to going straight to the BeFree. By the way I am a section hiker with a max of 10 days out at a time. Thanks
How nasty was the water you filtered with the Befree and typically? How durable do you feel the Befree bag is going to be? Looks flimsy which is my biggest fear since its not compatible with other bottles or bags like the Sawyer is. I've never had a problem with sawyer, Platypus or Evernew bags. If the BeFree bag fails you're screwed in my opinion if your hiking buddies don't have one too. What do you have for a backup? Do you carry 2 bags?
I used to use Sawyer but I found I spent more time scooping water and trying to get water in the bag than I did hiking. I switched to BeFree. Much better!
i have an issue with the sawyer squeeze building up pressure on the smart water bottles. so I have to unscrew it a little between each drink. it gets annoying, is there any way to counteract that?
lol, no one uses the Sawyer bags more than once. They're pretty much universally despised. Get a bladder bag with a big zip opening at one end and thread it right onto the Sawyer or use a hose... since both conveniently connect to a Sawyer. :)
I need to ask some stupid question here... when u use this types , won’t you carry with bacteria’s on you hands and so on when you put in bad water you want to filter...???
Maybe I missed it, but, what was the micron size fitered out on each? I've had the Katahdyn "my bottle" (earlier model) that I used in Brazil, and didn't have any issues. Does the be free compare to that?
Kind of wonder it would take a few extra seconds but if you carried a few coffee filters with you and put them over the top of the bag basically to filter out large container minutes before you run the water through the filter might actually make the flow rate state better longer just a fault it’s extra stuff to carry but if you coffee filters are going to take up no space and we next to nothing I think the extra time on a really long hike might be worth it to maintain the filters integrity longer
I back-flushed it whenever it seemed to slow down. This was probably about every every 4-5 liters on average depending on how dirty the water your filtering is.
Best of both worlds: Use a sawyer with a 63mm to 28mm adapter and use a Nalgene 48oz wide mouth canteen for a dirty bag. Won't break, and has giant opening.
Actually it seems the only advantage for Befree is speed. I would think longevity and versatility would be more important. Hikes are about making it to the end, not being the fastest
Hey Bigfoot, love your videos, but I wanted to bring some clarity and information that I am not seeing when people do reviews of the Sawyer filters. And to be clear, I do not work for Sawyer nor am I invested in Sawyer. I do work for an NGO that provides clean water to people in Liberia West Africa, and we use Sawyer filter in small villages. We have installed over 60,000 Sawyer squeeze filters there and they are an awesome generational solution for these people who are in desperate need of clean water. We use the squeeze as part of a 2-bucket system.
Now for the clarity. Sawyer filter must be back-flushed to maintain flow rate. You can use the syringe provided or use the coupler with a bottle, but it must be done. Also, and most important is the technology of the Sawyer. While the Katodyne and the life straw and other hollow-fiber membrane use the same basic technology, the Sawyer is ABSOLUTE .1 micron while all others are just AVERAGE .1 micron. This is a HUGE difference and can make the difference between health and sickness. The final point is the quality control Sawyer uses. They test all filters before shipping.
We at The Last Well, along with other NGOs, use the Sawyer around the globe to save lives with clean water. I know some that are still using the Sawyer for 10 years and it works as well as it did on day 1 and it is used every day. When my health is on the line I will use NOTHING but Sawyer.
Randy LeTourneau hi Randy I think travel at Latin American country with my backpack, still the mini Sawyer the best water filter so far or you can recommend me I have heard the grayl bottle, which is the best water filtration technology currently, greetings from pr🇵🇷
Randy LeTourneau thank you for the información 💁♂️ 👌
Bacterial free: 0,2 micron is the size used in microbiology. Smaller is also ok. Sawyer is ok because you clean with the backwash. I also have a ceramic katadyn mini. Cleaning by scraping off the Outer layer. But a friend of mine used the katadyn pocket for 20 years, (from 1990 on) at that time...not much choice....
But most economical....Sawyer is!
Well, that's really good to know!
I work at REI and the engineer who created the sawyer came in to store I work at and I had some good Q&A with him and the CEO of Sawyer. The sawyer will last indefinitely as long as you back flush it regularly. That being said you definitely can’t beat the price point. I’ve had same squeeze for 3 years now, no problems yet
How can it get all continents out? How? It worry me.. Espe ially water from streams and lakes... Make me nervous drinking it. Am I swalling virus, bacteria or micro animals that will make me ill?
I totally agree with this comment. Sawyer's product is much more reliable. And, sorry, but clean water is priceless. Even if I lose a minute or two, I'm sticking with reliable over convenient.
@mike spence. So the basis of your comment is: “The engineer who created the sawyer came in to the store I work at and I had some good Q&A with him and the CEO of Sawyer”? Fast forward: “The sayer will last indefinetely as long as you back flush it regularly”. Seriously? (I own a Sawyer Squeeze, but seriously?). .. do you yourself actually find your line of argumentation and amount of context credible..?
I've used the Sawyer with Smart Water bottle system for my AT and PCT hikes. If your Sawyer bags breaks, you can use you Smart Water bottle. If your Katadyn bag breaks, you are screwed. Too bad they didn't make it so that you could screw it on a Gatorade bottle. I'd be willing to try it if it had a bottle back up.
Exactly, their threading choice doesnt really make sense, its bigger yes, but it should be able to match a particular bottle mouth already used in the markets, alas the Gatorade bottles.
Susan Hornbuckle You're right. Also you can use the Sawyer with most Softbottels Like Platypus. Or as a in Line Filter (The Sawyer mini definatly, i never tried with the Sqeeze).
The Sawyer Models Seen to be more flexible for me. Also i already own them...no need for a new, just a Bit faster system. I don't like this throw away mentality.
I'm sorry for my english...I'm Not in Training anymore.
Have a nice day.
I have a sawyer, and like it, but the be free filter fits onto the Hydrapak seeker, collapsible bladder, so both work well for me. I've found that amazon does carry adapter kits, but never tried any of them.
The hydrapak soft flasks with 42mm opening are getting more popular. They've become standard on ultramarathon vests like Ultimate Direction. I just tested my BeFree filter and it fits on the bottles that came with my running vest.
When hiking in groups, I like my Sawyer with a gravity feed setup. Also, the BeFree uses the exact same tops as Smart Water bottles. With an in-line coupler or tornado tube, you can use a Smart Water bottle or soda bottle to back flush the BeFree. Ultimately, it's the exact same hollow glass tube technology in both filters, so it shouldn't damage the BeFree, and it gives a more thorough cleaning.
Susan Hornbuckle and
I use the regular size Sawyer Squeeze with Smartwater bottles. It's so easy & reliable. I've been section hiking the PCT, just bumped up to overnight trips vs day hikes, & it has been invaluable.
With the BeFree I pre-filter the water threw a bandana when filling the bag. If anythiing it helps to keep the filter cleaner. If you want to use something larger then the 1 liter bag Katadyn furnishes. Check out the Hydrapak Seeker Hydration Storage they make a 2 and 3 liter bag for it.
I used the squeeze for a season and decided it wasn't convenient/fast enough for me, so I started using aquamira which isn't any faster than sitting there squeezing water, but at least requires less effort. I recently picked up a BeFree and I'm taking it out this weekend for the first time. Hoping it works out well. The wide mouth was the kicker for me.
I used my BeFree 1/2 liter bag on our kayak trip. I loved the larger opening in that as we were paddling, I could open the bag, do a very quick fill from the lake, close it up, and be on our way without breaking stride. The bag itself felt very sturdy for squeezing out the water. Super convenient and fast.
For me, its a no brainer Sawyer squeeze just has the versatility. Being able to change the container is far more valuable than a faster filter.
I know that you are almost ready for your JMT 2017, so have fun!The sheer ruggedness and beauty will take your breath away!
I guess I do my sawyer wrong. It came with an adapter in the kit that screws to the bottle so the hole connecting it to the smart water bottle is larger, less restriction. Second thing is that I don't "squeeze" my sawyer bags. I cut the ends out of them and fill them from the cut end and hang them from the cut end to drain into the bottles or what ever. I have a lot better flow rate than 20 seconds for a liter doing it this way. I also don't screw the bottle tight against the filter so that there is an air escape path so it fills faster. Maybe I have a defective filter?
any info out there about the filtered results? do they both filter to a similar water "purity"?
@@apearson77 a thought they both filltered 99,99 wat do u thinks best mate.
Ha, ha. I used a Sawyer Squeeze for about two years. Last year, I saw the newly released 0.6L BeFree at REI and picked one up thinking it would be a nice supplement to the Sawyer. It would allow me to grab water on the go. I would utilize the Sawyer when it was time to replenish my water bottles (which was more of an effort, requiring me to remove the backpack). Out on the trail, I soon discovered that not only was the BeFree great for grabbing a quick 1/2 liter of water, it was also a super great, easy way to replenish my empty 1-L plastic Evian bottles. Way easier and much more convenient than the Sawyer. Now, I leave the Sawyer at home and exclusively use the BeFree. I refill my bottles and I fill it for an extra 0.6L carry along. I love it. Having said all this, I would love to see a more scientific test as to how they compare with filtering out actual particles.
+rudy pospisil I feel the same as you Rudy. It would be very interesting about a deeper test on the ability of filtering the particles and how it compares to others
I cut the top off of a smart water bottle to make a funnel for the Sawyer bags. Sawyer sells a coupling that allows it to screw onto the bag. Makes filling them easier.
7:00 I don't know anybody who uses the Sawyer with it's own bag. CNOC makes a super durable 2L bag that has a compatible opening for Sawyer at one end and opens completely at the other end, so you can fill it from pretty much any source. The big problem with the Katadyn opening is that you are stuck with the Katadyn bag, which is not all that durable, or one other brand, which isn't much better. That wider opening is actually a problem in my book, because it really limits how you can use the Katadyn.
Another trick if your bag is hard to fill: cut the bottom off a Smartwater bottle. This will give you a cup you can use to catch water from pretty much any source and pour into your bottle. Weighs about .2 ounces and works like a charm. It even collapses on itself without cracking so it takes almost zero space. Admittedly, you'll be catching about 4-6 ounces at a time, depending on how high you cut the bottle.
I do hiking and canoe trips, I bring both. BeFree for drinking on route, and the Squeeze for gravity filtering at camp. Thanks for the video!
With the sawyer you can also use it as a gravity filter. Connect it with one of the new one gallon bags and you have a great group hike solution. As for the bags on the sawyer for individual use, get the evernew bags instead.
+Ed Fenton Thanks for mentioning the gravity filter, I forgot about it after I got done with the production of this video. I knew there was a bag that worked with these but couldn't remember what brand it was, thank you for that. I'll put those in the description box so people can find that stuff. Thanks Ed!
some specific suggestions from me: www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP108-One-Gallon-Reservoir/dp/B06Y2RSTHD/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503067392&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=sawyer+squeeze+one+gallon and
www.amazon.com/Evernew-Water-Carry-2000-ml/dp/B001ASLWSK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503067355&sr=8-1&keywords=evernew+water+bladder
I enjoyed your video and shared the same pros/cons of the Sawyer Squeeze. I'll never buy another SS and will likely buy the Be Free. I used the SS 10 - 15 times and then it quit working entirely. I only used very clear running water in it so doubt it was clogged and back flushing proved useless. Other than having to turn my backpack trip around, the worst part was the lack of response from Sawyer Squeeze. Giving my business to company's with ZERO customer service isn't going to happen.
I think the Sawyer Squeeze seems like the best option for backpacking, but for bikepacking (and other applications where weight is not so much an issue), i prefer the Katadyn "Pocket" filter. Really like the design, which gives that nice feeling of using a really good quality item. It is also reassuring to know that it will probably last the rest of my life. It doesnt filter water as fast as the "Squeeze" and "BeFree", but it is more than fast enough for me.
I wish I had seen this before I bought my Sawyer MINI a few years back.
Because of a few years if knees issues (yes, both), I was only able to day hike amor car camp and never needed to filter.
I used it for the first time this February 17 in the AT at the CT-MA border.
I already knew about freezing the filter, so I kept it in a waist coat oicket or my sleeping bag.
I knew about the bag failures, so I brought my Platypus bag.
After running low the water I brought, I filtered 1.5L of water on 20° weather. I swear it took at least 25 minutes. I wish I had timed it. That is possibly 25 minutes sitting still, squeezing a cold bag of water in 20° weather.
I will get the Sawyer Squeeze, thanks to this video.
I have a Sawyer Mini and a AquaPura filter that is like the LiveStraw, I'll be doing a comparison of those when I get to my campsite at the end of the month, neither have been used yet
Check out the evernew bags. I used a 900 ml bag on the AT for over 1300 miles before it started leaking and I replaced it The threads match up perfectly with the sawyer squeeze.
I swapped out my Sawyer bags for a CNOC bag and never looked back
YES! The Sawyer Squeeze and the CNOC Vector are a match made in heaven
I've been totally sold on the CNOC Vectos replacing the Sawyer bags from the first time I was introduced to them. The through hiker that first showed me one said while he was breaking it out "Sawyer means well, but sometimes they miss the mark."
My personal favorite is my lifestraw go 2 stage water filtration bottle. It's more simpler than the name sounds. It's convenient but it's only good for water. I can use the attached carabineer to clip it to my shoulder strap and when I get to a water source I can take it off, unscrew the top, scoop up water, put the top back on and be on my merry hiking way. It's heavier than a Sawyer system but it's literally a convenience item and considering I mostly drink water on trail it comes in handy. Plus the carbon filter makes the mountain water taste even more clean! Great vid, Bigfoot!
Plus it's tough as nails
Chasing the Echo I have a similar sawyer bottle that I also like. One difference with the Sawyer is that it is softer plastic, so you can squeeze it and have the flow rate be much higher than just sucking. Also, sawyer filters last much longer.
Chasing the Echo a the only thing about the bottles I don't like is that you have to have a constant supply of water around because it would be hard to fill multiple containers from the filter bottle.
My evernew bag fits the sawyer, which is an option you don't have on the befree. I think many have completed a thru-hike without an evernew bag failure. The sawyer bags I just don't trust. I do see the advantages you mentioned of the befree wider mouth. I'll get one someday when they are on sale.
the filling problem is better solved with a leaf than an entirely new water filter that doesn't fit standard screw tops...
Great comparison... perhaps you’ve done an update on your BeFree?
I just did a flow rate test.. my BeFree 1L did the same volume as you in 2min 20seconds... bogus. I don’t even have 100liters thru it.
My Sawyer Squeeze was just delivered... I’m switching because I’ve tried to clean my BeFree to no avail. :/
I think the CNOC bag would solve the issue with the Sawyer. Large easy fill. And fits on the filter.
Love my CNOC. Easier to fill and easier to squeeze. Works gravity fed too.
thanks bro. i got one thanks to you and it works a treat.
I have the 2L cnoc bags also one for dirty one for clean they work great. If the bags break I can always use the 2 smart bottles I also carry as a backup. Love the Sawyer squeeze !!
Sounds like one needs to use a bandanna over the mouth of the BeFree to keep down the number of floaties down clogging the filter.
Yeah. Ten folds of cotton takes out a lot of stuff down to bacteria and cyst size.
Reviewers I've watched ( dozens) aren't thinking about the questions I have.
Why not just keep the fibres clean by always doing prefiltering?
Why isn't the maker recommending to clean it more often? I'm looking to buy and my thinking is that if it's getting clogged that means it's doing its job.
Also, is higher flow rate due to having more fibres available? Seems like the same KIND of fibres.
And can you not reverse flush the Katadyne? Why not?
On and on. Reviewers are lacking investigative thinking. None of them seem to correspond with makers to get to the answers or even formulate the questions.
Thanks for the review! I like the thoughts you shared. I had a mini squeeze and I took it on one trip with crystal clear water in Colorado and wanted to throw it at a tree on about day three. It has horrible flow rate and is incredibly frustrating. Never used a standard squeeze because of that experience. I'm going to give the befree a try as a filler for my side bottles. I like that it's compatible with the entire line of 42mm seeker bottles from hydrapak. Great for dry desert trips where carry volume is king. They go up to 4L and that's very convenient. Cheers.
I would ballpark that on a thru hike, I need about 5 liters per day, which means this would last about 200 days, which is just over 6 months meaning it would be good for one entire long distance thru hike. Does that sound about right?
9:20 You hit on the other big weakness with the Katadyn. It's only rated for 250 gallons **(depending on water quality)** so they probably won't back it if you filter 250 gallons of trail water. So when you say that the 100 liter old Katadyn has really only been used a little bit, you're right, but it's already significantly through it's service life.
Never mind those ridiculous Sawyer bags, just use the Smart Water bottle. I carry two: one gets filled only with clean water to drink and use to back-flush the filter. Very informative video. Thanks.
Good way to do it. The Sawyer bags are junk.
Ditto here. Rigid bottles are easier to fill from sources. The filter stays on my dirty water bottle and I can drink through the filter. Put a flip top on the filter and swap it onto the clean water bottle and the nozzle fits the clean side of the filter for easy back flushing. When the bottles get old and wrinkled, toss them and pick up replacements anywhere. Cheers.
I’m happy to see a side by side review of these two popular products. I do have a concern about the points used for comparison.
The primary factors for a filters evaluation need to be resultant water quality. The filter must be able to achieve the min/max safe contaminant level in post-treat.
Secondary factors are weight, size, durability, manufacturer’s design flow rate, total processing capacity and ease of use. These are balanced based on individual objectives and your budget. Having a high flow rate at the beginning of a filters life may not necessarily predict the quality of the post-treat. Process fluids time- in- contact with filter media often has an impact on the resultant post-treat quality. Most filters have an optimum min-max flow rating.
Right on.
We have to remember that we can use the sawyer for life! If we clean it every now and then.
CNOC bags and Sawyer Micro work perfectly for my needs. Tip: If you remove the pull cap from the filter it actually improves the flow rate when filling your bottles!
The main adventage of Sawyer filters, is that you are be able to filter much more water then any other filter on the market.
Plus with the mini you can use tubing to make it a gravity filter. I guess with an adapter you can to the same to the standard sawyer.
This is exactly the comparison I was looking for
On a section hike of the NCT I filtered lake water through my Sayer Mini. You can imagine the stuff swirling around in the water. I flushed every time and it held up, though it may have slowed up too. So I will be straining. I was hoping you might mention the vacuum you get from the Sayer/bottle combo.
Another great 411 video, THANKS !
How much did flow rate of the Be Free improve after cleaning/flushing ??
Just purchased a BeFree and looking forward to field trials.
Now I cant stop hearing you say "beg" in my head
Beg it to stop 😉
Would have been better if you would have had a well used Squeeze filter to compare for flow rate. And what would you do if the Kadadyns bag broke?
I'm looking forward to trying the BeFree on my section of the AT in September to save some weight. However on long distance hikes I would suggest changing out your sawyer bags for an evernew bag. They thread perfectly and are very very durable compared to the platypus bags or anything similar really.
Perfect. I really appreciate your honesty. I like both and will probably try both as well. Thanks and good job.
Great video! My BeFree is pretty new, maybe 20-30L thru it. The flow rate is basically a fast drip, even when squeezing. I always prefilter, so I'm very disappointed. It's practically unusable now. I wanted to love it, so maybe I'll give it another try with a new filter.
I have used the BeFree about 400 miles so far . One I used on the SHT for 180ish miles and I used a brand new one in the JMT for he entire 212 miles. I brought a new one of the JMT to see how the flow rate was with mountain water compared to the iron water in Northern Mn. I have great flow rates on both, of course it’s not as fast as it was out of the box. I am really surprised to hear that have 20-30L. If I were you I would call Katadyn and tell them about this, perhaps they will exchange it for you. That shouldn’t happen as long as you are following the instructions on flushing it regularly.
I told them about it and they're checking into it. I bought the 2L seeker bag as well so I'd like to stick with this setup.
I used the Sawyer on a backpacking trip and was not impressed with the squeeze bag for it. I had a hard time filling it up so I could purify my water. The bag kept collapsing everytime I tried to fill it.
Someone here had the idea to use a small cup or bottle to assist in filling the Sawyer bag.. This is something I will do next time I use it.
Other than the trouble with the bag the Sawyer did what it was supposed to do.
The Katadyns are $70 here. How often do you need to replace the filter? Sawyer is $58 here. My question is how often do you need to replace your sawyer squeeze itself? Would it survive a full 6 month hike?
+Antonia Baker it would definitely survive a 6 month hike. Click on the links in my description box. The Katadyn filter is 39.99 and the Sawyer with 1 bag is under 30 bucks.
Slippery Storm No walmart or amazons here im afraid.
You can buy other soft flasks from various other manufacturers. I don't know if they are standard size openings but if so you could use one of them instead of the Sawyer bags. You would still have the problem with the small opening, but probably the soft flasks wouldn't break as often.
Pre filtering water with a piece of cloth or a bandana, rubber banded to the opening of the bottle youre filling really makes using either filter much more pleasant. It takes a little longer to fill (maybe a minute) but makes filter maintenance MUCH less effort.
On my sawyer I threw away bags I use green colored water bottle 1.5 liter for dirty water and use 1.5 liter clear for filtered or clean water
I have both water filters, what you failed to mention that the c noc does the same thing but has a larger opening. Yes it’s not part of the Sawyer squeeze but 85% of the people I know with a Sawyer squeeze use the c noc to gather water for the Sawyer squeeze.
you did not talk about the flow rate after you clean the filter in BeFree
You could use a Cnoc vecto 2l Walter container easy to fill and Sawyer filter will fit on thisThe Only the problem is I can be expensive to buy but it is better quality so you can have it longer.
Flow rate is not as important as dependability. What bothered me about the Katadyn is that when your flask is 1/2 full, it doesn't want to stay in the holster. Why is this not being mentioned? Katadyn used to have a hard sided flask which worked fine.
I hated the Sawyer, and went back to Katadyn pump. I now have the BeFree and the 3 liter Katadyn bag for trips with my wife. The BeFree is great for a quick filter at a stream crossing, but once arriving at camp, it is nice to hang a 3 liter bag and have enough water for dinner and breakfast without any pumping or squeezing.
I understand how you may prefer the larger opening on the BeFree bag, but I wish the BeFree filter would fit on a smartwater bottle. If the BeFree bag fails, your screwed.
+Christopher Stevenson That's what you give up for having a large opening. Now, if I was doing a long distance thru hike I would be bringing two bags. Same problem happens to the Sawyer and i usually carried 2 bags or sometimes 3 if I had to buy a three pack on the trail and didn't split it.
With the sawyer, I think the simplest solution is to just collect dirty water in the smartwater bottle, screw the sawyer to the water bottle and drink directly from the sawyer. This system would probably not work for you, if you are mixing gatorade in your bottle.
There's a big question to how you're cleaning the katadyn filter. Proper cleaning maintains their flow rate better.
Great review, nice to hear what one thinks after some real use. I have been using the sawyer for years and never had any real issue with it, but always looking to see what is new and maybe improved. I do like to gravity feed with the sawyer at the end of the day, only needing a small light weight joiner, not sure if the be free can also? Also, just a small benefit, if your dirty water bag splits, the sawyer can use any standard thread bottle like a smart water bottle as the dirty water bottle.
I'm assuming that this is much slower, as I have encountered few people who also do this, but if you don't like the bags, just bring a soda bottle with the bottom cut off, and pour water into the (I use 2L soda bottle), I assume you could also figure some way to scoop with the soda bottle itself, but whatever. From there I think gravity feed is nicer. I suppose bags increase water capacity for long dry stretches, but to be honest, I don't think that I have ever seen anyone store water in a bag, so I doubt that this is really a factor. Also, I am pretty sure that weight difference is minimal between the two different kinds of plastic.
The Katadyne befree broke on me the very first trip I brought it on. Bag split right at the harder plastic collar. Go with Sawyer for consistent reliability
I have a Sawyer. I like the simplicity and light weight, and it's good for 100,000 liters; however, even new, it has never flowed as fast as in your vid. Unless I can find a little rock funnel in a river to fill it, I need to use my cup to pour water into the bags. Filter clogs pretty quickly, and even after reverse flowing, it's never very fast. I'm always that last one to finish filtering, although when out backpacking, I'm in no hurry. Mine froze last trip, but I'm going to get another one and also take some filtration tablets for in camp.
I've always used a platypus bag with my sawyer with no issues.
I find the cleaning of the Katadyne a bit weird... you shake it and then you have all the stuff that should be filtered out floating around in your filtered water? In addition, don't you contaminate the inside of the water bag doing that?
For anyone looking to buy, REI has the befree filters on sale now. I got the 1.0L for $34 I think.
+Chris Mays I just saw that, great deal on their clearance. I just picked up another UL sleeping pad because it was so much off that I'm going to take on the JMT
not enough upgrade to change from the Sawyer Squeeze gravity system I have. 4 liter Platypus bag with Sawyer in the middle. Stop being in such a hurry...smell the roses. I like the befree soft bag though.
I set my sawyer up as a gravity system, never busted a bag bc I don't squeeze it.
Sounds like an adapter from the befree bag and the Sawyer would be great
I'm still hesitant drinking water from lakes with it.. How safe are they really? How can it get all micro organisms out.
Gets 99.9% out. I am not a scientist, but I have ever gotten sick filtering my water and I have hiked over 4000 miles the last few years.
Excellent side by side review. I've also used both and the BeFree has fast become my go to filter for all of the reasons that you mentioned. That is a little concerning that the BeFree is clogging so quickly though... just curious, how clear was the water that you were filtering? The bag looked a bit stained...was the water that you were filtering just heavy with tannins or was it murky due to sediment? Also, I wonder if soaking the older filter in vinegar would help unclog it... might be an interesting experiment seeing as you have a replacement already. Good job on the review :) Hope you can get out on the trail soon man!
The water on the Superior Hiking Trail is stained with tannins and iron but typically doesn't have a lot of sediment.
Can this filter really still be effective after 100,000 litres? That will last a lifetime! I'm looking for a long term small portable solution.
Nice review. Thanks. I was hoping, that you include something like, how many stuff comes thru both filters when they are new compare to when they are used. I mean somehow in a scientific way.
Great review Bigfoot. I follow ER and he premixes Aqua Mira and adds the 7 drops to his 1L bottle on the go. This seems to be quick and effective. Have you tried that? Thanks
For those who are not calculation minded 100 000 gallons in years is:
@ 10 liters per day (2.64 gal - one filter for 2-3 hikers?), you're good for 103 years.
@ 10 gallons (37,9 liters ) per day; 27 years
@ 100 liters per day (26.4 gal), you're down to only 10 years
@ 100 gallons per day (379 liters) that's now 2.7 years. Lotsa people and/or many showers per day to get to these numbers, though...
I just revisited this video after watching your Scotland trip and my desire to pick up a new filtering system. I have been tossed between continuing to use my Sawyer Squeeze couple with a new CNOC Vecto or going with the 1 L BeFree. My main dilemma is that I generally gravity feed 2 L when I get to camp. Any thoughts on the CNOC/Sawyer as opposed to going straight to the BeFree. By the way I am a section hiker with a max of 10 days out at a time. Thanks
Aren't you supposed to push clean water through the outlet to backflush? Not just clean air?
How nasty was the water you filtered with the Befree and typically? How durable do you feel the Befree bag is going to be? Looks flimsy which is my biggest fear since its not compatible with other bottles or bags like the Sawyer is. I've never had a problem with sawyer, Platypus or Evernew bags. If the BeFree bag fails you're screwed in my opinion if your hiking buddies don't have one too. What do you have for a backup? Do you carry 2 bags?
Would be interesting to measure turbidity in the filtred water
I used to use Sawyer but I found I spent more time scooping water and trying to get water in the bag than I did hiking. I switched to BeFree. Much better!
i have an issue with the sawyer squeeze building up pressure on the smart water bottles. so I have to unscrew it a little between each drink. it gets annoying, is there any way to counteract that?
Can you post a video with your gear list for the JMT 2017?
+Besalu Yes, I'll be publishing it on 8/31
Great! I subscribed to your channel to see it. Gret reviews by the way!
Correction. It’s 100,000 Gallons, not litters for the sawyer mini. And 1,000,000 Gallons for the squeeze which is the one you have.
Why do you switch to smart water bottle. When you could drink out of the bag through the filter?
Bonjour So which one is the best ?
Is the Sawyer water filter all you need for north America?
lol, no one uses the Sawyer bags more than once. They're pretty much universally despised. Get a bladder bag with a big zip opening at one end and thread it right onto the Sawyer or use a hose... since both conveniently connect to a Sawyer. :)
I need to ask some stupid question here... when u use this types , won’t you carry with bacteria’s on you hands and so on when you put in bad water you want to filter...???
Can you add a drink mix into the BeFree or would that not be advisable since it's going through the filter?
Hmmm, not sure about that. I have to call them to ask them another question, I’ll ask this too
Maybe I missed it, but, what was the micron size fitered out on each? I've had the Katahdyn "my bottle" (earlier model) that I used in Brazil, and didn't have any issues. Does the be free compare to that?
0.1 micron for both.
Kind of wonder it would take a few extra seconds but if you carried a few coffee filters with you and put them over the top of the bag basically to filter out large container minutes before you run the water through the filter might actually make the flow rate state better longer just a fault it’s extra stuff to carry but if you coffee filters are going to take up no space and we next to nothing I think the extra time on a really long hike might be worth it to maintain the filters integrity longer
How often and how many times at a time should you backflush the original sawyer?
I back-flushed it whenever it seemed to slow down. This was probably about every every 4-5 liters on average depending on how dirty the water your filtering is.
Can you say you rinsed the Befree regularly,, I.e. at least once a day?
Best of both worlds: Use a sawyer with a 63mm to 28mm adapter and use a Nalgene 48oz wide mouth canteen for a dirty bag. Won't break, and has giant opening.
Maybe use a cnoc vector bag to collect the water but the sawyer squeeze to filter...
I heard it’s not good to reuse plastic water bottles because of the preservative? that’s used in it. Or maybe its a plastic component. I don’t know.
Can these two brands filter tap water? Or just good for lake pond and river waters? Thanks.
You can, yes. However, it’ll have no benefit.
I just bought a sawyer. If the bag splits Im gunna try heat sealing it again
Is it possible to backflush the katadyn with the sawyer syringe? I wonder if it would improve the flowrate.
+Robert Reyes I tried various ways and haven't figured it out yet.
Is it possible to use another brand's water filter with the BeFree's bag?
+Aaron I don't know of one, it would have to fit on the bag and I don't know of any that do that
Can't you use a "dirty" smart water bottle to catch water then filter that bottle?
Actually it seems the only advantage for Befree is speed. I would think longevity and versatility would be more important. Hikes are about making it to the end, not being the fastest
I replaced the sawyer bag with a platypus bladder bag. It's more sturdy, and flexible than the sawyer bag.
Are you taking the BeFree on the JMT?
+Joshua Swanson I sure am