The Sawyer Squeeze filter is highly regarded among ultralight hikers, backpackers, bikers, and travelers for its minimal weight and universal compatibility. Weighing only 3 ounces, the Squeeze offers a filtration level of 0.1 microns, effectively eliminating contaminants such as E. coli, salmonella, giardia, and cryptosporidium. Its design claims to filter up to 100,000 gallons of water before requiring replacement. The Squeeze is compatible with any 28-mm diameter soda bottle, allowing for easily accessible replacements globally.
The Squeeze can be purchased separately or as a part of a kit that includes water bladders and connecting hoses. While the included bladders function sufficiently, many users opt to filter water directly into alternative bottles like the Smart Water bottle. Though primarily designed to be used by squeezing, the Squeeze can also function as a gravity filter, albeit at a slower rate.
Over years of refinement, a common setup for the Sawyer Squeeze involves using a 2L Cnoc VectoX water bladder for collecting dirty water, which then connects directly to the Squeeze, with clean water being transferred into two Smart Water bottles connected to the filter outlet. For excursions where water sources are sparse, an additional 2L HydraPak bladder is recommended. This configuration allows for the efficient filtering of two liters of clean water in approximately four minutes when squeezed, and between six to eight liters when using gravity, assuming the filter is clean.
A notable downside of the Sawyer Squeeze is its cleaning requirement. Effective cleaning necessitates the use of an included back-flushing syringe, which can be cumbersome. Experience suggests that if water sources are relatively free of silt and debris, the Squeeze can remain functional for up to seven days without cleaning. However, packing the syringe is advisable for longer trips. Furthermore, the Sawyer Mini offers an even lighter alternative but lacks the robustness of the Squeeze. Although the Mini provides weight savings, tests indicate that the Squeeze’s faster flow rate makes it a preferable choice, unless ultra-light travel is prioritized.
Specs:
- Weight: 3 oz. (85 g)
- Filtration: 0.1 micron
- Type: Hollow fiber membrane
- Speed: Approximately 0.5 liters per minute
