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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: Steve922 on 22:54:56, 16/04/17

Title: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: Steve922 on 22:54:56, 16/04/17
I bought one of these and tested it out on a local walk today. No running water, so I used a local pond. The thing is that I found it quite difficult and very slow to fill the flexible bottle which fits to the filter. I'd imagine it would be quick under running water (like my kitchen tap!) but in static water, it just doesn't want to expand. Took me about 10 minutes to get 300ml of filtered water.  Am I missing something? Should I get a better (or one of the bigger) 'filler' bag? Or rig up a bottle or something? Or is this normal?
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23:12:02, 16/04/17
I bought one of these and tested it out on a local walk today. No running water, so I used a local pond. The thing is that I found it quite difficult and very slow to fill the flexible bottle which fits to the filter. I'd imagine it would be quick under running water (like my kitchen tap!) but in static water, it just doesn't want to expand. Took me about 10 minutes to get 300ml of filtered water.  Am I missing something? Should I get a better (or one of the bigger) 'filler' bag? Or rig up a bottle or something? Or is this normal?


I use one, I had the same issue. Filling it in standing water you either need to push the bottom down and submerge the top so that it fills up, or some people use an old coke bottle to fill the bladder. It takes some practice to get the knack of it.


J
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: Percy on 23:51:12, 16/04/17
I also found the pouch pretty hopeless unless there was fast running or, better still, falling water. I take an old pop bottle instead. A 500ml coke style one. The thread is the same as the filter so it fits right on, I don't bother taking the pouch anymore.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: Cairncamper on 11:40:50, 17/04/17
You can cut the top off one of the sawyer pouches and have a massive opening to catch water, then pour the water into a normal pouch.


You can also cut a pop bottle in half or the bottom of one and use it as a scoop.



Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: Glyno on 14:54:23, 17/04/17
You can cut the top off one of the sawyer pouches and have a massive opening to catch water, then pour the water into a normal pouch.


best idea I've read or heard.


...or if you have one of those little filler jugs that come with steam irons?
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: fernman on 18:57:22, 17/04/17
Sounds identical to the problem I faced with my old Field & Trek water bag (a bit like what you get in big cartons of wine) and my current 5 litre plastic water carrier that folds flat. Both fine to fill in falling water, or running water provided it was deep enough, but hopeless in still water even deep pools.

I used to painstakingly fill them with my half-pint drinking mug but it took at least 30 scoops because when pouring the water into the carrier a proportion of it missed the narrow spout.

This has been overcome by buying a small folding funnel on eBay, so all the water goes in without losing any, while the process is also quicker with the 500ml plastic measuring beaker I now use, also from eBay. The latter is useful for measuring the correct amount of water to boil for freeze-dried meals, and it is lighter weight than the mug.

Prior to these I tried a 500ml drinks bottle cut to make a funnel but it soon got crushed and broken in my rucksack, while I found a whole 500ml bottle took too long to fill compared with a mug, and it was also extra bulk to fill my pack.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: Cairncamper on 19:01:23, 17/04/17

best idea I've read or heard.


...or if you have one of those little filler jugs that come with steam irons?


I used one once lol but found it too small and bulky. You can crush some of the thinner, lighter pop bottle down a bit multiple times until it needs replacing, but a cut sawyer pouch packs down to nothing and is quite rigid too.


If you do have access to a waterfall or deep amount of water, you can dunk a big zip lock bag in it with a bit cut out of the corner, and grab a load of water, and fill pouches, bottles etc with the little cut corner spout bit. You can also cut a little corner of a sawyer pouch too obviously.


Its a good way to get water in your pouch etc without having loads of dirty water spill all over the outside of the pouch, that can drip down onto the mouthpiece of your filter, potentially contaminating your filtered water.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: hiho on 20:44:20, 17/04/17
£1 shops sell pouches like the sawyer one 2 in a pack. That's what I use
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: route2rock on 23:54:17, 17/04/17
I normally inflate the pouch first, as if blowing up a balloon. It holds its shape in the 'inflated' position fairly well, and the water fills it much easier. ;)

I've used this method in slow streams, but I've not tried it in standing water.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: quixoticgeek on 14:33:01, 18/04/17
I normally inflate the pouch first, as if blowing up a balloon. It holds its shape in the 'inflated' position fairly well, and the water fills it much easier. ;)

I've used this method in slow streams, but I've not tried it in standing water.


Be slightly careful when doing this. You should assume the dirty bag is dirty, all of it, so getting your mouth in contact with the opening to inflate it exposes you to the same nasties you have a filter to keep out...


J
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: Motile on 14:56:38, 18/04/17
I've bought one, completely forgot to take it to Snowdon this past weekend.. Would have been the perfect opportunity to use it! All the reviews of it look great.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 19:20:42, 18/04/17
I bought one of these and tested it out on a local walk today. No running water, so I used a local pond. The thing is that I found it quite difficult and very slow to fill the flexible bottle which fits to the filter. I'd imagine it would be quick under running water (like my kitchen tap!) but in static water, it just doesn't want to expand. Took me about 10 minutes to get 300ml of filtered water.  Am I missing something? Should I get a better (or one of the bigger) 'filler' bag? Or rig up a bottle or something? Or is this normal?


Flexible bottle as a feeder is garbage, imo.  The threads on the Sawyer fit Smart brand water bottles, so I just bring along three of these with one clearly labelled dirty.  If I want lots of water, I'll bring a bladder/flexible water storage and filter from the dirty bottle in until they are full.


There is currently a better MSR water system called the Trailshot at a similar price to the Sawyer, with a better flow rate and which allows a more dynamic experience.  Probably what I'd recommend if you don't already have a sawyer/similar.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: Innominate Man on 00:25:20, 19/04/17
How about a syringe - i.e. about the same size as a Smartie tube.
No needle of course - just use the plunger to draw up water & squirt it into the pouch straight from the nozzle.
I got a small one from Boots a few years ago and assume you can get the larger sizes too.


Just a thought.


Beefy posted a vid on here a year back which included a handy bit of DIY for these filters - but I can't remember what his modification was. If he sees this he may jump in and 'fill you in' - so to speak     :knuppel2:
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: route2rock on 12:06:23, 19/04/17

Be slightly careful when doing this. You should assume the dirty bag is dirty, all of it, so getting your mouth in contact with the opening to inflate it exposes you to the same nasties you have a filter to keep out...


J

Should of added I place my hand around the neck of the bottle so that my mouth only goes near my hand, not the bottle. They inflate really easily so a complete seal is not needed ;)
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: April on 13:53:20, 19/04/17
How about a syringe - i.e. about the same size as a Smartie tube.
No needle of course - just use the plunger to draw up water & squirt it into the pouch straight from the nozzle.
I got a small one from Boots a few years ago and assume you can get the larger sizes too.

We also have a syringe we use to draw up water from places where the water is more difficult to access with a bladder. We try to get it from running streams if possible but the syringe has been our saviour a few times. We also have wide mouthed bigger bladders too for when we are out camping. Easier to fill from standing water or streams that don't have a big enough drop to use the other bladder.The bladders that came with the filter gave up the ghost pretty quickly, we bought cheapo replacements from Home Bargains, 79p I think.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: beefy on 14:11:45, 19/04/17
How about a syringe - i.e. about the same size as a Smartie tube.
No needle of course - just use the plunger to draw up water & squirt it into the pouch straight from the nozzle.
I got a small one from Boots a few years ago and assume you can get the larger sizes too.


Just a thought.


Beefy posted a vid on here a year back which included a handy bit of DIY for these filters - but I can't remember what his modification was. If he sees this he may jump in and 'fill you in' - so to speak   :knuppel2:
not read all the replys but i filter from one small bladder to another small clean one, red for unfiltered, blue for filtered ...  8)
on the fly, that way it filters for you and you always have clean water to drink if you need it
you may have spotted it hanging from my pack on pics/vids


We also have a syringe we use to draw up water from places where the water is more difficult to access with a bladder. We try to get it from running streams if possible but the syringe has been our saviour a few times. We also have wide mouthed bigger bladders too for when we are out camping. Easier to fill from standing water or streams that don't have a big enough drop to use the other bladder.The bladders that came with the filter gave up the ghost pretty quickly, we bought cheapo replacements from Home Bargains, 79p I think.


Yeah what Ape' said ...  ;D
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: April on 19:10:06, 19/04/17
not read all the replys but i filter from one small bladder to another small clean one, red for unfiltered, blue for filtered ...  8)
on the fly, that way it filters for you and you always have clean water to drink if you need it
you may have spotted it hanging from my pack on pics/vids

As if by magic, here is a pic  :)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5452/29912357194_ed516b1b84_z.jpg) (http://)

Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: beefy on 19:20:25, 19/04/17
As if by magic, here is a pic  :)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5452/29912357194_ed516b1b84_z.jpg) (http://)
thanks Ape' ...  O0
can i borrow ya magic wand i wanna put me lotto on ...  :D
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: Steelystan on 22:42:01, 20/07/17
Ive used both Sawyer mini and regular on the PCT in 2015 and again for about 500 miles this spring. One of my two flexible bags leaked after being dropped but otherwise they've been ok, except they are a pain to fill if you have no vertical flow to collect from.


The easy fix is get a 1.5 L bottle of smartwater.  The thread is a standard fit (actually nearly all of the narrow type threads are the same) and use it as your dirty bottle.  Hold the thing between your knees and squeeze into the clean bottle through your filter - this will overcome the amusing comedy flow rate of the mini, until you get fed up with, whereupon you will lob it at some passing lorry, and replace with the ordinary size sawyer which flows properly.


Its useful to have a cut off small bottle - say the bottom 3" of a half litre bottle in case you need to scoop from a shallow flow.  And I have often held the opening of a plastic bag flush to a rock when there is a seep running over its surface. Sometimes such seeps can be running at gallons a minute but only 2mm deep over the rock, so there's no other way to collect it.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: April on 08:59:29, 21/07/17
the amusing comedy flow rate of the mini

We have no problems with our mini filter flow rate. Ours filter half a litre in a few minutes? Have you flushed your filter to clean it?
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: Steve922 on 18:19:34, 17/05/18
Since writing the original post in this thread, I've done quite a bit of experimenting with this. I'm settled on carrying two 500ml bottles; one tough coke bottle and one flimsy water bottle. I have been carrying the Sawyer bottle also but still find it very poor to use anywhere. The disadvantage of the two 500ml bottles is pack volume but that doesn't bother me. I carry all my water gear in the top of my pack so its handy whenever I come across some water.
    I make a point of never filling my water bottle from a tap anywhere in order to get used to the way I'll need to do it on a long hike. Can't beat experience!  :-)   So far, I've never been short of water so quite happy with my setup at the mom,ent. I am wondering if finding water might be more problematic when I hit the hills.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: Jim Parkin on 22:43:11, 27/05/18

Be slightly careful when doing this. You should assume the dirty bag is dirty, all of it, so getting your mouth in contact with the opening to inflate it exposes you to the same nasties you have a filter to keep out...


J
I make a pipe out of my hand hand to inflate it.  I assume my hands are mucky anyway. 
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: Doddy on 15:32:47, 31/05/18
I use the filter and find it good.To aid filling as water scoop I re-use those fairly stiff plastic coffee, pills, other food product bags with sealable tops.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: alan de enfield on 16:26:11, 31/05/18
I use the filter and find it good.To aid filling as water scoop I re-use those fairly stiff plastic coffee, pills, other food product bags with sealable tops.



I use a child's juice foil 'carton (like a pouch). Cut open the top and it makes an ideal scoop by gently squeezing the sides, only problem is that it is only 200ml, but, if you need water, you'll have to take as long as it takes.


My kit consists of :
Sayer Mini water filter
Platypus Inline carbon filter (to remove 'taste')
2x 500ml Bladders
2x Non-Lubricated condoms
10x Water sterilising tablets
Assorted bits of pipe and connectors for different assembly and filtering methods


It all fits into an 'Airline Courtesy Kit' holder. (the kit with toothpaste, slippers, socks etc)


Total weight 270g.







Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: marmottungsten on 17:06:56, 02/06/18

I use a child's juice foil 'carton (like a pouch). Cut open the top and it makes an ideal scoop by gently squeezing the sides, only problem is that it is only 200ml, but, if you need water, you'll have to take as long as it takes.


My kit consists of :
Sayer Mini water filter
Platypus Inline carbon filter (to remove 'taste')
2x 500ml Bladders
2x Non-Lubricated condoms
10x Water sterilising tablets
Assorted bits of pipe and connectors for different assembly and filtering methods


It all fits into an 'Airline Courtesy Kit' holder. (the kit with toothpaste, slippers, socks etc)


Total weight 270g.


Again with the heavy kit Alan!   :) 
I have a Sawyer Mini too...One of it's main advantages over something like a Katadyn Mini Water Filter is its ultralight weight (Just 38g)...But by putting all that extra kit together, in a heavy carry case, to make the Sawyer Mini easier to use, has actually made it heavier than a Katadyn! (226g vs 270g).  I now use an MSR Trailshot...It is a cross between a Katadyn and a Sawyer Mini...Like the Katadyn, it has a hand pump and a suction tube, so you can pump water crouching down in relative comfort, rather than kneeling uncomfortably in the mud on a river bank trying to fill your Sawyer mini dirty water pouch, and like the Sawyer Mini, it's relatively lightweight (142g), 84g lighter than a Katadyn and almost half the weight of your Sawyer Mini kit!  It is small enough to stick in a pocket, so you can quickly access it when you find a suitable source of water, fill your water bottle in no time and be quickly on your way.  A Katadyn costs £115 at ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk but on Amazon a Sawyer Mini costs £22 and the MSR Trailshot costs £36, not much more than the Sawyer Mini.  Your Sawyer Mini kit will have probably cost more than that.   ;)

 
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: alan de enfield on 17:26:39, 02/06/18

Again with the heavy kit Alan!   :) 
I have a Sawyer Mini too...One of it's main advantages over something like a Katadyn Mini Water Filter is its ultralight weight (Just 38g)...But by putting all that extra kit together, in a heavy carry case, to make the Sawyer Mini easier to use, has actually made it heavier than a Katadyn! (226g vs 270g).  I now use an MSR Trailshot...It is a cross between a Katadyn and a Sawyer Mini...Like the Katadyn, it has a hand pump and a suction tube, so you can pump water crouching down in relative comfort, rather than kneeling uncomfortably in the mud on a river bank trying to fill your Sawyer mini dirty water pouch, and like the Sawyer Mini, it's relatively lightweight (142g), 84g lighter than a Katadyn and almost half the weight of your Sawyer Mini kit!  It is small enough to stick in a pocket, so you can quickly access it when you find a suitable source of water, fill your water bottle in no time and be quickly on your way.  A Katadyn costs £115 at ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk but on Amazon a Sawyer Mini costs £22 and the MSR Trailshot costs £36, not much more than the Sawyer Mini.  Your Sawyer Mini kit will have probably cost more than that. ;)






Agreed the kit is heavier than just the 'mini', but it contains so much more, particularly the platypus inline carbon filter that removes all 'taste' in the water -  yes I could throw the kit into a self-seal bag and save another 100g but I am comfortable with my pack weight at the moment.


I guess the Trailshot is so quick and easy to use is that the pore size of the filter is twice that of either the Sawyer or the 'Pureasy 2000' at 0.2 micron instead of 0.1 micron


I also have one of these :



 Technical Data 'Pureasy 2000'

 Size of ceramic membrane's aperture: 0.1 micron
 Output: Approx. 0.3 l/min (10 oz. per minute)
 Capacity: 2,000 liters (530 gallons)
 Weight: Approx. 88g (3 oz.)
 Dimensions: 13.8×5.7×2.8cm
 Material: ABS plastic, Ceramic, Nano-metal clusters media (NMC)
 
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: marmottungsten on 17:31:40, 02/06/18

Agreed the kit is heavier than just the 'mini', but it contains so much more, yes I could throw the kit into a self-seal bag and save another 100g but I am comfortable with my pack weight at the moment.



I also have one of these :



 Technical Data:

 Size of ceramic membrane's aperture: 0.1 micron
 Output: Approx. 0.3 l/min (10 oz. per minute)
 Capacity: 2,000 liters (530 gallons)
 Weight: Approx. 88g (3 oz.)
 Dimensions: 13.8×5.7×2.8cm
 Material: ABS plastic, Ceramic, Nano-metal clusters media (NMC)


Loving it!...Is is army surplus?
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: alan de enfield on 17:43:50, 02/06/18

Loving it!...Is is army surplus?



It is supposed to be a commercial copy of a military filter - available on ebay here :


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Camping-Hiking-Military-Emergency-Water-Filter-Purifier-Outdoor-Survival-Pump/131869318028?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D50545%26meid%3D9a8e493c3003474aa21ae9d43da74a7e%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D11%26mehot%3Dag%26sd%3D222967005736%26itm%3D131869318028&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: April on 17:46:04, 02/06/18
I now use an MSR Trailshot...

I am a fan of MSR gear but I wouldn't want to use the Trailshot to filter the 3l of water needed when we wild camp. We have a 100ml syringe that cost 80p. We use this on the very odd occasion when we cant find a high enough drop to fill the bladders. We gravity filter our water while we put our tent up, no effort required.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: Steve922 on 18:18:48, 02/06/18
Alan, what's your impression of that PureEasy pump thingy? Have you used it in anger yet? It looks worth a punt but though I'd ask your impression first.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: alan de enfield on 18:37:18, 02/06/18

I have used it 'at home' but not out in the 'field'.
Its simple to use and appears to do a good job (slightly cloudy pond water to clear potable water), not the fastest thing in the world but does the job and in my tests left no noticeable 'taste'.
Drop the end in the pond and the pre-filter takes out the 'big stuff', a few pumps and clear water starts to come out.
When the ceramic filter gets clogged you give it a rub over with the supplied emery paper and its good-to-go again. I have not used it enough to need to clean it.
It just sits in the 'spares' cupboard with various tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc.




You may have gathered I have a 'thing' about taste in the water, it doesn't matter if it is a 'plastic' taste, a 'chemically' taste or an 'earthy' taste. I just cannot abide any of them.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: alan de enfield on 23:14:53, 02/06/18
Here is a couple of videos of the 'Soldier Filter' in use.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mdSEV0O_4s&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mdSEV0O_4s&feature=youtu.be)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1fXS9iyGqk


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYg9tRm0Wvw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYg9tRm0Wvw)
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: marmottungsten on 01:14:55, 10/06/18
Here is a couple of videos of the 'Soldier Filter' in use.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mdSEV0O_4s&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mdSEV0O_4s&feature=youtu.be)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1fXS9iyGqk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1fXS9iyGqk)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYg9tRm0Wvw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYg9tRm0Wvw)


I was so impressed with the video reviews I have seen for the "Soldier Filter" (sometimes called the "Paratrooper filter" in the US), that I decided to return my unused MSR Trailshot and get my money back.  I have now ordered a Soldier filter, for under £18 with free postage, direct from China.  There are two versions available...One comes with a draw cord carry pouch printed with a digital woodland Camo pattern and the other comes with a hard carry case, very much like the one you carry a pair of glasses in, but slightly bigger...I went for the drawcord pouch as it should be slightly lighter.  A couple of things I picked from the review videos:  1) The O-ring on the filter's plunger is lubricated in the factory with some form of grease. This grease has a "chemically" taste to it which is passed to the first couple of litres or so of water that is pumped with it, so you need to either discard the first 2-3 litres of water you filter with it, or before use, take out the plunger and wipe the grease off it...Water itself is a lubricant so it's probably not essential to lubricate the O-ring, but if it is, then I would use a very light coating of cooking oil rather than grease, as it is edible and doesn't have much taste to so it won't taint the taste of the water so much.  One reviewer mentioned using "plumbers grease" to lubricate the O-ring...I am assuming this is some sort of non-toxic grease that has very little taste to it, but to be honest I really don't know.
2) Under pressure the angled outlet pipe fitting on the top of the filter body can pop off.  The easy solution is to keep it pressed down with the thumb of the hand you are holding the filter body with, while you pump with the other hand.
3) Replacement ceramic filters are available for under £13.
4) One reviewer complained that he thought the outlet tube was too short...Both the inlet and outlet tubing can be swapped for longer tubing if you wish.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: alan de enfield on 08:09:53, 10/06/18

I was so impressed with the video reviews I have seen for the "Soldier Filter" (sometimes called the "Paratrooper filter" in the US), that I decided to return my unused MSR Trailshot and get my money back.  I have now ordered a Soldier filter, for under £18 with free postage, direct from China.  There are two versions available...One comes with a draw cord carry pouch printed with a digital woodland Camo pattern and the other comes with a hard carry case, very much like the one you carry a pair of glasses in, but slightly bigger...I went for the drawcord pouch as it should be slightly lighter.  A couple of things I picked from the review videos:  1) The O-ring on the filter's plunger is lubricated in the factory with some form of grease. This grease has a "chemically" taste to it which is passed to the first couple of litres or so of water that is pumped with it, so you need to either discard the first 2-3 litres of water you filter with it, or before use, take out the plunger and wipe the grease off it...Water itself is a lubricant so it's probably not essential to lubricate the O-ring, but if it is, then I would use a very light coating of cooking oil rather than grease, as it is edible and doesn't have much taste to so it won't taint the taste of the water so much.  One reviewer mentioned using "plumbers grease" to lubricate the O-ring...I am assuming this is some sort of non-toxic grease that has very little taste to it, but to be honest I really don't know.
2) Under pressure the angled outlet pipe fitting on the top of the filter body can pop off.  The easy solution is to keep it pressed down with the thumb of the hand you are holding the filter body with, while you pump with the other hand.
3) Replacement ceramic filters are available for under £13.
4) One reviewer complained that he thought the outlet tube was too short...Both the inlet and outlet tubing can be swapped for longer tubing if you wish.



I'd be interested in your thoughts on it - particularly as a comparison to other types that you have used.
I have only used the Sawyer Mini and the 'soldier' and to be honest, apart from different methods of getting the water into them, there is not much difference in the result.
Both appear to have the same specification for filter size (1 micron)


I have the 'hard case' version of the 'Soldier', it is handy to keep the cleaning sand-paper, a couple of condoms (you never know when you might need one !!!), and a small plastic bag to keep the 'dirty' pick up pipe in to avoid cross contamination.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: marmottungsten on 12:16:54, 10/06/18

I'd be interested in your thoughts on it - particularly as a comparison to other types that you have used.
I have only used the Sawyer Mini and the 'soldier' and to be honest, apart from different methods of getting the water into them, there is not much difference in the result.
Both appear to have the same specification for filter size (1 micron)


I have the 'hard case' version of the 'Soldier', it is handy to keep the cleaning sand-paper, a couple of condoms (you never know when you might need one !!!), and a small plastic bag to keep the 'dirty' pick up pipe in to avoid cross contamination.


Good idea...One youtube reviewer showed dirty water can stay in the pick up pipe after use and the only way to get rid of it is to pull off the pipe to release the slight vacuum that is holding the water in it...With certain types of tubing this would gradually stretch the end of the tube where it pushes onto the filter so it no longer seals up, but I am guessing the Soldier filter uses flexible silicone tubing?  If so, it should keep its shape for longer . 
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: dank86 on 14:01:57, 13/06/18
I've got mine fitted inline on my bladder bigger mouth opening and larger capacity means less filling. When I make camp I can hang the bladder and use it as a gravity filter
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: alan de enfield on 08:03:12, 26/06/18
Just found this You Tube review of the bacteria filtering ability of the Mini

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRhiI43P_tI
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: NeilC on 09:07:30, 27/06/18
Just found this You Tube review of the bacteria filtering ability of the Mini

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRhiI43P_tI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRhiI43P_tI)


Good find.


I've been a bit concerned about my Sawyer after that Tuft University test where they got fouled quite badly and failed to stop bacteria after a while. In their defence, they were being used as a "village tap" in Africa or somewhere and so getting 100s or 1000's of times more use than we've ever get out of them. However Sawyer's reaction seemed a bit weaselly to me and it knocked my confidence in their claims.


That YT vid helps restore some confidence.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: marmottungsten on 11:53:55, 27/06/18

Good find.


I've been a bit concerned about my Sawyer after that Tuft University test where they got fouled quite badly and failed to stop bacteria after a while. In their defence, they were being used as a "village tap" in Africa or somewhere and so getting 100s or 1000's of times more use than we've ever get out of them. However Sawyer's reaction seemed a bit weaselly to me and it knocked my confidence in their claims.


That YT vid helps restore some confidence.


I would not be so confident if I were you...Watch the video again and you will see that the two samples he sent the lab that did the testing were only 100ml...If his Sawyer Mini is new, filtering out 99.999999 recurring bacteria from a mere 100ml of water is not going to be a problem...The one on the village tap in Africa, however, has probably filtered many hundreds of litres, perhaps even over a thousand litres ...The obvious question is, did the Africans in question remember to back flush their Sawyer after each use?  If not, then it is no wonder they are now having problems with it.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: Finney on 17:10:14, 10/10/21
The Sawyer Mini is a great that works as a basic water filter system with many applications. The mini uses a hollow-fiber membrane to filter contaminated water through the process of osmosis, and leaves clean drinking water on the inside. This article will give you a few guidelines for picking out a domestic RO system, and how to care for and use your domestic ro system for the best results. Domestic RO systems are a great way to filter out dangerous contaminants in your water, but they can be difficult to care for. They contain multiple filters that can break or get clogged if not cared for properly. Having a good understanding of the components of an domestic ro system will make it much easier for you to take care of your filtration system.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: gunwharfman on 15:56:04, 12/10/21
I have thought about buying a Sawyer for some time but I've hesitated. I've always used a Lifestraw and find it perfectly OK. I carry a foldable plastic cup on the back of my rucksack and all I do is fill the cup with water, place my Lifestraw in it and suck, can't say that I've ever had a problem with it yet, very easy to use. I always have my rucksack bladder with 1 to 2L of water in it and will resort to my Lifestraw when I need or want to. The Lifestraw is very easy to store in or on the back of my rucksack. The only bottle I carry, 1L (empty) is for my shower water.

I'm fairly sure I'll make a Sawyer decision but will now leave it until 2022. Some review sites suggest the Squeeze is well thought of followed by the Mini and then the Micro.
Title: Re: Anyone use a Sawyer Mini Water Filter ?
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:47:50, 12/10/21
I'm very pleased with my micro squeeze, GWM. Recommended.