Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter Review: The Prepper’s Dependable Companion
When it comes to survival gear, having a reliable water filtration system is non-negotiable. You can only carry so much clean water with you before your back gives out. And it is not always ideal to start a fire to boil water. As a prepper and survivalist, I've put various water filters to the test. While this filter would not be my first choice to provide water long term for an entire household, adding a gravity feed system can make this capable of this as well. The Sawyer Squeeze water filter stands out as one of the most versatile and dependable tools in my survival arsenal. In this comprehensive review, we'll explore the key features, real-world performance, and weather this should take up valuable space in your emergency kit, or bug out bag.
The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter: Technical Essentials
Before we dive into my Sawyer Squeeze water filter review, let's begin by dissecting the technical aspects of the Sawyer Squeeze, ensuring we understand its core components:
Filtration Technology: Utilizes a Hollow Fiber Membrane.
Filtration Pore Size: Impressive 0.1 microns, ensuring thorough purification.
Filter Lifespan: Offers a substantial 100,000 gallons (approximately 378,500 liters) of filtered water.
Flow Rate: Swift 1.7 ounces (49.6 ml) per minute, providing you with clean water in no time.
Filter Weight: A lightweight 3 ounces (85 grams), perfect for your survival kit.
Dimensions: Compact and portable, measuring 4.5 x 3.5 x 1.75 inches (11.4 x 8.9 x 4.4 cm).
Unparalleled Durability: Built for Survival
The Sawyer Squeeze boasts a robust design with unmatched durability, a crucial factor for survivalists. When you're navigating the wild or enduring harsh conditions, your gear needs to withstand the test of time. The Sawyer Squeeze's included is the only pouches are the only exception, I’ve used several and they all eventually failed. While this is annoying, I tend to leave them at home when I’m in the bush and opt for a couple of empty Smartwater bottles. In fact the threading on the filter is compatible with most of the “disposable” water bottles so it it easy to replace them. Also, as with all of the hollow fiber membrane filters, it is imperative to keep them from freezing. So when the needle dips below freezing, special care should be taken to remove your filters and keep them close to your body, like your jacket pocket or inside your sleeping bag at night, when not in use.
Superior Filtration Performance
In survival scenarios, water quality is non-negotiable. The Sawyer Squeeze relies on a 0.1-micron Hollow Fiber Membrane, ensuring the removal of bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics. While it doesn't address viruses, which are less of a concern in North America or Europe, it consistently delivers safe drinking water. For survivalists who venture into challenging environments, this filter is an absolute necessity.
Lightning-Fast Flow Rate and User-Friendly
What truly sets the Sawyer Squeeze apart is its exceptional flow rate. It can process approximately 1.7 ounces (49.6 ml) per minute, which means you can have clean water in a matter of seconds. This blows every other Sawyer brand filter out of the water. The only other filter that I’ve used that can beat this flow rate is the Katadyn BeFree.
Moreover, the filter can be attached to standard water bottles, hydration packs, or even used as a gravity filtration system. This versatility means you can adapt to different situations and water sources, which is a crucial aspect for survivalists who may encounter a variety of scenarios.
Low Maintenance and Exceptional Longevity
For survival gear, low maintenance and long lifespan are prerequisites. The Sawyer Squeeze excels in both areas. Maintenance is a breeze – you can backflush the filter with the included syringe when the flow rate starts to slow down. However I typically ditch the bulky and otherwise pointless syringe and opt for a tiny and lightweight bottle adapter to backflush. For about the same weight I carry a second 1L Smartwater bottle and the bottle adapter, which doubles my water capacity and allows me to easily backflush the filter. Also using this setup, you can set up a type of gravity filter so you can walk away and come back to clean drinking water.
The filter's lifespan is an astonishing 100,000 gallons (approximately 378,500 liters). When you reach this limit, you can easily replace the filter while retaining the pouch for continued use.
Pros and Cons: Realistic Assessment
Let's consider the pros and cons of the Sawyer Squeeze from a survivalist's perspective:
Pros:
Exceptional flow rate for rapid hydration.
Lightweight and compact, ideal for your survival kit.
Effective filtration of bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics.
User-friendly design for efficient water collection.
Versatility in attachment options to various containers.
Affordable replacement filters.
Cons:
Does not address viruses (typically not a concern in North America).
Requires special care in freezing temperatures
Narrow bottle openings can be challenging to fill in shallow water sources.
Survival Gear Comparison
Survivalists often seek to compare survival gear to find the best fit for their needs. The Sawyer Squeeze competes with other water filters like the Katadyn BeFree and LifeStraw. Each has its unique strengths and weaknesses, making the choice dependent on your specific requirements and scenarios.
Tested and Trusted by Survivalists
Survival gear is only as reliable as the real-world experiences of its users. The Sawyer Squeeze has earned the trust of many survivalists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts for its exceptional flow rate, durability, and versatility. It has been rigorously tested in the toughest outdoor environments, consistently proving its reliability.
A Survival Necessity
In conclusion, the Sawyer Squeeze water filter is an essential tool for survivalists. With its remarkable flow rate, low maintenance, and compact design, it's the perfect companion for survival scenarios, whether you're hiking, bugging out, or preparing for uncertain times. While you can easily procure drinking water by several different methods, considering how important water is to your survival, shouldn't we have several different ways of getting it? You can depend on this filter for its durability, longevity, and adaptability in challenging environments. The Sawyer Squeeze is the ultimate survivalist's companion.
This review is based on my personal experiences, and I hope it assists you in making an informed decision about your survival gear arsenal. Stay prepared, and may your survival journey be both safe and successful.
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