Recommendations and how to choose a Sawyer portable water purifier for mountain climbing
A portable water purifier is a tool that filters natural water found in streams, springs, and other places in the mountains, turning it into safe drinking water. By using a portable water purifier while hiking, you no longer need to carry all your water with you from the start, and you can flexibly replenish only the amount you need at the site.
In this article, we will compare the three Sawyer water purifier models and explain the features of each and how to choose them as clearly as possible. We will also introduce how to use it for disaster prevention purposes as well as for mountain climbing, and a convenient collaboration model with CNOC.
Even if you are a little worried about whether it is really safe to drink stream water, if you learn how portable water purifiers work and how to choose the right one, you will surely be able to use them with peace of mind. I hope this article will be a step in that direction.
- 1. How to carry water in the mountains? A lightweight, life-saving portable water purifier
- 2. What is the Sawyer Portable Water Filter? Basic Information
- 3. Sawyer 3 Model Comparison and Selection
- 4. How to make Sawyer even more convenient
- 5. Not just for mountain climbing: How to use the Sawyer water purifier for disaster prevention and precautions
- 6. Summary: Choose the right portable water purifier for you as a reliable tool
How to carry water in the mountains? A lightweight, life-saving portable water purifier
Water is very important when climbing mountains. You lose more water than you might imagine by constantly moving your body, so frequent hydration is essential to staying in good health and walking safely in the mountains.
However, water is also one of the heavy and bulky pieces of equipment. A 500ml plastic bottle weighs about 500g. When hiking or camping, it is common to carry 1 to 2 liters of water, which adds up to 1 to 2 kg of luggage. For climbers who are conscious of weight reduction, the weight of water is an unavoidable major problem.
One option that is gaining attention is the "portable water purifier."
In recent years, an increasing number of climbers are using portable water purifiers for reasons such as "lightweight and easy to handle," "easy maintenance," and "effective use of mountain water."
I myself have been using Sawyer portable water purifiers for a long time when hiking. It is an American outdoor brand, and it has high water purification performance and is very light. In particular, the "Sawyer Mini" and "Micro Squeeze" are easy to use and reliable in the field.
What is the Sawyer Portable Water Filter? A quick rundown of the basics
What kind of brand is Sawyer?
Sawyer is an outdoor gear manufacturer headquartered in Florida, USA. They are particularly strong in filter technology, and offer a wide range of products to protect the body in nature, such as water purifiers, insect repellents, and sunscreens.
Sawyer's portable water purifiers are used not only in mountain climbing and camping, but also in international disaster relief and humanitarian aid sites, and are a trusted brand around the world.
It has also become well known among hikers and campers in Japan, and is increasingly being chosen as a "lightweight and reliable water purifier."
Common filter structures and how they work
A common filter structure used by Sawyer water purifiers is the "Hollow Fiber Membrane," which is a bundle of extremely thin straw-like fibers that filter water through tiny holes.
This structure allows the thorough removal of microorganisms and impurities larger than 0.1 microns (=0.0001 mm).
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Bacteria (such as E. coli)
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Protozoa (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, etc.)
It has the ability to remove pathogens that may be present in natural water.
However, since it cannot remove viruses, chemicals, or salt (seawater), it can only be used in freshwater sources such as streams and springs .
What makes Sawyer different?
Sawyer water filters have several features:
● Extremely long filter life
It is designed to filter up to 100,000 gallons of water and will last for many years with typical use.
This is a very long lifespan compared to other products in the same genre.
● Extremely lightweight and compact
All models are extremely light, weighing less than 100g, and not bulky. This is a big attraction for climbers who want minimal equipment and hikers who value light weight.
● You can wash it yourself = easy maintenance
With the Sawyer water purifier, you can prevent clogging and restore filtration speed by using the included syringe or other tool to perform a process called "backflushing."
Therefore, they are not disposable but can be reused, making them both economical and eco-friendly.
Why it's great for mountain climbing
When hiking, you want to reduce the weight of your luggage as much as possible, but staying hydrated is also a very important issue. Sawyer's portable water purifier is perfect for hiking because of the following points.
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If you have the main unit, you can also use plastic bottles.
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There are many water carriers on the market that have the same opening as a plastic bottle.
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Anyone can easily filter
In particular, the Micro Squeeze and Mini are small enough to fit in a backpack pocket and can be left attached to a plastic bottle, etc.
Compare Sawyer 3 models and choose
First, let me briefly introduce the three models.
Sawyer's portable water purifiers are broadly divided into three models. They all use the same filtration method using a hollow fiber membrane and are similar in how they are used, but each has its own unique characteristics.
● Sawyer Mini
It is very light and compact. The filtration speed is a little slow. It is also reasonably priced, so it is often chosen as a first filter.
● Sawyer Micro Squeeze
A balanced model that filters faster and is less likely to clog than the Mini. It strikes a balance between lightness and practicality.
●Sawyer Squeeze Filter
It has the fastest filtration speed of the series and is easy to use even in murky water. If you use it with a large capacity water bag, it can be used by multiple people.
Compare the basic specifications of each model
To make it easier to compare the models, we've compiled a list of the spec differences. They all use the same Sawyer filter structure, but there are clear differences in how they feel to use.
| Model name | Weight (approx.) | Filtration Speed | Durability (lifespan) | Size | Suitable uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sawyer Mini | 41g | slow | Approximately 380,000 liters | compact | Lightweight/price-oriented/first time |
| Micro Squeeze | 53g | Moderate to fast | Approximately 380,000 liters | Palm-sized | Balanced/Lightweight & Practical |
| Squeeze Filter | 71g | fast | Approximately 380,000 liters | Slightly large | Camping/Murky water/Emphasis on filtration speed |
Sawyer Mini: Capabilities and limitations of the lightest model
The lightest and most compact model in the Sawyer series is the "Mini". It weighs only 41g and fits in the palm of your hand. It is an attractive option for those who are particular about lightness in their mountaineering equipment.
I myself have used this model for a while, and at first I thought it was good enough. However, when I actually used it in the mountains, I noticed that the filtration speed was slow and it was prone to clogging. If you don't backflush frequently, the flow rate will drop, and even if you pass dirty water through it, it can take a long time to process.
Structurally, it is possible to attach it to a plastic bottle and drink directly from it, but in reality, the flow rate is quite slow, and I felt it was quite difficult to drink from. Rather, it is more suitable for filtering the water in a container and storing it.
Micro Squeeze: A balance between lightness and practicality
The Micro Squeeze is recommended for those who feel that the flow rate of the Mini is not enough, but don't need the size of the Squeeze. It weighs about 53g, which is only slightly heavier than the Mini, but the filtration speed is greatly improved, making it much smoother to replenish water while climbing.
This is the model I switched from the Mini to. It's only a little over 10g different, but I felt it was completely different in terms of usability. Backflushing is less frequent and less stressful, which is nice. The size fits in a pocket or small pouch, so it's not inconvenient to pack.
It can also be used by attaching it to a plastic bottle or soft flask. The filtration speed is not as fast as Squeeze, but it is still practical to drink directly from it.
Squeeze Filter: A model that prioritizes filtration speed
The Squeeze Filter is the model in the Sawyer series that has the highest flow rate and can filter even murky water. It weighs about 71g, which is a size larger than the Micro, but its main feature is that it is much easier and faster to "push" water out.
The Squeeze is a reliable tool when you want to process water for multiple people at once while hiking, or when the water source is slightly muddy. When used in combination with a large capacity water bag, it can purify water more efficiently, making it useful at tent sites or during long breaks.
In addition, the flow rate is sufficient for attaching it to a soft flask and drinking directly from it, making it convenient for staying hydrated while on the move.
Not sure which model to choose?
Each model has its own characteristics, but ultimately the choice will depend on what you want to prioritize.
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The Mini is for those who prioritize lightness above all else . However, you will have to be patient with the filtration speed.
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For those who want to purify water without stress, try Squeeze . It has a fast filtering speed and is suitable for drinking directly.
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If you're looking for a good balance, choose the Micro Squeeze . It's the perfect compromise between lightness and ease of use, and also has a flow rate that's "just drinkable as is."
For those who plan to attach it to a plastic bottle or soft flask and drink directly from it, the difference in flow rate can also be a hint for how to choose. In my own opinion, the Mini is difficult to use in reality, the Micro Squeeze is okay to drink, and the Squeeze is fine to drink.
Also, the Squeeze's bulk rather than its weight is what's negative about it for me: it's a bit too big and can get in the way at times.
To make Sawyer even more convenient
Water bags and bottles that can be used with Sawyer to pump water
The Sawyer water purifier can be used alone, but its usability will change greatly depending on which water bag or bottle you combine it with. Especially when hiking, you want to make the water drawing and filtering process at the water source as smooth as possible. Here, I will introduce the products I often use and the combinations I recommend.
● A soft water bag with a wide opening that makes it easy to draw water
For example, the "CNOC Vecto" series (1L/2L, 28mm cap) The Evernew Water Carrier makes it really easy to collect water from watering holes. The wide opening allows you to efficiently collect water from small streams and shallow puddles. The material is soft and easy to push out, and it can be connected to the Sawyer with a screw-on system, making it very convenient to use as a water bag for filtering.
This is a very important factor. It's fine if the water is falling like a waterfall, but if it's a shallow river, it's surprisingly difficult for the water to get into the bag. If the opening is small, it takes a long time. A bag with a wide opening is useful.
The product details are as follows:
● Convenient use in bottle form
Bottle-shaped, foldable soft flasks such as CNOC's "Vesica 1L" are also convenient. You can drink from this flask with Sawyer attached to stay hydrated while on the move, and it fits easily in a backpack pocket. It's lightweight and easy to use.
The product details are as follows:
Cnoc Outdoors Vesica 1L Water Bottle 28mm
Sawyer x Cnoc collaboration kit now on sale!
The part that connects to the filter and the dual-open bladder with a wide opening are 2L in size, allowing you to collect a lot of water at once and making it easy to clean after use. It is useful when you want to filter a lot of water at campsites, in the mountains, or during disasters where water is scarce. The shape makes it easy to use as a hydration bottle. If you connect the bottle using the included cleaning coupling, you can pour purified water directly into the bottle without worrying about overflowing.
The 1L "Vesica" is a bottle type that is popular among hikers. It is made of soft material, so when not in use, it can be crushed up and down to about one-third of its size, making it very compact. It can also be used as a water bottle when you don't need purified water.
Not just for mountain climbing: How to use the Sawyer water purifier for disaster prevention and precautions
Sawyer's portable water purifiers are well known as tools for mountain climbing and other outdoor activities, but their compact size and high-performance filtering capabilities make them a great disaster preparedness item .
Also excellent for emergencies
Sawyer's filters are capable of filtering up to 380,000 liters. With this much capacity, it is sufficient for daily use on mountain climbs, as well as for securing water for daily life during long-term water outages and disasters.
They are actually used in disaster relief efforts and international humanitarian aid, so just having one in your emergency evacuation bag can make a huge difference in the sense of security you'll have in the event of an emergency.
Important points to consider when using for disaster prevention purposes
When mountain climbing, lightness and minimal configuration tend to be prioritized, but if disaster prevention is also a consideration, the perspective changes slightly.
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It can be used not only for drinking water, but also for washing hands, washing dishes, cooking, etc.
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Even if you don't use Sawyer's original straws, extension hoses, bottles, etc. on a regular basis, they are useful for use at home or in evacuation shelters.
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Be careful not to dry it properly after use or it may become moldy or deteriorate.
In terms of filtration performance, it can handle bacteria and protozoa, but cannot remove viruses, chemicals, or salt (seawater).
Therefore, it is essential to limit the water sources used to clean streams, spring water, rainwater, etc.
Note the difference with mountain climbing
When hiking, the most important thing is to reduce the amount of luggage you carry, so I think most people just take the filter itself and a simple water bag or bottle. I do the same.
On the other hand, for disaster prevention purposes,
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Not only can you "filter and drink directly,"
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"I want to have a certain amount of water ready at once."
There are needs such as these, and it may be more practical to have a set that includes accessories.
For those who use Sawyer products for mountain climbing, we recommend them as they allow you to use the tools you are familiar with for disaster prevention purposes as well .
Summary: Choose the right portable water purifier for you as a reliable tool
The weight of water when climbing is a major challenge for anyone.
The Sawyer Portable Water Filter is a simple and reliable device that makes the option of walking without carrying water a reality.
Mini, Micro, and Squeeze. Each of the three models has its own unique features, and the way you choose will depend on how you balance lightness, filtration speed, and ease of use.
I have personally tried out these models while climbing mountains to see what combinations are most comfortable for me. What's important is not the difference in specs, but the practical aspect of "where and how you will actually use it."
Sawyer's water purifier can also be used for disaster prevention purposes.
Being able to use familiar tools in everyday life and in emergencies gives a great sense of security.
Some people may find portable water purifiers a little intimidating at first, but once you try one, you'll realize that there aren't many tools out there that are as simple and reliable.
Rather than being a fashion or a trend, this will be one of the options for mountain equipment of the future, as "gear that can be used properly in the field."
To make your mountaineering experience lighter and more free, I think Sawyer is the tool that will give you that gentle push.
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