I’ve been using the Sawyer Squeeze for a good while now and wondering how you guys manage during those shoulder seasons. Streams are still flowing for refills, but mornings and evenings get below freezing. Whether it’s a frosty start or freezing at the top… everything I’ve read says freezing temps + these filters is a one-way ticket to filter failure. I used to pack iodine tablets, but I’m not a fan of that taste. Is there another budget-friendly filter that works well in cold weather? Or maybe a way to keep the filter from freezing without lugging around extra water?
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I always just sleep with my filter. Yep, I toss it in the foot of my sleeping bag at night, at least I don’t have to replace a frozen filter every trip. 
As for a different filter? Haven’t found one that’s freeze-proof yet. Maybe someone else has?
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If it’s real cold where you are, you might just wanna go old-school with boiling water.
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Haha, I’ve heard of the sleeping bag trick. Not sure if I wanna snuggle up to my filter, though, might accidentally crush on it in the night.
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I woke up once thinking I squished it but no, i haven’t ever did. Still works fine. And It’s probably safer than tucking it in your jacket and sweating all over it. Gross.
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I’ve heard Lifestraw Peak Series are more freeze-resistant? Haven’t tested it myself, but could be worth a try. Those chlorine tabs might wreck your taste buds.
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I tried carrying warm water in a small thermos and shoving the filter next to it. Seemed to work last winter in Vermont, but kinda felt like overkill. Maybe that’s just me being extra.
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I’m all about boiling water if it’s chilly. Fire, pot, and done. No busted filters, and it’s an excuse to chill out and drink hot tea too. Plus, no pool taste, unlike some of you guys.
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Boiling’s cool if you have time, but I’m usually too lazy for that after a long day of hiking. Chlorine drops are my go-to for the quick fix, even if I taste pool water forever.
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Fair point, but tea time’s part of the vibe for me. Plus, it’s a two-in-one solution—hydration and warmth. I’ll take that over chemically tasting water any day.
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I’d still pick pool water over lugging a pot and stove. I’ll stick to drops! Honestly, does boiling really taste that much better than chemically enhanced hydration?
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Boiling sounds nice and all, but not when you’re running low on fuel, haha. I guess I’ll stick to wrapping the filter up for now. Worst case, I’ll give those drops a shot and just pretend it’s a fancy electrolyte drink.