I’ve been using the Sawyer Micro with a CNOC 2-liter water bladder (combined weight of 4.5 oz) along with SmartWater bottles for years without any problems. I also carry Aqua Mira tabs as an emergency backup in case the filter gets clogged for some reason. Has anyone here tried the BeFree filters? How do they compare to Sawyer filters in your experience?
I use the regular Sawyer Squeeze filter (not the Micro) with a CNOC VectoX 3-liter bladder. I also carry 1-2 SmartWater bottles, depending on whether my wife is with me. Aqua Mira drops are my backup in case the filter fails.
By the way, the filtration percentages can vary depending on the filter. I don’t remember the exact numbers, but the regular Sawyer Squeeze filters out one of the highest percentages of pathogens. Worth checking that out.
@Max
No Micro? I have a question—how do you check if a Sawyer filter is still good? I used a Sawyer Mini for about 2-3 months and left it in my house for a year. Is there a way to know if it’s still safe to use? Thanks!
@Shai
I’m not entirely sure how to check, but Sawyer does provide instructions on how to store their filters for long periods. It usually involves flushing the filter with a mix of water and a small amount of bleach. You should look up their guidelines—they’re very specific.
@Max
I’ve always felt that filters are one of the hardest things to evaluate based on personal experience or influencer reviews. Reviews can tell you about size, weight, or ease of use, but they don’t really measure how well the filter is doing its job. For that, you’d need proper testing and scientific data.
@Noor
You’re absolutely right. Scientific tests are key to understanding filter performance. It’s part of a series, and the whole thing is worth watching if you want detailed insights.
@Max
I’ve seen that series—it’s really informative!