MINI Water Filter

I'm far from an experienced long range hiker or backpacker. I'm fairly comfortable out in the woods, do about 8-9 miles a day in about 2 hours, and have common sense, but I am not a backwoodswoman (unfortunately). A conveniently-sized filter has been on my "that'd be cool" list for years, and while planning a mountain day hike with my sister I went for it with the Sawyer Mini. This was a 2,500' elevation gain hike that was expected to clock in around 9 miles round-trip, trail reports said the average run time was about 4h 45m. No problem. I'm one of those who needs to hydrate excessively- I routinely go through about 2 liters of fluid on a 9 mile route. My hydration pack takes 2 liters, so I figured I probably wouldn't even need the filter but the trip made a good excuse. I even tossed in a lightweight disposable 28 oz bottled water before leaving our car, thinking "No way is that filter getting used!" Man am I glad I had the Sawyer. My hiking partner is not anywhere near as active as I am, which resulted in hours longer on the trail than expected, and surprise, the route clocked in closer to 15 miles than 9. So we were out there, including a break at the spectacular turn around location, for about 10 hours. The Sawyer performed beautifully. I didn't have to stress about trying to conserve water, which was a real relief on the way back, now knowing how long the route actually was and how fast my partner and I were likely to move. The available watersources were mountain streams on a *heavily* trafficked trail (it was like a traffic jam in sections), so the water looked, smelled, and felt clean and cold already, but I sure wouldn't have risked drinking it unfiltered (as we saw several other groups doing- just say no to unfiltered water folks, seriously, not worth it). Okay, the actual review stuff: I'm ashamed to admit I'd never actually used a filter before, though I've seen other people do so. I'm also *not* kinesthetically intelligent. But the Sawyer mini is super easy to understand and use, lightweight, and doesn't have a lot of tiny parts or really much you can do to screw up. I did a test run when it was delivered, found it easy and obvious, and left the flushing syringe in the cabin because we were on a day hike. On the trail it was 100% slick. The included 16 oz bag for untreated water is a little small, and can be challenging to fill in still water, but performed well despite those limitations. As mentioned, the water was already very clear- no visible particulates, and I was able to filter about 1.5 liters in around 8 minutes, including the water-gathering. I assume that dirtier water with more particulates would filter slower- for the water I was filtering, the flow rate was just as fast as my tap water test run, and it was easy to speed up with some gentle pressure on the bag. I should note that I found an actual water bottle *much* easier to filter into than my hydration pack bladder with its floppy body and wide mouth (the last minute extra tossed-in bottled water was useful on two fronts!), so I'd highly recommend carrying a lightweight bottle for filtering into even if you intend to eventually drink it out of an in-line system. The filter, straw, and backflow syringe fit easily into a clean ipsy-type zip case and were light and easy to pack and carry. I will invest in some screw covers or other capping solution so as to avoid water leakage in the future after use, but this wasn't a big deal for me. I'll likely also toss in some alcohol wipes for future trips to ensure clean surfaces after the parts have been jumbled together. Overall, while I imagine that folks who actually are backwoodspeople have better, higher-volume/higher-flow filtering systems and solutions, I'm 100% satisfied with my little Sawyer mini and its totally accessible price point and feel confident it will perform when needed.

I spend a great deal of time hiking, camping, hunting, and putting emergency kits together for friends and family. I've had the Lifestraw as part of my kits for some time and I've been very happy with it. But now I'm upgrading (still keeping the straw) all of my kits with this mini water filtration kit. Why? Because it is SOOOOOO much easier to use in the collection of filtered water than the straw. I can use this filter to fill a bag with ease (there is also a manner to fill your water bottle) so that you can quickly filter a large amount of water to then use later. The straw is nice when you come across a stream or lake to drink from but what does the straw do for you a couple miles down the road? Well if you put unfiltered water in a water bottle you could drink from that but then you have a dirty water bottle after you are done. With this filter you can have clean water in that water bottle from the get-go and save the lifestraw for more desperate times. Pros: - When on sale these can be had for an incredible price. The base price (for what the kit offers) is not too bad. - Small and portable. - Rugged but I do recommend that you store it in a manner that it will not take a great deal of abuse. Water is important and if this is your only means to clean water then you should guard it accordingly. - Light weight. Very important especially if take on long treks. Those that carry a lot on their backs for long distances will agree that every ounce counts! - Long lasting which only multiplies the value many fold. Cons: - Been using for close to a year with no issues thus far. I trust it enough to put it into kits for family and friends.

UPDATE: So I recently added the CNOC Vecto 2L bladder to this rig and got rid of my Survivor collapsible canteens. I don't think I'll be going back. The Vecto has a large opening to fill, and a 28mm bottle cap to dispense. The Mini screws on perfectly and now I can filter 2L at a time with no issues. Loving this. I also have gotten rid of all my Nalgenes from my backpacking/camping setup. I use them for the office now. I have replaced them with Smartwater bottles. The SW bottles weight less than 2 ounces each, cost $1-2 each and fit the Mini. I have also found I can get two 32 oz SW bottles into a single water bottle pocket on my pack. That means I can either carry 4 liters of water without affecting my internal storage. I have come to really value that decision. When a SW bottle wears out or breaks, I can replace it at pretty much any grocery store for less than $2. ORIGINAL REVIEW (May, 2017): Did some back country camping this past weekend and took the Sawyer Mini out with me for the first time. Reviews on it were good and I was looking for ways to cut down on weight and footprint on my old filter system (a pump). The mini is excellent. I've seen a few reviews complaining about the bag it comes with and the time it takes to squeeze "x" amount of water through it. All I have to say is, yes the bag is too small. 16 oz is kind of lame. The quality of the bag? Seems decent enough. I'll end up replacing it anyway with a pair of Survivor Filter collapsible canteens (32 oz each). As far as the filter goes, I tried it on just some regular old tap water to function test it and get familiar before taking it out. I filtered two liters of water through it (2 Nalgenes) and then back flushed it. I was shocked to see the brown much it filtered out of the tap water! I may get a second on and just screw it onto a SmartWater bottle for drinking at work! The system was easy to use. I don't know what kind of rush others are in when backpacking, but I'm not. I move at my pace and take my time. i'm not in a race when I'm backpacking or camping. I don't mind taking a couple minutes to filter some clean drinking/cooking water. The Sawyer Mini works great. I have zero complaints. I appreciate that it comes with the syringe to back flush it and keep it working well. The 16 oz bag is too small, but it works, and unless you're Hulking out on the thing, it should last just fine. That's one piece I'll upgrade, but the filter alone is well worth the cost of the set.

The Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System is a lightweight, easily packable asset that has found a permanent home in my backpack for long hikes. The system is extraordinarily easy to use, you unroll the supplied squeeze pouch and fill it with water. Once filled, you screw the pouch into the filtration system and dip the spout into the water canister of your choosing. GENTLY roll the pouch to squeeze water through the filter (This is key, because the supplied pouches are actually more delicate than I would like) and repeat until you've filled up whatever water reservoir you are using. I used this filtration system on a Thanksgiving hike in the Adirondacks. I filled my hydration pack and water bottles several times from local creeks and streams, and thankfully (to my knowledge) two months post I don't have any sort of bacterial or parasitic infection, so the water filter must have done its job! The best part (besides providing me with potable drinking water) was the water tasted incredibly good. Before leaving the beautiful Adirondack wilderness, I took the time to fill up all of the water containers I could carry because the water literally tasted that crisp and delicious. It's an amazing little device, my only grip is the durability. I traveled with a friend who also uses the same unit, and after a year of moderate usage, the water begins to escape between the seal and the pouch, and pouches tend to break after a few usages. If this unit holds up to more heavy usage I would easily give it a five star rating! Luckily, replacement pouches or a replacement system won't break the bank. If you're thinking about buying one, you should pull the trigger and add this tiny wonder to your outdoor arsenal.

Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System is a compact and highly effective portable water filter designed for outdoor adventures, emergency preparedness, travel, and everyday use. It provides reliable access to clean drinking water in a lightweight and easy-to-carry design, making it an essential tool for hikers, campers, backpackers, and emergency kits. One of the first things I noticed about the Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System is its incredibly compact and lightweight construction. The filter is small enough to fit in a pocket or backpack without adding noticeable weight, making it ideal for long hikes, camping trips, or emergency storage. Setup and operation are extremely simple. The filter can be attached directly to the included squeeze pouch, standard water bottles, hydration packs, or used with a straw for direct drinking from water sources. This versatility makes it convenient for a wide range of outdoor and survival situations. Performance is where the Sawyer Mini truly stands out. The filtration system effectively removes harmful bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics from water, providing safe drinking water from lakes, rivers, streams, and other freshwater sources. The flow rate remains consistent and dependable with proper maintenance. Another major advantage is the long lifespan of the filter. The Sawyer Mini is rated to filter up to 100,000 gallons of water, which is impressive for such a compact device. This durability makes it a cost-effective and dependable long-term solution for water filtration needs. Maintenance is straightforward as well. The included cleaning plunger allows for easy backflushing to restore flow performance and extend the life of the filter. Regular cleaning helps keep the system functioning efficiently even after repeated use in outdoor environments. Safety and reliability are strong points of the Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System. The high-quality filtration technology provides confidence when drinking from natural water sources, especially during camping trips, hiking excursions, or emergency situations where clean water may not be readily available. I also appreciate the versatility of the filtration options. Whether using the squeeze pouch, attaching it to a hydration pack, or drinking directly from a stream, the system adapts easily to different situations and personal preferences. Durability further enhances the overall experience. The rugged construction feels capable of handling outdoor conditions, travel, and repeated use without issue, making it suitable for both casual users and experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Another benefit is its usefulness in emergency preparedness kits. Because of its compact size, long shelf life, and reliable filtration performance, it’s an excellent addition to disaster preparedness supplies and survival gear. The lightweight design is especially convenient for backpackers and travelers. Despite its powerful filtration capability, the unit remains easy to carry and store, which is ideal for minimizing pack weight during outdoor adventures. For anyone looking for a dependable and easy-to-use portable water filtration solution, the Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System is an excellent choice. Its combination of effective filtration, portability, durability, and versatility makes it a valuable addition to any outdoor or emergency gear collection. After regular use, I’ve been very satisfied with the overall reliability and convenience of the Sawyer Mini. It consistently provides clean drinking water, performs efficiently, and offers peace of mind during outdoor activities and emergency situations. Overall, the Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System is a highly recommended portable water filter for anyone wanting dependable access to safe drinking water while traveling, camping, hiking, or preparing for emergencies. Its compact design, long-lasting performance, and user-friendly features make it a practical and worthwhile investment.

The Sawyer MINI is a top pick for ultralight backpackers, travelers to remote destinations, or anyone building an emergency kit where weight and pack space matter. It hits a great balance of filtration performance, portability, and overall value. However, if you’ll be filtering large quantities of very silty water, or you need faster output, or you’re treating water with virus risk, then you might want to look at a bigger system or supplement it with another method. In short: lightweight, capable, versatile—just know its modest flow rate and application limits.

If you are looking for a small, light,compact, and most importantly easy way to filter your water, look no further. Sawyer makes an EXCELLENT unit that won't break the bank. I bought this filter a few months ago[ to add to a survival/camp pack and have since filtered about 40 liters of water through it. This filter cleans anything from questionable garden hose water to murky lake water into perfectly clear and crisp to the taste drinking water. At first, I was skeptical of course. Who would think that you can turn brown, dirty water into clean, perfectly safe water with just such a small, affordable filter? But rest assured, this filter is a powerhouse and continues to go above and beyond. One tip I have for easier and more bulk filtration is to pick up a Platypus Plastic 2L Water Bag (Link below). It's less than $10 just like the bottle you get with the filter except it allows you to filter 70oz rather than 16oz. I also got a grommet kit from a local craft store and placed 2 grommets in the corner of the bag in the seam. I then ran a 1 foot section of para-cord through the grommets which allowed me to hang the bottle on a tree branch or any other convenient location. This way you can let gravity do the work and continue on with your camp chores. I was able to filter 2 liters of water this way in around 10 minutes. One word of caution: Sawyer claims that you can filter 1,000,000 gallons of water through this filter (you're probably more likely to lose the filter before you get to that point) regardless, cleaning is a must. It will greatly extend the life and quality of your filter and water. After every filtration session I recommend flushing the filter with clean water using he provided syringe. Don't be afraid to really shoot the water in there, you're only helping your filter. All in all this filter was a GREAT buy. I don't think you can find a better filter, especially one under the $100 mark! http://www.amazon.com/Platypus-Platy-Bottle/dp/B002NZS142

I can't say enough good things about this water filter. Of all of Sawyer's portable water filters (all pointone family), this one is by far the most useful and the most used. It comes with the reverse "syringe" to back wash the filter, a small aluminum dirty water back and a rubber hose/straw. This thing is so unbelievably light, it's hard to believe it is a 0.1 micro filter. and it works fast. It may not be as hands free as a gravity filter, but it's way less work than a water pump. And water pumps have far great mechanical failure chances than this little guy. heck, I could carry two sets of these and still be lighter than just about every portable water filter I've seen (and those other ones are .2 microns). It fits on most cheap water bottles with the smaller bottle cap. so you can re-cycle soda bottles or water bottles. the aluminum bag is best though, and Sawyer sells a larger 2 liter version that is super light, and rolls up to be compact. I bring two of the larger bags and one of the smaller bags. The smaller bag I use during hiking. the two larger ones I fill and cap at the camp site. It's dirty water, of course, so I just screw on the water filter when I want clean water and pour into a pot and boil. 0.1 microns is good for most things. and certainly better than 0.2 micron filters. But, it's important to note that this is NOT a water purifier. if there are toxic chemicals in the "dirty" water, this will not filter them out. It will filter out bacteria, viruses, etc. So you should be able to just drink water collected from a stream or lake in the mountains. Just don't collect water from likely toxic areas like a large lake that has buildings and such. Generally, I hike in the emigrant wilderness, where there are no buildings by the lakes at 7500 feet and about. In fact, there's no one up there apart from park rangers and other backpackers, so this type of filter is more than adequate up there. If you backpack in the wilderness...I would recommend this over a pump without a doubt. And frankly, I think it's better than a fravity filter because....again...fewer points of failure, and less weight to carry.

Tomo mucha agua, hasta 4 litros al día. El garrafón de agua de 20 litros cuesta 38 pesos en la tienda. Con un consumo diario de 4 litros estamos hablando de 228 pesos al mes y 2,736 pesos al año. Con este producto tomo agua limpia gratis. Tomando agua de la llave ya no me preocupa que me voy a enfermar ya que este producto filtra 99.99999% de las bacterias y protozoas existentes en el agua. Lo que no filtra son los virus. Pero es raro que haya virus en el agua de la llave. Tampoco filtra sustancias químicas como fluor, etc. Para filtrar virus y contaminantes químicos, uno necesita otro tipo de filtro. Cuando mejore mi presupuesto, pienso comprar otro filtro que filtra todo. Pero por ahora, este filtro Sawyer Mini Filter me sirve de maravilla. Este producto es para uso de toda la vida ya que tiene garantía para 100,000 galones (378,000 litros). Con mi consumo diario de 4 litros, este filtro me duraría por 258 años!

登山で融雪水や沢水の浄水に使用。浄水時間がかかりますがペットボトル2本あれば簡単に浄水。軽量化に。

Buena calidad

So, this is probably the best in this class of water filters. I have a LifeStraw, a LifeStraw water bottle, an MSR (I think) travel filter (awful). This Sawyer is the best of them. There is no messing about with it, it just works. It comes with a collapsible pouch, which is nice because it makes it easier to drink from if you squeeze the container. It will also connect to standard disposable water bottles, if you prefer that or happen to have one. It comes with a straw, which is nice, so you can drink directly without the pouch, but you are pretty much lying on the ground to make that happen. One thing about the pouch, because it's flexible, if you submerse it in water, it will collapse and push the air out without taking water in. So, you just have to inflate it with your mouth, and try to scoop water into it. Kind of a pain in the butt. Also, if there is any air in the container when you attach the filter, you can't just drink from it like a straw, because you will just get air. So, bottoms up! I also have a Platypus 2L bag which this does plug into. Not sure if I can use it in-line, but I can definitely use it as a gravity filter with this Sawyer, so that's a nice option. As for flavour, I haven't tried it with really dirty water yet, just clean flowing streams, here in Ontario, but it is delicious. This is the best for the price point.

Llego en buen estado y rápido.