Sawyer Mini Water Filter Review (Testing in Dirty Water, How to Use, Tips & Hacks)

Summary

The Sawyer Mini Water Filter is a compact, lightweight, and affordable solution for hikers looking to filter water on the go. It removes harmful bacteria and particles, making water safe to drink, but it doesn’t filter viruses, heavy metals, or chemicals. With a long lifespan of up to 100,000 gallons, it’s versatile and easy to use, though it requires frequent backflushing to maintain a good flow rate. While the filter is reliable for clean water sources, users may face issues with the pouches bursting and slower filtration speeds over time. Overall, it’s a solid choice for lightweight hiking, despite a few minor drawbacks.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Sawyer Mini is a compact and lightweight water filter, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
• 😀 It effectively filters 99.99999% of bacteria and particles larger than 0.1 microns, but does not remove viruses, heavy metals, pesticides, or chemicals.
• 😀 The filter is compatible with standard 28mm threaded bottles and pouches, but the Sawyer pouches are recommended for best performance.
• 😀 It comes with a filter, a syringe for back-flushing, a straw attachment, and a 500mL pouch. Additional pouches (1L) can be purchased for larger volumes of water.
• 😀 Sawyer Mini can filter up to 100,000 gallons before needing replacement, making it a long-lasting investment.
• 😀 The filter is versatile, allowing you to drink directly from the filter, use it with pouches, or set up a gravity-fed system for larger water containers.
• 😀 Regular back-flushing is essential to maintain good flow rate. Back-flushing every 1-3 liters is recommended for dirty water, and every 10 liters for cleaner water.
• 😀 After prolonged use, the flow rate can slow down due to mineral buildup, but cleaning with hot water and vinegar can restore optimal performance.
• 😀 Be cautious with the Sawyer pouches—they can burst if squeezed too hard. Gentle squeezing is advised for the best results.
• 😀 The Sawyer Mini is not suitable for freezing temperatures, as freezing will damage the filter and require replacement.
• 😀 Overall, the Sawyer Mini is affordable, lightweight, and effective, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts, despite some maintenance requirements and slower flow rate compared to other filters.

Q & A

What is the Sawyer Mini water filter and why is it popular?

The Sawyer Mini is a small, lightweight, and inexpensive water filter that is widely used by hikers. It can filter 99.99999% of harmful bacteria and particles larger than 0.1 microns, making it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Its portability and ability to filter large quantities of water before needing replacement contribute to its popularity.

What types of contaminants does the Sawyer Mini filter out?

The Sawyer Mini filter removes bacteria, protozoa, and other particles larger than 0.1 microns. However, it does not filter out viruses, heavy metals, pesticides, or chemicals. This means it's suitable for most natural water sources like rivers and lakes but should not be used with water contaminated by chemicals or waste.

What is the recommended water source for using the Sawyer Mini?

The Sawyer Mini works best with clean, natural water sources such as springs, rivers, or lakes. It's important to avoid using contaminated water sources near factories or large cities, as the filter does not remove chemicals or viruses.

How long can the Sawyer Mini filter last?

The Sawyer Mini is designed to last for up to 100,000 gallons of water, which is far more than most users will ever filter in a lifetime. This makes it a durable and long-lasting choice for outdoor activities.

What accessories are included with the Sawyer Mini water filter?

The Sawyer Mini comes with the filter itself, a syringe for back flushing, a straw attachment, and a 16-ounce (500 ml) water pouch. Additional 32-ounce pouches can be purchased separately for more efficient water storage.

What are some alternative methods to use the Sawyer Mini, aside from the provided pouches?

In addition to using the included pouches, the Sawyer Mini can be used in several ways: drinking directly from the filter (like a LifeStraw), using the straw attachment to drink directly from the water source, or employing a gravity feed system to filter water into a larger container.

How should the Sawyer Mini be cleaned after use?

The Sawyer Mini should be backflushed regularly to maintain flow rate. This involves using the syringe filled with clean water to force water through the filter, clearing out any trapped dirt and debris. It’s recommended to backflush the filter after every use or after filtering very dirty water.

Why did the reviewer’s flow rate decrease over time, and how was it fixed?

The flow rate of the Sawyer Mini decreased over time due to mineral buildup inside the filter. This was resolved by cleaning the filter with hot water and vinegar, which improved the flow rate from 5 minutes per liter to 2 minutes per liter after the cleaning process.

What are some tips for maintaining good flow rate with the Sawyer Mini?

To maintain a good flow rate, backflush the filter after every use, and clean it with hot water and vinegar periodically. Additionally, use the filter with cleaner water sources and avoid over-squeezing the pouches, as excessive pressure can damage them.

What are the main pros and cons of the Sawyer Mini?

Pros include its affordability, light weight, versatility, and ability to filter large amounts of water over time. Cons include the need for frequent backflushing, a slower flow rate compared to other filters, and the fragility of the included pouches, which can burst if handled too roughly.