Your Water Filter SUCKS! - Water Filter Comparison
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- Опубліковано 17 лип 2024
- There are two main ways to filter and carry water when backpacking. You can get some smart water bottles and a sawyer squeeze filter, or you can get a hydration bladder and a Katadyn pump filter. Or any combination of the four. But a lot of people seem to think there is only one best way to filter water when backpacking and they hate on hydration bladders. Here is a water filter comparison that will show the pros and cons of both.
Camelbak Hydrolink Adapter: geni.us/MtbW2Aq
Cnoc Vecto Bladder: geni.us/RmRsBLm
Katadyn Hiker Filter: geni.us/WwBgB2y
Sawyer Squeeze Filter: geni.us/iNjfor
Sawyer Mini Filter: geni.us/9W1C
Hydrapak Bladder: geni.us/RfvjKlZ
Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
0:27 The Two Main Ways to Filter Water While Backpacking
0:36 Ease of Access
1:03 Bottles are awkward to access
1:28 Bladders are hard to access in your pack
1:58 Camelbak Hydrolink Adapter
2:32 Ease of Use
2:46 Cnoc Vecto Bladder
3:11 Sqeeze Filters Need Steady Bottles
3:29 Weight Comparison
3:49 Life of the Filters
4:07 Back Flushing
4:14 Price Comparison
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How do you carry and filter your water when you are backpacking?
Camelbak Hydrolink Adapter: geni.us/avSEOnc
Cnoc Vecto Bladder: geni.us/pqLV
Katadyn Hiker Filter: geni.us/MC1zUdZ
Sawyer Squeeze Filter: geni.us/baq1Bz
Sawyer Mini Filter: geni.us/7toG6
Hydrapak Bladder: geni.us/TP3XN5
Conc vecto 2 or 3 liter as a dirty water bag screwed onto a sawyer squeeze and gravity or squeeze filtering into a also screwed on plastic bottle (smartwater)
Extras: the bottle with a sportcap can backflush the filter
Extra 2: you can insert a small metalmesh used for faucets into the top of the sawyer squeeze as an upgrade against bigger particles.
@@martinerhard8447 I agree totally with you Martin. That's how I do my setup. I also have a DIY additional filter between my Sawyer squeeze and clean CNOC bladder. PVC pipe, aquarium charcoal and mesh. Improvised with additional quick disconnects. Not enough extra weight to worry about and the filtered water is wonderful.
1L Smart water bottle usually on my chest that only has filtered water in it. Filter with a Sawyer Squeeze. Extra unfiltered water is carried in 1L collapsible bags if needed.
That 16 oz. bag that comes with the Sawyer filter? I cut off the top of that and it became my scoop for the 1L bags filling up within 4 scoops.
Do you still recommend this solution or have you changed your filter kit ?
I’ve been using a Platypus Gravityworks for years.
Most of what we filter is pretty clear, & no one has giardia yet!
Gravity. I have had several pump filters. I bought a Sawyer gravity filter. WOW. Then I learned about Sawyer's water mission. INCREDIBLE!
I used to live in the back country during my summers during high school. We had a massive gravity feed system that could handle 5 gallons at a time. The water would feed through multiple rather large filters before coming out a regular faucet like you might use for a garden hose.
The main thing that I like about my ceramic pump filter is that it's comparatively fast and I don't need to go through the hassle of finding a place to hang it. I can't remember what filter I had before that, but it came with a bag that could be hung so that you could just fill the bag with water and let gravity do the work.
Something that seems to be left out of these discussions, but is probably the most important factor IMO is the terrain you're hiking in. A single Grayl would be a great choice hiking in the smokies where the water is very clear and you cant walk more than 5 minutes without hitting a stream. When we hiked north Zion, there was exactly 1 water source within 16 miles and it was a murky, dirty "Spring" (mudpuddle). If you brought a Grayl or a squeeze and only a liter or two capacity, you might've found yourself in a world of trouble. I always have a unused squeeze even in my daypack as an emergency backup, but for deep trips ill take a pump/bladder so I can get a days worth of water when I find it.
That's definitely true. Typically, the water around here is pretty clean, and clear, you wouldn't be filtering anything that's not if you had a choice. It's still got the potential for parasites and the like, but there's not much to filter out other than pathogens. A filter can last rather a long time before clogging.
I do something to help my filter last longer , especially when filtering dirty , nasty , water. Amazon has the ( 1 Micron 4"x8" Singed Polyester Felt Filter Bag PESP3S Size 3 ) filter bags. They come in micron sizes from 1/2 micron up to 100 micron. If you take one and use it when adding water to the dirty water bag it actually filters the water in the micron size you purchased. Use it at the opening of your dirty water bag. Do the dip and fill system with a cut down plastic bottle or cup.
They can be reused and even cleaned. Just mark one side either dirty or clean so it is used the same way every time. Also if you wet the bottom before using it the water flow is a lot greater then starting with a dry one.
This way you pre-filter the water going in the dirty water bag , then filter that cleaner water threw your filter. Say a 5 micron size in the bag to stop a lot of dirt , algae , floats , crud and anything else. Then the 1 micron of your filter with that cleaned water. The gravity system works great this way and I like Smart Water bottles , light weight , come already filled , replaceable and reliable .
So suprised that this channel hasn’t blow up! Your videos are great quality and you definitely know what you are talking about. Here from tiktok by the way!
I’m surprised too. I’m trucking away waiting to blow up. TikToks algorithm is much more generous. Thanks for watching.
I’ve been using a sawyer squeeze with 1L smart bottles and a Cnoc bag to gravity filter when I’m at camp. I feel like it’s the best of both worlds. Got rid of my bladder in my bag and honestly didn’t miss it at all.
I've done the same as you for some time. Gravity filter in camp from CNOC through the Sawyer mini. Also, my map tells me where water is ahead on the trail during the day. That way, I only filter and drink when I need to, therefore carry little water and little weight. Works good in Scotland UK where there is LOTS of water. No need to carry a bladder, but I guess it's different for you guys in US on "dry" hikes.
I prefer the sawyer squeeze also. I almost always gravity feed, maybe a bit of squeezing if I am in a bit of a hurry. But if it's a nice stream... a few minutes chilling, eating some gorp and watching my bottle fill while I sit there is no problem at all. I did buy the bottle cap attachment so my bottle can be affixed straight to the filter and then I hang the bag. That said, if it is a day hike, it's a bladder all the way.
That's been my setup too. Only thing is I wish I could screw the smart bottle onto the output end of the squeeze, instead of having to keep them lined up as I filter the water.
@@sashikorosu you can buy a blue female to female screw on adapter for your sawyer squeeze. Works great and can attach a 1 or 2 liter bottle.
One major advantage of the pump is getting water out of small places. I'd gone packing to a new area that had a year around spring clearly marked on the map but when i got there the spring was all but dried up and the only source of water was a cenote carved between two boulders with an opening not even large enough to fit an adult sized hand in the bottom of the spring's river bed. If i had a squeeze type filter it could have been a multiple hour long issue trying to figure out how to get to the water but i had my Katadyn Hiker and i was able to drop the feed tube down into the opening and get all the water i needed. If you can get the small rubber hose of the feed tube to fit into the water source you can get water out.
It's not a common thing to happen but that once in a life time event where it does really makes you appreciate having the perfect tool for the job in hand.
You make the most impartial, informative videos. Thank you for that.
1L Befree has been my go to for a good while now. Compresses and filters fast. Great video!
Thanks. I want to try the be free. It seems to be the new big thing
I’ve gone thru three Befree filters in 100 days or so of hiking last year. The water source and how you store your filters matters a lot but even then Befree is way overhyped and I feel most who have praised the Befree on yt haven’t actually used it much..
There’s no way to backflush, only a select few bottles work (the wide opening Katadyn, Salomon, Hydrapak bottles etc.) and without a spare bottle with the same threading you’ll be in trouble once it bursts. Also the advertised 1000 litre lifetime? Maybe if you’re filtering really, really clean water.
I definitely recommend a Hydrapak Flux or some other sturdy bottle for the Befree
I'm another huge fan of the BeFree. I have a more durable HydraPak 1L bag I use with it, and I can just scoop water from any stream or runoff whenever I need more. Just scoop and start drinking. So much easier and faster than having to pump or force water through the filter with a plastic bag. I also have a 2L HydraPak seeker for those times I'm going to be camping far from a water source and need to carry more.
Get an AquaClip handle for it if you try a BeFree, they work great and are stupid cheap. I just hook my BeFree on the hip belt belt of my pack, easy to access and sturdy.
Isn’t the HydraPak To vulnerable to punctures, do you think?
I came upon this video and loved it so much. I had to create a spreadsheet comparing multiple options for water. One of these least expensive and most flexible options is a "Squeeze" + Reseveroir with 1 or 2 smart water bottles. The best of all worlds, and it has redundancy.
That’s awesome! I’ve started using a smart water bottle with a tube converter to make it a reservoir. I use a squeeze filter and it works great. Does all the things i want
Fantastic video with excellent, practical information. I just wanted to say “thank you!”
I've been binging your videos. Very informative. I think I've watched similar every one you've done on water filters.
I have a Sawyer Squeeze but filling up the bag is annoying. I may just get the CNOC bladder and call it a day. I'm definitely not ultralight.
Thanks for the info!
Most backpacks used to come with a very nice water bottle holder, angled for easy reach, usually with an elastic loop that went over the top of the bottle to keep it secure. I still use an aluminum Sigg bottle when using my old backpack. Modern backpacks omit this feature in favour of crappy stretch mesh that sucks both at securing your bottle and at providing access. They claim it's to save weight, but it's really just to save them money. Give me back my water bottle holder, I'll carry the extra 1/2 oz Gregory and Osprey!
Not all modern backpacks use “crappy stretch mesh” and many have an angled pocket, and many modern designers have designed the side pockets with water bottles in mind. I would invite you to be open minded enough to have another look.
@@muskadobbit Saying "there are lots of options, be more open-minded" without providing a single suggestion shows you know nothing of which you speak. Thanks for coming out, you've been a lovely contestant, we have some nice parting gifts for you are you leave.
Coming from a mountaineering background, I am used to stoves (only thing that works in freezing temps); so this was a nice overview of tradeoffs for me to think about as my warm weather journeys get longer. 👍
Not sure how I'm just now finding you... But this was a very well made video! I hit the sub and am looking forward to going through old content
I use a katadyn befree strapped to my chest strap so i can drink without taking it of. I only keep 0.6 liters there so it doesnt bother me while hiking, but i keep a 3l blatter in my pack to refill the befree
Most ppl would consider it heavy, but I friggin’ love my platypus gravity works. It’s great for large amounts of water, and even solo I find I have need of filtering 1-2 gallons at a time between needing water for cooking, cleaning, refilling my 2 1 liter bottles, and making lots of coffee and tea
I have one of these and when you have a bladder of clean water, its great to have it all on demand. But mine is slooow. Even when I test it with tap water. Even after I back flow it. I try to reverse directions for a few seconds to try and resolve air locks in the tubes but it takes me an hour or more to get 2L worth.
@@S.L.1211 that’s odd, mine filters quite fast, even with the additional carbon element filter. I usually let about 1 cup of water go into clean bag (which I make sure to get air out of before hooking it up) and then reverse the flow. I see lots of air bubbles come out and then I reverse flow again with dirty bag hooked on tree and clean bag on the ground. Takes maybe 10 minutes for the full gallon. Maybe that is slow but it’s rare I’ve needed to stop and set it up on trail. Usually I filter in camp
I use the Sawyer bag for dirty, then gravity it through to either my 3L Platypus bladder, or a 1L pop bottle. The "Male to Male" thread adapter is the key ingredient for this set up. Bladder mostly stays in pack, pop bottle is handy around camp and cooking.
Pop bottle works to scoop water into sawyer bottle. Cut bottle in half & use coupler. Works great
At a camp I went to we used Katadyn pocket Water Filters, the one with the ceramic filter. Turned creek water into tasty drinking water like it was nothing. Katadyn has my heart.
I remember using a product when I was younger that seemed the best of both worlds. It was a camelback hose that hooked to a Nalgene bottle. that way you have convenience of a bottle to fill up outside the pack while on-the-go drinking from the hose
A squeeze filter is not only for squeezing but can be used as a drip filter at camp without requiring much work.
Also there's non-sawyer filters that get sold with a little hose and integrated pump (which also fit the sawyer), effectively making it a pump filter for a bladder, eliminating the need for a cnoc style bladder or bottles.
The thing is, if you have to take you hydration system bladder out anyway to switch hoses or check how full it is, you might as well open it and use the lighter squeeze filter (maybe with a pump).
The pump filter you showed isn't just way more expensive to begin with, it's also in the long run when you have to buy replacement filters. Of which one costs as much as a new sawyer, I'd estimate.
I use the squeeze filter with bags. I have a gravity setup using quick disconnects. Filtering time is zero, because it filters while I set up camp. Refill the top/dirty bag to filter more when I make dinner. If its cold I blow out the water before going to sleep.
Thanks for the video.
I use a CNOC 2 liter dirty water bag, Sawyer Squeeze with blue connector to gravity filter into 2 one-liter Smartwater bottles. A cut off bottom of an old smartwater bottle is part of the kit for scooping water. I have no issues carrying and accessing smartwater bottles from my HMG packs. Sawyer squeeze is rolled up in empty CNOC bag then stuff into the scoop, and the whole kit is stored together in a zip lock bag, for easy grab and go, or for Storing inside my sleeping bag during those cold nights.
I use the LifeStraw gravity bag to a bladder. Gravity bag is convenient for camp purposes, albeit a bit slow. Still, I can fill now and filter later if I'm worried about distance to my next water source. Bladder is way more accessible while on the go, and my pack has an insulated bladder pocket so it'll stay cool on a hot day.
Watching UA-cam makes me feel like a freak using a bladder. Thanks for watching
Absolute great video I have been on the fence cause I like the bladder but it’s such a pain to fill with my katadyn befree squeeze and I think pumps are too heavy in comparison.
Thank you! I like the pump obviously. And I’m not opposed to carrying a little extra weight. But when I want to go ultralight I will use a squeeze
We do day hikes and car camping, and have been happy with our Katadyn and platypus bladders. It works well for us with the kids to carry one filter and each kiddo gets his own 2 liter bladder to carry in a small pack.
For me smart water bottle and sawyer original all day every day. The pump and bladder discussed in the video is twice as expensive, twice the weight, about 3x more of a pain in the butt to get in and out of the pack and takes at least twice as long to filter. Fill the smart water bottle screw the filter on and keep hiking. No need for a cnoc bag. People tend to think they need to drink water every 10 min. I pull my bottle out 1-2 time an hour guzzle some water and keep going. Work on shoulder mobility and make sure your pack has properly designed side pockets. They are easy to get to. The sawyer mini is lighter than the original but the flow rate is far less. For minimal weight go with the full size. The be free to faster but clogs easy, has a short life span, the slush flushing only kind of works and if you break a bag and only have one then you have a problem. 2-3 smart water bottles and a sawyer original gives me back up. Just my thoughts and what works for me.
I use a sawyer squeeze and a cncoc bag. I filter into 1l and 750ml plastic water bottles like smart water bottles. I tried the beFree for a bit but it clogs fast and seemingly unrepairably with silty water. I’ve had pump filters in the past but really like the squeeze filters better. You can put them in-line with your bladder too, if you’re the bladder type. I’d go back to pump’s extra weight if I was going where purification is recommended over just filtering.
I use a Katadyn pocket water filer if I go with a bottle, if I use a bladder I go with a Aquamira water bladder with a inline Aquamira filter. Bladder is easy fill from the top.
You can use the Sawyer Squeeze as a gravity filter too. And honestly the original Sawyer bladders they give you are fine, just blow them up before filling and the water goes in no problem.
Love my Katadyn hiker. The sawyer mini is my backup.
I love my bladder and didn't know there was a way to fill it without taking it out of my pack. I am going to looking into the camelback attachment you shared. Must everyone I go with tell me I need to switch over to the 2 smart bottles and a sawyer.
Excellent video and great comparison. I know the sawyers can also be used in line on the bladders. Best of both worlds possibly? Or are the sawyers that hard to drink thru?
Thanks. Iv never tried to do an in-line because I don’t want dirty water in my bladder. Plus then I’d still have to dig it out to refill instead of pumping into the drink tube like I currently do. If the Sawyers are as hard as lifestaw then yes too hard to drink through in my opinion.
@@MyLifeOutdoors in line is the best option, so easy to refill the bladder with its large opening. Also regarding how hard it is to get out of your pack, just put the bladder in the side pocket where you normally would put your bottle.... Most UL packs have huge side pockets
My issue with bladders is the taste. Having good tasting water keeps me drinking the water which is very important. I have the Osprey Atmos 65 which has angled pockets for a water bottle, so I can reach my water fairly easily. For me this setup has worked well for me.
a small bottle of lemon juice and add a few drops helps the taste . so does a bit of vinegar.
Sawyer filter + bag for gravity filtering in combination with CNOC bag or Nalgene canteen for storage at base camp; Nalgene bottle for on the trail. Works well for me.
I like having one small bottle on each shoulder strap. It doesn’t bother me, but maybe that’s because I’ve gotten used to running vests. It’s nice to balance the weight on your back just a little bit.
I use the platypus gravity system, we had a 4 liter version in scouts and that's what I was familiar with so I bought a 2 liter version for myself.
1:59 you can add an extra quick connect deals for the part of the hose that is outside the pack and refill the bladder with a pump filter while the bladder is still in the pack. I’ve don’t this and it works fine.
I enjoy a bladder and my katadyn filter. More volume, faster flow and better tasting water. I'm never in a rush when backpacking anyway.
Consider that in cold weather. A drink tube from a bladder has a tendency to freeze.
Yes, here is the tip to avoid the hard tube to freeze, just blow air in until you know your tube is empty, and close it as fast as possible, you can also avoid this by drinking regularly in less quanity :)
Have a good day sir,
Friendly,
Clarence
A great video nice, short and to the point. Which system would you recommend for a 1lt sigg bottle?
I think squeeze is probably best fit any type of bottle. Lighter and cheaper. But a pump system will still work just as well.
A Sawyer Products SP150 Coupling for Water Filtration (blue plastic double threaded ring) for $3.00, connects the squeeze filter directly to a Smartwater bottle so you don't spill (don't tighten it all the way to let air out)
I use a bladder with an inline sawyer mini. I've only ever had an issue drinking from it filling from literal swamp water, and never had an issue accessing the bladder, even in a 42L pack.
But I'll probably be swapping to bottles in the future, maybe with a hose adapter and the same filter.
Put a quick connect on both sides of the inline to make it easier to manage the hose.
I actually use a combination of both. I have the Granite Gear X60 backpack which is difficult to reach the water bottle pockets on so I use a "path water" bottle with a hole drilled in the cap to fit a hydration pack hose into. Bottle stays in the pocket and i get to drink freely while also making it easy to refill the bottle when i need to. I use a befree filter with a 3L hydropak seeker for filtering.
I just bought a granite gear 60 recently and used it on a weekend trip and it was really hard to gain access to my water while walking and had to drop my pack or ask a friend to grab my water out. So what you're saying is you basically connected a bladder hose to a water bottle??
@@jasonjones8209 Exactly, just make sure the hose extends to the bottom of the bottle. I also use a heated needle to poke a breather hole in the cap to avoid creating negative pressure in the bottle.👍
I have a bladder hose to my Smart water bottle (stuffed in side pocket upside down). No leaking bladder in my pack. Easy to fill with Sawyer. Easy swap out with second bottle. CNOC 2L is used for storage as needed, but could be a bladder - all the same thread.
For day hikes and short one or two night hikes I like a Geopress. For longer trips I have a squeeze paired with a 2L cnoc. Probably going to pick up a Befree before long.
I use a squeeze filter and canteens. I filter the water right into my quart or two quart canteen with a straw screwed onto the bottom and bag on top. You make it sound like it's so much harder than it is. You sound like an infomercial actually.
I pump into bottles. Maybe it’s an unnecessary worry, but I’ve never been comfortable with having a sack of water inside my bag. I don’t mind pumping. It’s hiking after all, there should be some effort involved.
I got a MSR Trail Shot with 2 new filters for 40€ at sale. Will take it to sweden in the september. Also i bought a Decathlon Forclaz MT500 Filter Squeeze Bottle. I will try both!
1L BeFree. Not only allows me to filter but adds and additional 1L carrying capacity, when needed. They also pair with various Hydropack water bags to extend your dirty water carrying for long, dry stretches of trail. For a back up I use a t-shirt (for particles) and Aquamira drops.
Do the BeFrees filter as fast as they say?
@@MyLifeOutdoors As long as you maintain them. I do an overnight soak in water with a splash of vinegar once every 2-3 months or if I notice the flow rate slowing. That will do the trick to remove the mineral deposits, which Colorado water is full of.
curious. I installed my Sawyer mini inline with my Camelbak, filter close to the bladder and stored inside the tote bag, from outside it looks like any normal Camelbak. If one isconcerned that the filter edges might puncture the bladder when full, just wrap the filter in bubble wrap.
I like waterbottles, so I can allways see how much water I have left. I carry a 750ml on my hipbelt and a second on the side of my pack, it's superconvenient and usually enough from meal to meal.
The be-free filter is probably my favourite filter atm. I've had the hiker pump for years, but it's more convenient to scoop up with the bag that comes with it then it is to find a comfortable place to pump.
I use sawyer squeeze on a smart water bottle mostly unless it’s a few days hike then the same sawyer on a water bladder. You can buy a kit to turn the sawyer squeeze into a in-line filter for a bladder. The mini you don’t need the kit just some clamps so it doesn’t slip off. However with the kit for the squeeze you can easily remove the the filter if you cleaned and filled the bladder with clean water. My pack has a dedicated bladder pocket so it’s very easy to take the bladder out without even opening the main compartment.
I have a sawyer micro squeeze,
If i want to carry a camelback, i just plug it on the tube, and it filters when i drink, if I’m going to do some bushcraft, i prefer having water bottles, and i take my micro squeeze in my pocket to be able to fill my bottles with clean water.
It’s small enough to not bother me in my sleeping bag in winter so it doesn’t freeze.
I really like this system
How do you test the filtered water so no doubt that the filter is doing its job exists?
Just bought a life straw 3 litre. Other than testing it at home I haven’t used it yet. I like the fact that you can carry 3 litres of water away from a water source and filter it later.
Very informative video.
I would submit that in the greater scheme of things all these minor inconveniences are just that ,very minor inconveniences.
Do they make a water bladder with an overflow tube or overflow connection so that way you don't have to worry about overfilling?
I use a Sawyer mini attached to 1 liter hydrapak that is attached to my right shoulder strap. I don't have to take my pack off to refill. I attach the hydrapak to the end of my trekking pole then drag it through the water three times and it usually fills up pretty quickly. I don't even have to bend over. I'm thinking about making a video about this because I haven't seen anyone else use this method.
I have pure pump water filter. Been using it off and on for 20 years. Works like champ for 1-2 peps. I like the gravity bags systems for larger groups.
Iv been using the Katadyn Hiker for 10+ years. Iv even done groups of 14 with one Katadyn hiker. We take turns each day filtering for everyone
I use the Sawyer squeeze and 2 smart water bottles. I'll keep an extra Sawyer bag if I need to carry more for some reason, but generally where I hike most, I can get away with 2 litres at a time before I need to refill. I can reach the bottle on my pack, I have gorilla arms so that probably helps. Definitely agree about having the bottle on your chest. I can't stand that either. As for taste, I carry some propel powdered drink mixes. If the water has a bad taste, I just add one.
Maybe I need some gorilla arms! 😂 I use flavor mix at camp (love me some Hawaiian Punch) but other than that I don’t think I’d like the propel. Thanks for watching and chiming in.
I use my sawyer filter connected in the bladder line. So it filters as I drink directly from the bladder.
3L Cnoc with connected 1m-double-velcro (1/2") to quick-secure it to nearby tree-branch or rock. HydroBlu filter (because it's smaller/lighter and almost as fast as S-Squeeze) to gravity-filter Smart-water bottles. Normally carry four bottles, 2ea 1L and 2ea 700mL. 700mL (or 24oz or 20oz) go in integrated (LiteAF) shoulder stretch-mesh pockets that are wobble-free and floppy-free. The other 2ea 1L bottles in side pockets. Cnoc normally remains empty and stowed between water sources. Cnoc is often filled and left hanging in camp, reducing water carries. Also provides a shower-capability (no whining) with bidet attachment.
I like my MSR mini works.
Yea it’s heavy but no worries always clean and safe water
I Use a 1-liter Nalgene bottle hooked to my pack strap and a bigger Smartwater bottle on the outside of my pack for when I need to top it off. A Sawyer Squeeze filter and a 3-liter Platypus bag as a dirty bag. Also, I put my sawyer in a 16 oz. water bottle with the top cut off as a dipper for the dirty bag. I don't use the sawyer on a Smartwater bottle because when you squeeze the bottle it caves in, and you have to take the filter back off to get more air back in the bottle for another squeeze. Ridiculous.
I tried a bladder once backpacking and something failed. It soaked my back as well as everything in my pack. I only use a bladder for daypacks.
On extended trips I also bring Aquamira drops as a backup.
Both bladders and bottles have their plusses.
Hydration bladders excel at allowing access to water without taking off your pack. They are great for day hikes where you don’t need to refill them, and they are inferior to bottles in most other ways. They’re harder to refill without unloading your pack regardless of whether you need to filter. If they leak, your stuff is getting wet. If you’re camping they are inconvenient to drink from when your pack is off, and they are a pain to get cooking and cleanup water from.
You have to do yoga to reach a bottle stored in most backpacks while your pack is on, take the pack off, or carry water on your strap, which is a pain while hiking. That’s not insignificant. But, bottles are way easier to deal with for everything else.
That’s where the Hydrolink comes in extremely handy. No need to dig your bladder out when it’s time to refill. And I carry a small 16 oz bottle that I use at camp and for drink flavor mix.
I respect your opinion, but find too many people wanting to hate on bladders. They are a viable option (Iv used them for over a decade). Have never had one leak. And the one thing I hate more than doing yoga to reach my water is taking my pack off. Maybe I’m wired, but I like bladders. I’ll only use bottle abs a squeeze if I’m going ultralight.
I had a pump-style break on a trip-no good! I had a squeeze-type bag blow out, and it’s slow. Platypus Gravityworks has been my mainstay for a decade.
9oz is a lot. That's a Silky saw you're not carrying instead. Or an entire cook system. Or half a chair. Plus the bladder+water-bottles can carry more water, are quicker and easier to filter (a minute of squeezing vs a lot of pumping). I'm not a big Sawyer fan, I've mostly used the BeFree + Seeker combo, but having used pump filters, I can't see an advantage that would make me want to carry an extra 9oz.
For me, I carry a mini-nalgene for coffee and to have a hot-water-bottle in my sleep system if I need. And a standard 500ml water bottle. I carry both those in my shoulder-strap pockets. Carrying a 1l bottle would be pretty awkward, but two 500ml (ish) bottles doesn't get in the way at all. This lets me move over 2lbs of weight off my back (that's a lot!) to the front, improving the center of gravity of my setup and improving overall comfort.
My filter and water-bag just sits in my pack's "front" pocket. When I need to filter, I just stop, sit down, stabilize my bottles between my feet if needed, and filter the fresh water into them. A 3-minute break every time I need another liter of water doesn't feel excessive, but if I really wanted to I could fill the 2l water bag as well and stop less frequently at the expense of adding 4.4lbs to my back. Not a trade-off worth making unless water is scarce IMO.
I want an electronic pump slash inflator in one but have not found one yet
I've always used a steripen. I like the speed and ease of use. I like having cold water and I usually use a nalgene bottle for drinking or transfer to my bladder. Yet, I rarely see them listed as an option nowadays. Don't know why.
I've removed the mouthpiece from the osprey bladder and used a sawyer squeeze and included hose to squeeze clean water into my bladder for refill. I've also shoved the hose inside of a camelbak mouthpiece bite valve slot and done the same. I got the idea when I saw my toddler trying to blow up the bladders thru the mouthpieces hahaha
I used to use a 2L evernew bag for dirty water, and it worked well until the seal finally broke. Now i just use a 1L smart water bottle for dirty. I use a cut-off small plastic water bottle as a scoop when necessary and my Sawyer Squeeze nests inside it. I previously had a system where i ran an osprey hose into the water bottle on my side pockets, so i had the best of both worlds, but now i can bend my arm enough to reach the bottles no problem. Bladders you don’t know how much water you have. Bottles you can have a separate one for mixed drinks, easier to fill, easier for cooking. Oh yeah, and just hold the clean bottle between your feet while filtering
I did make a cheap adapter to directly connect the Sawyer mini to the Camelbak
I have an MSR Minworks pump and HATE HATE HATE it for how much you have to brush the crap off the filter element. Have settled on the Vecto bladder, Sawyer Squeeze, and Smartwater bottles. Simple, light, and fast. IMO nothing else comes close.
Iv never used the Miniworks. And I don’t have to clean off my Katadyn Hiker. It does come with a filter screen and a sponge for wiping the screen, but Iv never needed to use it. I’m glad you have found something that works better for you.
Considering making a switch from my Sawyer squeeze to a pump filter. Sick of filling up those bags or having to squeeze a bottle. Seems like it would be so nice to drop a hose and pump some water into my bottles
If you choose wisely, some pump filters can be gravity fed.
I use 2 filters. sawyer mini to fill my water bladder then a msr backcountry that’s tied into the bladder hose. That way I don’t have to pull the bladder out to fill and if I want to wash my hands I don’t have to touch my mouth pice I just use the sawyer mini squeeze bag .
I tried to look through the comments to make sure that this wasn’t redundant, but did not see any comments regarding this. I hardly ever use a bottle with the Sawyer squeeze. I almost always take the nipple/bite valve off the tube and then slide the tube directly onto the Sawyer squeeze. It is extremely easy and have not had any issues with it. And camp. It is extremely easy as well to gravity, feed another bag directly into the bladder. I rarely squeeze the bag at all anymore and generally gravity feed everything. I am working on making a quick link so similar to the Camelback quick link for an easier connection. The link would go between the Sawyer squeeze, and the Hydro-Pack hose.
CNOC+Sqeeze setup as gravity filter. I can't stand bladders. I want water on my pack staying cool not in my pack getting hot or leaking on my stuff (personal preference). I use smart water bottles chest carried, but have a bite valve on them so it acts like a bladder. My wife can't run them that way so she uses the same Source bite valve unit and a longer tube with them in her side pockets. You get the benefits of both systems without the drawbacks. As a previous poster said, with the CNOC on top of my pack I can gravity fill my backup bottles on the move or fill everything and have a 3L reserve for a dry camp or section of trail. Works well for us and many of my Scouts use the same setup so we can visually monitor their hydration along the trail.
Thanks for watching! I find my pack helps keep the water in my bladder cool. All the stuff acts like insulation. The water in the tube can get hot, but I have an insulated tube as well that keeps it cool. And Iv carried bladders for over a decade and never had one leak. But I have seen cheap ones leak.
Maybe just me but I tried the bladder and bite valve the water was always hot and the little sips didn't quench my thirst and before I knew it the bladder was empty tried a bottle but they just wasn't strong enough so got a aluminum canteen I fill it with the Sawyer squeeze then I have a small aluminum cup I drink from the cup and I know I have about 5 cups before I need a refill the canteen has a insulated cover and a larger cup at the bottom I can cook in the water is always cool and drinking from the cup seems to quench my thirst better just my thoughts.
Not for everyone, but we make our own filters out of 0.2 micorn diesel fuel filter mat. It's cut in a circle, sewn into a cone, and placed in a common funnel. The filter has to be large enough to be able to fold out over the edge of the funnel. We use fine polyester cloth as a prefilter.
I've got a Sawyer squeeze and a msr trail shot but thinking about swapping them for a grayl flask
Someone else just commented about Grayl. They contacted me earlier this week and are sending a filter. Seems like it will be too bulky and heavy for backpacking, but I'm keeping my mind open.
I have bladders for my Mini and it works just fine. The other thing is my Mini dosent have moving parts to fail.
I count my strokes too 🤣 in different context
🤣 I knew someone would catch that
@@MyLifeOutdoors you not slick lmao
It’s soooooo difficult to grab my bottle from the side pouch 😂
I like the pump because it's faster. I've got a bad habit of keeping a fast pace, I used to run cross country. With that said I've been considering a gravity system and embracing the moment of stillness lol especially when I'm hiking with other people
I over hydrate with bladders.. (creating headaches and need to use electrolytes).. crazy I know! But with a smart water bottle I keep a much better track on my water consumption.
i just had a sawyer mini fail on me, try to pump air reverse flow into it. if air goes thru its not good.
Bottle and life straw. I just keep my lifestraw in my nalgene. Cut a piece of foam to put around the straw to keep it from rattling. You can scoop and keep moving
MSR SweetWater is what I use.
I used to always carry a water bottle clipped to my chest strap. One day I slipped in the snow and fell on my butt. No biggy, but the bottle smacked me in the face and gave me a fat lip. I don't let heavy things dangle from my pack anymore.
Noce video. What is your opinion on Katadyn freedom?
I just use an old bladder to collect dirty water and the hose from it pressure fits onto the nipple of the Sawyer mini.
Then I remove the mouthpiece from my clean bladder and that hose also pressure fits onto the clean nipple of the Sawyer mini.
No additional equipment needed other than an old bladder and it's hose.
Sawyer squeeze 1l bottle to camelbak adapter and just squeeze back into the bladder repeat 3 times for 3 liters .. Cheaper and does work
Gravity Worx for me If I need lots of water or I am somewhere with limited water sources. I can put 3L in my bladder and then filter another 4L and carry it in the clean bag. If I don’t need so much I go with a Sawyer and a platy 2 liter cell and use that to fill my bladder. I have tried the bottle with the sawyer, not a fan.
I love that we hike over 15 miles in a day and our biggest gripe is " I can't reach my water bottle ".
I never thought about it like that. Maybe that’s why we gripe. It’s one more thing after 15 miles in a day
@@MyLifeOutdoors well said.....
I have all the systems - but when it comes down to it, I count on my Katadyn Combi or Pocket.
i think that for me, the camel pack and the ready to drink all the time would be best, but how do you keep that hose clean? are you ever afraid of having mold grow in there?
You're supposed to empty them out when not in use and IIRC, there's a part that's included to help keep it open so that it completely dries.
I carry a dirty water cnoc bag, then use it gravity style with a sawyer to fill my water bladder and 2 metal water bottles. If put correctly in my backpack it can gravityfilter whilst walking if need be or give me 6 L carry capacity for the hot days. (I normally already need to consume 4L water per day when being active)
You gravity feed INSIDE your pack? That’s awesome. Iv never heard of anyone doing that. I’m interested in how you have it set up.
@@MyLifeOutdoors the lid of my backpack is basically a small daypack/large fanny pack with 2 pockets. One on the outside containing emergency materials and one on the inside with a opening for tubing and elastics for a waterbladder. The elastics keep pressure on the bladder, keeping it all snug.
The actual waterbladder is in the main compartment of my pack in a stretch pocket near my back, with a tube y splitter. One going directly to a filter and then with a long tube to the cnoc bag on top.
The other connection goes to a tube with my mouthpiece.
So the gravity and elastic pressure allows for steady filtration when the lower bag is being emptied. So when you drink, you don’t have to suck on the tube, due to the gravity and pressure of the topbag it works like a small tap.
This setup lets me fill the cnoc with ease and in camp I can hang on a branch if need be. Yes the whole setup is heavier, especially since I have a boilproof waterbladder, but the versatility is worth it to me.
@@Jonsoh811 that’s an ingenious set up. I was thinking you had to have something like a y splitter.
What about using a squeeze filter as an in line filter for your bladder?
Yeah. I didn’t mean to leave that out. Iv never done that because I don’t want dirty water in my bladder, it’s not as easy to refill as pumping straight into my drinking tube with the Hydrolink, and how hard are they to suck through? If they are as bad as the lifestraws I don’t want to suck that hard to get water.
My Katadyn Hiker Pro leaked right out of the box so I'm at a loss rn as to what water filtration I want instead.