Hi AK, hose filters are a great idea. Just ordered some before heading out on the Lost Coast Trail and later back on the PCT. Thanks for your excellent tips!
Thanks for the tip on the filter washers! Added them to my cart for next order. I already use a CNOC bag and coupler, and carry a spare gasket, but had not heard of the filter washers. While I haven't done any trips nearly as long as the PCT (longest has been 10 days out), I backflush after every trip and use the bleach mixture. Seems to keep it working well.
Yes, backflushing is a necessity otherwise using a Sawyer can be frustrating if you have to really squeeze water through it. One time in Oregon during a hot stretch I clogged my filter because we had to draw water from a questionable "frog pond." The water result looked great but the filter took a hit.
Great tips! I haven’t started using my Sawyer yet, so I’m yet to experience the tricks that you’re mentioning. I’m not even sure where to get the coupler and extra washers. As long as I’m walking shorter distances of 200 miles or less, I’ve been using the MSR Guardian just because it does everything including self flushing. The penalty, however, is the weight, where walking for weeks on end would be too taxing for such a load. Glad to see a much less expensive and load friendly filter has tricks to keep the water clean.
Hi Glen. Thank you. I have links in the description to the items. I also purchased a Katadyn Be Free, which might be a nice option. It's very light, and seems simple to use. I'll let you know how it works out. I carried a Sawyer for the entire PCT, and it worked well. I did need to backflush it many times because I did draw water from some murky places on occasion by necessity. Stay hydrated my friend.
Good tips, thanks for sharing. My Sawyers have always worked well, and I think because I always backflush before it truly needs it. I learned the hard way. Take care
Perfect timing as I head out on another section of the PCT this weekend! Never thought to put a flip cap on my Sawyer or to use the coupling, and love the little screen filter you found! Great tips! I do have a new Katadyn that I want to try out, so hoping to try that also! Looking forward to your filter comparisons.
Hi, good tips. I’m currently comparing several brands of backpacking water filters. They are not cheap, in Poland sawyer is ~86USD. I’m considering a sawyer squeeze with diy or a versaflow secondary activated carbon filter. I’ve heard, that for a long-term storage vinegar solution backflushing is advised, to remove any mineral buildup.
Unless I hear differently, the vinegar solution sounds like a winner. I use that same system to clean my on-demand water heater. I'll give it a try. Thanks for watching.
I think that's a genuine concern, although it hasn't happened to me. On the trail I carry mine in a mesh bag so it airs out, and I mentioned how I clean mine using a little Clorox. Also, I will replace a filter I don't think is sound. Thank you for your excellent comment.
@@akwild1 Well, it never helps when it's a foreign language that has no problem stringing together five or six consonants without a vowel in sight and has pronunciation rules that are nowhere near english. The only reason I know how it's pronounced is I heard it so many different ways I eventually googled it.
that's a great bit of tips Ray. I haven't used mine enough to be concerned yet but I will definitely keep those tips in mind. thank you.
Dwayne
Absolutely Dwayne. It's that one piece of gear you definitely use two to three times a day.
Hi AK, hose filters are a great idea. Just ordered some before heading out on the Lost Coast Trail and later back on the PCT. Thanks for your excellent tips!
Thank you. That and the coupling are my two quirky tips. They're not original, but they've been validated by my experiences on the trail.
Thanks for the tip on the filter washers! Added them to my cart for next order. I already use a CNOC bag and coupler, and carry a spare gasket, but had not heard of the filter washers. While I haven't done any trips nearly as long as the PCT (longest has been 10 days out), I backflush after every trip and use the bleach mixture. Seems to keep it working well.
Yes, backflushing is a necessity otherwise using a Sawyer can be frustrating if you have to really squeeze water through it. One time in Oregon during a hot stretch I clogged my filter because we had to draw water from a questionable "frog pond." The water result looked great but the filter took a hit.
Thanks for the great tips! I think pre-filtering is a great idea. Thanks! And as always, your videos are top notch! I look forward to each one :)
Awesome, thank you! I appreciate your kind words.
Great tips! I haven’t started using my Sawyer yet, so I’m yet to experience the tricks that you’re mentioning. I’m not even sure where to get the coupler and extra washers. As long as I’m walking shorter distances of 200 miles or less, I’ve been using the MSR Guardian just because it does everything including self flushing. The penalty, however, is the weight, where walking for weeks on end would be too taxing for such a load. Glad to see a much less expensive and load friendly filter has tricks to keep the water clean.
Hi Glen. Thank you. I have links in the description to the items. I also purchased a Katadyn Be Free, which might be a nice option. It's very light, and seems simple to use. I'll let you know how it works out. I carried a Sawyer for the entire PCT, and it worked well. I did need to backflush it many times because I did draw water from some murky places on occasion by necessity. Stay hydrated my friend.
Good tips, thanks for sharing. My Sawyers have always worked well, and I think because I always backflush before it truly needs it. I learned the hard way. Take care
Yes, same with me. I've found myself getting impatient when my Sawyer clogs and is hard to push water through. Regular backflushing seems to help.
Perfect timing as I head out on another section of the PCT this weekend! Never thought to put a flip cap on my Sawyer or to use the coupling, and love the little screen filter you found! Great tips! I do have a new Katadyn that I want to try out, so hoping to try that also! Looking forward to your filter comparisons.
Yes, I have a Katadyn, too. Time to try it out. I enjoy seeing pics of your adventures. Go easy on your grandkids. On second thought, never mind....
@@akwild1 LOL...just grooming the grandson for the PCT. He wants to hike it! He will! 🙂
Thanks for the tips! I appreciate your videos. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you like them! I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. Happy Trails.
Hi, good tips. I’m currently comparing several brands of backpacking water filters. They are not cheap, in Poland sawyer is ~86USD.
I’m considering a sawyer squeeze with diy or a versaflow secondary activated carbon filter.
I’ve heard, that for a long-term storage vinegar solution backflushing is advised, to remove any mineral buildup.
Unless I hear differently, the vinegar solution sounds like a winner. I use that same system to clean my on-demand water heater. I'll give it a try. Thanks for watching.
Great tips. I keep my sawyer filter in the refrigerator as I am worried about mold… is that even a concern?
I think that's a genuine concern, although it hasn't happened to me. On the trail I carry mine in a mesh bag so it airs out, and I mentioned how I clean mine using a little Clorox. Also, I will replace a filter I don't think is sound. Thank you for your excellent comment.
What's the link to those hose filters that you use? Thanks
Thanks for asking. I just updated the description. They're the Breezily Hose filters. You should see them in my description about four items down.
Actually, 3 items down.
CNOC is pronounced "Knuck" or "Nuck". It's from the Gaelic for hill. This is from the company themselves.
Thanks for the correction. I've always found phonics challenging.
@@akwild1 Well, it never helps when it's a foreign language that has no problem stringing together five or six consonants without a vowel in sight and has pronunciation rules that are nowhere near english. The only reason I know how it's pronounced is I heard it so many different ways I eventually googled it.
@@backpacker3421 Really, why does a water bladder have such a complicated name. Why can't they call it a Bob and be done with it?