Thanks for the insight. I might have to give it a try. After seeing first hand so many pump filters have issues in my limited time backpacking I do like the idea of a filter that doesn't rely on a pumping mechanism. And I'm not too interested chemical options except as a backup.Nodust wrote:I use a Sawyer Squeeze filter hooked up to a Sea to Summit 8L dry bag as a gravity filter. We used it for a two night trip with 35 scouts and parents and it was the only filter. Just fill it and let it fill my water bottle. If the water source is very small, just carry a small container and scoop out and fill bag.
http://www.arrowhead-equipment.com/stor ... _Set_.html I used something like this. Burn a hole in the dry bag with a heated socket. Then just use a 1/4" hose to hook it up.
I bought a Sawyers mini and a regular version.
The soft bags are next to impossible to fill without a funnel. Remember the threads will fit most soft drink bottles and water bottles. I have used 20oz soda bottles and filtered direct from that. Just experiment on what bottles you may like. There are tons of options to using Sawyer filters. Google image search Sawyer Squeeze DIY system and you will see 100's of different ideas.macchia wrote:I bought a Sawyers mini and a regular version.
I used the mini on the Snyder lake overnighter and again yesterday on the Siyeh hike.
The Sawyer filter works fine.
(when it is done loading)
It's just a bit awkward for me to use as a primary water treatment device though.
I can see that it is somewhat less awkward for two people working together, but that's not an option for me.
The water collection process is the big negative for me. All these "flat" plastic bottles have the same problem:
Flat construction and a small opening making them hard to fill. The large mouth canteens don't have the right fitting to squeeze with.
So too many "moving parts" for me.
That said, I can see many people liking this device.
It's small. light, and pretty easy to carry, especially if you opt for using it like a straw and a wide mouth collection bottle.
I may use it as a back up filter for either my old PUR pump or my SteriPen.
The water from Baring Creek tasted WONDERFUL unfiltered using my Steripen to treat it
pete