A Versatile Filter for Emergencies
There are many options for filtering drinking water, but perhaps none as simple and compact as the venerable Sawyer Mini water filter. These rugged little filters stand up to repeated use and get the job done every time.
I’ve used a Sawyer filter in a variety of situations including backcountry travel, as well as in a simulated grid-down course. Through these different use cases, I’ve seen its strengths as well as some weaknesses inherent to any portable water filtration system.
Know Your Water Filter’s Limits
When purchasing a filter like the Sawyer, it’s important to understand what your filter is capable of, and what it isn’t. The Sawyer is certified to remove 99.99999% of all bacteria (such as cholera and E. coli) and 99.9999% of all protozoa (such as Giardia). It also removes 100% of microplastics.
The key to a water filter is starting with water that is relatively clear of particulates. The .1 micron inline filter is excellent at filtering out the stated bacteria and protozoa. However, try running murky pond water through it, and it will quickly become clogged to the point of being unusable.
This is not a criticism of the Sawyer Filter, and it is not a problem unique to this product. The primary intended use case of a water filter like the Sawyer mini is to filter clear water from a spring or river. When I’ve used my personal Sawyer mini to filter water from a mountain spring or stream, it has worked flawlessly. If you find yourself in a bind and need to filter dirty, stagnant water, you’ll need to pre-filter the water. A hasty option for pre-filtering is using a bandana or cravat to remove the largest particles.
What’s Included
The Sawyer Mini filter comes as a kit that includes a squeeze pouch and a cleaning plunger. The squeeze pouch can be used for drinking straight from a water source. Be aware that the pouch can tear if too much force is applied while squeezing the water through the filter. The filtration process produces a significant amount of backpressure.
The provided cleaning plunger is used periodically to clean a clogged filter by pushing clean water back through the filter. It’s advisable to carry the plunger with the filter in case the filter becomes clogged during use in the field.
If you’re searching for an affordable, compact water filtration option, it’s hard to beat the Sawyer Mini kit. Just understand the limitations of a water filter when it comes to filtering dirty water and make sure to have a plan for pre-filtration.
