Best Hiking Water Filter is the Sawyer Squeeze
Over the years we’ve treated water in a variety of ways, but for the last several years we both rely almost exclusively on the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter.
You might think you need an expensive water filter (as we used to think) to ensure that you have clean drinking water on any hike, but it’s simply not true thanks to the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter. This lightweight, compact filter comes in around $40 at most retailers (including Walmart, which comes in handy in an emergency) and can provide seasons worth of clean water for you when it’s properly maintained.
Moe using his Sawyer Squeeze with a CNOC Vecto and a Smart Water bottle.
Sawyer Squeeze Basics: The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter is a compact and lightweight water filtration system. The Squeeze is designed for portability and ease of use and provides hikers and backpackers with a reliable way to filter water. The filter utilizes a hollow fiber membrane with a 0.1-micron pore size, effectively removing 99.99999% of bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli, as well as 99.9999% of protozoa like Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
Weighing just 3 ounces, the Sawyer Squeeze fits easily into a backpack or even a pocket, making it an ideal choice for those traveling light. Its versatile design allows it to attach directly to the included squeeze pouches, CNOC water bags, and standard disposable water bottles with 28mm threads. This flexibility makes it highly adaptable tool for a variety of hiking situations.
The Squeeze can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water with proper maintenance, which is many seasons of use. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring periodic backflushing using the provided syringe to maintain optimal performance. Unlike many other water filters, the Sawyer Squeeze does not require replacement cartridges, which adds to its cost-effectiveness over time. Honestly for us, we’ve managed to either lose them or freeze them long before they reach the end of their useful filtering life.
Be aware: The Sawyer Squeeze generally won’t survive freezing temperatures, which can and do damage the filter membrane. In the cold, you’ll have to carry the filter close to your body so that your body heat can keep it above freezing (including sleeping with it in your sleeping bag)
Our Take: There are a ton of options when it comes to water filters, but if you want a filter to take hiking and backpacking that will stand up the rugged use, filter thousands of gallons of water, and be easy to use and maintain, then you can’t go wrong with the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter.
More Hiking Guides and Advice:
Jeff using his Sawyer Squeeze with a CNOC Vecto and filtering the water into a regular Nalgene 32-ounce water bottle.
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Important Hiking Considerations:
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
Safety: Always use caution and watch your footing when hiking.
Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
