Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System Review

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For the last 10 years, I have been using Sawyer water filters on my adventures. I am a backpacker, ultra-marathoner, and open-water kayaker. The last thing anyone wants is to run out of clean drinking water! Over the years, I have tried other filters but have always come back to Sawyer because of its reliability and safety. I most recently ordered the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System with the Cnoc 2-liter bladder.

Sawyer began its clean water journey in 1984 and has continued to improve and innovate in the development of its products. In 2010, Sawyer introduced the Sawyer Squeeze filter. It was brilliantly designed, compact, and changed the face of water filtration in the wilderness. They continued to innovate, releasing the Sawyer Mini in 2013 and, more recently, the Micro Squeeze.

Sawyer really nailed it by partnering with Cnoc Outdoors in the development of their soft flasks and bladders. This is a great improvement over the original squeezable pouch, which can be difficult to fill. While the pouch is reliable and sturdy, it lacks ease of use. The Cnoc bladder has a 2-liter capacity and is easily filled with its wide-mouth opening. It’s a huge upgrade to our backcountry kit.

Reliable Filtration

The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System uses technology adapted from kidney dialysis filters. The filter consists of tiny “U”-shaped microtubes that allow water to enter through the tube walls. The pores are so small they filter down to 0.1 microns—small enough to exceed EPA guidelines. The filter removes 99.99999% of bacteria such as salmonella, cholera, leptospirosis, and E. coli, and 99.9999% of protozoa such as giardia and cryptosporidium. This system outperforms and outlasts most other personal filters on the market.

Having tried a few other filters, I find the Sawyer Squeeze and Sawyer Mini to be by far the most reliable. The hard plastic case prevents damage in your pack. I’ve dropped it, stepped on it, and even lost it (and found it) in a fast-flowing river—never once has a Sawyer filter failed me. I carry the full-size Squeeze because I love the flow rate, and I keep a Mini as a backup. I’ve never had to use the backup.

The Sawyer Squeeze is Easy to Use

I chose to review the Sawyer Squeeze Filtration System with the 2-liter Cnoc bladder because the bladder is new to me. I’m especially excited about the large top opening and how quickly my husband and I can fill our bottles. One scoop with the wide-mouth opening and you have two liters of water. Then, attach the Squeeze filter and enjoy a fast, efficient fill-up.

The Cnoc bladder has a slider opening at the top for wide water fills. This slider also doubles as a sturdy attachment point to hang the bladder for gravity filtration. We used this option while at our campsite. After filling our bottles, we refilled the bladder and hung it to easily fill pots for cooking, eliminating the need to climb back down to the water’s edge.

Filter Longevity is an Asset

Like any outdoor equipment, the Sawyer filter requires some attention to stay effective. The filter kit comes with a large backflow syringe. Cleaning the filter is as easy as filling the syringe and forcing water backward through the filter. You’ll see cloudy water flush out—always reassuring, knowing those impurities didn’t end up in your bottle. In case this seems daunting, backflow/flushing instructions are printed on the bladder.

I usually flush my filter after 2–3 days of use and always before storage.

New with the bladder is a cleaning coupling that allows you to backflush the filter without the syringe. Simply attach the cleaning coupling (included) to the “dirty” end of the filter. A standard plastic water bottle can then be screwed onto the coupling. Squeeze the bottle (filled with clean water) to flush the filter. It’s another welcome upgrade for the Sawyer Squeeze.

With proper flushing, the filter maintains strong flow throughout its life. Sawyer claims it can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water.

Technical Specs for the Sawyer Squeeze with the 2-Liter Bladder

• Weight: 5.9 ounces
• Volume: 2 liters / 64 fluid ounces
• Filter Media: 0.1 Micron Absolute Hollow Fiber Membrane
• Bladder Material: BPA-Free TPU (FDA Approved)
• Included with Kit: Sawyer Squeeze filter, 2-liter bladder, cleaning coupling, cleaning plunger
• Cost: $64.99

Reliable Water Filtration in the Backcountry

In my 20 years of backpacking, I’ve tried tablets, pumps, and trendy bottle filters. Nothing has been as safe and reliable as Sawyer filters. The Sawyer Squeeze Filter with the 2-liter bladder is by far my favorite. It’s lightweight (under 6 ounces) and extremely dependable. The easy-clean feature assures me the filter stays in good condition—even when dealing with murky water. And did I mention there’s no funny flavor? The filter effectively removes both the taste and smell from most water sources.

The basic kit with the standard squeeze pouch costs $45.99. I highly recommend spending the extra $19 for the upgraded kit with the Cnoc bladder. It offers superior functionality and ease of use. At $64.99, you’ll enjoy clean, safe drinking water for years to come on all your adventures. For more info or to pick one up, visit rei.com or amazon.com.