Are you seeking more information about the Sawyer micro squeeze water filtration system? If so, welcome to Trad Climbers. This hollow-fibre membrane water filter, which weighs less than 2 ounces (57 g), successfully removes bacteria and protozoa from drinking water while remaining small and lightweight.
It's a common water treatment option for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, and it's worth considering for shorter hiking adventures as well (although it's probably best suited for shorter journeys, as discussed further below).
One of three filters in the Sawyer series (the other two are the Sawyer MINI and the Sawyer Squeeze), it is available in two different sizes and can be found in two different colours. Because it was the last of the three to be released, I usually consider it to be my second favourite of the trio (the original Sawyer Squeeze being my first choice).
In spite of all of this, it still has a place in the world of backpacking and shouldn't be dismissed out of hand just yet. Every now and again, I'll choose the Micro instead of the Nano for a certain task.
The Technical Specs
- Colour: dark ebony
- Filter Weight: 2 oz / 57 g
- Filter Type: Hollow-fibre membrane is used as a medium.
- ABS material is used for the housing.
- The dimensions of this item are 5 by 2 inches (12.7 by 5. cm)
- Origin: The United States of America.
- The suggested retail price is $29
Characteristics
- It has the capacity to filter up to 100,000 gallons of liquid (376,581 litres).
- With this product, it is possible to remove 99 percent of germs and 99 percent of protozoa from the environment.
- This kit includes a drinking bag as well as a straw, allowing you to sip directly from a water source.
- The threads on the disposable water bottles have a diameter of 28mm and are compatible with them.
- One of the features is a 32-ounce reusable squeeze bag that may be used as a drinking straw. It also contains an extra gasket and a cleaning plunger, among other things.
- Perfect for camping and hiking
Some Positives
1. Weight
The Sawyer Micro Squeeze weighs 2 oz/57 g, which is one ounce and twenty-eight grammes less than the Sawyer Squeeze and one ounce and twenty-four grammes less than the Sawyer MINI. My understanding is that the Sawyer MINI is still in production, and that it is now available in a number of different colours.
Even in the absence of purification pills or chemicals, the Sawyer Micro is the smallest and lightest water filter you'll come across while travelling throughout the world.
Interactive Compatibility
The Sawyer Micro is compatible with water bottles that have threads measuring 28mm in diameter and comes with filter bags similar to the rest of the Sawyer range. In addition to throwaway bottles such as smart-water and LIFEWTR, this size thread is utilised by a range of other products (hikers like these for their superb structural integrity).
The drinking area of the filter can be replaced with an athletic cap, much as you could with the original Sawyer (I recommend doing this since you can drink from your filter more easily and you can keep your spout clean).
3. An Easy Application
Fill the bag or bottle with water, screw on the filter, and squeeze water through it — that is, everything about the Sawyer Micro is just how you would expect. It's quite simple to use and maintain. The fact that, if you connect the Micro to a drinking container, that drinking container becomes a dirty-water drinking container (i.e., it has been polluted) until you have fully cleansed it is vital to remember! (i.e. used chemicals).
Drawbacks
1. Doesn’t work in Freezing Temperatures!
The Sawyer Micro, like the other two Sawyers, filters water through a hollow-fibre membrane, which implies that if the water inside it freezes, the Sawyer Micro will be rendered useless. The first thing to note is to keep it out of freezing conditions; after that, the rest will fall into place. In order to keep it warm in cold nights, you may want to put it in your sleeping bag (I bring an additional bag for this purpose because it will leak water) or wrap it in your spare clothes while sleeping.
2. The Bags are not Long-Lasting!
Sawyer provides one 32 fl. oz. pouch (also known as a bag) with the purchase of the Squeeze Micro (you get two with the Sawyer Squeeze). As unclean water receptacles for the purpose of purifying water, these are designed to work brilliantly in their role. The main disadvantage is that they aren't especially long-lasting and will eventually fall short of your expectations as time goes on.
Many hikers choose to avoid the use of garbage bags and instead use a water bottle to collect and dispose of their waste water as they travel. Although this method is effective when it comes to filtering out water, one advantage of the bags is that they flatten out and roll up rapidly, eliminating the need to stop and pump additional air into them as you go (as you have to do with a water bottle).
Who is it Intended For?
Beginners: Although a Sawyer Micro Squeeze is fine for those just starting started in backpacking, if you can't come up with a compelling reason to save 1 oz / 28 g and/or $8, I'd propose that you opt for the more traditional Sawyer Squeeze, which is more expensive.
Weekend Warriors: It is recommended that you use this filter only if you intend to filter generally clean water sources (free of debris/sediment) on a very irregular basis, in which case the Sawyer Micro Squeeze should be utilised. If everything else fails, simply procure a Sawyer Squeeze for your troubles.
Thru-Hikers: It is possible that you will benefit from investigating the Sawyer Micro Squeeze if you are determined to remove every ounce of superfluous weight from your pack. Having said that, the Sawyer Squeeze is definitely worth the extra weight it adds to your load. It is recommended that you experiment with bleach to purify your drinking water if you are concerned about 1 oz/28 g of sodium chloride.
0 Comments