![Sawyer Mini Vs Sawyer Squeeze Comparison & Guide [2020]](https://www.charlietrotters.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sawyer-mini-vs-sawyer-squeeze.jpg "Sawyer Mini Vs Sawyer Squeeze Comparison & Guide [2022]")
If you’re obsessed by Sawyer water filter for camping, you must be confused between Mini and Squeeze. I have reviewed both of them and try to show your compared results so you feel easy to choose the best one of them.
If you are someone who loves to travel around and explore new places, you must have a portable filter with you every time.
Importance of Having a Portable Filter: Water is something that cannot be compromised in terms of quality, which is why smart travelers always carry a portable water filter with them. It is obvious that you cannot carry the weight of plastic bottles and a big filter while you are doing a mountain track or camping.
You might know about the exceptional quality portable filters by Sawyer. Sawyer is a widely recognized and renowned water filter manufacturing company. The company has earned its popularity by keeping up with the high standards of quality and keeping it within your budget.
While Sawyer Mini and Sawyer Squeeze are considered two of the best portable filters by the company, choosing one among them can be daunting. To make the choice easier for you, we have brought a detailed and research-based comparison review between the two filters.
Our experts have thoroughly tested the filters after which they got the final results. We have divided the article into different parts so that you can understand better all the details and facts.
A comprehensive buying guide at the end of the article is compiled just so you can make your decision wisely.
Sawyer Mini Vs Sawyer Squeeze: A Review
Both Sawyer Mini and Sawyer Squeeze have proved to be worthy choices for the customers using them. It is no doubt a difficult decision to choose between the two. Your choice highly depends on the way you intend to use them.
Based on personal testing, we have come up with the comparative details of the major features of Sawyer Mini and Sawyer Squeeze. Let’s have a look:
Filtration Quality
If we talk about the filtration quality of both the filter, the competition will be hard. Luckily, you will never have to worry about the quality of water whether you buy Sawyer Mini or Sawyer Squeeze.
While sawyer mini is known for its incredible versatility in filtration with its 0.1- micron size, sawyer squeeze follow the same micron size and offers increased hydration during your hikes.
On the other hand, sawyer squeeze removes the same percentage of bacteria, protozoa, pesticides, sediments, viruses, chemicals, heavy metals, cyst, and 100% of microplastics.
Filter Life And Capacity
Both the filters have almost an equal life expectancy and filtration rate of up to 10,000 gallons. The filters have no exposed fibers that reduce the chances of damage even if used roughly.
This increase the efficiency of the filter by eliminating the chances for any pathogens or bacteria to seep in the water through the cracks. Another exceptional feature that both the filter carries is a hollow fiber membrane.
The filters are comprised of tiny membranes that make them 75% stronger than any other portable filters available in the market. These fiber membranes give the filters an increased flow rate and make the filters reusable for a longer time.
Warranty And Certification
As much as people will tell you that portable filters are made to be used once and then you have to spend on a new one, trust what experts say. You need a filter that is tested and approved to belief in its durability because the best ones are meant to travel along with you.
While the warranty of Sawyer mini is not defined properly, Sawyer Squeeze comes backed by a lifetime guarantee. Both the filters are independently tested by Laboratory Hydreion, LLC.
With a Microbiological Report S05-03. They are also independently tested by certified authorities Aquadiagnostics Laboratories and Envirotek Laboratories (S1 – 2512B 12512C; S3 – 12514- 12514A), 2017.
Value Of Money
When we talk about the pricing of both filters, Sawyer Squeeze is comparatively more expensive, which is why people tend to stick to Sawyer Mini.
Only those who are regular travelers or travel bloggers know the importance of Sawyer Squeeze in terms of longevity, which is why they agree to its price. Sawyer mini is less expensive and perfect for 1-day trips or weekend camping.
On the other hand, Sawyer Squeeze comes along with 3 BPA free collapsible pouches that can be used for long-term traveling or just as inline filters to stock water for later.
Both the filters work exactly as they are priced, which is why it is a win-win situation for both. All you need to do is choose the one that is in your budget and fits your needs.
Drawbacks
As you all know that nothing that is manmade comes with perfection. Everything has its highlighting features as well as some drawbacks. These drawbacks aren’t deal-breakers, but you can reconsider your decision if you have to choose between two of the best products.
Let us first discuss the drawbacks of Sawyer Mini before we move on to the next filter. Sawyer mini has a 16oz pouch that makes it difficult to press it and get water out to drink. You will not enjoy the flow of water until you push the pouch hard.
This can also lead to leakage and pouch bursting. Also, you cannot take this filter if you are traveling or camping in winters. As far as Sawyer squeeze is concerned, the only major drawback is its price.
The filter is almost the same in performance as Sawyer Mini but costs way more than that. Another thing is that although it can last for years, you are always at a risk that your filter might leak a bit.
What Customers Are Saying
Sawyer Mini wins the game with a customer satisfaction rate of 81%, while Sawyer Squeeze has the satisfaction rate of 78%. The customers using Sawyer Mini has called it a lifesaver.
They have claimed that this one won’t let you die no matter how long the journey is. It means that the filter can last longer than you expect. The filter’s easy way to filter water and low cost has made customers go crazy for it.
Most of the people who claimed to be skeptical about making its purchase are now all in praise for this little beauty and giving it 5-star ratings. Drinking safe away from your home was never so easy for its users before they found Sawyer mini.
On the other hand, Sawyer Squeeze has its fan following as well. Although the ratings might be lower than Sawyer Mini, dirty water is not a problem for this filter. People have called it the best portable filter after experiencing its impeccable performance.
Another thing that convinced the customers to choose this filter as it is being so lightweight and easy to fold.
What We Liked The Most
After we have discussed customers’ opinion about both filters, we are impressed by the filtration quality that Sawyer has maintained in both the filters.
The similarity has created a balance in the performance of both the filters that have helped the company get almost equal sales on both these filters. We are loving the technique that the company has opted for.
By adding just some minor advancement in Sawyer Squeeze, the company has played smartly to manage profit from both filters at once.
Sawyer Mini
- Ideal for outdoor recreation, hiking, camping, scouting, domestic international travel,...
- High-performance 0.1 Micron absolute inline filter fits in the palm of your hand and...
Specifications
0.1-micron size for absolute filtration | compatible with drinking pouch, hydration packs, and water bottles | 100,000 gallons filtration capacity | removes 99.99999% of all bacteria(salmonella, cholera, and E. coli); removes 99.9999% of all protozoa (such as giardia and
cryptosporidium); also removes 100% of microplastics | independently tested by Laboratory Hydreion, LLC. Microbiological Report S05-03
Sawer Squeeze
- Lightweight, easy to use portable water filter removes harmful bacteria, protozoa, cysts,...
- High-performance 0.1 Micron absolute inline filter fits in the palm of your hand and...
Specifications
BPA-free | 0. 1-micron size | Inline hydration kit, bucket kit, and faucet kit options | removes 99% of bacteria, protozoa, pesticides, sediments, viruses, chemicals, heavy metals, cyst, and 100% of microplastics | lifetime guaranteeWhat to Look When Buying A Portable Water Filter?
As much as you want to make sure that you have got the right portable water filter by your side, you must be aware of all the considerations.
Especially, if you are new in traveling ventures, you might need to research more. Don’t worry, because we have got all settled down for you. This buying guide carries all the things to consider before you finalize what you buy.
Research Thoroughly
Many people fail to make the right purchase because of the lack of research. You must search for all the major details about the product that you are planning to buy. Never go for the first product you see online or in the market.
It is always fun exploring just like you do when you travel. Make a list of your requirement and search accordingly. When you are aware of what you need, you will be in a better position to buy a reliable filter.
Ask For Referrals
If you have found 2 or more products that are close to your requirement list, confusion will prevail. Don’t worry and count on people who always have your back. Talk about those products with your friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, or your trip mates.
If they happen to use any of your selected filters, they will guide you about the pros and cons better. Real-time reviews based on personal experience are always better than spending hours reading customer reviews.
You never know how much the company must have paid for those 5-star reviews.
What It Removes
Bag pack filters are usually small and compact that makes people think twice about their filtration quality.
However, if you get the right portable filter, you will get spring-like water whether you fill it from a river or a lake. There are hundreds of contaminants, bacteria, viruses, and other sorts of dirt and debris in the water.
However, you need an advanced one that can remove bacteria and viruses such as microplastics, protozoa, cysts, pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals. Check what your filter claims to remove and ask for the water testing reports before you purchase it.
Filter Durability
This is one of the most important things to consider while buying a pouch filter. You may have to travel in a desert, mountains, or forests where your filter has high chances of bursting or cracking.
You have to be very sure that the filter is sturdy enough to survive during rough usage without any spills or leak. The best travel filters come with 2 to 3 spare pouches so that you can store water for your next stop.
Make sure that your pouch is made from high-grade BPA material and is reusable.
Type Of Filter
There are 7 types of portable filters, which means you have a higher chance to get even more confused. The decision of what is best will depend on what type of filter you require for your next trip.
So, choose wisely. These types of portable water filters are as follows:
- Straw filters
- Pump filters
- Bottle filters
- Gravity filters
- UV filters
- Ceramic filters
- Inline filters
Every type of portable filter has its own distinctive features, pros, and cons. Make sure you are well aware of all the types to make an informed decision. If you are looking for convenience, straw filters and inline filters are recommended.
Certification
Make sure the filter you are planning to buy is fully tested, approved, certified, and warranted. Although the warranty doesn’t count as a vital factor for portable filters, it becomes a plus point if yours has one.
Because portable filters do not need any cartridge changing or replacements, they come either with satisfaction guarantees or money-back warranties. However, certifications and lab testing results are must to come with your portable filter.
Cost
The price of portable filters ranges from cheapest to unaffordably expensive depending on how technologically advanced the filter is. The more durable and easy it is to set up, the more expensive it gets.
However, if you play smart, you can get the same quality filtration and longevity without spending much. Do not go for the nametag of the brand. Instead, focus on the filter that is more feasible for you to buy in a budget.
Never settle for anything less, but don’t waste money on anything that you can get at a lower rate.
FAQs ( Frequently Asked Questions) for Sawyer Filters
- What micron size is better between 1 or 5?
If you just want the large particles or debris to be removed, you can choose larger micron sizes even more than 5. For the removal of the tiniest of particulates and sediments, 1 or 2 microns are the best.
- How to prevent the pouch from bursting?
Try not to overfill the pouch when you are filtering the water. Also, make sure that you do not fold it in a way that makes it vulnerable to leak.
- What can a portable filter remove?
It depends on what it is designed to remove.
- Do portable filters need any replacement?
Portable filters do have their filtration limit and you can change the pouch that usually comes along with the system.
Conclusion
Not everyone thinks about packing a portable water filter with them on a travel filter unless they have faced the difficulty of carrying the weight of bottles to the top of a mountain or have to walk miles without water.
Water filter pouches are as important to carry with you as are your clothes and other essentials. Make sure that you come back from the trip refreshed instead of exhausted and tired.
Both Sawyer Mini and Sawyer Squeeze have their distinctive features. However, if you are not a professional traveler, Sawyer Mini will suit your more in terms of price.
If you are planning to buy a filter that you can reuse the next time you go for a hiking or camping venture, then got for Sawyer Squeeze. It may be a bit costly, but the investment is one- time.
Hi, I’m a clinical psychologist and inclined towards best buying practices for home and kitchen things. Critical towards choosing the best product and honest with my feedback. I’m a seasoned writer having more than 4 years of experience in multiple niches as well.
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 01:21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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